Favorite Beaches
Agia Fotia: close and convenient, this beach is about 10 minutes away from Vavili. There are plenty of business along the water that offer food/drinks/lounge chairs. Just walk down, set up camp at a free chair and a sever will come and take your order.
Vroulidia: This beach is at the most southern part of the island, there is a small café run by a family at the top. You do have to walk down about 75 steps to get to the actual beach itself, but it is worth it! Good snorkeling beach.
Mavra Volia: Also known as "black rock beach" gorgeous beach is made from volcanic stones. No umbrellas but there is a kiosk that makes drinks and sells hot dogs).
Glaroi: This beach is about 30-40 minutes away from Vavili. It is north of the capital, Chios. The beach is smaller than Agia Fotia or Mavra Volia, but it offers food and drinks.
Viri Beach: Viri is a wonderful spot if you want to just kick back, listen to some music, and relax. They have food and drinks here as well as umbrellas. Lately, this beach has become more popular, so definitely go early to get a seat! Good snorkeling beach.
Definitely check out Kanellos Loukoumades in the village of Mesta! (Additional location now downtown) This place is DELICIOUS!! They offer savory and sweet loukoumades which are fried dough pieces offered with different toppings.
The mastic museum is a must see! This museum will take you through the history of the mastic tree but also of Chios. There are plenty of interesting things to learn and you can even walk through a Mastic field that is growing behind the museum, just be careful not to disturb the lime powder underneath the tree! There is also a gift shop that sells mastic products and functions as a café as well.
The castle is in downtown Chios. You can walk around and explore this area by foot. There are cafes inside, restaurants, and some people live within the castle walls full time. Additionally, you can walk up and check-out the Turkish baths that have been restored (you can't actually get into any water though). We recommend the coffee shop, Segreto, which is right in the first plaza of the castro. You can get anything from a coffee to a hamburger there.
The Chios archeology museum is located in downtown Chios. Lots of interesting artifacts to see and learn about!
Anavatos is an incredible village built into the mountain! Learn more here