Table of Contents:
SEE CHIOS TOWN.
SEE CHIOS ISLAND.
THE MASTIC VILLAGES.
Some people have never heard of Chios. Some are there for a few hours on a cruise ship and think they saw everything. Chances are, they did not see everything.
Sure, Chios has a UNESCO site, and I would never suggest skipping a visit. There is a good reason the site is on the list.
But there is so much more to Chios.
Whether it is the castles to the north, the wine to the west, there is much to explore.
And then there is the Mastic region to the south. It would be effortless to fill a day wandering here.
So, what are we waiting for? There are historical, natural, and cultural sites waiting. Let’s see Chios.
See Chios Town
Castle of Chios.
Dating from the Byzantines around the 10th Century A.D., the current structure is predominantly from the Genoese period 14-16th century.
Inside the castle walls, you can see Saint George’s Church, the Justinian (Giustiniani) Palace, and The Dark Prison.
Turkish Baths.
Also within the castle, at the north end, are these ruins from the 18th century. The site is open to exploring.
Metropolitan Church of Saint Victors.
Dating from 1838, it replaces a Genoese church burnt down in the 1822 massacre. It is the island’s cathedral but not the largest church.
Anemomiloi (The 3 Mills).
North of the castle, along the coast, are these four windmills, although they refer to them as the three. Dating from the Genoese occupation (circa 1346-1566), they were part of this area’s leather tanneries (tampakika).
Vrondados.
Just north of Chios Town is this maritime village. Its history with the sea may go back to the time of Homer. Possibly Christopher Columbus studied here circa 1490 (Genoese period) before sailing the ocean blue. Shipowners from this village played a large part in Chios’s contribution to the Greek Revolution.
Sanctuary of Cybele – Daskalopetra (Homer’s Rock).
Just north of Vrondados is this “stone of the teacher.” Legend says that Homer sat here and narrated his poems to students. Whether Homer was a person or a group of storytellers, the view from here is nice.
Daskalopetra is also near the beginning of several walking or biking trails. Check with the local tourism office for maps.
See Chios Outside the Town.
Nea Moni of Chios.
This 11th-century monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s most popular site. It shares this status along with the Monasteries of Daphni and Hosios Loukas (in other locations in Greece.) The churches share the same aesthetic characteristics, including a cross-in-square plan and an octagonal altar area with a large dome.
Abandoned Village of Anavatos.
The town, a 20-minutes drive north of Nea Moni, sits on a hilltop. The town is almost completely empty since the 1822 massacre. The small church is under constant renovations. Some call the village the “Mystra of the North Aegean.”
Virgin Mary Myrtidiotissa Monastery.
On the east shore, between the highway and the cliffs, is this monastery. It is a few minutes north of Vrondados. It began as a church circa 1900. Then, as more monks arrived, they had to build a monastery around the church.
Saint Isidore of Sykiada.
This small chapel is 15-minutes north of the monastery. Legend says this is the spot where Agios (saint) Isidoros landed when coming from Egypt. Saint Isidore would establish the Christian faith on the island. The church dates from the 1700s.
The Castle of Volissos.
Approximately 20 minutes further west from the monastery are the ruins of this castle. It is easy to see approaching the village, so signage is not as important. However, it still requires hiking the last 100 yards. The walls and towers, rebuilt by the Genoans circa 15th-century, are relatively good for their age. They are on top of walls dating from at least 400 years earlier.
The Monastery of Agia Markella.
Agia Markella is the patron saint of Chios. She lived on Chios in the 14th century. Her father, trying to force her to give up her Christianity, chops off her head. Where he does this, a fresh water spring has been flowing ever since.
Karfas beach.
South of the airport, this is one of the largest and busiest beaches on the island. It is a full-service beach, with many hotels nearby. Fortunately, it seems to have more sand than pebbles.
Agia Dynami Beach.
Just beyond the cave is this small but lovely beach under the monastery by the same name. Worth a photo stop if you are visiting the cave. There is sand, very little shade, and no services, so bring everything you need.
Mavra Volia (Volcano Beach).
Just outside the village of Emporios on the south shore, this volcanic pebble beach is trendy. Unfortunately, there are no services, and the rocks get blistering hot mid-summer. I like it better for a photo than for sunning or swimming.
As you can see, Chios is more than just a monastery. But, I have left some of the best for last.
See The Mastic Villages
Chios Mastic Museum.
Start at this interesting museum to Chios’ most famous export. The southern part of the island is the only place they cultivate the Mastic Tree is cultivated in the Mediterranian. First, the museum explains mastiha, the resin from the tree, its history, and its place today. Then, discover why UNESCO includes Chios Mastic on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
There are more than 20 “Mastic Villages”. These are the villages where the workers in the mastic industry have been living for hundreds of years. Each one is a little different. Here are a few of my favorites.
Pyrgi.
The closest village to the museum, Pyrgi, is one of the Mastic Villages and part of the UNESCO Intangible listing. Some call it the “Painted Village” due to the black and white decorations on the houses. You will find these predominantly in the central (pedestrian) part of town. So strap on those walking shoes; it is worth it.
Mesta.
This 12th-century Byzantine-era town is also one of the Mastic Villages. It is on the road between the cave and Vigla. The architecture and narrow streets are part of the defense from pirate raids. The Genoese strengthen the fortifications circa 1400.
The New Church of Taxiarchis.
This church, sitting in the center of Mesta, dates from 1412. They enlarge it circa 1794. Many villagers will die during the Ottoman’s 1822 Chios massacre. The Turks do irreplaceable damage to the older part of the church. Visit the church if for no other reason than to see the walnut Icon screen.
See Chios Summary.
So, there is more than just the UNESCO site to see on Chios.
Tourism is not their major industry, but that has its benefits. You do not find the crowds and mass amounts of touristy things you do in larger tourist destinations.
You will find crowds, just not as large.
And you will find wonderful Chios hospitality. Another great reason to see Chios.
So if you are planning an adventure to the North Aegean, why not add a few days on Chios?
Come, see Chios and discover what you might be missing.