TOP REASONS TO VISIT

1. Hiking on the mountain trails in the north

Spring is the best time of the year to lace up your hiking boots and head to the less-frequented northern side of Chios. Here an easy and gorgeous mountain trail winds through a forest of chestnut and plane trees alongside the river in the gorge of Kambia under Mount Pelineo, ending at a seaside village and beach. Walking around the area of Volissos, you will come across pretty groves, small churches and water mills. In Kardamyla, the marked path leading up to the Castle of Gria reveals a stunning bird’s-eye-view of Chios.

2. The intoxicating bike rides in Kampos

Kampos is the king of spring on the island. Chios owes its nickname Myrovolos (meaning fragrant) largely to the gardens and orchards of Kampos. Take a bike ride on the tarmac bike lanes when the air is laden with the scent of tangerine and orange blossom, cycling between citrus groves and vegetable gardens and along narrow streets lined by impressive mansions.

If you want to peek into the interior of a typical walled garden here, visit the Citrus Estate for a tour of the Citrus Museum and try fruit pies and sweet mandarins. For an organized bike ride with local guides, contact Masticulture.

4. The city’s sights and museums

Take a long stroll up and down the promenade, stop at a cafe for a classic vanilla ypovrihio (a spoonful of vanilla fondant submerged in ice-cold water), and take photos by the windmills.

You will need more than a day to take in everything the city has to offer, such as a walk down Aplotaria street, which brings you to the main shopping area and the old mansions built by Chios’s wealthier families. Other notable stops include the Korais Library, the Metzitie Mosque that today houses the Byzantine Museum, Chios Castle with its lively streets and the Ottoman baths with their striking architecture. The collections of the Maritime Museum will take you on a voyage through the island’s seafaring history.