Chios Car Hire

Guide to Chios

Geography

Chios is Greece's fifth-largest island and is located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Crete. As a member of the North-Eastern Aegean Islands, Chios lies sandwiched between Lesvos and Ikaria in the Ionian Sea. At only 8 kilometres wide, the strait between the island and the Turkish peninsula separates it from Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The island of Chios is 850 square kilometres in size, with a 213-kilometre shoreline.

Climate in Chios

Chios has a Mediterranean climate, with moderate, wet winters and hot, sunny summers. In January and February, the average temperature is 10 ℃, whereas in July and August, the average temperature is 26.5 ℃. Averaging 650 millimetres per year, precipitation is concentrated from November to March, and thunderstorms are common. In the summer, it's almost always dry.

Culture

The medieval fortified settlements of Mesta, Olympi, Vessa, Kalamoti, and Pyrgi were built on Chios in the Middle Ages to guard against pirates. The settlements, on the other hand, are worth seeing for more than just their historical significance. As an example, in Pyrgi, the homes are ornamented with a distinctive "scraped" adornment. Nobody knows for sure whether the technology came from Turkey or Byzantium, but locals assume it did.

Things to do in Chios

Visit the Nea Moni Monastery

The Monastery of Nea Moni in Chios, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1990, is one of Greece's oldest and wealthiest monasteries, dating back to the 11th century. During the Turkish massacre of 1821, however, the monastery lost all of its former splendour and status when hundreds of its monks were slaughtered, the skulls of which may be viewed behind a glass case in a chapel near the entrance. It now covers around 17000 square metres and includes the katholikon, the cells, the dining room, and the chapel dedicated to St. Luke. The beauty of its paintings and mosaics in its katholikon, or main church, constructed by prominent Byzantine painters, will astound you.

Tour the Chios Mastic Museum

Chios is noted for its mastic gum exports and has been dubbed "The Mastic Island." You'll enjoy exploring the cutting-edge Mastic Museum, which is positioned on a hill midway between Pyrgi and Mavro Volia beaches. The displays at this architectural marvel of a museum demonstrate the production and uses of the mastic tree, as well as its effect on local lifestyle and culture, while overlooking mastic gardens and historic stone buildings. The sorrowful tale of mastic 'tears,' as the farmers termed the results of their labour, will move you.

Explore the Sykia Olympi Caves

The Sykia Olympi Caves, which date back 150 million years, were found by chance near the hamlet of Olympi in 1985. This 57-metre-deep natural wonder is loaded with stunning multi-coloured stalactites and other rock formations with amusing names like The Pipe Organ, Cacti, and Jellyfish. Inside, a humidity of 95% and a moderate temperature of 18°C are maintained for guests. The cave, which is really a 60-metre-wide canyon, is illuminated up by floodlights and requires some scrambling to enter the interiors through a tangle of platforms and ladders. Every half-hour, there is a guided tour.

Eating out in Chios

Chios has a number of superb tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy real Greek food. We've compiled a list of some of our favourites. Roussiko Thymiana is one of the best in Chios and has just moved closer to the beach. Grilled sardines and squid, homemade pasta, and stuffed aubergines and grape leaves are all delicious. If you want to improve your mood with some Italian flavours, go to Pastards, which serves traditional pasta and pizzas with fascinating variations. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the establishment is operated by young people. Meltemaki is a relaxed but popular restaurant that serves traditional fish with gourmet touches and has a beautiful view of the Aegean Archipelago.

Chios Transport

Airport

Chios Island National Airport (JKH) is the closest major airport to Chios, only 8 kilometres away from the city. In addition, Ikaria Island National Airport (JIK), which flies domestically from Ikaria and is 80 kilometers from Chios, is another important airport in the area.

Getting around Chios

There are several methods to get about the island. The major bus station is just across the street from the Town Hall. Regular buses run between Chios, Vrontados, Karfas, and Kampos, and there are additional buses that go to communities outside of Chios town. There are also burgundy and white taxis available, as well as silver taxis that take you to the villages. Chios is also connected by ferry to other prominent Greek islands. Car hire is also a popular option among visitors looking for maximum freedom and flexibility to get around the island.