Hios (Chios) belongs to the Northeastern Aegean Islands and it is the fragrant island of mastic, the "chew in chewing gum", produced by trees that grow nowhere else in the world.

Hios is blessed with many natural beauties and its versatile landscape is a heaven for all those who love sports. You can enjoy swimming and other water sports at its beautiful beaches of Chori, Elinda, Karfas, Komi, Mavra Volia, Nagos, Scala Volissou or Limia and Vroulidia, which offer crystal clear waters and golden sand.

Hios is a lively town on the east coast of the island, opposite the shores of ancient Ionia. A happy blend of traditional and modern, it has a large medieval castle which dominates the harbour. Its walls enclose the old section of town, whose houses are embellished with lattice windows and balconies. There exists an archaeological museum, the Museum of Modern Greek Sculpture and the Korai Library, which is one of the most important in Greece, containing 95,000 volumes, including the founder's collection of rare books, and an exhibit of local costumes.

The Mastichohoria or Mastic villages have retained their vivid medieval character. The first village, Armolia is known for its pottery and its ruined Genoese castle. Pirgi is the second and largest village. The impressive architecture is showcased in its three-storey houses. Black and white geometrical shapes (ksista) and themes taken from nature provide the front view of the village houses with an original culture and an abundance of folklore elements.

In the archaeological site of Phanes, you will find the Temple of Apollo. Emborios, a typical seaside village, offers a wonderful beach, which is amazingly composed of black pebbles. Mesta, a village of yesterday, full of narrow lanes, arches, stone benches and small circular towers, combines modern life with a romantic atmosphere. The fishing hamlet of Limenas offers delightful beaches for bathing. Vrontados boasts of the famous "Daskalopetra" (Teacher's Rock), where legend maintains Homer used to teach. Langadas is a picturesque fishing village and an ancient naval and military base.

Kardamyla (with Nagos as its resort) and Marmaro are two well known nautical Mediterranean fishing villages set at the back of little bays with a variety of delightful places to swim. Volissos, one of Chios's most beautiful villages, where the remains of a Byzantine castle are and it is said to be the place where St. Marcella, a local Saint is worshipped. The road passes through impressive mountain scenery with wonderful views towards the sea. The fishing hamlet of Limia is where you can board the caique that sails to Psara and the Monastery of Agia Markela.

In the hills stands Nea Moni, the island's most important Byzantine monument, containing extraordinary frescoes and mosaics. Anavatos Settlement is built on an acropolis and is haunted by history and myths. In the same area you will find the buildings of the semi-abandoned village of Avgonima. Kambos offers up its serene beauty and fragrances. Thymaria breathes life to its elegant, Genoese stone mansions, beautiful pebbled yards, fountains, cisterns and orchards.

Come, relax, play, honeymoon and give yourself and your kids if applicable, the vacation you’ve always wanted and never will forget, as the memories you make will forever remain within your heart, soul and mind.