Chios: The Mastic villages and other secret places
Beyond the experience of seeing and tasting the world-famous "tear" there are several interesting things to see and do.
Explore the Mastic villages of South Chios
Explore as many of the 24 Mastic Villages as you can. These villages preserve their medieval architecture, whose history begins in the middle of the 14th century, when the Genoese conquerors built these villages to house the lords who would control the production of mastic. Today most of them retain intact the characteristics of a medieval fortified settlement. Spend at least one day in Pyrgi and Mesta. The first is known as the "painted village" with a special feature of the exterior decoration of the houses with geometric shapes. And the second for its special medieval architecture, which makes it one of the most beautiful castle villages in the world.
A stop at Emporio and a swim in Mavra Volia beach
"Mavra Volia" is a small cove that impresses every visitor with its black volcanic pebbles, as well as its deep dark, crystal clear waters. Combine your swim with a stop at Emporio village.
The impressive mansions in Kampos
Among the citrus groves you will see the impressive and majestic mansions of Kampos. Visit the unique in Greece multi-purpose Citrus, a visitable orchard, which includes a small museum dedicated to Kampos and its citrus fruits. In the small café in the courtyard you can try traditional made sweets.
Try everything prepared with mastic, but don't miss to try marouraki, the traditional sweet of Chios, made with phyllo crust and almond flakes and souma, fig spirit.
Don't miss to visit Volissos, the largest village in NW Chios. The historic Monastery of Agios Minas and the new Museum of Massacres. It was on Great Saturday to Easter Sunday, April 2, 1822, when the great massacre of the Christians by the Turks took place.
