VOLTES RESIDENCESSights
The Apolichnon Castle is located northwest of the village of Armolia, in the region of the Mastihochoria, and is 17 km away from the village of Mesta. It was built in 1440 by the Genoese nobleman Nikolaos Banka Giustiniani.
The castle is constructed in a trapezoidal shape, surrounded by double walls, and has 62 rooms inside. It features a large tower and smaller defensive towers at the upper corners.
Its location is such that it offers a commanding visual control over the fields of Kalamoti and Armolia, as well as the sea area of Komi.
The Cave of the Olympians, located about 10 km from the village of Mesta, is a stunning natural wonder that was only discovered in 1985. Guided tours began in 2002, and although the cave is relatively small, it is filled with beautiful formations created by mineral deposits. Majestic stalactites hang from the ceiling like folds of material, while stalagmites rise from the floor, mimicking the appearance of water boiling and freezing in mid-explosion. The tour reaches a depth of 30 meters, though the cave extends over 50 meters in total.
Nea Moni
The Nea Moni of Chios is an ancient historic monastery, founded in 1042 AD, and is world-renowned for its exquisite mosaics. In 1990, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On August 29, 1822, Ottoman soldiers invaded the monastery. It is estimated that over 20,000 people were killed during the massacre. Every year, the people of Chios honor the memory of the victims, and Nea Moni remains a site of pilgrimage and remembrance.
Anavatos Village
Anavatos is a nearly abandoned medieval settlement in central Chios, which, according to the 2011 census, has just one resident. It is located at the top of a steep hill, 450 meters high, earning it the nickname “The Mystras of the Aegean.”
Anavatos is naturally fortified and surrounded by two gorges, with the only access to the village being from the north. (It is 43 km by road from Mesta.)
In Anavatos, there is a café/tavern offering food, and the landscape provides an ideal setting for a meal.
5 km from Anavatos is the village of Avgonima. (It is 40 km by road from Mesta.)
The village is built at an altitude of 500 meters and is listed among the medieval villages of the island. It is worth a visit to admire their unique fortress-like architectural style.
10 km from Avgonima, you will find one of the most famous beaches of Chios, Elinda beach, with its calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters, without beach bars or sunbeds. The beach is sandy, while the sea has pebbles.
Also, 10 km from Avgonima, you can visit the well-known Trachili Beach, with its clean, blue waters, attracting those who seek peaceful dives away from the crowds.
Pyrgi Village
Pyrgi is one of the Mastihohoria – the mastic-producing villages of southern Chios – and the largest among them. It lies just 10 km from Mesta. Rich in folklore, archaeological heritage, and linguistic uniqueness, Pyrgi is a cultural gem.
The village is characterized by its narrow streets and tall, closely packed houses, most of them two or three stories high, forming continuous rows along the winding alleys.
Just 10 km from the village, you’ll find one of the most iconic beaches on the island – Mavra Volia. Also known by locals as Mavros Gialos, this beach is among the most enchanting in the world. Its name, meaning “Black Pebbles,” comes from the striking black volcanic stones, remnants of the now dormant Psaronas volcano, which give the shore its dramatic and otherworldly appearance.
The Cave of Olympoi
Just 5 kilometers away lies the village of Olympoi, one of the roughly 22 villages in southern Chios where the unique mastic tree is cultivated. About 3 kilometers from the village, you’ll find a small cave with an impressive natural display of stalactites. This hidden gem was only discovered in 1985, making it a relatively recent addition to the island’s natural wonders.
Nearby, you’ll also find Agia Dynami Beach, located 8 kilometers from Olympoi village. This secluded beach, with its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere, offers the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and quiet beauty.
The Chios Mastic Museum
Located in southern Chios, the Chios Mastic Museum is a truly unique destination that showcases the rich history and tradition of mastic cultivation. Through an engaging and immersive experience, visitors have the chance to explore the full journey of mastic – from the tree to the final product – and learn about the traditional techniques and craftsmanship required to cultivate this rare and precious resin.
The museum offers a multi-dimensional learning experience that includes an introductory film, detailed scale models, and original machinery used in the production process. In the open-air section of the museum, visitors can come into direct contact with the mastic tree and the natural landscape in which it thrives, gaining an authentic sense of the island’s environment.
A visit to the Chios Mastic Museum is not just educational – it is an invitation to connect with the cultural heritage of the island. This one-of-a-kind destination beautifully blends tradition, nature, and culture, offering visitors a meaningful and memorable experience.
Citrus Museum
If you haven’t yet tasted the famous Chios mandarins, a visit to the Citrus Museum is a must. Housed in an impressive 1742 mansion in the heart of Chios’s renowned Kampos region, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and tradition of the island’s citrus fruits.
Its title, “Citrus – The Scent of Memory,” reflects a deep desire to showcase the cultural heritage of Kampos and the vital role citrus cultivation has played in the local economy and daily life.
Right next to the museum, in a charming courtyard, you’ll find a cozy café and a small shop where visitors can sample and purchase traditional Chian treats—such as spoon sweets, marmalades, Turkish delights, and liqueurs. You’ll also discover handmade pasta infused with citrus, as well as almond-based sweets, all crafted exclusively by Citrus.
A visit to the Citrus Museum is a delightful blend of education and gastronomy—an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to discover the authentic flavors and traditions of Chios.
Chios Castle
A stroll through Chora (the town of Chios) wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Castle of Chios.
Located on the northern side of the island’s main port, Chios Castle held a strategic position at one of the narrowest crossings to the northern Aegean Sea, making it a key point of development from very early times. Excavations have revealed findings that indicate the presence of a thriving ancient city, as also mentioned by Herodotus. This Ionian city once featured a grand theater, a vast harbor capable of holding 80 ships, and a major temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Inside the castle walls, you’ll not only discover monuments from various historical periods, but also a living, breathing community. The castle still hosts a residential settlement that has remained continuously inhabited for centuries, now home to around 650 residents.
Aplotaria – The Heart of Chios Town
South of Chios’s main square stretches Aplotaria Street, the town’s central thoroughfare. This historic street runs through the core of the old town and still serves as the island’s main commercial hub, lined with shops that form a lively and vibrant marketplace.
Many of the buildings along Aplotaria date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, including grand townhouses and neoclassical residences that give the street its elegant character. Toward the eastern end of Aplotaria, a side street leads to several landmarks: the historic Chios Gymnasium, founded in 1792, the Metropolitan Church, and the Korais Library, which houses over 135,000 volumes. The upper floor of the library hosts a gallery and a folklore museum, offering a deeper look into the island’s cultural heritage.
If you’re feeling hungry, don’t miss the chance to dine at Hotzas Tavern, the oldest tavern in Chios. Chef Giannis Linos (Hotzas) serves authentic home-cooked dishes and traditional local specialties that showcase the flavors of Chios. Just make sure to book days before because the tavern operates by reservation only!
