Chios

Χίος

Chios is an island full of history. It has mountainous terrain with numerous castles and pine forests. The mastic bushes in the south are unique to the world and are the only ones to produce (mastic) gum, which is also the main source of income for this charming Greek island.

Chios is located just off the Turkish coast between the islands of Samos and Lesbos. It is the fifth largest Greek island. Pelinaios, reaching 1,297 m above sea level, is the highest point on the island. Most of the approximately 50,000 permanent residents live in the south of the island and are engaged in the production of mastic.

The island of Chios

Το νησί της Χίου

The island of Chios has had several names: Ofiousa, Aithalia and Makris. It was eventually named Chios after Poseidon’s son, Chios, who was born during a snowstorm. Chioni is the Greek word for snow. History says that Homer was born and lived on Chios. He taught on the “Daskalopetra” (master’s rock) also called Homer’s seat. This can be found 6 km north of the capital near the village of Vrondados. The villages are hidden in the interior, spread over the island because of the fear of pirates at the time.

You will find many monuments and antiquities on the island and, despite all this, it has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. Chios has beautiful beaches, beautiful nature and warm, inviting villages that give the impression time has stood still.

Chios town is a fairly modern city with about 25,000 inhabitants, and almost all the houses date after 1881. Despite the fact the city is quite modern, you will find a number of interesting museums and archaeological remains here.

The landscape of Chios varies from high, rugged mountain landscapes to flowering orchards, from medieval villages to picturesque harbours. All these areas have their own fascinating beauty.

The island of Chios covers an area of 842 km². The coast is 213 km in length, and it measures 50 km from north to south. The two smaller islands that make up the province are Psara and Inousses. Turkey is just 8 km from Chios town. The island can be roughly divided into three areas.

The island for everyone

νησί για όλους

Chios has everything, tourist-friendly or quiet beaches, a bustling capital, and quiet villages, culture, history and lots of fun. There is plenty to do for young and old on Chios. Now is your chance to experience it all from your own holiday home.

The northern part of Chios

το βόρειο τμήμα της Χίου

The north of the island is mountainous and has an imposing, rugged beauty. This is often known as Voriochora. High, steep rocks rise out of the sea and form the Pelineos Mountains that reach a height of 1,297 m. Dense pine forests cover much of this region, but large barren limestone mountains can be found here as well. This area is sparsely inhabited and people live in traditional mountain villages.

There are inter-connected caves at Agios Galas on the north-west coast. In addition to the stalactites, traces of human habitation from the Stone Age have also been found. A bay with the port of Marmaro (Kardamila) can be found on the north-east coast. This village (and all of Chios) has produced many great navigators and shipowners. In their honour, here is the imposing statue of “The Captain”. The coastal town of Lagada to the south has a picturesque harbour. This is the perfect location to enjoy the island atmosphere and sample the fresh fish in the taverns.

The middle part of Chios

to mesaío tmíma tis Chíou

The central and eastern part, where the capital Chios town and the rich Kambos villages are located, is the flattest and most fertile part of the island. This region is known as Kambochora. There are many (citrus) trees here, and the region is also called the garden of Chios. The area is intoxicated with scents of blossoming orchards and gardens of colourful flowers in spring. After that, the rare tulips or lalades bloom on the plains. They emerge from the ground in their thousands and are predominantly red in colour. Persian cyclamen and some orchid species also thrive on Chios.

The Nea Moni Monastery, a beautiful monastery dated back to 1042, is located 11 km west of Chios town. The monastery has beautiful 11th century mosaics. The most impressive mosaics are the Anastasis and the washing of the feet of the disciples.

Anavatos, the deserted village of Chios with its square houses in the same colour as the mountainside, lies against the steep mountainside. The village is located 4 km north of one of the most beautiful villages of Chios – Avgonyma. The village has a very impressive appearance from afar.

The southern part of Chios

το νότιο τμήμα της Χίου

The soil conditions change on the southern part of the island. Here, low hills are interspersed with small valleys that enjoy the ideal conditions for the cultivation of Chiotic mastic trees, and these conditions are unique to the world. This area is called Mastichora. It is full of Pistacia lentiscus trees, which yield the fragrant mastic gum. In addition to the mastic trees, there are countless olive groves in the south and west of the island.

The island has a few small rivers in the north and the centre. But in general, there is very little surface water. Rainfall is rare, especially in summer. However, there is plenty of underground water flowing into natural springs or pumped up through wells. The coast of Chios is blessed with many beautiful beaches all around the island. Most of them are made up of pebbles, but you can also find beautiful sandy beaches. Most of the seaside resorts have developed on the south of the island.

The beaches of Chios

Οι παραλίες της Χίου

The beaches of Chios are characterised by clear blue water, sand or pebbles, and the beautiful environment of their locations.

The most famous and popular beaches are the beach of Karfas and Emporios, but a drive around the island will help you discover the most beautiful beaches and coves. Some of them are so quiet, even in summer, that you will feel like you’ve landed on a private beach.

A selection of the 70 beaches Chios has to offer can be seen below.

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Karfas beach

Karfas beach is a few kilometres south of Chios town. The long beach has fine sand, while the water is clear blue and shallow, making it very suitable for families with children. There are various facilities available, such as beach beds and umbrellas, and there are plenty of opportunities to partake in water sports. There are a few shops, restaurants and taverns within walking distance in which you can enjoy a variety of Greek dishes. The beach can be busy in the summer months due to its popularity with both local residents and tourists.

Agia Fotini beach

Agia Fotini beach is located in the bay it shares its name with; it has clear blue water, while the elongated beach itself is made up of white pebbles. Beach beds and umbrellas are available here, or you can relax in one of the taverns.

Komi beach

Komi beach is located in the south-east of the island near the village of Kalamoti. The beach is elongated and has a combination of fine sand and some pebbles. There are umbrellas and beach beds available, as well as all the facilities expected in a nice seaside resort.

Emporios beach

Due to its location between two non-active volcanoes, the character of Emporios is volcanic. This is where the beach gets its black sand and pebbles from. The beach is also known as the Mavros Gialos, which means black beach. Surrounded by rocks and low vegetation, this wide beach and crystal clear water makes an unforgettable impression. The beach is quite long, which means you can enjoy peace and quiet here.

Lithi beach

A soft sandy beach with crystal clear water. The water is warm and ebbs and flows slowly, making it suitable for families with children. If you visit this beach, make sure you enjoy a meal in one of the taverns, which should not be missed.

Elinda beach

Elinda beach is the ideal location for those seeking peace and quiet. The beach has no facilities and is somewhat remote, so it’s possible you might be the only visitor. It is located in a beautiful bay on the west coast, so there is never much wind. The bay has a deep blue colour and is framed by a long and wide pebble beach that merges into the green hilly landscape.

Giosonas beach

Near the village of Kardamyla in the north-east, this elongated pebble beach is surrounded by pine forests. The water is a beautiful clear blue and slowly drains into the sea.

Nagos beach

Nagos beach is next to Giosonas beach. This small beach has coloured pebbles and is framed by hills with platanus trees, among other things. The beach has no facilities, but there are a few taverns and restaurants.

Kato Fana beach

This beautiful, yet quiet beach in a wonderful bay is only a few kilometres from Pyrgi. It has a sandy beach that has a very gentle slope into the bay. There are no facilities here, but the beauty of the bay certainly makes up for it.