Hello from Chios, Greece’s 5th Largest Island!
Located in the Northern Aegean, just a 30-minute ferry ride from İzmir-Çeşme, Chios stole our hearts with its mastic trees, delicious seafood, breathtaking sunsets, medieval villages dating back nearly 500 years, and pristine beaches!
When you dive deeper into the history of this land, which has been cultivating mastic since the 7th century, you discover that many civilizations have passed through, wars have taken place, and it has been occupied by Saracen pirates, Persians, Genoese, Venetians, the Ottoman Empire, and the Roman Empire in an ongoing tug-of-war. Tragic events such as the Chios Massacre also mark its past. So, beyond its stunning beaches, I believe this island is worth visiting for its legendary villages like Pyrgi, Mesta, and Olympia, as well as the 11th-century Nea Moni Monastery.
Now, let me briefly introduce the island before sharing my experience at the Chios Mastic Museum.
Upon arriving at the island’s center via ferry (you can also bring your car on the ferry if insured), you can get around by taxi or rent a car/motorbike from a local company. Public transportation is not available everywhere, and it doesn’t seem very convenient. We stayed at a hotel in Karfas Beach, just 7 km from the island center. With its shallow, long sandy shore and a sea-view overlooking Çeşme’s coastline, this location was perfect for relaxation. If I were to visit again, I would still prefer to stay near Karfas.
Two excellent restaurants I highly recommend in Karfas Beach are Karatzas and Oasis. Both have rich menus and serve incredibly delicious food—Greek cuisine on Chios is simply outstanding! Must-try dishes include tzatziki, Greek salad, garides (shrimp), kalamarakia (calamari), barbouni (red mullet), and of course, grilled octopus. Since these restaurants are right on the beach, you can sip a cold frappé while sunbathing!
We planned a 5-day trip, balancing exploration and relaxation. After enjoying a few days in Karfas Beach, we rented a car from a local company and set out to discover the island.
Our first stop was Mesta, a true medieval village with 500 years of history, stone houses, labyrinthine streets, charming squares, and beautiful churches. After sipping frappés in the village square, we took a swimming break at Agia Dinami Beach, then headed toward Pyrgi.
As soon as you arrive in Pyrgi, you understand why it’s the most famous village on Chios. It has a unique architectural atmosphere and is known as the “painted village” of the island. Buildings are decorated with intricate black and white motifs using a technique called Xysta, making the entire village feel like an open-air art exhibition—you might not want to leave!
If you have extra time, visit Komi and Emporios beaches near Pyrgi. Komi is a great option with facilities where you can spend an entire day.
Chios Mastic Museum
After summarizing our experience, let’s talk about the Chios Mastic Museum, located 25 minutes from the island center.
This museum beautifully explains everything about the mastic tree, which has sustained the island’s economy for centuries. Designed in harmony with the local topography, the museum uses modern architecture to present the entire journey of mastic—from cultivation to production—through visual, tactile, and immersive experiences, including multimedia displays.
The museum’s garden is filled with mastic trees, thyme, sage, and other native plants, creating a symbiotic relationship between nature and the architecture. The structure consists of two parallel wings, half-buried into the landscape, ensuring visitors gradually immerse themselves in the experience. The entrance is at the highest point of the site, offering breathtaking views as you descend into the exhibition area. Local traditional music welcomes you at the entrance, enhancing the sensory experience—like a 3D or 4D journey where the more senses engaged, the greater the enjoyment!
The museum also features an original mastic factory section, designed as a two-story interactive exhibition space. Each exhibition area is uniquely designed: for example, the section narrating Chios’ history is intentionally dark, creating a striking atmosphere that helps visitors absorb its significance.
The museum’s architecture is a hybrid structure of concrete, stone, wood, and steel. Glass panels are supported by custom steel frames, independent of the wooden structural system, giving the space a warm and aesthetic feel.
Designed by KIZIS Studio, an architectural firm with a long-standing presence in Greece, the museum was completed in 2016 and won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award in 2017.
Before leaving, I highly recommend stopping by the museum café to enjoy a mastic soda or Greek coffee while admiring the spectacular view.
For more details and photos, check out the Chios Mastic Museum website.
Wishing you an amazing trip!
Cheers,
Betty
