{"id":51315,"date":"2025-09-11T08:59:25","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T06:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=51315"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:57:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T09:57:44","slug":"chios-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/chios-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"Chios Island: Hidden gem in the northern Aegean Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wildly romantic landscapes, secluded dream beaches, medieval villages, cultural treasures, and culinary delights. You would think that the fifth largest island in Greece<\/strong> would hardly be able to save itself from holidaymakers due to its authentic beauty. However, when you set foot on the island, you quickly realise that Chios must be one of the last undiscovered jewels in the Aegean.<\/p>\n

“Chios is an island with an unmistakable identity that you come into contact with so intensely during a visit that you feel the urge to return after just a short time.”<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Welcome to Chios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hardly any tourists find their way to this island and its population of more than 50,000. It is largely only known among insiders for its unique natural treasure. The “Tears of Chios”, as the mastic resin is called, have been extracted from the local mastic tree for centuries and are said to help with all kinds of health ailments.<\/p>\n

We stayed on the island for a week and were immediately enchanted by the warmth of the locals, the picturesque villages, and empty beaches that sparkle in the most beautiful shades of turquoise. Our 10 Highlights of Chios<\/strong> are just a small snapshot of a breathtaking island, which, for us personally, is one of the most beautiful in the Aegean.<\/p>\n

#1 Chios Town and the windmills<\/h2>\n

The island’s capital is located in the east of Chios and has just under 27,000 inhabitants. If you arrive by ferry from Lesvos or Samos, this is where you will first set foot on land.<\/p>\n

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In the port of Chios town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Because Chios Town has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in the past due to conquests and earthquakes (see our article: Greece Earthquakes<\/a>), the architecture along the harbour promenade looks a bit thrown together and might not inspire you right away. Nevertheless, a short stroll through Chios Town is definitely worthwhile.<\/p>\n

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The main square of Chios Town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Castle of Chios<\/strong>, which adjoins the old town, is well worth seeing. At the northern end, you will come across the old Ottoman baths, which have been extensively restored and are great to visit.<\/p>\n

For history buffs, a visit to the Byzantine Museum of Chios, located opposite the main square “Platia Vounakiou”, is highly recommended. It is housed in the former Mecidiye Mosque, and its minaret has been preserved to this day.<\/p>\n

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Ottoman bath in Chios town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the north of Chios Town, right below the hospital, you will find four of the island’s photogenic windmills. We took advantage of an early ferry departure to see the windmills at sunrise<\/strong>. While countless holidaymakers crowd together on Mykonos to see something similar, there is absolutely no one here. A truly magical spectacle!<\/p>\n

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Magic moment: Chios windmills at sunrise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Easter on Chios: Rocket wars in Vrontados<\/h3>\n

On Chios, Easter is traditionally celebrated in a largely peaceful manner, with the exception of the village of Vrontados. Fans of firecrackers and rockets will definitely get their money’s worth at Easter in Vrontados<\/strong>. In this village just north of Chios Town, the annual rocket wars (roketopolemos) take place, with locals firing handmade rockets at each other’s churches. The church of Panagia Erithiani in Vrontados is also well worth seeing. The church square is made entirely of stunning sea pebble mosaics.<\/p>\n

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\u2192 You can find more information about Easter on Chios in our dedicated article: Easter in Greece<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Panagia Erithiani: At Easter there is a spectacular fireworks display here<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley of Kampos<\/h3>\n

South of Chios Town, in a lush green valley, there is a residential area filled with countless citrus and orange trees, all surrounded by high walls made of reddish stone. In the 14th century, Genoese rulers and wealthy citizens from Chios Town began their work in Kampos and built magnificent villas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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At the Lemon Museum: Typical architecture of Kampos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thanks to the abundance of natural water resources, they were able to create lush gardens filled with fruit trees and flowers. You can explore this incredibly fertile area on a walk or a bike ride, and pay a visit to the Citrus Museum located there (which is only open during the summer season).<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Chios book tip:<\/strong> The travel guide from Michael M\u00fcller Verlag contains a lot of brilliant information and useful travel tips for the island. You can order it here: View on Amazon*<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"reisefuehrer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#2 The painted village of Pyrgi<\/h2>\n

Where elsewhere crazy Instagrammers and selfie maniacs would probably invade such a bizarre place, Pyrgi is still wonderfully tranquil. It is the largest medieval village out of over 20 “mastichochoria” (mastic villages) on the island.<\/p>\n

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Chios takes your heart by storm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Its special architecture makes it completely unique in Greece. Almost all the house facades are adorned with decorative motifs, known as “Xysta”. These black and white geometric scratch patterns<\/strong> date back to the former rule of the Genoese on Chios and have been carefully renewed in recent decades.<\/p>\n

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Curious house facades in Pyrgi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even today, Pyrgi remains very authentic and traditional<\/strong>. In the alleys, you will sometimes meet women sorting and cleaning the mastic resin. The beautiful village square, Platia Livadi, invites you to linger while you simply can’t stop marvelling at the incredible house patterns.<\/p>\n