Chios Travelling Info
From Agroknow
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About Chios Island
Chios Island
Chios is one of many Greek Islands from the Aegean Sea with a Mediterranean climate. The distance from the port of Piraeus till Chios Island is 165 miles while the distance from Turkey till Chios Island is 5 miles. Below you can find what options are to reach Chios.
The surface of the island is about 840 sq. kilometers, and it is the fifth larger island in Greece, after Crete, Evoia, Rhodes, and Lesvos. Also two smaller inhabited islands, Psara and Innousses are included in the Prefecture of Chios.
What is so unique in Chios?
The unique mastic gum, the medieval villages, a strong merchant shipping community and the Nea Moni monastery (which dates from 11th century) which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to reach Chios island?
There is a year-around boat connection with the Turkish city of Cesme on the Asia Minor Coast, though it is more frequent during the summer period.
'By airplane'
- Olympic Airlines from/to Athens
- Aegean Airlines from/to Athens
- Astra Airlines from/to Thessaloniki
- During May - October charter flights from other cities of Europe might be available
By ferry
- NEL Sea Lines and Hellenic Seaways from/to Piraeus, Thessaloniki and other islands
- Miniotis Sea Lines from/to Turkey
For routes and timetables please contact Chios Port Authority at: +30.2271.044.434
How to move inside Chios Island?
Mesta village is located around 45 minutes by car from Chios town. You can reach Mesta by:
- Public transportation
Search for the Green bus station, on the waterfront near the ferry docks. Tickets can be bought at the station or on board. There are five buses per day heading to Mesta village. Check out the bus schedule here and find out more about bus services in Chios.
- Taxi
Taxis are available on Chios and constitute an ideal solution to reach places unreachable by bus. The main taxi rank of the island is located near the central square of Chios Town. Taxi Station: + 30 22710 4111/ 43312
Read more about transportation on Chios island.
The Medieval Village of Mesta
Mesta (or Amista, Amistae and Lamiste as it appears in old medieval texts) lies on the South-West part of Chios, on the wider expanse of Masticochoria (the villages that produce mastic). One can reach Mesta by following two routes:
- From Chios, the capital of the island, by taking the road to Armolia, Pyrgi, Olympoi and arriving at Mesta (this is the shortest and easiest way).
- From Chios, by following the road to Aghios Georgios, Vessa, Elata and ending to Mesta.
Despite of its location, in the south site of the island, Mesta is a village from which all the historical and touristical spots can be easily accessed. For example: the capital of Chios, Castrochoria, Nea Moni, Anavatos, Volissos, Aghia Markella and other sites of Chios are connected with Mesta through roads that are in a very good condition.
Today Mesta has around 500 residents. The villagers themselves are vividly interested in the maintenance of their cultural heritage as well as in the environmental conservancy. As far as cultural issues are concerned there is the "Cultural Association of Mesta" and about the environment issues the Association of Amateur Fishermen "The Friends of Limenas". For more info check [www.chiosnet.gr here]
Traditional and Local Products
- Mastic - Mastic is the resin which is used to make chewing gum or drink. A lot of labour is needed for its production.
- Wine - The most known wine produced in Mesta is the Aroiusios wine.
- Souma - Not only wine is produced in Mesta but also souma. Which is an alcoholic drink, a kind of raki, obtained from figs.
