Mediterranean
Ships dock at Chios Port with both pier and tender options depending on vessel size and port congestion.
Chios doesn’t show up on most travellers’ radar the way Santorini or Mykonos does, and that’s precisely what makes arriving here so disarming. This Aegean island, just a few kilometres off the Turkish coast, turns out to be one of Greece’s most historically layered, architecturally distinctive, and culinarily fascinating destinations. Come expecting a footnote in your itinerary — leave wondering why you haven’t heard more about it.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the main port right in Chios Town (also called Chora), which means you step off the gangway directly into the pulse of a working Greek harbour city. There’s no tender service faff, no shuttle bus — just a short walk to waterfront cafés, neoclassical mansions, and the old Genoese castle looming over the skyline. The port itself is modest but functional, with taxis waiting just outside the gates. If you’ve pre-arranged accommodation or need to reach the airport, private transfers take around ten minutes to get you into the city centre. 🎟 Book: Private Transfer from Chios Cruise Port to Chios City Hotels For those catching a connecting flight, the airport is only about fifteen minutes from the port. 🎟 Book: Private Transfer from Chios Port to Chios Island Airport (JKH)
Things to Do
Chios rewards exploration beyond the obvious. Start with the medieval village of Mesta, one of several mastichochoria — the mastic villages — built by the Genoese in the 14th century as fortified settlements to protect the precious mastic resin trade. The stone-paved alleyways, arched passageways, and labyrinthine layout still feel genuinely medieval rather than curated for tourism.
Head next to Pyrgi, another mastic village famous for its xysta — intricate geometric patterns scratched into the whitewashed façades of buildings in black and grey. It looks like nowhere else in Greece, or indeed the world. The Byzantine Museum inside Chios Town’s Mecidiye Mosque is compact but quietly powerful, and the Chios Archaeological Museum holds finds that trace habitation back thousands of years. For something more atmospheric, the ghost village of Anavatos — abandoned and perched on a dramatic clifftop — is one of the most haunting places in the Aegean.
Local Food
Chios has a food culture that punches well above its tourist profile. The island is the only place in the world where mastic — the crystallised resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree — is commercially harvested, and it flavours everything from chewing gum to liqueur to ice cream. Try mastiha ice cream from any local gelateria; the pine-resin tang is unlike anything you’ve tasted.
Local seafood is superb, particularly grilled octopus and fresh calamari served at the tavernas along the waterfront. The island also produces excellent local wine, tangy sheep’s cheese called mastelo, and a spirit called souma, distilled from figs and distinctly rough around the edges in the best possible way. If you want a proper, guided introduction to what Chios actually eats — beyond what ends up on tourist menus — a dedicated food experience is worth every minute. 🎟 Book: Chios Town Authentic Foodie Experience
Shopping
Skip the mass-produced Greek souvenirs you’ll find everywhere and focus on what’s genuinely local. Mastic products are the obvious standout: skincare creams, natural chewing gum (mastic was the world’s first commercial chewing gum), essential oils, and liqueurs are all produced on the island and sold in dedicated mastic shops. The Mastihashop brand has a well-stocked outlet in Chios Town.
Look also for locally produced honey, which tends toward the thyme-infused variety common to Aegean islands, and handmade ceramics in the old market streets. The central market area near the port has a good mix of local vendors alongside the usual tourist fare — shop the back streets rather than the seafront for better prices and more interesting finds.
Practical Tips
Chios operates on Greek time, which means many shops and attractions close between roughly 2pm and 5pm for the afternoon rest. Plan accordingly if your ship has an early afternoon departure. The mastic villages are roughly 25–30 kilometres from the port — a rental car or organised tour gives you the most flexibility, but taxis are available and drivers generally know the island well. If you’re returning to the port at the end of the day, it’s worth booking a transfer in advance rather than hunting for a cab. 🎟 Book: Private Transfer from Chios City hotel to Chios Cruise Port
Currency is euros, English is widely spoken in town, and the island’s size means you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to cover the highlights in a single day. Temperatures can exceed 35°C in July and August, so carry water and sunscreen if you’re walking the villages.
Cruises That Visit Chios Greece
Chios appears most frequently on eastern Mediterranean itineraries operated by Celestyal Cruises, which makes it one of the line’s signature calls given the line’s focus on lesser-known Greek islands. MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises also include Chios on select Aegean sailings, typically as part of longer Greek islands loops. Variety Cruises, which specialises in smaller vessels suited to boutique Aegean itineraries, is particularly well represented here.
Most sailings that include Chios depart from Piraeus (Athens), the dominant home port for eastern Mediterranean cruising. Venice and Bari in Italy are also common embarkation points for longer voyages. Journey lengths typically run between seven and fourteen nights, with shorter seven-night Greece-focused loops being the most common format.
The best time to cruise to Chios is late April through June or September through October, when the island is warm, uncrowded, and fully operational. July and August see peak heat and slightly more visitors, though Chios remains far less saturated than the Cycladic islands. Spring is particularly special — the mastic trees are in leaf, wildflowers carpet the hillsides, and the pace of the island is unhurried.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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Getting Around from the Port
Walking
Chios Town is within walking distance from the main port area
Taxi
Readily available at the port entrance for trips around the island
Local Bus
Public buses connect the port to various towns and villages on the island
Car Rental
Rental agencies at port for independent exploration of mastic villages and beaches
Top Things To Do
1
Mastic Villages (Mastihochoria)
UNESCO-listed medieval villages famous for producing mastic gum, featuring traditional stone architecture and narrow winding streets. Visitors can purchase authentic mastic products and enjoy local cuisine in traditional tavernas.
Find shore excursions on Viator2
Nea Moni Monastery
An 11th-century Byzantine monastery featuring stunning mosaics and frescoes set in a peaceful mountain setting. The monastery offers insights into Orthodox Christian art and history with breathtaking views over the island.
Find shore excursions on Viator3
Chios Town and Castle
The island's capital featuring a medieval Genoese castle with panoramic views and a charming waterfront with seafood restaurants. The town center has museums, shops, and traditional Greek architecture.
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Avgonima Village
One of the most picturesque mastic villages with whitewashed buildings cascading down a hillside and stunning Aegean Sea views. The village features traditional restaurants and handicraft shops perfect for photos and local products.
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Genoese Castle and Archaeological Museum
A well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Chios Town with artifacts dating back to ancient times in the adjacent museum. The site combines history from multiple civilizations including Genoese, Ottoman, and ancient Greek periods.
Find shore excursions on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Cash (euros) is essential as many local tavernas and shops in villages don't accept cards; ATMs are available in Chios Town
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as mastic villages have steep cobblestone streets and uneven terrain
- Plan to return to ship at least 2 hours before departure; check exact tender schedules at the port information desk if applicable
- Most attractions are within 30-45 minutes from the port; organize tours early as they fill quickly on busy port days
- Bring sun protection and water as afternoon heat is intense; many attractions lack shade
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Chios Town is about 1.5 km (20-30 minutes walk) from the port, making it easily accessible on foot. However, to reach mastic villages and other island attractions, transportation is necessary.
Cruise ships typically spend 8-12 hours in Chios, usually arriving in early morning and departing in the evening. This allows time for half-day excursions but full-day island exploration is challenging.
The must-do experience is visiting the mastic villages (Mastihochoria), particularly Avgonima, to experience authentic medieval Greek culture, taste local mastic products, and enjoy stunning views. Combining this with Nea Moni Monastery creates a comprehensive island experience within typical cruise timeframes.
Book your Chios excursion in advance to secure spots on popular mastic village and monastery tours that depart directly from the cruise port.
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