Ancient Charm at Every Turn

Cruise to Chios, Greece

There's no place in the world quite like Chios, the fifth-largest island in Greece. Just five miles from the Turkish coastline, Chios was once a major hub for traders and merchants in the Byzantine Empire, and remnants of its history are still seen today. Villages on Chios' southern end were built as fortresses to protect a trade in mastic — a type of tree resin that is only produced on this island. The mastic was once highly coveted by pirates and smugglers. Winding cobblestone roads, labyrinths of tunnels and geometric patterns were used to confuse thieves who came for this precious product. Today, the villages are intriguing places to explore, with bunches of ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant mandarins and curtains of bougainvilleas bringing vitality to the sun-soaked stone walls. Cozy tavernas serving freshly caught fish make it easy to linger in one spot while the day winds down. On the edges of the island, pebble beaches are washed by crystal-clear water. Come sunset, the sky burns bright over the Aegean Sea.

National Language Greek

Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Chios, Greece

Mesta Village in Chios, Greece

Stroll Through Storied Streets

Venture to villages from the Byzantine era, called mastichochoria, which were built to cultivate and protect the island's beloved mastic trees. These villages acted as fortresses with confusing alleys, watchtowers and tunnels to guard against smugglers. Ancient artists hand-etched black and white geometric patterns, called ksistá, into building walls as a strategy to disorient newcomers. Mesta, Pyrgi and Olympi are just a few of the many villages worth visiting.

The Nea Moni Monastery in Chios, Greece

Mesmerizing Museums and Monasteries

Lose track of time wandering through the many museums, historical buildings and monasteries found throughout Chios. The Korais Library is one of the largest libraries in Greece, and hosts an eclectic mix of treasures, including texts from the 15th century, traditional costumes and tools. Visit the 11th-century Nea Moni monastery for its impressive frescoes and mosaics.

Bliss out on a Beach

There's no shortage of beautiful beaches to relax on — you're on a Greek island, after all. Soak in the azure waters off Mavra Volia, a cove with smooth black stones and plenty of space to put a towel. If you prefer softer sandy beaches, Elinta is one of the most scenic on the island. For access to Greek café culture and lively DJ sets, Agias Fotinis is the place to be.

LOCAL CUISINE

One of the best things to do in Chios, Greece is eat. Stroll through the streets of Chios and shop for the freshest catch of the Aegean Sea, often displayed in restaurant windows. Grilled octopus, lobster, handmade pasta served with tomato sauce and stuffed vine leaves (yiaprakia) grace the menus. For something sweet, try loukoumades — fried dough drizzled in honey — or masoukia, which is a pastry made with piney, herbal-tasting mastic, ground almonds and lemon zest.

SHOPPING

Though the mastic tree grows throughout the Mediterranean, Chios is the only island where the tree produces a special kind of aromatic sap that's prized for its unique piney flavor and scent. Shop for mastic cosmetics, liqueurs, cookies, cakes or even pastas. The Chios Mastic Museum has a well-stocked gift shop.