Chios Island, Greece

Chios is the 5th largest Greek island. It belongs to the Eastern Aegean group of islands and is situated very close to Turkey. It is traditionally Greek, off the beaten track and not overrun by tourists. Generally speaking hotels are simpler and family run. There are a few tourist shops and the visitor can experience authentic Greek hospitality.

Getting to and around Chios

The island can be reached either by sea or by air. The trip by ferry from Piraeus can take up to 8 hours and there are daily departures especially during the months of April to October. It takes approximately 45 minutes to fly to Chios and there are daily flights from Athens. There are also regular ferry connections with the islands of Samos and Lesvos. Local boats also operate to the nearby islands of Kos, Rhodes, Patmos, Lemnos and Cesme across in Turkey.

Local buses connect the main towns of Chios, but if you wish to explore the island and discover its many natural beauties hiring a car or a motor bike is recommended.

Highlights of Chios

Chios is a friendly island and the locals welcome the visitors who are mostly Greeks. The island was initially inhabited around 6000 B.C. The Phoenicians, Ionians, Genoans and Turks who occupied the island over the centuries left a rich historical heritage. It has a long maritime history, which played a very important role in the economy of the island.

Over the centuries the island had a strong commercial fleet trading its own agricultural and industrial goods. The people of Chios were famous for their ingenuity in cookery and in ancient times the historian Thoukidides characterises the locals as "richest among Greeks".

The island is famous for its countless chewing gum trees (mastic trees), its pretty towns, traditional villages and beautiful beaches. Mostly unspoilt Chios is ideal for those who seek a quiet holiday and wish to experience an authentic local culture.