Chios is a Greek island that offers much more than stunning coastlines. Its rich culture, historic villages, and unique local products make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely stroll through a traditional settlement or a flavorful journey into the island’s famous mastiha, Chios’s tours are crafted to showcase its best features. Among the highlights are the Kampos private walking tour, which takes you deep into a charming, historical neighborhood, and the mastiha tasting tours that introduce you to one of Greece’s most distinctive products.
What makes Chios stand out is its diversity of experiences: from exploring medieval villages to learning about mastiha harvesting—an activity that has been a part of island life for centuries. The tours featured here offer a variety of ways to enjoy the island’s culture, food, and scenery, making each trip personal and memorable.
Quick Overview
Our list of best tours in Chios includes options for different interests and schedules. If you love walking and history, the Kampos Private Walking Tour offers a relaxed, intimate exploration of a stunning traditional settlement. For those eager to indulge in local flavors, the Mastiha, Local Food Tasting & Seaside Lunch Tour provides a full day of tasting, sightseeing, and swimming. If a quick, immersive experience is your style, the Mastiha Shore Excursion is perfect for cruise passengers. Lastly, for travelers wanting a broader overview in a shorter time, the Private Guided City Tour covers key sights and history.
Below, each tour is examined in detail, highlighting what makes it special and who will enjoy it most.
1. Chios: Kampos Private Walking Tour
This private walking tour of Kampos offers a gentle, unhurried way to discover one of Chios’s most picturesque areas. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and can be tailored to your pace, making it a great choice for travelers who want a personalized experience. You’ll wander through narrow, winding streets lined with stone mansions, many built during the prosperous 19th century, and learn about the area’s history from a local guide.
What makes this tour special is its focus on the wellness aspect—you get to explore at your own pace, soaking in the details of Kampos’s architecture and lush citrus orchards. Visitors often enjoy visiting an original traditional mansion, which offers a glimpse into local aristocratic life, and the Tangerine Museum, where the island’s famous citrus fruits are celebrated. A highlight is strolling through the citrus orchards, which still produce fruit that has been cultivated here for generations.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for history and architecture buffs, or those who want a peaceful, personalized walk through a less touristy part of Chios. The reviews speak highly of its intimate, authentic feel, with a 4.9/5 rating.
2. Chios: Mastiha, Local Food Tasting & Seaside Lunch Tour
For a full-day immersion in Chios’s culinary and cultural treasures, this 6.5-hour tour combines visits to a mastiha grove, multiple tastings, and a delicious seaside lunch at Komi Beach. It’s perfect for foodies who want to learn about the island’s most famous product—mastiha resin—which is harvested from trees that date back hundreds of years. The tour starts with a pickup from several central locations, making it easy to join.
One of the highlights is visiting a mastiha grove, where you’ll see how the resin is harvested and processed. The tour also includes visits to medieval villages like Pyrgi, famous for their black-and-white patterned facades, and Mesta, a UNESCO-listed village. Along the way, you’ll taste local products, enjoy regional snacks, and learn about the island’s culinary traditions. The day concludes with a seaside lunch featuring local flavors, ouzo, and a chance to swim at Komi Beach.
Guest reviews are glowing, especially praising the tour’s rich variety and authentic tastings. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive cultural experience with plenty of opportunities to relax by the sea.
Bottom line: If you’re craving a mix of food, culture, and coastal relaxation, this tour offers outstanding value and a deep dive into what makes Chios unique.
3. Chios: Mastiha shore excursion
This Mastiha shore excursion is ideal for cruise passengers or those in town for just a few hours. It lasts around 4.5 hours and allows you to get a taste of South Chios’s mastiha culture without missing your ship’s departure. Starting from Chios, the tour takes you to Kallimasia, then onto the medieval village of Mesta, and the picturesque Pyrgi, with its distinctive black-and-white façade pattern.
The visit includes the Mastic Museum, where you’ll learn about the resin’s harvesting and significance. The tour also offers a mastiha tasting and a chance for a quick photo stop in Pyrgi. The guide emphasizes engaging storytelling and local insights, making this a memorable, compact experience.
Reviewers mention how well-organized and friendly the tour is, with particular praise for the personalized attention. The relatively short duration makes it suitable for those with limited time but wanting a meaningful introduction to Chios.
Bottom line: Perfect for cruise travelers or those with tight schedules, this tour provides a good overview of mastiha production and some of the island’s most charming spots.
4. Chios: Private Guided City Tour
For travelers wanting a quick look at Chios’s main sights, this 2-hour private tour is a practical choice. It covers highlights like Pyrgi’s intricate architecture, the Nea Moni Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Chios Castle, and the Citrus Museum. The tour’s focus is on providing a broad overview of the island’s history, culture, and agriculture.
While reviews indicate some inconsistency in guide quality (with a 1.6/5 rating), the tour remains a helpful option if you’re short on time or prefer a private guide. The visit to Nea Moni is a definite highlight, showcasing stunning Byzantine mosaics and architecture. The architecture of Pyrgi with its distinctive black-and-white patterns offers a memorable visual experience, and the citrus farm visit adds a taste of local agriculture.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time, this tour quickly hits the major sights but may vary depending on the guide. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, private overview of Chios.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Chios, consider your interests and schedule. If your goal is to learn about authentic, leisurely exploration, the Kampos Private Walking Tour offers a relaxed pace and in-depth look at local architecture and agriculture. For food lovers, the Mastiha, Local Food Tasting & Seaside Lunch Tour combines tastings, village visits, and swimming, making it a full-day experience.
Cruise travelers or visitors short on time should consider the Mastiha Shore Excursion, which packs in highlights efficiently. If you prefer a quick overview of main sights, the Private Guided City Tour provides a concise introduction.
Think about your budget, physical activity level, and what kind of experience you value most—whether it’s cultural depth, culinary delights, or sightseeing efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Chios offers a diverse set of tours that suit different interests and schedules. For a relaxed, in-depth exploration, the Kampos walk is unbeatable. If you’re eager to taste local flavors and learn about mastiha, the full-day Food & Mastiha Tour is hard to beat. Meanwhile, cruise passengers will appreciate the quick and engaging shore excursion, and those pressed for time should consider the city highlights tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially in summer when these tours tend to fill up. No matter your choice, each offers a chance to get beneath the surface of Chios and enjoy a more authentic, enriching visit.
Happy planning—and enjoy your trip to this fascinating Greek island!