On Chios you'll enjoy refreshing dips at some of the Aegean's most distinctive beaches. Greece's fifth-largest island boasts over 90 beaches to suit every taste. These are the standouts.
An island blessed by nature, with a long history, filled with enchanting landscapes, medieval villages, and many hidden treasures waiting for you to discover them. This is Chios, the land of mastic and Greece's fifth-largest island.
As for the beaches? Get ready for swims in some of the Aegean's most distinctive. Chios boasts over 90 beaches that can surely suit every taste. Here are some of the island's most unique beaches you shouldn't miss.
Mavra Volia
On the southern part of Chios, specifically about 30 km from the town and 5 km from the famed village of Pyrgi, you'll find the island's most famous beach and one of the Aegean's most distinctive. Mavra Volia beach is a unique sight, as its large black pebbles resulted from the eruption of a nearby (now inactive) volcano in antiquity. The waters are pristine and crystal-clear, with a deep dark blue hue due to the black pebbles.
Vroulidia
Very close to Pyrgi and next to Emporios beach lies Vroulidia, the southernmost beach of the island, hidden among imposing, white rocks. The beach is small but very beautiful, with turquoise waters, coarse sand and fine pebbles. There is a small canteen, but the beach isn't organized, so it's best to bring your essentials.
Agia Dynami
Another striking beach in southern Chios, near the village of Olympoi, is Agia Dynami, which took its name from the small chapel at its eastern end. The beach has exotic turquoise waters and a mix of fine sand and pebbles. Bring supplies with you because it isn't organized.
Apothika
Apothika is one of the island's most beautiful and popular southern beaches, about 5 km from the medieval settlement of Mesta. The route among mastic groves and olive groves down to the sea is unique. There is a beach bar and water sports facilities to rent a SUP, canoe or kayak and explore the caves.
Salagona
Salagona beach is in southwestern Chios, just 5 km from the village of Olympoi, in the region of the Mastichochoria. It is a beach with fine pebbles and gorgeous turquoise waters. In recent years a canteen has been operating, while umbrellas and sunbeds are provided.
Elinta
On the western side of Chios, 10 km from the village of Avgonyma, lies the large, enclosed bay of Elinta. The landscape around this beach is enchanting, and swimming in the green-blue waters of the bay is truly delightful. It is a tranquil beach with white pebbles and tamarisk trees that offer shade.
Trachili
Trachili beach is on the western side of Chios, 10 km from the village of Avgonyma. Isolated and solitary, with clear blue waters, it attracts all who seek peace and quiet. You'll need to bring the essentials with you, as it isn't organized. It's worth visiting Vigla, a lookout for pirates located on the hill next to the beach.
Glaroi
At a distance of 7 km northeast of Chios town, between Vrontados and Sykiada, on the road to Kardamyla, you'll come across Glaroi beach. The beach sits in a small cove among rocks. It's organized, with a beach bar, and is one of the island's most cosmopolitan (it's best to go early because it fills up very quickly). Glaroi beach is a special case, as it was created in an old quarry. Over time, the sea brought sand and sculpted the rocks, creating a beautiful setting.
Nagos
Nagos beach is in the northeastern part of the island, 5 km north of the village of Ano Kardamyla. Nagos has lovely small pebbles, while the crystal-clear waters and the lush green mountains that surround it compose a beautiful setting. On the beach you'll find restaurants and tavernas to enjoy fresh fish and seafood.
