The journey to the fragrant Chios is getting closer. Chios is the land of Mastic (Μαστίχα), an island with an excellent climate, dense pine forests, vast areas with mastic trees, idyllic beaches with sand, colorful pebbles and crystal clean waters, dozens of attractions and medieval villages with unique architecture.

The southern part, because of the mastic, the famous medieval villages and the milder topography, is more visited. It also has the most famous beaches. The northeast region is the most mountainous (Mount Pelinao / Πελιναίο) and the northwest is the less visited, the poorest, but because of its wildness has a special charm. The most beautiful beaches, due to the western sun, are those on the western and southern coasts of Chios. However, the star-beach of the island, “Mavra Volia / Μαύρα Βόλια”, is located on the east coast.

Instead of listing the best beaches, villages, taverns, cafes and bars on the island, we will try to suggest some combinations of them, which could offer you a unique experience of Chios.

1

Take a walk in Aplotaria (Απλωταριά), the pedestrian shopping street of Chios, during the opening hours of the shops. Combine it with a Greek coffee and a homemade cheese pie (τυρόπιτα) at Cafe Alkyoni (Αλκυόνη), under the bougainvilleas, where Chios’ intellectual scene hangs out. Alternatively, you can enjoy freshly made juices and smoothies in the sunny backyard of the hidden Cafe Blender. If you get a bit hungry, grab a street burger, from Mamounas (Μαμούνας), or a souvlaki from Emilios (Αιμίλιος). Ask the locals to help you finding those places. They are quite hidden, but everyone knows them.

2

For this experience you need good time management. Check when a big ship arrives or leaves the port of Chios. Check from or to Pireaus and to the island of Lesbos. Aarrange that time to go for coffee/beer at the Cafe Bourtzi (Μπούρτζι), located before the green lighthouse and try to find a seat on the plateau near the sea, waiting for the ship to pass in front of you. Alternatively, you can go and experience this at the green lighthouse.

3

Take a walk in the fantastic area of Kampos (Κάμπος). It’s a must! Large estates with citrus orchards (περιβόλια) and mansions (αρχοντικά). Each mansion has at least 2 acres of garden and is bordered by a stone wall. Go to Perivoli to have a coffee with local sweets (γλυκά του κουταλιού) in the orchard (περιβόλι) and visit the small museum there which explains the history of Kampos and the cultivation and trade of citrus fruits. The Argentiko is the most famous mansion of Kampos. I do not know though, if you can visit it. You have to ask. Afterwards you can go for dinner at the “To Apomero / Το Απόμερο” tavern on a hill above Kampos.
During this visit in the area of Kampos, the Archilovers can pass by the swimming pool, which is nearby. The ionian swimming pool of Chios, one of the most beautiful and largest in the Balkans. It is in decline, like many buildings in Greece, but retains its glamour and charm.

4

Trip to central Chios. Start with a visit to the monastery “Nea Moni of Chios / Νέα Μονή Χίου“, a monument of the Byzantine era. Then go for swimming at Trachili beach (Τραχύλι). It is located on the west coast of the island. Afterwards visit the medieval ghost village “Anavatos / Ανάβατος“ and at the end the medieval village “Avgonima / Αυγώνυμα“. There you can eat at the tavern “To Asteri / Το Αστέρι“, watching the sun setting in the endless blue of the Aegean Sea.

5

A visit in The Chios Mastic Museum is something you definitely should not miss. There you will gain all the theoretical knowledge you need to know about this unique product, the legendary Mastic (μαστίχα). This can be easily combined with a walk in the village of Pyrgi (Πυργί), which is famous because of the black and white decorative geometrical patterns that literally cover the entire facade of the buildings. The “Xysta” (Ξυστά) is a folk art that developed in later times and four years ago the Archaeology decided to forbit their restoration and reproduction because they undermine the medieval character of the village. So it’s a chance to see them before they decline and fall into disrepair. Drink and eat something in the square of the village and then you can go swimming in the beach “Avlonia of Pyrgi / Αυλωνιά Πυργίου”. Be carefull, there is also a nice beach called Avlonia, but this is close to Mesta. The “Avlonia of Pyrgi” is a beautifull beach, which you can access with a short hike of 700m. This proposal is for those, who want to have the whole beach by their own.

