docking time in chios: thursday 16th july, 6am-9pm

cruising time to lemnos: 9-10 hours

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The 5th largest of the Greek islands, it is said to be the birthplace of democracy upon which Athens modelled its political system. Chios has a long tradition in shipping - many of Greece’s & the world’s richest shipping tycoons come from Chios. Most importantly Chios is famous for its mastic trees: the resin that comes out of their bark is used for the elaboration of different products, of which a unique chewing gum and the super delicious Mastic liquor (“mastiha”), a favourite of the Bride.

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There will be two excursions available while we are docked in Chios

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Short Excursion: 11am-1:15pm in Pirgi

(Duration: 2H15 – Price: €100)

This area of Chios got its name Mastichochoria from the Lentisk (mastic) bush. Most of the mastic villages in the south part of Chios were settled in the time of the Genoese occupation of the island (12th century). They were built mostly like fortresses and they were fortified against the pirates’ invasions.

 Your first stop will be to the medieval fortress town of Pirgi, one of the unusual and attractive villages on the Island. It looks as though it has emerged from the Middle Ages, with its narrow alleyways and its house facades covered with the unique "xysta" decorations, geometric patterns in grey and white. At the central square of the village the effect of  “xysta“ is very intense as all outside walls of the buildings – including the main church – are covered with this extraordinary graffiti. The fortified character of the village of Pirgi was destroyed in the big earthquake of 1881 but it keeps each unique atmosphere with all the beautiful facades of the houses with this extraordinary black and white graffiti. 

After your visit to Pirgi you shall return to Chios port.

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Long Excursion: 11am-3pm in Fortified Village of Mesta, including lunch

(Duration: 4H15 – Price: €135)

This area of Chios got its name Mastichochoria from the Lentisk (mastic) bush. Most of the mastic villages in the south part of Chios were settled in the time of the Genoese occupation of the island (12th century). They were built mostly like fortresses and they were fortified against the pirates’ invasions. After one hour drive, you will arrive in the village of Mesta, and will visit the fortified enclosure and houses (outside visit). Here the houses are built one by the other forming a wall enclosing the village. All the roofs are connected and provided the inhabitants with an escape way in the past, when the invaders were standing outside the walls. As we walk through Mesta’s old narrow lanes and the roofed alleyways we reach the central open square with the big beautiful church of Taxiarches. You will enjoy a tasteful Greek lunch at a local restaurant of the village. Afterwards, you will board your coach for a panoramic drive passing by various villages such as Kalamoti, Nenita, Katarktis and Neochori, before you reach Chios town and the port.