Chios holidays

How to reach Chios

Flight time:

• Flights to Athens from London and other major UK airports take around 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours.

• Flights to Chios from Athens take 50 minutes.

Transfer time:

• Chios Island National Airport is within a 10-minute drive of Chios Town.

Price:

• A taxi from the airport to Chios Town costs around €10–€15.

• A one-way bus ticket costs €1.50 and can be purchased from the driver.

Weather and best time to visit Chios

The best time to visit Chios depends on what you're looking for in your holidays.

• April to June is the perfect time to visit if you want to explore the island. Temperatures range from 19°C in April to 28°C in June, rainfall tapers (40 to 12mm), and there are 9 to 11 hours of daily sunshine.

• July to August is ideal for beach lovers, with temperatures soaring to around 31°C, up to 12 hours of sunshine daily, and almost no chance of rain. Expect the holiday crowds to build going into August.

• September to November offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere and more comfortable temperatures (28 to 18°C) for sightseeing and outdoor activities. There are 10 to 6 hours of sunshine daily but more frequent rain (15 to 75mm).

• December to March is Chios’ off-season. Outside the capital, many hotels, bars and restaurants will be closed. Weather-wise, these months experience a fair amount of rain, but temperatures hover around a mild 14°C, and you can expect about 5 hours of sunshine daily on average.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language; away from the capital, it is hit or miss if the locals speak English.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: The main forms of transport in Chios are buses and taxis. Bus tickets in Chios Town cost €1.50–€2 and can be purchased from the driver. Renting a car is recommended for more remote areas.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, with Type C and F plugs.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Chios

Less tourist-saturated than other Greek islands, holidays to Chios have plenty to offer, from medieval villages and a UNESCO-listed monastery to natural beauty spots, stunning beaches and mastic groves.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Agios Isidoros: A small church built on a rock in the sea near the village of Lagada. The location and the view are simply stunning, especially at sunset.

• Mavra Volia: Located near Emporios, this black volcanic pebble beach is exotically beautiful.

The best districts

• Chios Town: The island’s capital hums with life and history. Stroll through the picturesque streets, visit the Castle of Chios, and enjoy the lively cafés and shops. Don’t miss the waterfront area.

• Pyrgi: The unique black-and-white geometric motifs on its houses have earned Pygri the moniker “painted village”. Its narrow alleys and vibrant local culture make it a charming place to wander and take photos.

• Mesta: This well-preserved medieval village is a warren of narrow streets and stone houses. Explore the Church of Megalos Taxiarchis and enjoy the village’s tranquil atmosphere.

Parks and gardens

• Public Garden of Chios: Located in Chios Town, this peaceful spot has beautiful flowers and shaded paths. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a quiet place to read a book.

Museums

• Byzantine Museum: Set inside a 19th-century mosque in Chios Town, the museum holds a fine collection of artefacts from the early Christian, Byzantine, post-Byzantine, Genoese and Islamic periods.

Historic monuments

• Nea Moni of Chios: Situated on Provateio Oros Mountain, the mosaics at this 11th-century UNESCO-listed monastery are considered some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Greece.

• Daskalopetra: Located 7km outside Chios Town, in local lore, this rock is said to be where Homer taught his students.

Regional highlights

• Emporios Beach: Famous for its black pebbles, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

• Ghost Village of Anavatos: Roughly 19km west of Chios Town, this abandoned half-ruined village is one of the most poignant sites on the island. During the Chios massacre in 1822, the villagers threw themselves off the cliff rather than be captured by the Turks.

Activities for families in Chios

Holidays to Chios have plenty to offer families, from seaside fun to natural wonders, interactive museums to mind-bending escape rooms.

• Cave tours: Some 35km from Chios Town, the spectacular Olympi Cave offers all the stalactites and stalagmites you could hope for. It’s perfect for budding geologists, but note there’s a fair amount of climbing via staircases.

• Family-friendly beaches: Many beaches on Chios, such as Karfas Beach, have shallow waters ideal for young children. Facilities like beach bars and water sports rentals keep everyone entertained.

• Interactive museums: The Chios Maritime Museum in the town centre offers fascinating exhibits on the island’s nautical history.

• Escape rooms: The MindTrap Chios in Chios Town is a fun option for families with older children. It offers various spooky rooms (over 15s) and VR experiences (over 10s).

Free things to do in Chios

Whether it’s spectacular fireworks displays or musical performances, there are loads of free activities to enjoy during your Chios holidays.

• Free events: Chios hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Chios Music Festival in August.

• Free museums: Some museums in Chios offer free entry on certain days. For instance, the Archaeological Museum of Chios (closed for modernisation at the time of writing) suspends admissions on the 6th March, 18th April, 18th May and the last weekend of September.

• Annual festivals: The skies above Vrontados are lit up during Greek Orthodox Easter when the town stages its famous rocket war (Rouketopolemos).

• Explore Chios by public transport: The island’s buses are an affordable way to see more of Chios. For example, a bus ticket to Volissos (for the Castle of Volissos) from Chios Town costs around €8.

