Visiting Khios via cruise in July? Any ideas on what worth seeing and how much time it takes via public transportation? Solo traveler and driving myself is not an option. Tight budget but will splurge for tour if it's worth it. Thanks for any help. I believe we will be in port @ 8 hrs. Anne
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
Are you at all gregarious? Make friends on trips? Then I highly suggest you scope out the fun types on the cruise, and organize a 4-some to rent a car. If you do that, you will be able to zoom around the island and see the highlights -- the 2 most fascinating "mastic" villages (have lunch at one of them), plus the stunning black-pebble beach ?Emborio? and the amazing almost totally-deserted 12th century monastery (when we were there 12 years ago, only one aged nun at entrance) -- and even have time for a refreshing swim near the end, at Karvas beach just north of the port city. Without a car, not mch at all is possible, and port city unlike some other islands, has little to offer. If it were me, for this strategy, I would research car rental online before you go... and then when I got the 4-some, would use cellphone to call ahead and have car waiting at port -- save hassle & an hour's delay.
If you don't fancy your chance at rounding up willing companions, maybe you could research any existing island tour leaving from port -- bound to be cheaper than the cruise-line version.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
If you plan to rent a car, be sure to bring an international drivers permit with you. You can get them at AAA offices in the US.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Driving is not an option as I do not drive at all.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
Neither do I, bookworm, that's why I suggest you socialize and find some others who are interested in shared car rental. I've done 12 trips to Greece and on 10 of them have shared a car rental with companions... planning and collaboration is the key. I think you'll find that a number have already planned to drive at some point, and thus have the International Driving Permit (which only requires a quick 20-minute stop at a local AAA office).
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
If I understand your post correctly you will have just 8 hours on the island? (@ 8 hrs.)
If correct I suppose you could hire a driver and explore nearby areas. Chios is a large island filled with wonderful villages, abandoned towns, archeological and historic sites and is not as heavily touristed as other islands.
Renting a car is almost mandatory when visiting a Greece Island. You never really get to experience Greece by just using public transportation.
If you can hire a driver then that would be your best bet if you can't drive.