Relatively massive by Aegean standards, the island of Chios (Hios) is home to a population of over 50,000 and covers some 850 square kilometres. Much of Chios island is hilly and most is fertile (although frequently subject to reasonably extensive forest fires). What it doesn’t have many of is…tourists! This is not to say that Chios is not worth visiting but rather that, throughout history, it has tended to make its money in other ways. Its most notable local industry is mastic resin or gum, utilised in adhesives (and also for chewing!). In fact Chios has even opened its own "Mastic Shop" in Athens, selling the gum in different formats for health purposes, cookery etc.

Although there is an airport, Chios is not particularly easy to reach by air and there are no charter flights. Instead, you will rely on the daily Athens flight or the less frequent “air-hop” service that originates in Thessaloniki and touches down in turn on several of the Eastern Aegean islands. With a feel more like a bus route than an airline flight, passengers in transit to further-flung destinations may find themselves leaving and re-boarding the flight at interim locations as the plane is refuelled for the onward journey!

Tourism is light on Chios but this doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see. Several medieval villages are well worth exploring and there are large hillside fortresses to investigate, too. Don’t arrive expecting extensive classical remains or major excavations. Chios island offers Byzantine and later evidence but, whatever ancient civilisations existed on Chios, their presence has long been obliterated. Indeed, the island has been mercilessly raped over the centuries, and it’s only within the last 100 years that gradual recovery has taken place, aided in no small part by the trade in mastic. Chios also possesses some unique architecture in villages such as Pirgi with its balconied houses endowed with dark, geometric designs etched into the external plaster.

Neither is Chios a place for soft-sand beaches. Most are pebbled and many, though pleasant, are very quiet. Reaching them can also be somewhat daunting and Chios is an island on which independent transport will beat the local transport services hands down. This is not to say there are no bus services or taxis but, for flexibility, hire a car or motorbike.
The major tourist resort (something of an overstatement!) is probably Karfas to the south of the main town, although you will find embryonic tourism in several of the other coastal villages. One of the largest villages is Kardamila with its coastal extension Marmaro in the north of Chios island. Although this can hardly be described as a resort, it’s a pleasant enough place to while away a few hours (or even a night or two) as you explore this attractive part of Chios Greece.
Ferry links with Greece mainland and throughout the Aegean are reasonably extensive and you can also visit the neighbouring Turkish mainland at Cesme via local boats from the main harbour. Those who visit Chios island will not be disappointed but it’s best not to expect a significant night-scene or excellent soft sand beaches.
Come here to explore this extensive island and take in all the available history and culture rather than for a diet of sun worship, karaoke bars and nightclubs. But do come: Chios is unique!

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