Our Favorite Chios Hotels
Chios Town: Chandris
.” • The island of Chios, Greece features the Erytha resort in the town of Karfas: Erytha
• Emporios: Emporios Bay
• Mesta: Lida Mary
• Vrontados: Pearl Bay
• Avgonima: Avgonima All Seasons
• Lithi Bay: Almiriki
• Volissos: MY Volissos Apartments
Chios, Greece’s fifth largest island located just fifteen kilometers from Turkey, often goes undiscovered by international visitors. However, those who make the trip to this North Aegean island will be rewarded with atmospheric medieval towns, hiking routes through the distinctive mastic trees which are solely cultivated here, as well as swimming coves with not another person in sight.
The bulk of Chios’ visitors come from inside Greece or are day-trippers from Turkey, so lodging is a little less in demand than it is on other Greek islands, such as Mykonos or Crete. Generally talking, it’s reasonably priced. Options change, ranging from plush four-stars in the main town to family-friendly rental properties by the beach, but rentals far outnumber hotels.
Those traveling with youthful children are well-catered for in the beach resorts on Chios’ southeastern coastline, with self-catered lodgings often featuring child-friendly pools, private beaches and play areas. Couples, meanwhile, will love the romantic stone-constructed villages in the hills, where old mansions-turned-boutique hotels boast tranquil roof terraces perfect for a sundowner. Adventure and solo travelers, meanwhile, will find themselves fully integrated into local life if they opt for one of Chios’ many rustic family-run guesthouses.
Table of Contents
Best Places To Stay On Chios
- Best Luxury Hotels on Chios
Chandris (Chios Town) • Archontiki Riziko (Kampos) • Mastiha Villas (Agias Foteinis) • Aegean Dream Hotel (Karfas) - Best Hotels for Families on Chios
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- Best Boutique Hotels on Chios
Lida Mary (Mesta) • Mouzaliko Mansion (Kambos) • MY Volissos Apartments (Volissos) • City Inn (Chios Town) - Best Hotels for Couples on Chios
Grecian Castle (Chios Town) – Avgonima All Seasons Hotel (Avgonima) – Pyrgos Rodocanachi (Kambos) - Best Beach Resorts on Chios
Chios Xenia (Agias Foteinis), Erytha (Karfas) • Almiriki (Lithi Bay) - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels on Chios
Voulamandis House (Kambos) – City Point (Chios Town) – Agia Markella (Vrontados)
Best Places in Chios for…
- The traditional Cycladic stone architecture and minimalist design make Pyrgi an excellent place to stay for first-timers on Chios.
- Where to Spend Your Honeymoon on Chios: Mesta
- Lithi Bay is a great area for families to stay on Chios, with amenities for kids.
- Where to stay on Chios for swimming and beaches: Karfas..
- Best area to lodge without transport on Chios: Chios Town
Nearly every architectural structure in Pyrgi exhibits a dazzling singular color geometric design, a medieval local method known as ‘xysta’. Pyrgi stands as the most iconic village in Chios with walkable, zigzagging routes brimming with coffee shops, Greek eateries, and aesthetically pleasant gifts stalls, rendering it ideal for first-time travelers exploring Chios at an untroubled tempo. It sits in the center of the mastic-cultivating region and near sights like the Mastic Museum along with the beaches of the southeastern coastline, thereby serving as a terrific base to survey the environs. 
A ten-minute drive from Pyrgi, the fortified Byzantine settlement of Mesta has a more tranquil atmosphere, with colorful bougainvillea bursting through tightly-packed stone walls and alleyways where one could lose themselves. The sleepy village square – centered around Chios’ largest church, the gorgeous 19th-century Taxiarches – comes alive after 7pm, when fairy lights illuminate wooden tables and chairs. For lodging, there are a small number of beautifully decorated boutique hotels. Try Lida Mary: four-poster beds fill medieval nooks, while the romantic rooftop terrace is perfect for sipping a drink at dusk.
