Unnamed Greek island, popularly known as "the perfumed island," calls for immediate discovery.
Uncovering the Hidden Charm of Chios: Where History Meets Nature
Ever wondered about that mysterious island nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea? Say hello to Chios, a hidden gem far from the tourist crowds.
Swimming in Chios's crystal-clear waters isn't the only thing this island offers. With roots tangled in ancient legends and the production of a unique botanical treasure, this fifth-largest Greek island has a captivating story to share.
Want to venture off the beaten path? Here are some articles to check out:
- The Mysteries of the Mastic: The Rare Resin Making the Island Bloomed
- Greece's Hidden Gems: 10 Enchanting Islands to Explore Before Everyone Else
- Adventure Awaits: Your Ultimate Guide to Unknown Greek Island Escapades
Chios: A Land of Contrasts and Time-Frozen Villages
Once Catholic and Genoese, then Ottoman, Italian, and Greek – Chios's bewitching diversity leaves visitors spellbound. With Christopher Columbus himself stopping by in 1474, it's no wonder this "perfumed island" has a history rich and layered as the mastic-coated soil beneath its roots.
The lentisk, a magical plant found only in this corner of the world, produces mastic – a rare and precious resin used for centuries to flavor breath, indulge in Turkish delights, and pamper oneself with beauty treatments. Unsurprisingly, the area around this steeping-with-history plant is known as Mastihohoria and is proudly recognized on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2014.
Journey Through Time: Marvel at Chios's Must-See Sites
Chios Castle
Step back in time as you wander through the 14th-century walls of this majestic fortress, marveling at the splendor of the restored Ottoman bathhouses.
Nea Moni Monastery
A 10th-century religious and artistic powerhouse, this magnificent monastery stands tall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with beautiful mosaics.
Mastic Museum
Your trip to Chios wouldn't be complete without visiting the Mastic Museum in Pyrgi, where you can trace the origins of the famous resin and see traditional extraction methods brought to life in the open-air walk.
Korais Library
Calling all bibliophiles! Step inside the hundreds-of-years-old Korais Library in Chora, home to over 130,000 books, manuscripts, and rare editions that once littered the abode of scholars.
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems of Chios
Grotto of Agio Galas
Unearth the history of the Neolithic era as you walk through the Grotto of Agio Galas, marveling at its beautifully preserved carved wooden decoration.
Anavatos and Lithi Coves
Wander through the eerie streets of Anavatos, a ghost village frozen in time since the 19th-century, before catching the warm, authentic vibes of Lithi Cove, a picturesque fishing village.
With its hidden coves, enchanting villages, and intoxicating history, Chios is an island that demands to be explored, revealing its secrets one scent, one story, and one experience at a time.
Join the JourneyDive Deeper into Greece's PastPlan Your Next Adventure
For those seeking a unique blend of history and lifestyle, discover the captivating allure of Chios in-flights magazine's Home-and-Garden section.As you traverse the cobblestone streets of Chios's time-frozen villages, immerse yourself in the local travel experiences, from marveling at UNESCO World Heritage sites to unearthing hidden gems off the beaten path.
