Activities and idea

Walk in silence

The passing of time often takes settlements with it, leaving behind silence and abandonment. These settlements, once full of children's voices and human toil, today become ideal photography backdrops for those looking for the special and the unique.

Start your tour from the settlement of Ta Markou, near Pispilounda, where the ruins of the tower bear witness to a rich history of habitation. Indulge in the magic of Palaia Potamia, a village that was abandoned in the early 70s due to diseases from excessive humidity. This village is famous for the richest musical tradition of the region.

Continue your journey to Kamini, below the present-day settlement of Chalandros, where furnaces for the production of charcoal used to operate. The road will take you to Nenituria, to discover the only abandoned of the four settlements of the Community, which once made up the "United States of Nenituria".

Don't forget to ask a local to drive you to Andrachlia, a settlement named after the abundant amount of gypsophila, then known as "antrachla". Your tour will end in Agios Giannis, an abandoned settlement above Agios Galas. Light a candle in the homonymous church and indulge in the magic of the dreamy sunset. There is also a bird observatory on site, offering a unique experience for nature lovers.

In the remains of human toil

Northwest Chios is filled with remnants of human labor, scattered throughout the area. Threshers, taps, watermills, mills and watermills, ovens and presses, each with its own history and construction, simple or elaborate, are eagerly awaiting their emergence.

In Parparia, ask to be shown the ornate meromilo of Tsoukalas. On the way back, rest at Apeso Vrysi, a place of rest and recreation that maintains its tradition to this day. At the entrance of Trypi, above the current bridge, you will find an impressive but abandoned watermill.

In Agios Galas, in the cell of Agiogalousaina, you will be transported to another era, visiting the photographic exhibition depicting the life of the residents in the three years 1958-1960. Towards Nenitouria, take the dirt road that leads to the windmill of Kolokytha. Near Nenitouria Square, wander through the countless threshing floors and animal watering troughs.

On the way to the plain of Agiasmata, stop at the antimony mining galleries of Keramos, a place of sacrifice for many workers who suffered from pneumoconiosis. The Folklore Museum of Leptopoda will surprise you with the objects of daily use, while in the square of Chalandron you will photograph a uniquely preserved wood oven.

Closing your circle in Volissos, barba Thomas Tsolakis will take you on a tour of his Samaradiko. In the wider area of northwestern Chios, two liotrivia - one in Katavasis and one in Pitios - will tell you how the everyday life of those years literally took the oil out of people.

To organize these visits, it is necessary to have a suitable guide. The help of the Tourist Office of the "Pityos Destination" CounSEp will be valuable to you.

Pilgrimage to holy place

How much blessing of Saints can fit in such a small land? Starting from the city of Chios, the pilgrimage begins at the recently reconstructed Church of Saints Isidoros and Myropis, near the Hospital, where the catacombs with the tombs of the Saints are also located. Going up the bends of Aipus, we worship the Skete of Agios Makarios.

At the entrance of Pityous, we light a candle in the Church of Agios Georgios Hiopolitis, a new martyr of our faith, with the hagiographies that chronicle his short life. In Dieicha, the Monastery of Mundos compensates us with the most beautiful and subversive hagiographic decoration of the island. Very close, in Katavasi, is the Church of Agia Matrona, where the Saint, originally from Volissos, lived as a monk for several years.

In the Holy Pilgrimage of Saint Markella, we will take "golden thread and red ribbon" and walk to the Agiasma to be cleansed by the holy springing water. In Piramas, we will admire the wood-carved iconostasis of Agios Ioannis and we will end up in Agios Galas, with the most beautiful religious tradition of Chios. There, the sanctuary in the cave and the dazzling wood-carved iconostasis with the pregnant angels await us to admire.

On our return to the city of Chios, we will visit the imperial monastery of Nea Moni, one of the two protected Greek religious monuments by UNESCO, with its famous mosaics. Finally, the Monastery of Help, with the tomb of Agios Anthimos, will close our spiritual tour, leaving us full of blessing and satisfaction.

Dives in clear water

The icy waters, therefore crystal clear, of the beaches of Sidirounda and Volissos create a picturesque coastline with countless coves and small or even larger beaches, some of which seem like hidden secrets.