Lithi Bay is a petite resort on Chios’ rugged western coast. Unlike most of the beaches on Chios, which contain pebbles, the shoreline here consists of sand and is spacious. The sea only slopes very gently, so young children will discover plenty of shallow areas to splash around in. It’s popular with Greek families during the peak of summer and play spaces can be found near the sand. Parents with strollers will appreciate the level seaside promenade, where six different eateries cater to even the pickiest eaters. There’s only one hotel here – Almiriki – but it’s well-equipped for families, with suites that can accommodate up to four adults and two children 
The most visited beach on the Greek island of Chios is located at Karfas, 9km south of the town. This picturesque bay has calm and transparent waters, while the sand is served well by seaside bars and restaurants with free sun loungers and scenic views across the Turkish mountains. Water sports equipment of all types can be rented to get out on the water during the day. At night, Karfas transforms into a relaxed resort, with activities revolving around laidback bars. A range of hotels are available, from four-star establishments with exclusive beaches such as Erytha to affordable short-term housing rentals
Those who don’t rent a car are best suited to stay in Chios’ main town. The airport is 3.5km away – almost within walking distance – while the town center is built around the international ferry port, where you’ll find services to Piraeus, Mykonos, Samos, Mytilene, Çesme, and more. Also on the harborfront is the bus station and a taxi stand, stocked with fixed-price cabs taking you anywhere on the island. However, if you’d prefer to stay in town, the quay is stocked with trendy bars, tasty gyro outlets, and top-notch seafood restaurants.
10 Best Towns and Villages on Chios
1. Chios Town
While Chios Town may not seem exceptionally striking at first look, going deeper reveals a lovely Byzantine town built upon by Genoese, Ottoman, and modern Greek inhabitants. The historic center is surrounded by the walls of a 14th-century fortress, within which cocktail bars, music venues, and al fresco restaurants spill onto the cobbled streets. Wander along the top of the walls to get a bird`s-eye view of the old town, before discovering contemporary art in the former Ottoman hamam transformed into an exhibition space.
Outside the moat, additional contemporary attractions exist, such as small but insightful maritime and archaeological museums, and shopping along a pleasant tree-lined avenue. Accommodation options here are plenteous and vary from boutique residences to friendly budget inns, but may be somewhat more expensive than in the resort areas).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Chios Town
Castle Hotel • Hotel phone: +30 2271 044740
Chandris Hotel • Hotel phone: +30 2271 044401
Agora Residence – Hotel phone: +30 2271 107184 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The first hotel is ” City Inn” located in Chios, Greece. The phone number for this lodging is +30 2271 080062.
The Garden, Chios – Hotel phone: +30 6940 881881 - City Point Chios − Hotel phone: +30 2271 306724
2. Mesta
One of the major towns in the Mastihochoria area, Mesta is a small 14th century village with a twist: its medieval homes are constructed adjoining one another, forming an impenetrable wall intended to safeguard against pirates. Nowadays, it`s a tranquil kind of place, with lengthy midday relaxation during the daytime and laid-back evenings spent in the town`s central square. Play a game of tavli (backgammon) or share a generous serving of honey-drizzled loukoumades (Greek donuts) from Kanello’s. The harbor of Mesta is also where the Blue Star ferry to Piraeus sails from, so it’s well-situated as a starting or ending point of the trip).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Mesta
STOES Traditional Suites — Hotel phone: +30 2271 076377
The Lida Mary • Hotel phone: +30 2271 076217
The Mesta Mastic hotel • Hotel phone: +30 2271 076009
3. Pyrgi
Given the nickname `Painted Village`, Pyrgi is instantly recognizable as the houses, churches and municipal buildings are all decorated in `xysta` patterns, a practice that has its roots from the Genoese occupation of Chios between the 14th and 16th centuries. Pyrgi is also the closest town to the highly interactive Mastic Museum; opened in 2016, the museum (set in a huge mastic grove) is an engaging way to learn about Chios’ relationship with mastic, from cultivation and harvest to turning it into edible products).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Pyrgi
