Today we are diving into our Island hopping adventures that began in Chios! The island is one of the biggest in Greece, therefore if you want to enjoy the most of it you will need to stay for at least 5 days of exciting exploration.

If you are not the city kind of person, we highly recommend that you rent an apartment at Emporios, a beautiful little harbour village located at the southern part of the island, and enjoy peaceful moments at this majestic little paradise.

(aerial view of Emporios)

Prepare to be amazed by one of Greece’s most unique, award-winning beaches that is found at Emporio, called Mavra Volia, which translates to black pebbles!

(Mavra Volia)

So why are they black? And why pebbles?

Well, hundreds of years ago a volcano eruption took place next to Emporios, causing the pebbles and the land formation beneath to take a very uncommon contour. The pebbles are big and black, and there is no sand to be found anywhere along the beach. This may sound strange to someone who is used to sandy golden beaches, but those always suggest some degree of cloudy waters. For us, it is a real opportunity to enjoy crystal clear waters that are so cold and pure that rejuvenate both your mind and body!

As we mentioned, Chios is a huge island and has a lot to offer to any traveller. If you do not like the peaceful seclusion of Emporios, then we recommend that you stay at one of the many available accommodations in the island’s heart, the city centre or – as the Greek call it – the “Hora”. There you will find a variety of nice local shops and good food, whilst enjoying the view of the incoming ships that frequently come to settle at “Hora’s” main port.

(aerial view of Mavra Volia and Emporios)

One thing to remember is that you will definitely need a car to move around and explore the island to the fullest. It is hard to discover all of the hidden gems of Chios, but a car will definitely take you a step forward! We are lucky to have this car that Stitch’s grandfather used to drive!

(VW Karmann '66)

One of our most memorable drives through the island was a 1 day road trip, that started in the morning from Emporios – took us to the nearby village of Mesta - all the way to Anavatos and Avgonima, only to find ourselves back in Emporios at night time. Mesta is a spectacular old village surrounded by walls and big gates –like a huge medieval castle where people used to feel safe and protected by the enemy.

(picture of Mesta taken from Google)

And definitely do not forget to visit the historic village of Anavatos, strategically located at a mountain peak and camouflaged in such a way so that it remained invisible to the Ottoman army when Greece was under their occupation.

(picture of Anavatos taken from Google)

(Lilo, Stitch and his sister at the top of Avgonima!)

After that, make sure to make your way to Avgonima, a lovely little village on the west side of the island where you can relish on some good food over a magnificent view of the setting sun in the horizon of the Aegean.

(Sunset of Avgonima taken from Google)

Spending a good week on the island of Chios is exactly what anyone needs to recharge their batteries and energise their spirits!!

NEXT STOP :

Ikaria!