The fifth largest island in the Aegean has been known for producing wine since ancient times and Chiot wine was a favourite from the time of Homer onwards. According to legend Oenopion, the son of the god Dionysus, taught the Chiots how to plant and cultivate the ‘black wine’, the famed product of the island. Book a tasting at one of the many wineries and bring home a delicious souvenir of your trip.
The mountainous landscape of forested slopes are perfect for mountain biking with Mt. Provotas and Mt. Pelinaio offering a variety of itineraries. Similarly, the richness of the cultural and natural resources suits hiking excursions to remote monasteries and secluded beaches on trails that have been used for hundreds of years.
Oinousses
The closest and most easily accessed neighbour to Chios, Oinousses is a 30 minute boat trip from Chios town. First settled around 1750 by Chiot shepherds, it has provided Greece with many of its wealthy shipping families and the Marine Museum details their stories. There is a good road around the island providing easy access to the sheltered beaches on the southern shore, while caiques sometimes run to the uninhabited islets with idyllic natural beauty that lie around the main island.
Cave of Olimpi
Near to the village of Olimpi and sometimes known as Sykia Cave, the cavern stretches to a depth of 55 metres. Although relatively small, the interior is full of stalactites and stalagmites and it is one of the most impressive caverns in Greece. The cave entrance is dramatic as the sunbeams highlight the red, yellow and white calcite deposits, and a guided tour is given to explain the geology and history of the subterranean safari. Cave of Olimpi (Tel.: 22710 93363, closed Mondays, €5)
Easter Fireworks Vrontados
In Chios, Easter goes with a bang. Rouketopolemos, rocket war, is one of the most dramatic traditional events held on the island. The village of Vrontada is the battleground for a volley of fireworks between two churches at midnight on Easter Saturday as thousands of rockets are fired. According to local myth, the Turks banned the celebration of Easter so the villagers simulated a war so that the liturgy could be given without the occupiers knowing.
Masticulture
The ecotourist specialists on the island, Masticulture have a passion for their island and lead all kinds of tours. Trek through mastic groves, where local growers show how they harvest the precious resin, then learn how wine, Souma, a pomice brandy made from figs, and olive oil are produced , or take custom designed walks in the Chios countryside to discover the unique flora and fauna of the island.
Masticulture (Tel.:22710 76084, www.masticulture.com)
Chios Microbrewery
A tiny microbrewery in Vavilon creates an impressive range of beers perfectly suited to sipping in the sun. From Indian Pale Ales to smoked porter and, of course, a mastic beer, all the brews are fresh and unpasteurised. The owners are passionate about their project and are happy to share the intricacies of the brewing process over a tasting. Chios Microbrewery (Tel.: 22710 33107)
Read also:
Mastic of Chios, the precious resin tears originating from Greece
A bakery in Chios, Greece that takes you back in time
Visiting Chios: Scenic windmills, the scent of mastic, villages perched on the rock
