Chios Greece: Travel Guide 2026

EXPLORE CHIOS ISLAND!

As a part of the Eastern Aegean island group, Chios Greece is slightly remote but totally worth visiting thanks to its stunning beaches and impressive medieval villages!
The labyrinth-like alleys of settlements such as Pyrgi and Olympi stand out for the elaborate architecture of their traditional houses, with geometrical designs and a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

Find out everything about your holidays in our travel guide! Discover the top hotels & restaurants, landmarks, fantastic beaches, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!

The island's airport received flights from Athens. Alternatively, you could take a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. Ferry connections between Chios and other Eastern Aegean islands are available as well.

How to get there?

Best Hotels

Things To Do(11)

Where to Swim?

Sightseeings

Where to Eat & Drink?

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN CHIOS

Plan your trip to Chios with Greeka, the Greek Islands specialists! Every year, we help thousands of travelers design unforgettable, stress-free holidays.
You can independently book your ferry tickets, car rentals and tours & experiences through our online booking engines, or let us organize your vacation with our island-hopping packages and tailor-made tours. We provide everything you need for a smooth and memorable experience in Chios.
Start planning your trip and send us a request!

Our travel services are loved by our customers who rate us and have earned us the Silver Award at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece.
Learn about us and read our customer reviews →

MORE ABOUT CHIOS GREECE

Chios is a large island that lies on the eastern side of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coasts. There is a daily ferry that connects it to Cesme, a cosmopolitan port near Izmir in Turkey. Except for Ismir, popular destinations for day trips from there are the tiny islands of Psara and Oinousses.

Its laid back atmosphere, family-owned resorts and incredible natural beauty make it a popular destination for family holidays!
The island is particularly famous for its mastic production, its numerous monasteries and secluded beaches.

A drive around the island will bring you to places of unique beauty! The quaint seaside villages are lined with delightful taverns, where you can taste the local delicacies.
And if you need a beach fix, head to Mavra Volia, the best beach on the southernmost side of the island.

Apart from its mastic production, the island is famous for the architecture of its villages. Some of them, such as Pyrgi and Olympia, stand out for their elaborate houses, which are decorated with geometric black and white shapes, which give them a sophisticated look. Others, like Anavatos, Volissos and Chios Town have Medieval castles sitting on the hills above them. These enchanting villages are a must!

If you want to explore further the local architecture, set off to explore the numerous monasteries that are scattered around the island! The Monasteries of Agia Moni, Agios Markos and Agia Markella, the protector of the island, are worth a visit!

Has Chios earned its spot in your travel wishlist?

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

More info

PHOTOS OF CHIOS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Chios island through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

View more Photos

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Many hotels with impressive traditional architecture are available to book for your accommodation in Chios.
The Town is one of the most popular areas to stay, while you will also discover many houses, apartments, studios, and rooms in Karfas, Kampos, Mesta and other traditional villages.

Some of the most popular hotels are Grecian Castle, Mesta Mastic, Melia Sol Art, and Schinos.

View all Hotels

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

Chios has a national airport with daily flights from Athens. Alternatively, you can reach the island by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens, although the trip is long.

Ferry tickets!

Discover the different ways to get to Chios & how to move around.

• Flights • Ferry • Move around

Travel there

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF CHIOS

Discover the highlights of Chios to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities, here are the best suggestions for the ultimate experience!
View All Things to Do

Pyrgi village
Pyrgi is a lovely village with Medieval style and geometric patterns on the external walls of the houses. This is among the most beautiful villages on the island.
Mesta village
The small village of Mesta is located 35 km south west of Chios Town, in the area called Mastihochoria (Mastic Villages). Mesta used to be a heavy producer of mastic.
Volissos village
Constructed along the slopes of a hill, Volissos is a beautiful village with rich history. The stone houses and the picturesque paths create a romantic atmosphere.
Archaeological museum
Along with prehistoric and archaic treasures from the excavations of the British School at Emporios, this collection includes impressive Neolithic and Classical finds.
Mastic Museum
The museum is dedicated to \"Mastiha\" (or gum mastic), a unique product that has shaped the natural and human environment of the Mastichochoria area of southern Chios.
Mavros Gialos beach
Located on the southern side of the island, close to Emporios, Mavra Volia is probably the most beautiful beach on the island. It has black sand and pebbles and wild landscape.
Anavatos ghost village
Anavatos is a deserted village on the western side of Chios. This Medieval village has an old castle on top, many ruined building and Byzantine churches.
Medieval Castle
Its construction started in the 10th century by the Byzantines and went through some reconstructions by the Venetians in the 16th century.
Oinousses Island
This tiny island with a rich natural history is a great daily excursions destination from Chios. It has traditional architecture, lovely beaches, and a calm environment.
Nea Moni Monastery
Constructed in the 15th century with Byzantine style, the Monastery of Nea Moni was recently declared a world heritage monument by Unesco. It is found in the centre of the island.
Psara Island
Psara is a small island with a rich historical past. Today this is the ideal place for total isolation and privacy. It has gorgeous beaches and a traditional village, with a few rooms to let.
Mastic trees
Chios is rich in mastic trees, particularly on the southern side of the island. This mastic is widely used in many products, from cosmetics to pharmaceutics.
Olympi Cave
This cave close to Olympi village is another miracle of nature. It was explored in 1985 and it is actually a cave gorge, 60m wide and with a humidity of 95%.