Chios tours

Things to do in Chios

Chios, with its fragrant mastic groves and medieval villages, is a Greek island that captivates both the heart and senses. This is a place where tradition meets the sea, and time seems to pause just long enough for you to catch your breath. On Chios tours, your local guide becomes your storyteller, weaving tales of pirates and poets as you explore. Discover the labyrinthine streets of Pyrgi on a private walking tour, where the geometric designs on the buildings whisper secrets of the past. Savour the island's unique flavours on a food and wine tour, with mastic-infused treats that tell their own story. Skip-the-line at historical sites, immersing yourself in the island's heritage without the wait. With your guide, Chios becomes not just a place to visit, but a place to belong. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Chios. Explore Chios your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Chios tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Chios for every interest, including: Layover tours: Make the most of a short stop with a guide who meets you at Chios Airport (JKH) or the ferry port, stores your luggage, and times everything to your flight or sailing. In a few hours, you could walk the lanes of Chios Castle, taste mastiha gelato on Aplotaria Street, and visit the Citrus Museum in Kampos for a quick look at old estates and a sip of citrus spoon sweet before being dropped back on time. History tours: Explore the mastic villages where Genoese-era defences still shape daily life. Wander Pyrgi to see its black-and-white xysta façades, then head to Mesta’s maze of stone lanes and the nearby Chios Mastic Museum to learn how resin is harvested, with a stop to try mastiha liqueur or a bakery snack in the village square. History tours: Dive into earlier layers at the 11th‑century Nea Moni Monastery to view famed mosaics, then return to the island’s capital to walk the walls of Chios Castle and peek at the Ottoman baths. Your guide can add Daskalopetra, linked to Homeric tradition, or the Archaeological Museum of Chios, plus a drive through Kampos to see merchant mansions and hear shipping-family stories. Chios Town is easy to walk, and there are local buses, but service to villages is limited and schedules can be sparse. If you want to cover more ground, ask your local guide about chauffered tours or tours with private transportation so you can reach the mastic villages, Nea Moni, and Kampos without waiting. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Chios inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore the neighborhoods of Chios on a private walking tour and delve into the island's rich tapestry of history and culture with a local guide. - Mesta: This medieval village is a haven for cultural tourists. You can explore its maze-like streets and admire the well-preserved architecture that tells stories of the past. - Pyrgi: Known for its unique black and white geometric facades, this neighborhood is perfect for those seeking meaningful connections. Discover the village's deep-rooted traditions and vibrant community life. - Chios Town: Ideal for families and groups, the town offers a mix of modern amenities and historical sites. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the local cuisine, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Day trip ideas from Chios From Chios Town, day trips let you mix medieval villages, beaches, and UNESCO history in one easy day, and your tour can focus on food, light hikes, or quiet streets without rushing. Mastic Villages of the South: See Pyrgi’s patterned facades, the fortified lanes of Mesta, and the mastic groves that make the island so distinctive; your guide can arrange a stop with growers or include the Olympi Cave if you like a short underground visit. Nea Moni and Anavatos: Admire the Byzantine mosaics at Nea Moni then continue to the cliffside village of Anavatos for wide views and stone alleys; your tour can balance church art with a short walk and a simple taverna meal nearby. Kambos Estates: Explore citrus mansions, courtyard wells, and farm lanes shaded by trees just south of town; your guide can thread together open estates and a café for fresh juice or spoon sweets so the day stays relaxed. Volissos and the Northwest Coast: Head to Volissos for its hilltop castle and then drop to quiet beaches like Managros or Giosonas for a swim; your tour can add the Homeric site at Daskalopetra on the way back if early myths are on your list. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Chios most travellers miss.