Stone arches and traditional architecture inspired by the medieval villages of Chios

YEA Luxury Living · Chios Island

Explore Chios

Chios is an island of medieval villages, quiet beaches and centuries-old traditions. Walk through the stone streets of Mesta, swim in the clear waters of the Aegean and enjoy local food by the sea. Here are a few places worth visiting during your stay.

The Island Beyond the Beaches

Places Worth Visiting

Stone villages, old streets and places that tell the story of Chios.

Mesta

Walk through narrow stone passages and under medieval arches in one of the island's best-preserved villages.

Pyrgi

Look closely at the houses decorated with black-and-white geometric patterns, known locally as xysta.

Nea Moni

Visit this 11th-century monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Byzantine mosaics.

Kampos

Follow quiet roads past old stone mansions, citrus gardens and high walls.

Chios Castle

A historic neighbourhood beside the harbour, with old houses and narrow streets.

Photo credits

Mesta — Mariolovre, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Pyrgi — Eva-tzi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Nea Moni — Afbeelding4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Kampos — Lunar sea n, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Chios Castle — FLIOUKAS, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Images converted to WebP for web presentation. Images displayed with cropped framing where applicable.

THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE

Beaches Worth Visiting

From dark volcanic pebbles to quiet bays and long sandy shores, Chios has a beach for every kind of day by the sea.

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Mavra Volia

Black volcanic pebbles, steep cliffs and remarkably clear water make this one of the island's most distinctive beaches.

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Karfas

A long sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for families and relaxed afternoons by the sea.

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Komi

A spacious sandy shore with seaside cafés, sun loungers and plenty of room to spend the day.

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Elinda

A sheltered bay on the island's western coast, surrounded by hills and peaceful natural scenery.

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Lefkathia

Near the village of Volissos, this beach combines clear Aegean waters with the quieter atmosphere of northern Chios.

Photo credits

Mavra Volia — Odytrav, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Karfas — Robot8A, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
Komi — Aggelos1357, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Elinda — Asterious, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Lefkathia — Pitropakis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Images converted to WebP and adapted for web presentation.

A TASTE OF ISLAND LIFE

Chios, Beyond the Beaches

There is more to Chios than its coastline. From the island's famous mastic to traditional sweets and fragrant citrus orchards, local traditions are still part of everyday life.

Natural Chios mastic resin forming on the trunk of a mastic tree

01 — LOCAL TRADITIONS

Mastic Traditions

For centuries, the villages of southern Chios have cultivated mastic, a natural resin found only here. Its distinctive aroma and traditional harvesting methods are part of the island's identity.

Traditional Chios masourakia pastries made with almond filling

02 — FOOD & CULTURE

Local Flavours

Chios has a rich tradition of local sweets and handmade delicacies. Try masourakia, delicate pastries filled with almonds, alongside the island's distinctive mastic-flavoured treats.

Ripe oranges growing among green leaves on a citrus tree

03 — ISLAND HERITAGE

Citrus Heritage

In the historic Kampos area, citrus orchards have shaped the landscape for generations. The fragrant mandarins of Chios remain one of the island's most recognisable local products.

Photo credits

Mastic Traditions — Palden Dorenský, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Local Flavours — Dianeira, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Citrus Heritage — Emőke Dénes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Illustrative photograph taken at Kew Gardens, England.

Images converted to WebP for web presentation. Images displayed with cropped framing where applicable.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Explore Chios at Your Own Pace

Some of the island's most memorable places are best enjoyed without a strict schedule. Here are three ideas for a day out, combining villages, history and time by the sea.

MEDIEVAL VILLAGES & COAST

A Day in Southern Chios

Start in Pyrgi, where geometric patterns decorate the village houses. Continue to Mesta and wander through its narrow medieval streets before heading to Mavra Volia for a swim among the black volcanic pebbles.

Pyrgi Mesta Mavra Volia

HISTORY & MOUNTAIN VILLAGES

History & Local Life

Visit Nea Moni, an 11th-century monastery known for its Byzantine mosaics. Continue to the dramatic hillside settlement of Anavatos, then spend some time in the stone-built village of Avgonima, overlooking western Chios.

Nea Moni Anavatos Avgonima

BEACHES & SEASIDE DINING

A Relaxed Day by the Sea

Spend the morning on the sandy beach of Karfas, with plenty of time for swimming. Later, visit the waterfront village of Katarraktis for a leisurely meal by the sea, before returning to Chios Town.

Karfas Katarraktis Chios Town

These are suggested day trips rather than fixed itineraries. Allow time for spontaneous stops, and check local opening hours before visiting monasteries or museums.

YOUR ISLAND STAY

Make Chios Part of Your Story

After a day exploring medieval villages, quiet beaches and local traditions, return to a comfortable space of your own. YEA Luxury Living provides a welcoming base for your time on the island.

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