6

Start your day with a walk in the beautiful village Mesta and a visit to the neighbouring also medieval village “Olympi / Ολύμποι”. Then you can choose go swimming to several nice beaches around. We suggest you to start from the beach of Agia Dynami and then go for a beer at the beach of Apothyka. If you get hungry, you can order the delicious salads and snacks prepared by Achilleas at Apothyka, or go to the tavern / souvlatzidiko “Mestousiko” in Mesta.

7

The most beautifull beach close to the city of Chios is “Myrsinidi / Μυρσινίδι”. It is not organized and is divided into two parts, both very nice and quiet. If you prefer more action, drive 5 minutes to the north and go to the “Glari beach / Παραλία των Γλάρων”. Dring your cocktails to the beach bar there, swimm in the clear sea and when you will get hungry, drive to the fish village of Lagada (Λαγκάδα). There you will find the best fish tavern of the island, called “Nostos” (Νόστος)!! You should make a reservation before.

8

Visit northwestern Chios starting from the “Cave of Agio Galas” (Άγιο Γάλας). Τake a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Zanakounta beach (Ζανακούντα). Then you can go eat at the small kafeneio of the village Pirama / Πιραμά. Before going back home you can drink a coffee in “Agia Markella” beach (Αγία Μαρκέλλα). Do not hesitate to jump into the water once again and if you want a snack, try the delicious homemade cheese pie (τυροπιτάρι) of the “Agia Markella Cafe”.

9

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chios in the city centre, which is a work of the famous greek architectural couple, Susana and Dimitris Antonakakis. Then you can wander through the narrow streets of the Castle of Chios and visit for sure the Ottoman baths and . Take a rest at the small square with the cafes and taverns in the Castle and then continue your walk in the “Garden of Chios / Δημοτικός Κήπος Χίου“ next to the main square of Chios. Aafter this travel to the history of Chios it will be time for a dinner. If you want oriental cuisine we propose you to go the traditional tavern “Chotzas / Χότζας” in the city. If you want to dine by the sea, we propose the fish tavern named “ichthioskala of Chios / Ιχθυόσκαλα Χίου“. Make a reservation and ask them for a table by the sea / port. If you fell in love with the Castle of Chios and you want to go there again, you can eat at the (currently) best tavern of the island “Vradupous / Βραδύπους“. At the end of this long day, you can experience the Night Life of Chios in the Kubrick Bar, or Mavro Provato, for an alternative taste, or go to the bars at the port, for something more mainstream.

10

Go for a swimming to the star beaches of Chios, which are “Mavra Volia / Μαύρα Βόλια” and “Vroulidia / Βρουλίδια” and then go for a special Shrimp Pasta (γαριδομακαρονάδα) in “Vokaria“.

11

This experience is for the hiking and food lovers. Visit the Canyon of Kampia (φαράγγι Καμπιών) in the northeast part of Chios. The starting point is the village of Kampia and the end point the beach. After a pause with swimming and sunbathing go backwards through the canyon to the village. Each way last around 90min. After that, you should definitely will be hungry. Drive to the village “Kipouries / Κηπουριές” and eat to the tavern there called “Petrini Plateia” (Πέτρινη Πλατεία).

12

Experience a Panigiri. The Panigiria / Πανηγύρια (open-air village festivals) have a leading role in the cultural life of Chios every summer, so that the island, especially in August, becomes a huge celebration. The occasion is usually a religious celebration since every village has a Saint to honour. On the day of the Panigiri, large tables are set up in the village square to accommodate the visitors. The celebration begins in the evening and lasts until the morning, accompanied by music from local bands. The Panigiria around our wedding period are the following:

7 July – Αγ. Κυριακής / Ag. Kuriaki

Villages: Kalamoti / Καλαμωτή – Amades / Αμάδες – Karies / Καρυές

15 July

Villages: Κατάβαση / Katavasi

17 July – Αγ. Μαρίνας / Ag. Marina

Villages: Myrmigi / Μυρμήγκι, Fyta / Φυτά, Ververato / Βερβεράτο, Kardamyla / Καρδάμυλα

20 July – Προφήτη Ηλία

Villages: Kalamoti / Καλαμωτή, Spartounta / Σπαρτούντα, Armolia / Αρμόλια, Kardamyla / Καρδάμυλα

22 July Αγ. Μαρκέλλας / Ag. Markella

Villages: Ag. Markella / Αγ. Μαρκέλλα, Volissos / Βολισσός, Karies / Καρυές, Lithi / Λιθί

Καλά κρασιά!