Chios Island

Wednesday 26th – Monday 31st August 2026

Exploring the monuments and nature of the beautiful, fragrant island of Chios.

We enjoy a full six-day archaeological, hiking, and mountaineering experience on Homer’s Chios, made possible thanks to our air travel to the island.

We explore the Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages) on foot and visit their excellent museum. We tour ancient and Byzantine Chios, including Emporios, Nea Moni Monastery, the castle-settlement of Anavatos, Chios Castle, and Volissos Castle.

We climb the highest peak of the island, Pelineo (1,297 m), and walk along old traditional paths.

We are guided through the famous Kambos area with its stately mansions and visit the caves of Agio Galas. Of course, we also relax and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches (Mavra Volia, Karfas, Agia Fotia, Lithi, Lefkathia, etc.), and we do not miss its museums and local delicacies, with mastic taking pride of place.

Accommodation is in a central hotel in the town of Chios, allowing for comfortable evening outings.

Detailed Program

Wednesday 26th August 2026

Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:05 at Chios Airport. We transfer to the Diana Hotel—where all overnight stays take place—to leave our luggage. A walking tour of Chios town follows, beginning with the Byzantine Museum (entrance €5) to gain an overall understanding of the island, and continuing with a guided tour of Chios Castle. Around 16:30–17:00, we depart for the nearby Karfas Beach for our first swim. Return to Chios town late in the afternoon (~19:30). Dinner either at the beach or in Chios town.

Thursday 27th August 2026

Around 08:00, we board the coach to the famous Mastichochoria of southern Chios. We begin our visit at Olympoi (130m), then hike to Mesta (12m).

Hiking time: 1 hour • Difficulty: 1 • Ascent: 100m • Distance: 1.5 m

After exploring this medieval village, we continue by coach to Pyrgi, the main village of the Mastichochoria, famous for its “xysta” decorative facades. We stroll through its alleys and sights, then visit the excellent Mastic Museum (entrance €4). The day ends at the renowned Mavra Volia Beach for swimming; if time permits, those interested may visit the Emporios archaeological site (entrance €5). Return to Chios late afternoon. Dinner is at the beach or in town.

Friday 28th August 2026

Early morning departure for Viki village. Shortly before the village (410m), we begin the ascent to Mount Pelinnaion (1,297m), the island’s highest peak, crowned by the distinctive metal chapel of Agia Triada.

Hiking time: 5.5 hours • Difficulty: 2 • Ascent: 890 m • Distance: 12.5 km

The first hour follows a forest road, then a trail with moderate vegetation, and later open terrain. An optional shorter hike is available, ending at the abandoned shelter (680m).

Alternative hike: 2 hours • Difficulty: 1 • Ascent: 270 m • Distance: 6 km.

Return by the same route, then swim at Nagos Beach. On the way back, stop at Daskalopetra—traditionally associated with Homer’s school—and the recently restored church of Agios Isidoros, patron saint of Chios.

Saturday 29th August 2026

Departure around 08:00 toward Volissos. Along the way (470m), we begin a hike on the old Ottoman road that once connected Chios town with the villages of Amani.

Hiking time: 2.5 hours • Difficulty: 1 • Ascent: 150 m • Distance: 8.5 km

Mostly forested and downhill, ending at Katavasi (320 m). Transfer by coach to Agio Galas to visit the chapel of Panagia Agiogaloussaina, the cave (entrance €3) with Palaeolithic finds, and the beautiful natural area with plane trees and a small stream. We then return to Volissos, explore the village, and climb to the Genoese Castle. Swimming and lunch at Limnia, with beaches Lefkathia and Managros. Return to Chios late afternoon.

Sunday 30th August 2026

Departure at 08:00 for Nea Moni, famous for its mosaics and one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the Aegean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entrance €5 for the Museum and Refectory). After the visit (430m), we hike uphill to the road (700m), then descend via a forested trail to Avgonimata (390m).

Hiking time: 1.5 hours • Difficulty: 1 • Ascent: 270 m • Distance: 4.2 km

Coach transfer to Anavatos, the “Mystras of Chios.” After exploring the medieval settlement, continue to Avgonyma, a traditional village with beautiful Aegean views. From Fa (390m), we hike downhill on another Ottoman path to Lithi Beach.

Hiking time: 2:00 • Difficulty: 1 • Ascent: 390 m • Distance: 5.2 km

Swimming and lunch at nearby fish tavernas. Afternoon return to Chios with stops (time permitting) at Vessa and Agios Georgios Sykousis to visit its Byzantine church.

Monday 31st August 2026

Early morning departure from Chios town with all luggage. Visit the famous Kampos with its mansions and estates, once producing citrus fruits—the island’s “gold” alongside mastic. Start at the Citrus Museum (entrance €2), then take a walk through the area and, if possible, visit notable mansions.

Hiking time: 1:30 • Difficulty: 1 • Ascent: 0 m • Distance: 2.6 km

We continue to Panagia Krina, the second most important Byzantine church on the island, then to Sklavia with its ruined Genoese mansions. Final swim at Agia Fotia Beach. After lunch at a local taverna, transfer to Chios Airport, arriving around 18:00–18:30.

The program may be modified depending on current conditions.

Payments are made to the IBANs of the Mountaineering Club of Heraklion, with notification by email including the deposit receipt.

IMPORTANT: Any transfer fees are at your own expense (OUR):

  • Alpha Bank IBAN: GR76 0140 6610 6610 0233 0001 166

  • Piraeus Bank IBAN: GR05 0171 9120 0069 1215 4711 881

Leader: Neilos Pitsinos

Information – Registrations: Monday to Friday, 20:00–22:00, at the offices of the Heraklion Mountaineering Club, 53 Dikaiosynis Street, Heraklion. Tel.: +30 2810 227609
Email: info@eos-her.gr

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