Discover the environs

Perfectly positioned in the center of the Mastichochoria, Patrika offers the ideal base to discover the living history, traditions, and landscapes of southern Chios. Amphitheatrically built on a hilltop, among mastic trees, this unspoiled medieval village invites you to explore the secrets of the island—past and present.From village feasts to starry skies, hidden shores to timeless crafts—Patrika is your key to the heart of Chios.

The Mastic Villages: A Living Heritage
Formed centuries ago by the Genoese to protect the precious mastic harvest from pirates and smugglers, the mastic villages were built like fortresses, with stone houses linked wall to wall, forming natural castles. Today, this network of villages preserves not just a unique form of architecture, but a lifestyle where ancient techniques still shape the rhythm of daily life. From June to September, visitors can witness the ancestral ritual of mastic harvesting—entirely by hand, as it has been for millennia. Time slows down here, inviting you to experience authenticity at its finest.

Mesta: The Crown Jewel of Chios
Step into a perfectly preserved medieval castle-village, where narrow alleys twist beneath stone arches and history whispers from every corner. Mesta is protected as a cultural monument, and its architecture is an exquisite reflection of its Genoese past. Don’t miss the 15th-century church of Old Taxiarches or the richly carved iconostasis inside. On Ash Monday, join the locals in the satirical “Agas” celebration, a theatrical tradition that brings laughter and centuries-old customs to life. Just 4km away, the port and nearby beaches await for sun-kissed escapes.

Olympoi: Timeless Strength, Underground Wonders
Olympoi enchants with its fortress-like structure and atmospheric alleys, where time-worn arches connect stone homes. At its heart, the medieval “Trapeza” once hosted the village’s most important gatherings. A short journey from the village leads you into the depths of the Cave of Olympoi, a stunning natural cathedral of stalactites and stalagmites. Continue toward the sea and you’ll find the serene Agia Dynami beach, lapped by turquoise waters and watched over by an ancient chapel and a Byzantine watchtower—places where sky and sea meet myth.

Pyrgi: The Painted Village
Unlike any other village in Greece, Pyrgi is a geometric dream—its white facades etched with intricate black “xysta” patterns. Walk its alleyways like an open-air gallery, where every building tells a story in lines and curves. Explore the 14th-century church of Agioi Apostoloi and other monuments that speak of devotion and continuity. Then, head to the volcanic beach of Mavra Volia, where black pebbles meet deep blue waters, or to Vroulidia, one of the most exotic beaches on the island. Pyrgi is a living artwork, both sacred and sensual.

The Chios Mastic Museum, located near Pyrgi, showcases the unique story of mastic—the tree, the tradition, and the people. Set in a sustainable landscape of mastic trees, this award-winning museum brings to life an ancient craft still practiced entirely by hand and honored by UNESCO.