Chios: The Mastic Island and its Medieval Secrets
Chios is an island of mystery, home to the world’s only mastic trees and a network of fortified medieval villages that look like stone puzzles. Located in the eastern Aegean, Chios has a wealthy maritime history and a unique landscape that ranges from the fragrant citrus groves of Kampos to the volcanic black pebbles of Mavra Volia. In 2026, it remains an island of discovery, perfect for travelers who want to explore UNESCO-listed monasteries and villages designed to confuse pirates.
Things to know about Chios
Geographically, Chios is the fifth-largest Greek island, located just 7 kilometers from the Turkish coast. Historically, it was the only place in the world that produced ‘Mastic’—the resin used for everything from medicine to chewing gum. An ideal trip length is 6-7 days. It is famous for the ‘Mastihochoris’ (Mastic Villages), the Nea Moni Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage), and its long history of producing legendary Greek shipowners.
Top attractions in Chios
Pyrgi: The Painted Village
Pyrgi is unlike any other village in the world. Its houses are decorated with ‘Xysta’—black and white geometric patterns hand-carved into the plaster. It is a stunning example of local folk art and medieval architecture, where the narrow streets create a dense, protective maze.
Mesta: The Fortress Village
Mesta is the best-preserved medieval village on the island. Built as a castle-town, the houses are joined together to form a continuous outer wall with only a few entrances. Walking through its vaulted alleys feels like being inside a stone labyrinth from the 14th century.
Nea Moni Monastery
This 11th-century monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is world-famous for its mosaics, which are among the finest examples of the ‘Macedonian Renaissance’ in Byzantine art. The site is a place of deep history and spiritual silence.
Kampos District
Located just outside Chios Town, Kampos is a lush, green area of citrus groves protected by high stone walls. It is home to the grand mansions of the Genovese and Chiot aristocrats, many of which are now beautiful boutique hotels. The scent of orange blossoms in the spring is unforgettable.
Mavra Volia Beach
The most iconic beach on Chios, Mavra Volia (Black Pebbles), was formed by a volcanic eruption. The pebbles are jet black and perfectly smooth, contrasting with the deep, cold, crystal-clear water. It is a beach of dramatic, silent beauty.
The Chios Mastic Museum
Located near Pyrgi, this modern museum explains the entire 2,000-year history of mastic cultivation. It is an architectural masterpiece that perfectly blends into the landscape of mastic trees, offering interactive exhibits on the culture and science of this unique resin.
Anavatos: The Ghost Village
Often called the ‘Mystras of the Aegean,’ Anavatos is a ruined medieval village built on a sheer cliff. It was a site of great tragedy during the 1822 Massacre of Chios and now stands as a haunting monument of stone and silence overlooking the sea.
Chios Town and the Castle
The capital is a bustling port with a massive Byzantine-Genoese castle that is still inhabited today. Inside the walls, you can visit the Ottoman cemetery, the dark dungeons, and the Giustiniani Palace museum.
Lagada Village
A picturesque seaside village on the north coast, famous for its fish taverns. It is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy a long Sunday lunch by the water, watching the small fishing boats come and go.
The Cave of Olympoi
Located near the mastic villages, this cave is filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It is uniquely beautiful because of its high humidity and the strange, sculptural forms that nature has created over millions of years.
Island-hopping from Chios
Chios is a central link in the Eastern Aegean. Its port serves daily ferries to Piraeus (7-9 hours) and Lesbos (3 hours). It is also the gateway to the smaller islands of Oinousses and Psara. International ferries run daily to Cesme, Turkey (30 mins). Chios Airport (JKH) offers frequent flights to Athens and Thessaloniki.