Chrisyis Traditional Guest House • Hotel contact number: +30 6940 876413
Vilitsa tis Annous tou Antria
4. Karfas
As the primary seaside resort area on Chios, Karfas is where you`ll find some of its best beach facilities and amenities. Savor seafood at the tavernas, utilize down time to try a new water activity within the safe-for-children bay, or simply unwind in the sunshine. The surrounding hills, meanwhile, provide a good (if steep) place for hikers to stretch their legs and explore Chios’ citrus-filled countryside. Lodging here appeals to crowd tastes: most are reasonably-priced self-catered rentals that come with pools and offer easy access to the beach).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Karfas
Erytha Hotel & Resort – Telephone: +30 2271 032311
Aegean Dream Hotel – Hotel phone: +30 2271 033471 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
- Duquesa de Cardona – Hotel contact number: +34 932 68 90 90
Golden Beach – Hotel contact number: +30 2271 032080
5. Emporios
A quieter option compared to Karfas, Emporios’ biggest selling point is its pretty harbor and the fact it’s adjacent to two of Chios’ most famous black pebble beaches. The first, Mavra Volia, is a ten-minute walk around a small headland, and this scenic spot is well-organized: sunbeds, parking, and hot dog stands are available, but not overly intrusive. Foki – a little further along a pretty coastal path – is more wild, with no facilities, but totally-transparent water.
Enthusiasts of ancient history should investigate the Archaeological Site of Emporios: constructed in the 8th century BC, the stone settlement includes old houses and a hilltop Temple of Athena. Beware; it’s almost half an hour of uphill walking from town).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Emporios
Emporios Bay Hotel – Hotel phone: +30 2271 070180 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The second establishment is ” Haus Fay” in Chios, Greece. Contact this spot at +30 2271 071523.
6. Kambos
Just over the hill from Karfas (and only 4 kilometers from the airport) is Kambos, a village set among citrus groves that looks very different to other towns on Chios: its red brick 19th-century mansions resemble southern France more than the northern Aegean. Everything you need to know about both the opulent architecture and citrus-based economy can be learned in the quirky Citrus Museum – the orange-flavored candy in the gift shop is a treat. There`s also a neat microbrewery nearby. Many of Kambos’ friendly hotels and guesthouses maintain their original architecture, making for a romantic atmosphere when staying there).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Kombos
Contact the Erytha Hotel & Resort at +30 2271 032311 - Pyrgos Rodocanachi − Hotel phone: +30 2271 029188
- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Sourediko • Lodging facility phone: +30 2271 026596
Voulamandis Estate • Hotel phone: +30 2271 031733
7. Volissos
Those seeking to fully immerse themselves in Chios’ rugged lifestyle can head north to Volissos, a rocky citadel town watched over by an 11th-century fortress. The ruins of the fortress aren’t an organized attraction and are almost completely abandoned, but it’s still worth exploring the base area to get a closer perspective. The views of the island are also great from atop, best enjoyed with a mastiha-infused beverage from the nearby Yperion terrace bar. Just once per year, Volissos comes alive with the popular three-day Volissos Summer Festival, so if your visit lines up be sure to book lodging ahead of time. Regarding hotels, MY Volissos is an upscale collection of Scandi-style studios in the town square, the feature being a beautifully-designed submerged pool out back).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Volissos
MY Volissos Apartments — Hotel phone: +30 697 798 3528 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The Lithos Homes • Hotel phone: +30 2274 022200
8. Avgonima
Avgonima is located at the top of a hill in Chios’ interior, along the main road connecting Chios Town and the island’s west coast. Its elevated position facing west has earned it a local reputation as an ideal spot to watch the sunset, but the small forested village also provides straightforward access to Nea Moni, an 11th-century Byzantine monastery world renowned for its flawlessly preserved frescoes. Hiking paths and dirt roads radiating into the forests from the village enable exploring even more remote churches and chapels. Lodging in Avgonima generally comes in the form of rustic vacation rentals).
