Chios | Greece

Chios is the fifth-largest Greek island, located in the North Aegean near the Turkish coast. It is defined by its production of mastic, a unique resin that has shaped the island’s economy, architecture, and history for centuries.

Historical Timeline

Chios has a rich maritime history and claims to be the birthplace of Homer. It flourished under Genoese rule (1346–1566), which established the fortified "Mastic Villages" to protect the valuable resin trade. The island suffered the Chios Massacre in 1822 during the Greek War of Independence, an event that galvanized international support for the Greek cause. It was liberated from Ottoman rule and joined the Greek state in 1912.

Demographics & Population

As of 2026, the population is approximately 50,400. The island maintains a strong year-round population supported by shipping, agriculture, and the University of the Aegean.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Chios Town (Hora): The main port and capital, featuring a blend of modern buildings and the medieval castle.

Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages): A cluster of 24 fortified villages in the south, including Pyrgi (the "Painted Village"), Mesta (a perfect medieval maze), and Olympoi.

Kampos: A unique district south of Hora characterized by high stone walls, citrus groves, and grand Genoese-style mansions.

Vrontados: A coastal suburb north of town, famous for the "Rocket War" Easter tradition and the "Daskalopetra" (Homer's stone).

Volissos: The largest village in the northwest, topped by a Byzantine castle.

Top Landmarks

Nea Moni: An 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage monastery known for its exceptional Byzantine mosaics.

The Castle of Chios: A massive fortress in the main town with inhabited neighborhoods, Ottoman baths, and the Justiniani Palace.

Chios Mastic Museum: Located near Pyrgi, this modern museum explains the cultivation and history of the island's unique resin.

Anavatos: A "ghost village" perched on a sheer cliff, serving as a monument to the island's turbulent history.

Mavra Volia: A striking beach with jet-black volcanic pebbles and deep indigo water.

Transportation Network

Air: Chios National Airport "Omiros" (JKH) handles daily flights from Athens and Thessaloniki.

Sea: The main port in Hora connects to Piraeus, Lesvos, and Samos. Ferries to Çeşme, Turkey run daily (approx. 45 minutes). Mesta port serves as a secondary terminal.

Bus: The KTEL bus network is divided into Blue (urban/suburban) and Green (long-distance to villages) lines.

Road: Chios has a wide, winding road network. Rental cars are essential for exploring the northern mountains and southern villages.

Safety & Environment (2026)

Chios is safe, but wildfire risk is significant in the summer.

Chios Pass (2026): A special government initiative providing financial support and tourism vouchers to aid the recovery of the Amani (northwest) region following recent environmental challenges.

Road Safety: New 2026 regulations mandate a 30 km/h speed limit in all urban residential zones.

The Mastiha Economy

Chios is the only place in the world where the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia produces the "teardrops" of mastic resin.

The Harvest: Resin is collected between July and September through "kentima" (incisions in the bark).

PDO Status: Chios Mastic is a Protected Designation of Origin product.

Products: Mastic is used in liqueur (Mastiha), chewing gum (ELMA), cosmetics, and traditional "submarine" sweets.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso (Freddo): €3.00–€4.20

1 Bottle of Mastiha Liqueur (Small): €8.00–€14.00

1 Standard Lunch: €16.00–€24.00

1 Ferry Ticket to Çeşme: €25.00–€35.00 (Round trip)

Facts & Legends

Legend says that the mastic trees of Chios began to "weep" tears of resin when Saint Isidore was martyred on the island in 250 AD. A verified historical fact: The Rocket War (Rouketopolemos) involves two rival parishes in Vrontados firing tens of thousands of homemade rockets at each other's church bell towers on Easter Saturday-a tradition dating back to the Ottoman era.

Would you like me to detail the specific architectural techniques used in the "painted houses" of Pyrgi?