Getting from Mykonos to Chios

Chios is one of the most fascinating islands in the Aegean and one of the least understood by visitors who have not been. It is the island of mastic, the only place in the world where Chios mastiha is produced, a resin harvested from lentisk trees in the medieval villages of the south that has been traded across the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The medieval mastic villages, known as the mastichochoria, are unlike anything else in Greece, fortified settlements with geometric facades and narrow labyrinthine streets designed to confuse invaders. Pyrgi in particular is extraordinary. Chios also has a complicated and at times painful history that has shaped its character in ways that make it one of the more layered and interesting islands in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Chios. The connection goes via Piraeus and the total journey by sea is around 8 to 10 hours depending on the service. Chios is well connected to Piraeus with regular departures through the summer season. Some people do this as an overnight crossing which is a reasonable option given the distance.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Chios have airports so flying is the practical choice on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Chios, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Chios Airport is close to the main town and well connected through the summer season. Book ahead as seats fill up in peak season.

Your best option

Fly. The Athens connection is straightforward and gets you to Chios with time to actually explore it. Hire a car when you arrive and drive south to the mastichochoria on your first full day. Pyrgi and Mesta are the two you cannot miss. Give yourself at least four or five days, get to the northern part of the island and find the beach at Nagos or Giosonas. Chios is an island that most visitors to Greece never reach and that is entirely their loss.