Chios travel guide

GR
Photo: Nida Oral / Unsplash

Chios is a region of Greece, an island in the Aegean Sea 8 km off the Turkish coasts. The population is about 54,000 (2019), with an area of 904 km². Chios or Chora is a port and the island's chief town. The island is famous for its scenery and good climate. Its chief export is mastic but it also produces olives, figs, and wine. Its international fame is based on the size and quality of its shipping community. Regional Unit Of Chios Department of Tourism, ☏ +30 22713-50514, +30 22713-50516, tourismos@chios.pvaigaiou.gov.gr.

Practical guide

Get around

You can bring a car using the boats, or you can rent one there. Chios is a big island and if you want to get around (out of the place where you are staying you have to have wheels) you better rent a car or motorbike. Renting a bicycle is also an option if you are not traveling big distances. Chios is a relatively large island, and some areas are quite far from others. For this reason, a private car is probably necessary for you to get to know Chios better. There are several car rental companies. The highway network of Chios is decent. The main intercity roads are in good condition, with proper signposting.

See

1 Nea Moni — a UNESCO World Heritage listed monastery 2 Anavatos — a byzantine village monument with tower-like houses. Mastiha Museum, Θέση Ράχη (Τεπέκι) 82 102, ☏ +30 2271 072212. An emblematic museum dedicated to Mastiha (mastic), a unique product coming from the mastic plant Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia. (updated Jan 2017) Maritime Museum of Chios, 20, St. Tsouri Street, ☏ +30 22710 44139. M-Sa 10:00-14:00. A private museum that was established to maintain, present and preserve the long maritime tradition of the island. (updated Jan 2017)

Eat

To Mestousiko, Mesta, Chios (east of the main square), ☏ +30 22710 76458. Daily 10:00 to 23:00 (or later). Small grill with outdoor seating, run by George and Marina Pannadi year-round. The menu has grilled sandwiches, souvlaki, and Greek (horiatiki) salads. Located a block from the town square directly behind the new church of Taxiarchis (Archangels). To reach the restaurant, walk to the right and turn into the first alley. When you see the church, turn right. in expensive. Mastelo, a local cheese that can be grilled

Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.

Getting there

Columbus Chios · compare all ways Where to stay in Chios

Best time to visit Chios — climate

Jan: ~16°C daytime, 14 rainy days 16° JanFeb: ~11°C daytime, 11 rainy days 11° FebMar: ~18°C daytime, 10 rainy days 18° MarApr: ~19°C daytime, 8 rainy days 19° AprMay: ~25°C daytime, 5 rainy days 25° MayJun: ~34°C daytime, 1 rainy days 34° JunJul: ~36°C daytime, 0 rainy days 36° JulAug: ~34°C daytime, 0 rainy days 34° AugSep: ~30°C daytime, 1 rainy days 30° SepOct: ~22°C daytime, 11 rainy days 22° OctNov: ~20°C daytime, 12 rainy days 20° NovDec: ~15°C daytime, 7 rainy days 15° Dec

Weather in Chios

Fri ☀️ 31° 26° 💧0%
Sat 🌤️ 28° 22° 💧0%
Sun ☁️ 30° 23° 💧0%
Mon ☀️ 31° 26° 💧0%
Tue ☀️ 31° 26° 💧0%
Wed ☀️ 33° 26° 💧0%
Thu ☀️ 32° 25° 💧0%

In Aug, Chios typically sees ~34°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.

Round out the trip

Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-08-28. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.