![Athens – Samos – Chios – Lesvos: Authentic Aegean Discovery [7days]](https://mazitravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Samos-AdobeStock_304476571-1024x388.jpeg "Athens – Samos – Chios – Lesvos: Authentic Aegean Discovery [7days]")
![Chios and Lesvos.Visit to the Monasteries and Churches of the Islands [8days]](https://mazitravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Chios-1920X920-1024x491.jpg "Chios and Lesvos.Visit to the Monasteries and Churches of the Islands [8days]")
Chios is a perfect destination for travelers seeking authenticity, history, and natural charm. With its unique mastiha, medieval villages, and diverse beaches, it delivers a travel experience rich in flavor, tradition, and heritage. From the traditional village of Kalamoti to the scenic Volissos, from artistic Pyrgi to the beaches of Komi and Managros, Chios dazzles with its variety and understated beauty.
Chios
The island of mastiha, medieval villages, and authentic Aegean flavors
Chios is one of Greece’s most authentic and lesser-known destinations. Famous for its unique mastiha production, it boasts a rich history, medieval villages, and stunning natural beauty. Wander the narrow streets of Pyrgi with its black-and-white geometric motifs, feel the energy of the Castle of Chios, and discover beaches like Mavra Volia and Managros. From Kalamoti to Nea Moni, every corner of the island holds stories, flavors, and sights to remember. Stroll the seafront among the elegant mansions and lush Municipal Garden for a truly local experience.
Highlights
Mesta
Mesta is a Mastic Village. It’s been classified as a protected monument as its elaborate architecture dates back to the Byzantine period.
Anavatos
An abandoned medieval village, with stone houses, glued to each other nicely preserved. This dead castle city on the western edge of Central Chios is worth a visit.
Mavra Volia
A natural beach with a beautiful sea covered with black stones thanks to the volcanic formation next to the village of Mavra Volia.
Chios Mastic Museum
The museum is dedicated to "Mastiha", a unique product that is recognized by UNESCO, with its inscription to the list of intangible heritage.
Pyrgi
A picturesque medieval village known as the “painted village” thanks to the unique facade of the stone houses, which consist of grey and white decorative motives in geometrical shapes.
Select your Travel type
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IDEAL DESTINATION
Authentic, historical, and distinctive
Enjoy the excellent local cuisine
Chios has a deep culinary tradition and unique local products. Try fresh seafood, avgo-kalamarakia (egg-stuffed squid), atherinopita (tiny fish pie), herb fritters, handmade pasta, mastelo cheese, fennel pie, and sfougato. Pair with the island’s renowned ouzo or Ariousios wine. Don’t leave without Chios honey, mandarins, spoon sweets, karydopita (walnut cake), loukoumia, throuba olives, and local souma (a pomace brandy).
Best time to visit
Greek Orthodox Easter because you must live, at least once in your life, the unique experience of rocket war in Vrontado.
In summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches with turquoise crystal-clear waters. In spring and autumn to explore its medieval villages and mountain trails.
How to use transportation in Chios
Airport/port transfer options
By Air
From Athens (duration approx. 45 minutes)
From Thessaloniki (duration approx.1 hour)
The airport is 4 km from the city. Access to / from the airport by bus, taxi or car rental
The island of Chios is serviced by a number of Airlines from major European cities.
By Boat
From Piraeus (duration 8 to 10 hours depending on the ports of call)
Public transportation
Public Buses are connecting Chora with the major small towns
We recommend a Car Rental due to the size of the island
Questions/Answers
Q&A
By ferry from Piraeus or by plane from Athens, Thessaloniki, and seasonal international routes.
Mesta, Pyrgi, and Kalamoti stand out for their architecture and gastronomy.
Yes – safe beaches, educational museums, and vibrant cultural festivals make it ideal for families.
Mastiha, figs, fresh seafood, and traditional sweets like mastihata and kourkoubinia.
Yes – especially near Nea Moni, the Mastichochoria, and along the northern mountain routes.
![City Break with food walking tour in Athens [4days]](https://mazitravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Athens-AdobeStock_125876014-scaled-e1769512144460.jpeg "City Break with food walking tour in Athens [4days]")
