Fishing boats in a harbour on Chios

Chios

Travelers curious about medieval villages and a unique local product: mastic.

Fitting Chios into your route

Closest islands

Straight-line distance between main ports, not ferry time.

About Chios

Chios is the only place on earth producing natural mastic resin, grown in the fortified medieval 'mastic villages' (Mastichochoria) of the south, where Pyrgi's geometric black-and-white house facades (xysta) are unlike anywhere else in Greece. The island also has the striking Nea Moni monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Byzantine mosaics.

Weather on Chios

Average temperature by month: North Aegean Islands

AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
16°C / 61°F20°C / 68°F24°C / 75°F27°C / 81°F27°C / 81°F24°C / 75°F19°C / 66°F

Average afternoon temperature in °C across the North Aegean Islands group, not measured on this island alone. Useful for spotting when it actually turns summer-warm.

Tips

  • Walk through Pyrgi to see its unique geometric xysta facade patterns.
  • Try mastic-flavored sweets, liqueur and ice cream, unique to Chios.
  • Visit Nea Moni monastery for its Byzantine mosaics and hilltop setting.

Islands near Chios

Closest first, measured between main ports.

The main village of Oinousses seen across the harbour

Oinousses

Travelers curious about Greece's shipowning families on a tiny, wealthy, low-key island.

CalmAuthentic
The church of Agios Nikolaos on a headland of Psara in morning haze

Psara

History-minded travelers wanting a remote island famous for its role in the War of Independence.

CalmCulture
Beach and coastal village on Ikaria at dusk

Ikaria

Travelers curious about the island's famous longevity culture and relaxed, late-night pace.

AuthenticCalm
Sunset over the harbour of Mytilene on Lesbos

Lesbos

Travelers wanting olive-covered landscapes, ouzo culture and a huge, varied island to explore.

CultureAuthentic

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