Wellness in Chios

• Spas and thermal baths: The thermal baths in Agiasmata are worth a visit for a natural wellness experience.

• Traditional body care: Experience the benefits of traditional Greek body care with local mastic and olive oil treatments.

• Yoga and meditation centres: The Bella Cisterna estate in Kampos hosts yoga retreats and classes.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The island has many hiking trails that take you through picturesque villages, lush valleys and along rugged coastline. One popular route is the hike from Nea Moni Monastery to Anavatos, which offers breathtaking views.

• Mountain biking: Chios has plenty to offer adventurous cyclists, especially around Anavastos, Mount Provatas and Mount Pelianio.

• Rock climbing: Daskalopetra, near Vrontados, which has vertical limestone, takes the top spot, but Chios has several climbing fields to explore, including Kleidou.

• Stand-up paddle-boarding: Chios Watersports rent SUP boards and canoes at Karfas Beach, 5km from Chios Town.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: Chios Scuba Diving Adventure Center in Chios Town provides training for all PADI programmes and offers dives and snorkelling experiences.

Discover the best beaches in Chios during your holidays

Chios, a stunning island in the Aegean Sea, boasts a diverse range of beaches, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly spots, secluded coves, or adventurous water sports, Chios has a beach for every preference. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches to explore during your Chios holidays.

Mavra Volia

Located near the village of Emporios, Mavra Volia is one of the most unique beaches on Chios. Known for its distinctive black volcanic pebbles, this beach offers a striking contrast against the turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling, with a backdrop of dramatic landscapes.

Agia Dynami

Agia Dynami is a serene and secluded beach, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. The beach features crystal-clear waters and fine sand, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing. Despite its remote feel, there are a few amenities like beach bars and tavernas where you can enjoy local cuisine.

Karfas Beach

Karfas Beach is the busiest tourist beach on Chios, located just 10 km south of Chios Town. This well-organized beach offers golden sands and shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children. The beach is lined with numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, ensuring you have everything you need for a fun-filled day by the sea.

Apothika Bay

Apothika Bay is a hidden gem on the eastern coast of Chios. This secluded beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion. The golden sands and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports. Despite its remote location, basic amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas are available, making it a comfortable spot for a day out.

Komi Beach

Located on the southwestern coast of Chios, Komi Beach is a favourite among both locals and tourists. This sandy beach offers a long stretch of shoreline, ideal for sunbathing and beach activities. The nearby amenities include beach bars, tavernas, and water sports facilities, ensuring a lively and enjoyable beach experience.

Agia Fotini

Agia Fotini, also known as Agia Fotia, is a pebbled beach with a family-friendly atmosphere. Located 15 km south of Chios Town, this beach features clear waters and is partly organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. The surrounding area has several tavernas where you can savour delicious local dishes, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

Enjoy your beach holiday in Chios

Chios offers a fantastic variety of beaches, each with its own charm and attractions. Whether you prefer the bustling atmosphere of Karfas Beach, the unique beauty of Mavra Volia, or the tranquillity of Agia Dynami, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy your holidays in Chios. Pack your beach essentials and get ready to explore the stunning coastal landscapes of this beautiful Greek island.

Local dishes in Chios

From Mastelo to Kopanisti cheese, aromatic mandarins to sweet table olives, mastic-flavoured spirits to liqueurs, holidays to Chios are a gourmand’s dream.

Some typical dishes

• Malathropita: This savoury wild fennel pie (Malathro) is prepared across Greece, but fish roe gives Chios’ version a unique spin.

• Lahanodolmades: Blanched cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat and herbs, simmered in lemony stock and served with a tart, citrussy sauce.

Meze dishes

• Throumpa Chiou: Collected every three to five days and dried naturally, the island’s wrinkly black table olives are renowned for their sweet taste.

• Saganaki: Pan-fried cheese-wrapped vegetables, meats or seafood.

Meat dishes

• Kokkinisto: A traditional Greek stew made with beef or lamb, slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions and a mix of spices.

• Kotopoulo Me Kythonia: Chicken braised with quince is a Chian one-pot classic.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Barounia Tiganita: Red mullet drenched in flour and fried.

• Psari Plaki: An oven-baked dish with layers of fish, olive oil and vegetables (usually onions, potatoes and tomatoes) seasoned with oregano.

Street food

• Gyros: Thinly sliced meat, usually pork or chicken, served in a pitta with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and, sometimes, chips.

• Loukoumades: Small, deep-fried doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts.

Sweets and desserts

• Mamoulia: Nut-filled (almonds, pistachios and walnuts) pear-shaped cookies, flavoured with mastic and dusted with powdered sugar.

• Masourakia: Crispy pastry wrapped around Ypovrichio (a mastic-flavoured sweet), meringue-like egg whites and ground almonds.

Local drinks

• Chios Mastiha: A sweet, aromatic liqueur made from mastic resin, often enjoyed as a digestif.

• Souma: Made and sold by locals, this spirit is distilled from sun-dried and fermented figs and flavoured with aniseed, mastic or fruits.