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Located in the Aegean Sea and located in the west of Turkey, Chios Island attracts the attention of holidaymakers with its history, cultural heritage, natural beauties and delicious food. In this article, we have compiled everything you need to know about this unique island. We aim to help you while planning your Chios holiday with this guide, where you can find how to get to Chios, the best beaches, places to visit and all information about this island.
How to Get to Chios?
There are different ways to reach Chios. First of all, you can cross to the island by ferry from Izmir. Regular ferry services are organized from Izmir Port. The ferry journey takes approximately 1 hour. You can also reach Chios Island directly from Istanbul by plane. You can easily reach the island by planes departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. For those who want to travel by plane, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you wish, you can also consider the car rental alternative and explore the island according to your own plan.
Historical and Cultural Heritage of Chios
The island, which has hosted various civilizations since ancient times, was under the influence of great powers such as Rome, Byzantium, Genoa and the Ottoman Empire. In the Middle Ages, when the island was under Genoese rule, Chios became known for its famous mastic gum production. This natural resin played an important role in the economic and commercial life of the island. During the Ottoman period, the cultural heritage of the island was enriched and historical structures that can still be seen today were built.
The Best Beaches of Chios
Chios Island is famous for its blue flag beaches, clean sea and natural beauty. The best beaches of Chios offer visitors a unique experience.
Most of the beaches in Chios have a mixture of sand and pebbles. These beaches offer a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The beaches are an ideal environment for sunbathing, swimming in the sea and doing water sports. Holidaymakers can enjoy the sun and the sea accompanied by magnificent views.
One of the most popular beaches located on this island is Komi Beach. Komi, a wide sandy beach, attracts attention with its crystal clear sea. Thanks to the sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach, guests can easily sunbathe and enjoy the sea. Additionally, cafes and restaurants on the beach offer visitors refreshing drinks and delicious food.
Another beautiful beach in Chios is Karfas Beach. This beach is an ideal option for families with its magnificent sands and shallow sea. Especially families with children will be pleased with the calm and safe atmosphere of Karfas Beach. Playgrounds on the beach offer children the opportunity to have safe fun.
Mavra Volia Beach can also be considered among the best beaches in Chios. This beach is famous for the blackish colored pebbles of its bay and offers one of the most interesting natural formations of the island. You have to use a few steps to get down to the beach, but the natural beauty of the beach will make you forget all your tiredness. Additionally, Mavra Volia Beach has a clean and calm sea.
Places to Visit in Chios
Chios Island is an island located in the Aegean Sea and belongs to Turkey. Chios Island, which stands out with its historical and cultural heritage, hosts many places to visit for tourists.
Mesta Village: It is one of the best preserved medieval villages of Chios. It is famous for its stone houses and narrow streets. There is also a tower from the Byzantine period in the village. Chios Island is one of the rare regions where the mastiha tree grows. Mastiha Village is a region where these special trees grow and are collected. You can participate in informative tours about the production of the mastiha tree in this village.
Pyrgi Village: One of the places you must visit in Chios is Pyrgi Village. This village is famous for its distinctive patterned walls. The patterns on the walls of the houses reflect the traditional texture of the island. This village has a typical Chios architecture, with white houses decorated with black lines. Also, St. Apostoloi Church and the famous "Bloody Stone" in the village square can be visited.
Nea Moni Monastery: It is one of the most important religious buildings on the island. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in the 11th century, the monastery is famous for its frescoes and mosaics.
Mavra Volia Beach: Mavra Volia Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Chios Island, attracts attention with its unique black pebbles. You can have a pleasant time sunbathing or swimming on this beach.
Gum Mastic Museum: Providing information about the production and history of chewing gum, the most famous product of the island, this museum offers an interesting experience to visitors.
Anavatos Village: It is a historical village and an abandoned settlement on Chios Island. It attracts attention with its stone houses, narrow streets and historical atmosphere.
Kambos Region: Located in the south of the island, this region is famous for its mansions and farmhouses from the Ottoman period. You can feel the historical atmosphere of Kambos.
Olimpi Village: It is located at the foot of Mount Olimpi, the highest mountain on the island. It is an ideal place for nature walks and views.
Sea and Water Sports in Chios
Surfing and kite surfing are among the most preferred water sports in Chios. The windy climate of the island is ideal for these sports. Grab your surfboard and enjoy the waves on one of Chios' beaches. If your surfing skills are not yet developed, there are many surf schools in Chios. In these schools, you can have the opportunity to learn surfing techniques with instructors.
Diving is also a very popular water sport in Chios. Experiencing this sport is an adventure with the island's rich underwater life and diving in clear waters. There are many diving spots on Chios and there are routes suitable for divers of all levels. You can dive into a colorful and lively undersea world by diving in the waters of the island, which is especially famous for its shipwrecks and coral reefs.
Tasty Stops of Chios
One of the taste stops you should definitely visit while wandering around Chios is Korinna's House. This place is located in one of the oldest stone houses on the island and offers the most delicious examples of traditional Chios cuisine. Appetizers made from fresh seafood, meat dishes prepared with special sauces and local desserts delight the palates of visitors here.
If you want to start Chios with a delicious breakfast, Vasilis Cafe will be the ideal choice for you. This charming cafe is located in the center of the island and allows you to start the day with delicious coffees and fresh seasonal fruits. Additionally, the various toasts and sandwiches offered here will make your breakfast even more delicious. The stylish and warm atmosphere of Vasilis Cafe will allow you to have a pleasant start to the day.
