Medieval castles hidden away among imposing cypress trees, the scent of mastic mixing with that of the oranges and the lemons, stone windmills standing proud at scenic bays, a setting that has remained unchanged by time.

These are just a few of Chios characteristics that are rare elsewhere. Each time you visit Chios, it’s like adding a piece to an endless, colourful puzzle. For example, I’d seen the beauty of Kampos, the picturesque villages of Pyrgi and Mesta, and the deserted 18th century churches – that seem out of a Greek Tuscany – but I had no idea about the medieval beauties in the northern, more isolated part of the island.

An invitation from the North Aegean region administration was enough for me to discover one of the most historic and beautiful borders of Greece: the scenery of northern Chios with the medieval villages, the traditional settlements and the imposing castles, perched on the rocks. And we also had the chance to tour the whole island and enjoy unique villages like Mavra Volia, to try fresh seafood at ouzeris (ouzo taverns) next to the sea, as well as game at stone taverns in the mountains, and discover, once more, the still strong Genovese influence at this uniquely and proudly Greek destination.

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