Chios: Monasteries, Mastic Culture and Medieval Villages

Chios offers a range of different experiences: Byzantine art, knowledge of mastic, medieval village architecture and routes through a cultural landscape. If you are looking for hotels in Chios, first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay. This will help you plan your trip around the experiences that matter most to you.

Byzantine Art and Mastic Knowledge

Nea Moni Monastery was built between 1042 and 1056 and is considered an undisputed masterpiece of Byzantine art. Its mosaics are part of one of three collections from the Middle Byzantine period preserved in Greece. The exhibition of relics at Nea Moni Monastery opened to the public in 1992.

A route leads downhill from Agioi Pateres Monastery to Nea Moni. The route follows an old stone-paved road. Its starting point, surface and destination provide practical guidance for anyone interested in the monastery and its surroundings.

At the Chios Mastic Museum in Pyrgi, the permanent exhibition presents traditional knowledge about mastic cultivation. The outdoor exhibition introduces visitors to the mastic plant and its natural habitat. The museum opened to the public in 2016 and has free parking. Check the current parking situation before your visit.

Villages and Their Architecture

In Pyrgi, the façades are characterized by so-called Xysta: black-and-white geometric decorations on the houses. The village is also often called the “painted village” because of its richly detailed façade designs. Another landmark is the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, a well-preserved Byzantine monument dating from the 14th century.

Mesta is a medieval village preserved as a monument. Its layout is reminiscent of a castle: the closely packed houses form a protective outer wall. In Olympoi, by contrast, the interconnected houses once formed a defensive wall. The comparison reveals two different periods in the history of village architecture: in Mesta, the protective layout defines the village, while the houses of Olympoi served a defensive function in the past.

Anavatos is also a medieval Byzantine tower village in the central region of Chios. Visitors can stroll through its stone-paved streets. The Church of Taxiarchis is well preserved. The so-called “Three-Storey Building” comprises an olive oil press, a school, a water cistern and the Church of the Theotokos. Its different components offer insight into the building’s varied uses.

Mesta’s carnival celebrations include the satirical “Agas” court proceeding, a reenactment of court proceedings from the period of Turkish occupation. Suma from Mesta is recommended as a local product to try; this particular spirit is made by distilling figs and grapes. The local wine is also recommended in Mesta. In Armolia, meanwhile, there is a long tradition of making ceramic vessels, including jugs, vases, pots, bowls and cups.

Landscape, Routes and Excursions

Kampos combines an outstanding natural landscape with distinctive local architectural features and agricultural activity. Narrow roads run between citrus groves and estates with high stone walls, making the area suitable for walks. There is little traffic in the area, so it is also possible to cycle there; road conditions may change. Cycling tourism in Chios also includes rides around Chios town.

The Byzantine Apolichna Castle was built in 1446. From Armolia, access is via a signposted ascent, a short country road and a path with steps leading to the eastern entrance. Check local conditions before setting out.

Near Olympoi is the developed Sykia Cave, with its impressive interior. Kato Fana, near Olympoi, is a sandy beach suitable for swimming; local conditions may vary. The area of Agia Markella also brings together religious tradition and landscape: on 22 July, the feast day of Saint Markella, thousands of people from across Chios, neighboring islands and other parts of Greece visit the area; visitor numbers vary. At the end of the beach, a path leads to the site of the Saint’s martyrdom. There is a warm-water spring in the sea there. Find out about access conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Psara, Agia Ermioni, Neochori, Kambochora, Paralia Agias Fotinis, Patrika, Limnia, Volissos, Mestá, Karfás, Chios, Vouno, Nenita, Vessa, Kardamyla, Aghios Georgios Sykoussis, Avgónyma, Vrontados, Emporios, Kallimasia, Thimianá, Pyrgi, Lagkada, Koini Ionia.

For the wider travel overview: North Aegean.