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Avgonima
Avgonima Chios Spitaki Cottages — Hotel phone: +30 6974 175471
The Avgonima All Seasons Hotel contact number is +30 694 794 1810 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
To Petradi • Hotel phone number: +30 2271 020577
9. Vrontados/Daskalopetra
Five kilometers north of Chios town lie the beaches of Vrontados and Daskalopetra, each provided with a few hotels. Vrontados comprises a more standard beach resort, with fancy beach bars, a few shops, and a seafront sidewalk ideal for walks and jogs, but Daskalopetra possesses stronger Greek island vibes with its small, peaceful fishing harbor. Daskalopetra also offers more archaeological interest – Homer’s Rock is a cool geological formation where local tale claims Homer sat down to write his poems).
- Luxury/boutique hotels highly recommended in Vrontados/Daskalopetra
Pearl Bay Hotel & Apartments – Hotel phone: +30 2271 094510 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Hotel Agia Markella — Contact number: +30 2271 093763
10. Agias Foteinis
The small coastal community of Agias Foteinis is centered on a pleasant pebbled shoreline, roughly 20 minutes by vehicle south of the island of Chios` main city. It`s a spot highly focused on visiting the beach – there`s a larger concentration of beach loungers and seaside bars here than in most other places on Chios. Away from the seaside is the traditional town of Kallimasia, where one can experience everyday life in local bakeries. Agias Foteinis is conveniently situated, as it lies between the Mastihochoria region and the capital city, but rental of a motor vehicle would be needed as the hotels are somewhat spread out from the town center..
- Best Luxury/Boutique Hotels in Agias Foteinis
Mastiha Villas – Hotel phone: +30 693 730 4095
Reach the Mouzaliko Mansion hotel at +30 2271 031624 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
Sea Breeze Apartments – Hotel contact number: +30 2271 081711
Chios Xenia – Hotel contact number: +30 2271 051126
Chios Travel Tips
How to Get to Chios
Chios has a small domestic airport, Omiros, served by daily scheduled flights to Athens, Thessaloniki, and a select few Aegean islands. Taxis to the airport from Chios Town center cost €10, while local buses are also available. Alternatively, fly into the large international airport in Izmir (Turkey), take a one-hour shuttle to Çesme port, then a 45-minute ferry to Chios. If you’d prefer to reach Chios by ferry, services arrive from Piraeus and the Aegean Islands multiple times daily, taking between seven to 12 hours.
When is the Best Time to Visit Chios?
Generally, the finest weather for swimming and sightseeing initiates in mid-May and remains as long-lasting as mid-October. For hiking and more strenuous sightseeing, April-June and September-October have temperatures that hover between 70°F and 85°F. High season – July, August, and early September – can be very hot, and are best avoided if high accommodation prices are a concern.
However, there are benefits to going in high season, as it coincides with the annual mastic tree harvest; in July and August you can witness Chiots execute the labor-intensive and unique process of mastic resin extraction.
The late fall and winter months are generally quiet for the island, so many hotels, restaurants, and bars close temporarily during this period.
How do you get around Chios?
Traveling by vehicle is by far the simplest way to get around Chios, but the winding mountain roads in the northern part of the island aren’t suitable for less experienced drivers or those who suffer from motion sickness. Locals and Greek tourists tend to travel by motorized bike, which is more convenient as motorbikes can navigate very narrow streets and park in the heart of Chios’ villages; cars are often relegated to open-air (but complimentary) parking lots outside the historic village centers.
Getting around Chios by bus is also an option. The service is divided into the Chios City Bus – which serves the main town’s suburbs and satellite towns – and the long-distance KTEL bus, which extends to the Mastihochoria, the major beach resorts, and the mountain villages in the north. However, public transport requires more planning – pick up a timetable at the main bus station upon arrival, as they aren’t currently available online.
How Big is Chios?
While the kidney-shaped island is only 50 kilometers from highest to lowest points, mountain roadways and a lack of highways mean it takes 90 minutes to drive the full length. Driving from east to west – 20km as the bird flies – takes roughly 40 minutes at the narrowest section, owing to a sizable mountain. However, not every trip needs to be a road expedition: the journey from Chios Town to Karfas is just 15 minutes, and around half an hour to the Mastihochoria.
