Chios Chandris
Chios - Prokymea
Overlooking the island’s harbour, Chios Chandris offers tastefully decorated rooms, executive and rooftop suites that open to a balcony.
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Chios is one of the most authentic seaside destinations in the North Aegean, where crystal-clear beaches alternate with medieval villages and thousand-year-old traditions. The mastic island offers a genuine seaside experience, far from the tourist crowds, with coastlines ranging from the rocky coves of the eastern side to the wide sandy expanses of the western side.
Located just 8 kilometres off the Turkish coast, Chios boasts over 200 kilometres of coastline with an extraordinary variety of seascapes. It is the fifth largest island in Greece and the tenth in the Mediterranean, and is situated between the islands of Samos, Ikaria and Lesvos. The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean bathe beaches ranging from sheltered bays perfect for families to wild meltemi-beaten coastlines ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Known as Homer’s homeland, Chios has an authentic character and a varied landscape where the famous cultivation of the unique ‘masticha’ tree, from which the liquid ‘masticha of Chios’ is extracted, is developed. They also produce the delicious fruits in syrup, made from a wide variety of fruits.
The coasts of Chios offer an extraordinary variety of bathing environments, from the organised beaches on the eastern side to the hidden coves that can only be reached by sea, guaranteeing the perfect choice for every type of holiday.
The island’s most famous black pebble beach stretches for over a kilometre in the south-western part of Chios. The volcanic pebbles smoothed by the sea create a spectacular contrast with the turquoise waters, while behind them rise steep limestone cliffs that provide natural shade during the hottest hours. The beach has two traditional tavernas and basic facilities, while remaining wild and unspoilt.
The most organised beach on the island is located just 8 kilometres from the capital, characterised by fine golden sand and shallow waters ideal for families. The 2-kilometre-long shoreline is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, while the presence of numerous resorts and tavernas guarantees comfort and services. The sloping sandy seabed also makes Karfas perfect for children, with areas dedicated to water sports such as windsurfing and sailing.
This secluded bay on the north-east coast is a small paradise for those seeking absolute tranquillity. Accessible via a 3-kilometre dirt road, Elinta offers clear sand and crystal-clear waters protected from the north winds. The beach is completely free and unorganised, surrounded by a natural pine forest that provides shade and refreshment.
Located on the south-east coast, this rocky cove is mainly frequented by locals who appreciate its authentic atmosphere. The deep, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkelling, while the taverna tables directly on the beach offer fresh fish with a sea view. The rocky seabed hides a rich marine fauna typical of the Aegean.
The cultural heritage of Chios ranges from UNESCO-recognised mastic villages to vestiges of the Genoese period, offering unique experiences that enrich any seaside holiday.
The capital and main port is Chios Town, a small but lively town on the east coast of the island, facing the coast of Turkey. There is a symbiosis of the traditional and the modern in its structures. The 14th century Chios Castle dominates the harbour with its mighty walls, while inside, cobbled alleys lead to the Bayrakli Mosque and the remains of the Byzantine cathedral. Aplotarià is the town’s traditional commercial street leading to the main Vounakiou Square.
The Archaeological Museum, with artefacts from the area, the ‘Orrido’ Cultural Centre, where theatre and music events are organised, and the Byzantine Museum are important. In addition, there is a valuable collection of books by A. Korais in the A. Korais Library, one of the most important in Greece, among the 130,000 volumes it contains.
The mastic villages in the south of the island are an experience not to be missed, with Pyrgi impressing with its black and white ‘xysta’ geometric decorations, and Mesta preserving its medieval fortified structure intact. The production of mastic, an aromatic resin extracted from mastic trees, still characterises these villages where it is possible to visit mastic museums and buy traditional products.
The monastery of Nea Moni is one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. Dating back to the 11th century, it was built by the Byzantine emperor Constantine Monomachos IX and his wife, Empress Zoe, on the site where three monks found a holy icon. Construction of the monastery began in 1042 and was completed by the year 1055. Today, the monastery covers an area of about 17,000 square kilometres and is run by only three monks. It is located west of the capital, in the hinterland of the island, and is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.
The Oinousses Islands, reachable in 40 minutes by ferry, offer unspoilt beaches and an even more authentic atmosphere, while Psara preserves evidence of the Greek War of Independence and hidden coves ideal for snorkelling. The proximity to the Turkish coast allows for day trips to Cesme, famous for its natural thermal baths and Ottoman old town.
Inland villages such as Avgonyma and Anavatos offer spectacular views and traditional architecture, while the Kourounia gorges offer trekking routes past waterfalls and natural pools. For those who prefer the sea, boat excursions along the west coast reveal sea caves and coves only accessible by sea.
The port area of Chios town offers the highest concentration of hotels and guest houses, with facilities ranging from boutique hotels in historic buildings to modern family-run guesthouses. This area provides easy access to ferries and major services, as well as a lively nightlife with traditional tavernas and waterfront cafes.
The Karfas coastline is an ideal choice for those seeking a beach holiday with all the comforts, hosting 4-star resorts and beachfront hotels with swimming pools and wellness centres. Accommodation also includes family-friendly flats and villas, many of which offer direct beach access and facilities for children.
Mastic villages in the south of the island offer authentic experiences in restored traditional houses and small family-run hotels, perfect for immersing oneself in the local culture. These accommodations, often featuring inner courtyards and traditional architecture, offer tranquillity and a unique atmosphere, while being a short distance from the island’s main beaches.
We offer a selection of hotels at Chios to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Chios, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Chios. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Chios are in high demand.
Chios can be reached mainly by sea from the port of Piraeus in Athens, with ferries operating year-round with a frequency of 3-4 trips per week. The journey takes about 8 hours with traditional ferries, while high-speed connections reduce the time to 5 hours and 30 minutes. During the summer, direct connections also link the island with Thessaloniki and other North Aegean islands such as Lesvos and Samos.
Chios Airport (JKH), located 4 kilometres from the city centre, offers regular flights with Athens operated by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, with a flight time of just 45 minutes. During the summer season, charter flights from several European cities are also available. From the airport, local buses and taxis provide a 10-minute connection to the centre, while car rental services are available directly at the airport.
Maritime connections also include daily ferries to and from Cesme in Turkey, crossing in just 30 minutes, making day trips possible. Major shipping companies such as Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways operate regular services, while during the summer additional services connect Chios with Mykonos and other Cycladic destinations.
What's the weather at Chios? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Chios for the next few days.
Chios is located in the northern Aegean, 8 kilometres from the Turkish coast and 225 kilometres from Athens. The island is 120 kilometres from Lesvos to the north and 180 kilometres from Samos to the south.
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