Located in the Aegean Sea, Chios Island is one of Greece’s hidden treasures, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the iconic windmills to the medieval castle and beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone on this magical island. Some of the Must-Visit Attractions here are:-
Chora – Chios Island is known for its traditional windmills, which are dotted across the countryside. The main Square also known as Vounaki Square is the heart of Chora and is a great place to relax and soak up the island’s vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can sit in one of the cafes, enjoy a cup of coffee, and watch the world go by. Here you will find several attractions and museums like the Korai Library which is dedicated to promoting the works of the island’s famous son, Adamantios Koraes. Visitors can admire a collection of his works and learn about his contributions to Greek culture and literature. The Byzantine Museum showcases a collection of artefacts and here you can learn about the island’s history and culture, and the Ottoman mosque near it, along with the Bairakli Mosque and the Ottoman fountains. There is also a 10th-century Medieval castle here, and churches known as St.Basil, and St. George also known as Agios Georgios.
Caves of Chios – Agio Gala Cave is a beautiful cave located on the east coast of the island and is known for its stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the cave and admire its natural beauty. Olympi Cave is another must-visit cave, the Olympi Cave is located in the village of Vrondados and is known for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Castle of Volissos – This castle is located on the northwest coast of the island and offers supreme views of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can explore the castle’s ruins and learn about its rich history. Later on, you can even visit the village of Voliskos, where Homer the greek poet lived, along with the monastery of Agia Markella who was known as the protector of the island.
Nea Moni – About 12km away from the main town is the famous monastery of Neo Moni, it has a very intriguing past and is located on a hill, its Byzantine architecture is quite appalling and today this monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pyrgi – About 30mins away from Chios town is this aesthetically pleasing village, you can walk around and admire the enchanting houses, or sit down for coffee in one of their pleasant cafes. There is even an old Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles to visit.
Anavatos – This place is known for its fortified settlements, history and culture lovers would surely appreciate visiting this abandoned site. It’s situated in the centre of Chios island so if you intend to hire a car then do visit this site.
Nearby Islands by boat – Oinousses Island which is located just off the coast of Chios Island, Oinousses is a small, idyllic island that is worth visiting. Visitors can explore the island’s quaint villages, relax on its beautiful beaches, and soak up its laid-back atmosphere. Psara Island is another cluster of small islands located just off the coast of Chios, you can explore its picturesque villages, admire its stunning beaches, and relax in its laid-back atmosphere. If you wish to explore around then some delightful churches are Agia Markella and the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin.
Activities – In addition to exploring the island’s attractions, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on Chios Island. From swimming and sunbathing on its beautiful beaches to hiking and exploring its scenic countryside, there’s something for everyone.
Best Beaches – Chios Island is home to some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, including the famous Glari Beach, Karfas Beach which is very close to the main town, Mavra Volia beach which was nominated as the most beautiful beach in Greece in 2017, and lastly Megas Limnionas beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Getting to Chios Island – Chios Island is easily accessible from Athens. Visitors can fly directly to Chios Island from Athens International Airport, or they can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens.
Chios is a must-visit destination for anyone, The charming architecture, and the vibrant atmosphere, make this island the perfect place to experience the true essence of a Greece holiday. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Chios!
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