Chios offers a wealth of memorable experiences that go beyond just soaking up the sun. Its stunning coastline, fragrant mastiha groves, and charming villages make it a perfect place for engaging tours. We’re particularly drawn to the sailing boat cruise for its combination of scenic sea views, swimming in crystal waters, and a delicious onboard BBQ. The private walking tour of Kampos provides a peaceful stroll through traditional streets and grand mansions, perfect for history and architecture lovers. For a deep dive into local flavors, the Mastiha tasting and seaside lunch takes you through the island’s aromatic resin and authentic regional cuisine. Each of these experiences captures a different aspect of Chios, helping you create a trip that’s as relaxed or immersive as you like.
Below, we’ve put together a quick overview of the best tours, and then a detailed look at each one, so you can decide which fits your interests and schedule best.
1. Chios: Sailing Boat Cruise to Oinouses with Meal & Drinks
This full-day semi-private sailing cruise offers a laid-back way to see Chios from the water. Starting from Voyagers 24 LLC, you’ll spend around six hours aboard a boat exploring the island’s northeastern coast. The tour includes sailing past secluded coves, snorkeling in clear waters at Oinousses, and learning some sailing skills, which adds an interactive element. The highlight is a freshly prepared BBQ onboard, with options for meat and vegetarian diets, paired with drinks.
The itinerary features a 1.5-hour safety briefing, 2.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and scenic cruising, plus a two-hour stop at Oinousses for photos and more sailing. Reviews praise the experience for its intimate setting and stunning views. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed day on the water without sacrificing comfort or delicious food. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a chance to really enjoy the Aegean Sea.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who love sailing, swimming, and scenic coastal views in a semi-private setting with tasty onboard food.
2. Chios: Kampos Private Walking Tour
For a more relaxed exploration, the Kampos Private Walking Tour is an excellent choice. This two-and-a-half-hour stroll with a local guide takes you through the historic Kampos district, famous for its large stone mansions and lush citrus orchards. The tour includes visiting a traditional mansion, exploring a citrus orchard, and stopping at the Tangerine Museum, which offers insight into the island’s agricultural heritage.
The walk is customizable, allowing you to set your own pace, and the guide’s local knowledge makes it a rich experience. Visitors love how the tour balances sightseeing with personal attention, making it ideal for history buffs or those interested in local culture. Because it’s private, you’ll have the flexibility to focus on what interests you most and enjoy a peaceful, authentic walk through a significant part of Chios.
Bottom Line: An intimate, flexible way to discover Kampos’s architecture, citrus farming traditions, and the tranquil charm of one of Chios’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
3. Chios: Mastiha, Local Food Tasting & Seaside Lunch Tour
This 6.5-hour tour dives into the flavors of South Chios, emphasizing the island’s famous mastiha resin. Starting from multiple pickup points, you’ll visit a mastiha grove to learn about its harvesting, often described as a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure. You’ll sample a variety of mastiha-based products, from liqueurs to sweets, while exploring the medieval villages of the region.
The tour includes several stops—shopping at arts and crafts markets, sampling regional snacks, and tasting local dishes. The highlight is a seaside lunch at Komi Beach, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, ouzo, and regional specialties with a stunning sea view. The combination of culture and culinary delights makes this tour popular among food lovers and those curious about local traditions.
Guests enjoy the comprehensive experience, with one reviewer noting: “From hands-on mastic harvesting to swimming in turquoise waters, I felt I truly connected with the island.” It’s well suited for travelers who want a full sensory experience of Chios’s gastronomy and scenery.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies and culture seekers eager to taste authentic regional flavors combined with scenic village visits and a relaxing beach lunch.
4. Chios: Mastiha shore excursion
If your cruise calls at Chios, this Mastiha shore excursion offers a compact but immersive taste of the island’s sweet resin. Limited to groups of up to two people, it’s perfect for private travelers or couples. The four-and-a-half-hour tour includes visiting mastiha villages, the Mastic Museum, and the medieval village of Mesta.
The tour emphasizes mastiha cultivation, showing you the fields and explaining harvesting methods. You’ll also explore Pyrgi, known for its black-and-white patterned architecture, and enjoy a coffee break with local products. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge earn rave reviews, with one saying, “Karlos made learning about mastic both fun and fascinating.”
This tour is ideal for cruise passengers who want a deep dive into one unique crop, along with visits to picturesque villages. Its focus on mastiha makes it less about broad sightseeing and more about understanding this special resin’s cultural significance.
Bottom Line: A fantastic, intimate experience for cruise visitors interested in mastiha and traditional villages, delivered with expert guidance.
5. Chios: Private Guided City Tour
For those wanting a quick overview of Chios’s highlights, this 2-hour private city tour offers a snapshot of the island’s notable sights. The itinerary includes Pyrgi with its striking architecture, the Nea Moni Monastery (a UNESCO site), Chios Castle, and the Citrus Museum.
Although it’s a short tour, it packs in a lot—giving you an accessible way to understand Chios’s historical and cultural layers. Reviews are mixed, with some noting that the two-hour format feels rushed, but others appreciating the personalized attention. The guide can tailor the visit to your interests, making it suitable for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick orientation.
The tour is best suited for visitors who want a taste of Chios’s history without a long commitment, or as an introduction before exploring on your own.
Bottom Line: A good choice for quick, private orientation, especially if you want to see major sites like Nea Moni and Chios Castle in a short time.
6. Chios: Welcome Concierge coffee break with a local
For a relaxed start or a gentle introduction, this 1.5-hour coffee break with a local is ideal. It takes place at the Chios Chandris hotel, where you can enjoy local coffee, snacks, and a friendly chat with a knowledgeable local agent. It’s a great way to get personalized suggestions for your stay and learn about the island’s top sights.
The experience emphasizes tailoring your visit, with the host happy to share insider tips and answer questions. Reviews highlight the warm atmosphere and useful advice, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a friendly, informal introduction. It’s not a sightseeing tour but a chance to connect with local life and plan your trip more effectively.
If you’re arriving in Chios and want to hit the ground running, this quick, friendly meet-and-greet is a smart choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking local insights and personalized planning, in a low-pressure environment.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Chios
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you prefer a leisurely day on the water, the sailing cruise offers stunning scenery and a relaxed vibe for around $89 per person. For cultural lovers, the Kampos private walk provides an intimate glimpse into traditional architecture and agriculture, while the Mastiha food and seaside tour combines culinary exploration with village visits.
Cruise visitors might find the Mastiha shore excursion perfect, especially if you’re short on time but eager to learn about this unique product. History enthusiasts may enjoy the quick city tour, though it’s best for those with limited time. Finally, if you want a friendly, local introduction before your adventures begin, the coffee break offers personalized tips and a taste of local hospitality.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the sailing cruise or Mastiha tastings, to secure your spot and make the most of your time in Chios.
Final Thoughts
Chios offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests—whether you’re into sailing, exploring historic villages, tasting local flavors, or just getting a quick overview of the island’s highlights. The sailing boat cruise stands out for its combination of scenic beauty and onboard dining, making it ideal for relaxed seaside lovers. For culture, the Kampos walk and Mastiha excursions deliver authentic experiences that reveal the island’s traditions.
Travelers seeking a quick taste of Chios’s highlights might prefer the guided city tour, while those wanting to customize their visit will find the Welcome Concierge a helpful start. Whatever your style, booking ahead will ensure you enjoy these memorable experiences without disappointment.
With such a range of options, your trip to Chios can be as laid-back or as in-depth as you wish. Dive into the local life, enjoy the sea, and savor the flavors—Chios is ready to welcome you.