What to do in Chios in 1 day

For you, I have prepared a guide for a day trip to Chios Island, one of the most enjoyable islands of Greece, which you can easily reach with a 20-minute boat journey from Çeşme district of İzmir.

What to do in Chios?

Chios Island Centre

Armolia Village

Pirgi

Mesta

Taxiarchis Church (Church of the Archangels)

Perris

1. Chios Island Centre

After a 20-minute cruise from Çeşme Port, you arrive at the centre of Chios Island. Chios, the 5th largest island of Greece, is famous for its deep blue beaches and delicious seafood. First, you will arrive in the center of the island.From here, there are many companies where you can rent a car to travel around the island easily. I recommend you to visit the Chios Windmills located close to the centre without visiting the medieval villages on the island. You should also definitely go to Hotzas tavern and have a dinner

2. Armolia Village

Since the island was frequently subjected to pirate invasions during the Middle Ages, the inhabitants of the island generally organised the settlement towards the inner parts of the island in order to protect themselves. The medieval villages, which you should definitely see in Chios, were built like a labyrinth in order to be protected from pirates.Armolia is a medieval village famous for its mastic trees, which also gave its name to the island. The village, which is about 20 km from the centre, is a point where you can easily observe the mastic trees and the effect of these trees on the culture, where you can buy mastic liquor, which has a high gastronomic value of the island, and a wide variety of medicinal products made from mastic.Agios Dimitrios church and Panagia church are also located in Armolia.Apolichnon Castle was built in 1446 during the Byzantine period and the administrative centre of Chios villages was established by the Genoese. It is one of the well-preserved artefacts.

3. Pirgi

Pirgi, another important medieval village of the island, is also known as the painted village because of its geometric patterned houses.Pirgi is a must-visit village with its historical richness, lively square and unique architecture and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list.The exterior of Pirgi houses are decorated with XYSTA technique, that is, hand carving on plaster. This turns the village into a work of art.There is an important historical church to visit in the village.The Church of Agioi Apostoli is a marvellous Byzantine Period work built in the 13th century.The other is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. It was built in 1694 and its facade is a beautiful example of Prygi architecture.Don't leave without sitting in the square and drinking gummy soda.

4. Mesta

The streets of Mesta, which is a labyrinth village just like Pirgi, is a place where you should definitely get lost.The stone houses, narrow and arched streets in the village, which is about 35 km from the centre of the island, are fairy tales.Byzantine buildings are quite remarkable. The watchtowers built with a five-cornered architectural structure have achieved great success in preventing invasions.This church is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The locals often refer to the church as the "Great Taxiarchi". This is to distinguish it from the Taxiarchi church that used to stand on the same site. The locals refer to the old church as "Old Taxiarchi".The New Taxiarchi Church or the Church known as "Great Taxiarchi" is located on the site of the tower of the village castle. When it was decided to demolish the castle, the Church was built in its place and the church was completed in 1868.The square next to the church often hosts local festivals.

5. Taxiarchis Church (Church of the Archangels)

The Church of Taxiarchis (Church of the Archangels) is dedicated to Michael and Gabriel. It is one of the largest high schools  in Chios and Greece.

6. Perris

It is a very pleasant place in the centre with its wonderful mastic coffee and mastic cookies.

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