Chios, the Mastic Island

In short: Chios (Χίος) is one of the largest islands in the north-eastern Aegean — hospitable, calm, with fine beaches, fertile lowlands and steep mountains. Its southern part is the only home of mastic gum.

Chios is one of the largest Greek islands, covering 842 km², and also includes the smaller islands of Psara and Oinousses. It is known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches and many historical monuments — but above all for the resin obtained from the mastic tree: mastic. The tree yields its resin only in the south of the island, whose economy, culture and daily life are bound up with mastic — which even gave the area its name, Μαστιχοχώρια (Mastichochoria, the mastic villages).

Chios: facts

Category Information
Area 842 km² (about 60 km from south to north)
Population around 59,000
Capital Chios (Chora)
Climate Mild all year; very dry in the south, more humid in the north in winter
Nature Rich flora, known for many medicinal herbs
Landmarks Mastic villages, Anavatos (ghost town), Nea Moni monastery, Kastro (Chios castle), the Archaeological Museum, and the Mastic Museum
Economy Mastic and mastic products, citrus and citrus juice, shipbuilding and shipping, fishing

The city of Chios

The island’s capital is called Chios, also known as Chora. It sits on a hill around a large harbour and a castle with massive fortifications. The city is full of life — bars, cafés and restaurants line the harbour promenade, the main square and the Aplotaria shopping street. It is home to a department of the University of the Aegean and several museums, including archaeological and Byzantine collections.

Inside the castle fortress you’ll find a dense maze of small houses among winding streets; climb the wall for a view over the northern suburb of Vrontados.

Chios, the mastic island

Frequently asked questions

Where is Chios?

Chios is a Greek island in the north-eastern Aegean Sea, close to the coast of Asia Minor, covering about 842 km².

Why is Chios famous for mastic?

The mastic tree yields its resin only in the south of Chios, making the island the world’s only source of mastic gum — a tradition that shaped the Mastichochoria villages.

What is the capital of Chios?

The capital is Chios town, also known as Chora, built around a large harbour and a fortified castle.

What is there to see on Chios?

Highlights include the medieval mastic villages (such as Pyrgi and Mesta), the Chios Mastic Museum, Kastro castle, the ghost town of Anavatos, Nea Moni monastery and the island’s beaches.

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