Chios

You won't find many comments on this website about CHIOS, because so many of its users are from N orth America -- and not as many people who return to Greece again and again over the years (partly because it such a long/expensive trip). Canadian or USA "one-timers" tend to visit the better-known & easier to reach islands/ groups, like the Cyclades, crete, Maybe Rhodes. Forums like Trip Advisor and Fodors travel Forum tend to have more European contributors who visit Greece annually (after all, we must realize, for them, Greece is their Florida ... a short flight, affordable fares, and maybe the closest warm beach!). THerefore, going frequently, more Europeans get around to the Northeast Aegean and even some to Chios.

That being said, I'll venture an general comment from a visit of nearly 20 years ago -- since Chios is not a huge tourist magnet, thus has not changed beyond all recognition. I'd recommend researching beyond pretty pix on the internet, to get actual info. I recommend looking at Rough Guide to Greece, which is candid about high points and otherwise. The port town isn't charming (mainly concrete -- an 1880s earthquake destroyed older bldgs), but has a fair museum & restaurants & where u rent cars -- a must. In our abbreviated 2-day visit, we were able to enjoy the 2 best "mastic villages" including lunch in one, stopped at a couple of lovely west-coast beaches, and also visited the unforgettable Nea Moni monastery, scene of the tragic 1822 Turkish massacre -- unforgettable! If you want to stay at a beach, outside of the port town, R Guide suggests going beyond Karfas (7kg away & mainly biggie hotels) 2k farther to Megas Limnionas beach. Google may help u find current accommodations.

If it is at all possible to spend more time on the island by all means do so.

As "jan" knows I'm an American and seek out the non-touristy Greek Islands and parts of the mainland and traveling off season makes it even a better time to go to most anywhere in Greece!

It's one of the last large Greek Islands that doesn't get the hordes of tourists like the "Big Name" islands.

In fact it's one of my top three Greek Islands:

Amorgos
Chios
Tinos

I spent 10 days there early October a few years ago and rented a beautiful apartment in the Old Town inside the ancient Kastro walls just a short walk from the waterfront and New Town. Frourio Apartments are wonderful in a beautifully restored building with everything you need for a stay. At the time prices were very low for a single person. Probably a bit higher now but still a great deal.

The Old Town is not touristy at all, very Greek and well lived in by locals.

Check out my photos of the island:

https://tinyurl.com/ycgkrqza

If you have time read about my trip to Chios here (includes videos I made):

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189476-i2411-k10944884-Chios_Trip_Report_Sept_30_Oct_10_2017-Chios_Northeast_Aegean_Islands.html

I was hoping tommy would show up, since I know Chios is a favorite of his... On my upstairs hallway I have 3 photos from Chios that give me joy all these years later (isn't it funny, back in the days of film, when we had limits per roll and had to pay for development, we sometimes took more meaningful pictures??).

Travel the Greek Way:

Beautiful website which I was not aware of.

I'll add it to my many other bookmarks for Greece!

The photos of Chios bring back a lot of memories.

While I have never gone back to many of the islands I've visited because there are so many other islands and the mainland to explore I keep think why not Chios again!