Pyrgi
Pyrgi, Chios, is one of the most characteristic villages in Greece. To this day, the village retains its authentic character and serves as the heart of the historic Mastic Villages region of Chios.
The famous *xysta*—the black-and-white geometric patterns of etched plaster adorning house facades—make every corner of the village unique. Walking through the narrow alleys, amidst stone arches, small squares, and medieval houses, the visitor feels as though they have traveled back to another era.
The village is home to more than 40 churches and chapels, the most significant one being the historic Church of the Holy Apostles in Pyrgi—one of Chios's most important Byzantine monuments—which stands out for its architecture and ancient frescoes.
In the evenings, Pyrgi takes on a distinctive vibe as the village's central square comes alive with music and lively crowds. It is renowned for its traditional festivals held throughout the year, while in the summer, the popular "After" club—located just a short distance away—offers cocktails, music, and a summer atmosphere that perfectly combines village tradition with modern entertainment.
Pyrgi serves as an ideal base for discovering southern Chios, its beaches, the Mastic Villages, and the more authentic, less touristic side of the island.
Chios Mastic
Mastic is inextricably linked to Chios and is one of the main reasons the island has retained its authentic character to this day. Its aroma, taste, and beneficial health properties have made it renowned worldwide since ancient times.
The small, aromatic "tears" of mastic are produced exclusively in southern Chios, through a traditional process passed down from generation to generation for centuries.
During the summer, in the fields surrounding Pyrgi, visitors can witness the traditional "scoring" of the mastic trees up close and experience a way of life deeply rooted in the land and local history—creating images and memories that stay with the visitor long after the journey has ended.
Chios Mastic Museum
Located approximately 15 minutes from Pyrgi V&F Suites is the Chios Mastic Museum, a modern facility dedicated to Chios's most well-known product.
Through images, traditional tools, and interactive presentations, visitors discover the history of mastic and the way it has been cultivated for centuries in the Mastic Villages.
Surrounded by mastic trees and overlooking the natural landscape of southern Chios, the museum offers an experience that connects tradition with the island's daily life and helps the visitor understand why mastic is an integral part of Chios's identity.
Mavra Volia Beach
The impressive Mavra Volia Beach, one of the most famous beaches of Chios, is located about 10 minutes away from the house.
The distinctive black pebbles, the result of ancient volcanic activity, create a landscape of unique natural beauty. The deep, crystal-clear waters, the dark rocks, and the area's rugged beauty make this place even more unique.
It is the ideal location for moments of relaxation, summer swims, and enjoying the rare natural beauty of the island's southern side.
The Chios Experience
Chios is an island that does not try to impress—and perhaps this is why it is unforgettable.
Far removed from mass tourism and a hectic pace, it retains an authentic, unpretentious character that is rarely found on Greek islands these days. Here, the travel experience lies in the small moments: the quiet village alleys, the scent of mastic in the summer air, seaside strolls, and evenings that drift slowly by beneath a starry sky.
Chios uniquely combines medieval history, tradition, nature, and authentic Greek hospitality. From the Mastic Villages and distinctive beaches to the island's local aromas and flavors, every aspect reveals a different experience.
It is a destination for those seeking something more meaningful—a summer filled with vivid images, a sense of freedom, and moments etched in memory.
The Kampos of Chios
Kampos, Chios, is one of the most distinctive and aristocratic areas of the island.
Old mansions, high stone walls, pebble-paved courtyards, and lush green gardens filled with citrus trees create a landscape unlike anything else on Chios.
Traversing Kampos, the visitor discovers a calmer and more elegant side of the island, where history, architecture, and the scents of orange and mandarin trees come together to create a unique experience.
Anavatos
Built atop a sheer cliff rising approximately 400–450 meters, Anavatos in Chios—a medieval castle-village in the center of the island—seems frozen in time.
The abandoned medieval village—also known as the "Mystras of the Aegean"—retains an atmosphere of peace, history, and deep emotion to this day. Built to be naturally fortified, its houses stand huddled together, forming a single, unified fortress.
It was destroyed following the Chios Massacre of 1822 and the earthquake of 1881; since then, it has been abandoned, remaining as a "living monument." Today, it is virtually a deserted settlement, with very few inhabitants—or perhaps just one.
The view of the Aegean, the stone houses, and the landscape's unique energy create an experience that visitors are unlikely to forget.
Saint Markella
The Monastery of Saint Markella is a unique place in Chios that stirs deep emotions.
Built by the sea, amidst a stunning natural landscape, it is a significant religious, serene place for the island's residents and visitors.
Saint Markella is considered the patron saint of Chios, and every year thousands of pilgrims visit the monastery to honor her memory.
Yet, even for those who do not travel for religious reasons, the location and atmosphere of the place create a sense of calm and inner peace.
