Panagiota & Stefano
Things To Do
Chios
Chios’ main port and capital on the central east coast is home to almost half the island’s inhabitants. Behind the busy port area lies a quieter, intriguing old quarter, where some lingering traditional Turkish houses and an old hammam (Turkish bathhouse) stand enclosed by the walls of a Genoese castle. There’s also a busy market area behind the waterfront, and spacious public gardens (Vounaki) where an open-air cinema operates on summer evenings. The nearest decent beach is popular Karfas, 6km south.
Nagos Beach
Nagos beach is located 30 km northeast of the centre of Chios town, and it is close to the village of Kardamila. Nagos beach is considered to be one of the most favourite beaches of Chios due to its crystal clear waters and its small pebbles. Nagos beach is surrounded by plenty of traditional taverns specializing in seafood and delicacies combined perfectly with the local drink called ouzo. At Nagos beach you can also find shops with traditional products and souvenirs. You can easily reach Nagos beach by car, moto or public transportation. This is a go-to beach - a family favorite!
Giosonas
Giosonas beach is very close to Nagos beach, just six kilometres from Kardamyla village in the north east of the island. The beach seems endless, as it spreads over 8500 square metres. It has small and large white pebbles and it is open towards the Aegean. The waters are deep blue or green, depending on the light and the time of day. It is an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet day at the beach. This is where the Beach Party will take place. Make sure to order cocktails from Yoso Beach Bar while you're here!
Pyrgi, Greece
Pyrgi is a village on the Greek island of Chios, known as the "painted village" on account of the decoration of the houses. This mostly consists of black and white decorative motives in different shapes. Stefano and Peggy absolutely loved visiting this village. You will truly be distracted for hours by the intricate designs. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and to eat lunch at the plateia!
Armolia
The village of Armolia is located on the main crossroads to the villages of the south. It lies at a two-kilometre-distance from Kalamoti and twenty kilometers from the town of Chios on a fertile plain. The people of Armolia maintain a long tradition in ceramic pottery such as pitchers, vases, jars, bowls, cups, etc. Make sure to stop here and take a look in each pottery shop. The artwork will leave your speechless! Stefano and Peggy didn’t have enough room in their luggage for all of the pots they wanted to take home! :)
Anavatos
Although it is a deserted village, it has still preserved its history, which is often sensed by the visitor when wandering through its stone-paved streets. The town has often been associated with the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and the massacres of 1822, who represent an important part in history of the island. The village of Anavatos got its name originally from the Greek word "anaveno", which means "I climb". For such a difficult to reach village perched on top of a cliff, this name definitely fits. The village is built on a rocky elevation with steep sides and sheer cliffs on the South and West, so that it can only be approached from the North. The village was originally founded in this site for security reasons to control the west cast during the period of piracy. There’s a beautiful, eery feel to this spot. Stefano and Peggy spent hours walking through the village and looking out over the cliffs. If you’re a fan of history, this is the perfect location to visit.
The Chios Mastic Museum
The Chios Mastic Museum is located in the Mastichochoria (literally: mastic villages), a group of medieval villages in Southern Chios, the only site in the Mediterranean where the mastic tree grows. The Chios Mastic Museum aims to showcase the production history of the mastic tree’s cultivation and the processing of its resin, which it integrates into the cultural landscape of Chios.
Agia Markella
The Monastery of Agia Markella, the patron saint of Chios, is located 8 km from the village of Volissos and 45 km from Chios Town, on the north western side of the island. This monastery is actually built on the beach with clean water and view to the secluded island of Psara. A small path from the beach leads to the saint's site of martyrdom, where a large pilgrimage takes place on July 22nd, the celebration day of Agia Markella. This day is very important for the island of Chios and thousands of visitors travel to the island for this cause. In fact, a lot of pilgrims actually walk all the way from Chios Town to the monastery of Agia Markella, a distance of 45 km, as a kind of solemn promise to the saint.