Greece · 2026 itinerary
Chios 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Chios: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A large Genoese and Ottoman fortress right in Chios Town, with thick stone walls, crumbling towers and a quiet interior full of houses and overgrown gardens. You can walk the ramparts for a view of th
🕐 Open 24 hours. The interior courtyard is accessible all day.
Free entry💡 Most of the castle is open to wander at any time, but the small mosque inside (the Kria Vrisi) is only open during festivals. Go late afternoon for the best light and fewer people.
Hotels near Chios Castle →A flat, agricultural area just south of Chios Town, dotted with old Genoese manor houses, citrus groves and narrow stone lanes. The mansions are mostly private or converted to guesthouses, but you can
🕐 Open access (public roads). Some estates open for events – check local noticeboards.
Free entry💡 Start at the Kampos square (plateia) and walk south along the main road for 15 minutes. Many houses have informative plaques. Best in winter when the trees are full of oranges.
Hotels near Kampos Plain Walk →αέλλα · ££
caprice · ££
Deeper Into Chios
A black volcanic pebble beach on the south coast, with clear, deep water and dramatic cliffs on either side. It's not a sandy beach but the stones are smooth. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas – just
🕐 Open 24 hours. Best outside peak sun hours (11:00-16:00) to avoid the heat on the stones.
💡 Bring water shoes – the pebbles get hot by midday. Prefer a quieter spot? Walk 200 metres east to the next cove (Emporios beach). No facilities at Mavra Volia, so pack snacks and water.
An 11th-century Byzantine monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site, perched on a wooded hillside. Its main church is famous for rare, well-preserved mosaics of Christ and saints. The grounds are quiet
🕐 Open daily 08:00-14:00 and 16:00-19:00 (summer); shorter hours in winter.
💡 The monastery itself is free but the small museum nearby costs €2 – worth it for the original artefacts. Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops for anyone).
Marine
ΚΡΟΝΟΣ
Final Favourites & Departure
A modern museum about the history, cultivation and uses of mastic gum, the resin that put Chios on the map. Located in the medieval mastiha village of Pyrgi, th
💡 Buy the combined ticket with the medieval villages for less than €10. Go early to beat the tour buses from Chios Town.
Κεντρικο
La Bussola
Getting Around Chios
This bus goes along the coast. Tell the driver you want the hotel – they'll stop outside. Check the return times on the board at the stop, as the last bus back can be as early as 19:00 off-season.
Agree the fare before you get in. Most drivers charge a flat rate, but a few might meter if you don't ask. Tip: €1–€2 is standard.
From the bus station it's a 10-minute walk to the hotel. The bus drops you at the main square – walk down Aigeou to the waterfront. Buy ticket from driver (cash only, exact change appreciated).
If you're walking into town and need a ride back, the rank is opposite the post office. For a quick day trip, hire a taxi for an hour (around €20) to see the windmills and castle without waiting for buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Chios?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Chios Castle and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Chios?
See our full best time to visit Chios guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Sea View Resorts, Hotel Golden Sand, Avgonima All Seasons. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.