Medieval City of Mesta

Chios

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DESTINATIONS greece chios Do & See Medieval City of Mesta

Medieval City of Mesta

The tiny castle village of Mesta dates back to the Byzantine period, when its thick city walls protected residents from marauder attacks. Today this unique historical monument welcomes visitors and invites you to taste its delectable local wine, “Mestousiko”.

Useful Information

Address: Mesta, Chios
More Info: Daily green buses from Chios Town's waterfront long-distance bus station

Do & See

Chios Town (also referred to as ‘Chora') is a surprisingly modern city. With a crescent harbour overlooked by office blocks, warehouses and workshops; it is dominated by the forbidding walls of the Kastro. This Genoese castle partially encloses an old quarter of narrow streets, tall stone houses with wrought iron balconies and shuttered windows, and drinking fountains bearing Koranic inscriptions that hint at their Turkish ancestry. There is plenty to do on and around the island - from active pursuits to sightseeing, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Chios Cooking Lessons

Chios Cooking Lessons

Cooking lessons organized by a Chios native will grant you insight into the intricacies of local cuisine, and give you the chance to try your hand at creating an edible masterpiece with some of the freshest local …

Yacht Tours

A number of companies offer all-day yacht tours around Chios and to neighboring islands - an experience guaranteed to leave visitors with lasting impressions. Most tours include a BBQ lunch on board and stops for swimming in the open sea and/or lesser known, secluded …

Citrus Estate

Citrus reigns king here in the heart of Kambos, a picturesque area south of Chios Town. A tiny citrus plantation and museum devoted to the sour fruit will give you an insight into its processing stages, and the adjacent gift shop provides an opportunity to stock up on some unique citrusy …

Byzantine Museum

Byzantine Museum

The most interesting aspect of this museum is the building itself - a mosque with the only intact minaret in the Aegean Islands. The museum contains a clutter of Hellenistic statuary, Roman slabs and a collection of Turkish, Jewish and Armenian tombstones that hint at the island’s multi-ethnic …

Nea Moni

"New Monastery" is a misnomer – this imposing religious institution was founded in the 11th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constanine IX Monomachos. It is, perhaps, the finest religious building in the Aegean islands, with mosaics that date back to the golden age of Byzantine religious …

Kambos

Inland from the town lies the fertile plain of Kambos, an area of olive groves, citrus orchards, almond trees and patchwork fields divided by stone walls and country lanes. Under the Giustiniani, this rich hinterland was the domain of wealthy Genoese landowners and many of their substantial stone mansions can still be seen – …

The Mastic Villages

The Mastic Villages

Further inland, in the southern part of the island, lie the so-called masticochoria (mastic villages). These well-preserved, fortified villages date from the 14th-16th centuries and were centres for the cultivation of mastic. Mastic is the sweet-tasting gum of the lentisk bush, which was exported all over the Mediterranean – and the area still produces …

Anavatos

This ghostly but picturesque hill village has been abandoned since 1822, when its 400 inhabitants chose to throw themselves from its 300 meter high cliff rather than fall into Turkish hands during the genocide following the revolt against Ottoman …

Inousses (Oinousses)

Inousses (Oinousses)

This tiny island cluster in the narrow strait between Chios and Turkey is said to be one of the wealthiest spots in Greece – several millionaire ship owners have their roots and family homes here. They prize their peace and quiet, so the islands are pleasantly unspoiled and there are good (but tiny) beaches …

Trips to Samos and Mytilini

Trips to Samos and Mytilini

There are several ferries and (in summer) hydrofoils between Chios and the neighbouring islands of Samos and Mytilini. Try the local Muscat wine in the former and ouzo in the latter for an authentic island …

Medieval City of Mesta

Medieval City of Mesta

The tiny castle village of Mesta dates back to the Byzantine period, when its thick city walls protected residents from marauder attacks. Today this unique historical monument welcomes visitors and invites you to taste its delectable local wine, …

Pyrgi

This tiny village is known for the intricate black and white geometric patterns which adorn its building's facades. A true piece of folk art, Pyrgi is a Chios must-see for amateur photographers and all those who appreciate …

Vroulidia

Tucked away in a secluded location, this tiny bay is a hidden gem on the island of Chios. The pristine turquoise waters and idyllic landscape of the untamed nature are a hidden gem for those seeking a few hours of peaceful bliss. The beach itself is mostly sandy with a few pebbles mixed …

Olympi

Nowhere else on the island is the scenery more reminiscent of the middle ages than in the tiny village of Olympi, where many of the narrow windy streets aren't lit up at night, which helps create an eerie medieval feel. Make sure to check out the nearby caves as …

Chios Castle

If you have some time to spare in Chios, check out the town's old historic castle located right next to the town's port. The castle walls encircle a tiny village as well as a restored Ottoman era bath house and an abandoned …

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum

Even if archaeology doesn't particularly excite you, this Chios museum certainly will - the skillfully arranged exposition tells a fascinating story of the island's glory days and boasts a striking collection of ancient jewelry. Exhibits date back to the 8th and 9th centuries. …

Polychoros Agio Galas

Polychoros Agio Galas

Tucked away in the northwestern part of the island (about 60 km from Chios town) is a tiny mountain village of Agio Galas. Take a tour of the cave and visit the local church, and don't forget to ask about the story behind the place's name (Agio Galas means "Holy …

Chios Beer Microbrewery

Chios Beer Microbrewery

Tucked away in one of the back roads, this off-the-beaten path sight is definitely worth a visit - especially if you're a beer-lover. There are no organised tours, but the brewers are extremely friendly and will most probably offer you a sample or two of the wonderful Chios …

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