Chios is the main town and a former municipality on the island of Chios, North Aegean, Greece. It is located on the eastern coast of the island facing the Turkish coastal town of Çeşme. The town has a population of 32,000 and is the administrative capital and main port of both the island and of the peripheral unit of Chios. Chios town is one of eight municipal units on the island.
Karfas is located 7 Km south of the town of Chios and is among the most well-known and loveliest beaches of Chios, with a fine sand suitable for beach games and relaxing sunbathing. Being a tourist center, Karfas has many hotels, apartments, studios, restaurants, taverns offering fresh seafood as well as cafes and bars.
This beautiful village lies only 5 km south of Chios Town. It is the closest village to the airport and one of the few places in Chios that preserves its medieval character, despite the fact that is situated close to the capital. Kampos has recently been proclaimed by the Ministry of Culture as a historical site. The historical course of the village begins from the Byzantine times, where most of the mansions were built but they were later ruined by the catastrophic earthquake of 1881. Today, there are many Neoclassical houses with traditional architecture which are well-preserved through time. Every mansion and estate is considered a unique masterpiece with exceptional architecture and most of them are two-stored with great gardens and colorful terraces. The surrounding area is covered with citrus trees and mastic trees. The narrow streets and the typical architecture of the stone houses are the most important features of this beautiful settlement.
Megas Limnionas the haven of the very beautiful village of Thymiana located approximately 9 km south of the town of Chios. Small pebbles and coarse sand compose the texture of the beach is shallow. Organization has at parasols and ideal for families with children.
The small village of Mesta is located 35 km south west of Chios Town, in the area called Mastihochoria (Mastic Villages). Mesta used to be a heavy producer of mastic and its inhabitants were wealthy, as testify today the beautiful mansions. It has about 400 inhabitants and is the best preserved medieval village of Chios. The houses are built attached one to another, forming a fortified wall. This is one of the finest examples of defensive architecture. Narrow cobbled alleys are winding around the houses, leading to the lovely central square. The wonderful traditional architecture of Mesta is protected and all interventions alternating the original architectural style are prohibited. The inhabitants of the village are also preserving their traditional customs and traditions.
Agia Fotini (Agia Fotia) is one of the most crowded beaches of the island with large pebbles and deep water. Cafes, taverns, mini markets and lodgings can be found in the area. Just before the beach, the road passes by the church of St Fotini where the location took its name from.
Located about 40km away from the capital of the island, Volissos has a long history. At Volissos, as to Thoukidedes, there was once an ancient Aeolic city, and the rumor that it was the birthplace of Homer is still a legend told.
On the top of the hill was built a castle in the medieval times. The Byzantine castle has a trapezoid shape with six circular towers. Inside the castle there were several buildings, cisterns and churches. There was also a tunnel connecting the castle with the seashore and the Pithonas district.
Volissos is the biggest village in NW Chios - Amani mountain area - and it’s the capital of Municipality of Amani.
Agios Minas is a former municipality on the island of Chios, North Aegean, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Chios, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located on the central east coast of the island, just south of Chios (town). Its land area is 13.049 km²
Kardamyla is a village and a former municipality on the island of Chios, North Aegean, Greece. It is located in the northeastern corner of the island, opposite the island of Oinousses to the east. It has a land area of 182.480 km². Kardamyla, the seat of the former municipality, is located on the coast of a small bay. The homes, shops and plateia of the village are on one side of the bay facing Agios Markos and cliffs which are located on the opposite side of the bay. On clear days, the island of Lesbos can be seen in the distance beyond the bay enclosure. It is a short boat ride from the neighbouring island of Oinousses. Both Oinousses and Kardamyla are known as the home villages of Greek ship-owners.
Sights in the village include "The V", a large white V painted on the cliffs facing the village. It was created after World War II to celebrate the "V"ictory of the Allies, and is kept painted white every year since. Kardamylitians are proud of it and many take on the challenge of cliff-climbing to it.
This picturesque port lies 28 km south west of Chios town and 6 km from Pyrgi. This small, isolated seaside village is well-known for Mavra Volia and Foki, two wonderful beaches with black sand and pebbles that have debouched from the extinct volcano of Psarona. For the sand lovers, there is the beach of Komi, in a distance of 2 km from Emporios. There are many traditional taverns around the lovely port serving excellent local dishes. Emporios is a place of great historical importance. Archaeologists have found there remains from prehistoric settlements. The famous area of Dotia is overgrown with mastic trees and it is a lovely site that the visitors should not miss. In this area there are also the remains of a Medieval castle, one of the few sites in Emporios.
Vokaria is close to the Chios Mastic Museum and the famous black volcanic stone beach, Mavra Volia.
