Chios in 4 Days
The Genoese castle, the medieval mastic villages, the Nea Moni monastery and the volcanic beaches of the south.
Chios in 4 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Chios Town. It assumes a hire car from day one.
Chios Town
Chios Town
The capital β a working port city with a Genoese castle, an Ottoman quarter and one of the finest archaeological museums in the eastern Aegean. Genuine and untouristy.
Genoese Castle
14th-century Genoese fortress enclosing the old Muslim quarter β the only intact Ottoman neighbourhood in the Aegean. Mosques, fountains and the grave of Kara Ali are within the walls.
Chios Archaeological Museum
Excellent collection of finds from ancient Chios β vases, coins and sculptures from the island's prosperous ancient period as a major trading city.
Karfas Beach
The main organised beach near Chios Town β sandy, calm and well-equipped. Not remarkable but convenient for a first-day swim.
Nea Moni & Pyrgi
Nea Moni
UNESCO-listed 11th-century Byzantine monastery β the finest Byzantine mosaics surviving anywhere in Greece. Built by Constantine IX after he became emperor. The gold and coloured glass tesserae are extraordinary.
Anavatos Village
The most dramatic village in Chios β a near-abandoned clifftop settlement where villagers threw themselves off the cliff rather than surrender to Ottoman forces in 1822. Haunting and beautiful.
Pyrgi Village
The most extraordinary village in the Aegean β every surface of every building covered in the xysta geometric pattern (black and white scraffito). A living medieval fortress village.
Mavra Volia (Emporios)
The best beach on Chios β black volcanic pebbles under dark cliffs, just past the little harbour of Emporios. Clear, deep water; bring shoes for the pebbles and go late afternoon when the cliffs shade the beach.
Drive back to Chios Town
Drive back from the south coast (about 35 minutes from Emporios). The waterfront tavernas and ouzo bars in Chios Town fill up after dark β pick a table with a view of the medieval castle walls.
Mastic Villages
Mesta Village
The best-preserved medieval mastic village β a Genoese fortress-village where every house is part of the defensive wall. Walk the labyrinthine interior lanes. Stay overnight in one of the converted tower houses.
Mastic Museum
The story of mastic β the resin that built Chios's extraordinary wealth for 600 years. The Genoese monopoly, the Ottoman prize, and the modern production are all explained. Tasting included.
Olympi Village
Another intact mastic village with a central defensive tower. Walk the perimeter walls and visit the underground Byzantine church.
Komi Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Sandy beach near the mastic villages β the best organised beach in southern Chios. Good for a swim after a day of medieval villages.
Drive back to Chios Town
Drive back from Komi (about 30 minutes). Last night dinner in Chios Town β try a mastiha-flavoured cocktail at a kafeneio, or a more substantial meal at one of the seaside tavernas.
North Chios & Departure
Volissos Village
Medieval village in the northwest dominated by a Byzantine castle. The surrounding landscape of olive groves and mastic trees is the most unspoiled on the island.
Limnos Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Sandy beach below Volissos β calm, clear water and almost always empty. One of the finest uncrowded beaches in the northern Aegean.
Chios Town β Departure
Ferry to Piraeus, Lesvos, Samos or Cesme (Turkey, 45 minutes).
Planning questions
Is 4 days enough for Chios?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Chios?
Yes. The beaches and villages are spread out and the bus does not reach the ones that matter; book ahead for July and August.
Where should I stay on Chios?
The plan sleeps in Chios Town.