Around Sidirounda, the beaches of Elinda, Tigani, Gyali and Makria Ammos offer us endless pleasant moments and enchanting sunsets, making us feel like Robinson for a whole day.

In Volissos, the huge beach of Managros offers a sense of absolute privacy, while at the beaches of Gonia, Lefkathia, Limnos and Agia Markella you will find services that go hand in hand with the impeccable quality of the waters.

The volcanic landscape of the remote beach of Agios Georgios Krasas in Nenitouria, accessible via a 4-kilometer dirt road, offers a unique environment, while for thermalism lovers there is the spa center of Agiasmata, where the water is even suitable for drinking therapy.

Flavors with the local temp

There are places that win you over through the flavors. In the area, most small restaurants, either seasonal or year-round, serve dishes with locally produced ingredients and treat every customer as a warm friend. At "Makelos" in Pitios, the livestock cuisine is at its height, while the story present there is worth hearing. At "Pefko" in Dieucha, you can enjoy local snacks. At "Petrina Square" in Kipouries, you can enjoy a meal under the coolness of the plane trees.

At "Agerino" in Phyta, you will discover a more modern creative cuisine. In Agiasmata, Maria's wood-fired oven offers you cooked food, while in the "Agios Galas" multipurpose hall, Tasia welcomes you with local flavors in a dreamy environment with running water, suitable for children.

In Pirama, the decorators Kostas and Eleni create a special atmosphere. In the coastal area of Volissos, you can enjoy fish at "Limanaki", at the port of Limnia, and at the tavern of Agia Markella.

For ouzo and flavors, "Gia Ouzaki" in the center of the village is the best choice, while the tavern in Pythona square and "Voliskos" just before Christos square offer delicious crepes, waffles and sweets.

For wine lovers, the wineries "Ktima Kefala" in Volissos and "Ariousios" in Egrigoros are a complete experience.

What man saved

The concern of the current inhabitants of the area has left its mark on small museum relics, which invite you to take an excellent tour. The evergreen Thomas Tsolakis in Volissos will guide you through the art of samarium and share with you the stories of how he rescued items from his personal collection.

In Leptopoda, the self-managed cafe "Ebolos" will transport you to old times, where the locals met for suma or coffee. In Nenitouria, the Educational History House will allow you to experience the educational process as it was in the 60s. In Kourounia, the Ecclesiastical Museum presents examples of the ecclesiastical tradition and the hagiographies of Panagiotis. In Pirama, a photographic exhibition in the village tower invites you on a journey into the past.

The cycle is completed in Volissos with the archaeological collection for the power of "Ariusian wine", the wine that was renowned since ancient times. For your visit, it is recommended to make prior arrangements or contact the Tourist Office of the "Pityos Destination" Tourist Office.

Nature at its best

Especially in spring, northwest Chios emerges into a world of wonders. It emits the air of island life, while its natural beauty combines the colors and rich vegetation of the continental environment. In Volissos, next to the Malangiotis river, the route to Panagia ton Neromylon is a unique walk. A second path, with the fragrant aroma of herbs, connects Volissos with Old Potamia. From Egrigoros to Agiasmata, a path is lined by oaks, olives and plane trees, ending in the blue Aegean. Equally enchanting is the route from Egrigoros to Kourounia, as well as from Nenitouria to Panagia Evangelistria.

Deep in the three-story cave of Agios Galaktos, nature reveals its subterranean secrets. There, we find the first traces of human habitation on the island, together with the favorite place of worship of Agiogalousaina. Finally, the coastal area of Melanios offers us an image of absolute awakening, where the waves meet eternity. Here we pay tribute to the victims of the Chios Massacre in 1822.

Discover an island where nature, history, and tradition blend harmoniously.

Chios, famous for its mastic trees, offers a unique atmosphere shaped by medieval villages, crystal-clear beaches, and warm local hospitality.

Walk through the narrow alleys of Mesta and Pyrgi, admire the colorful geometric façades, explore hidden coves along the coast, and taste authentic island flavors.

Whether you seek relaxation, culture, or adventure, Chios invites you to experience the genuine soul of the Aegean peaceful, welcoming, and unforgettable.