Where Should I Stay on Chios?

Chios splits across several distinct areas, and the choice comes down to culture and convenience, traditional mansions, mastic village character, or family beach access.

Chios Town, the capital, gives the most convenient base, with the medieval Castle of Chios, museums, and the airport and main port all close together. It suits first-time visitors and anyone wanting easy logistics alongside restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Kampos, just south of town, holds mansions built by aristocratic families since the 14th century, many restored into guesthouses with private gardens and high stone walls. It suits travelers wanting a quiet, traditional stay close enough to the capital and airport for easy access.

Pyrgi and Mesta, the island's mastic villages in the south, give the most distinctive settings, Pyrgi known for its geometric xysta patterns on nearly every building, and Mesta for its walled Byzantine streets and boutique hotels that fill with fairy lights after sunset. Mesta suits couples wanting a romantic base, though it lacks an ATM or pharmacy, both a short drive away in Pyrgi.

Karfas, on the coast south of the capital, gives families the easiest beach base, with shallow, calm water and resorts geared toward children close to the airport.

Once a base is decided, hotels and places to stay on Chios span Chios Town, Kampos, the mastic villages, and Karfas, so the choice comes down to convenience, tradition, village character, or family beach access.

Chios has its own airport, and travelers arriving by ferry, including connections to Oinousses or Psara, should check ferry schedules and book tickets ahead of a summer visit. Chios Town suits most first-time visitors, Kampos suits those wanting quiet and tradition, Pyrgi and Mesta suit travelers prioritizing the mastic villages, and Karfas suits families.