Why Chios Island is the Jan Brady of the Greek Islands

June 13, 2019

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(and why that’s a good thing)

“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,” says Jan Brady who’s usually frustrated being the middle child and the ~~rival~~ overlooked sibling to her older sister, Marcia Brady. So for Chios Island, it’s:

“Santorini, Santorini, Santorini!”

Because, understandably, Santorini steals the spotlight. But Chios Island has just as much to offer as it’s smaller, yet very popular Greek sister. Or, the other ~~rivals~~ islands, such as Mykonos, Crete, or Corfu.

Yes, Chios Island is the Jan Brady of the Greek Islands. And if you’re a middle child, then you know exactly how it feels. This close to being the popular and responsible older sibling or the do-whatever-I-want younger sibling who gets all of the attention (or in this case, business). But, hold on a bit, Chios Island, like Jan Brady, has something that makes it special and why being compared to her is a good thing.

Chios Island is different.

In the social media craze where thousands of posts are uploaded every day using #Santorini, Chios Island gets to play it cool and live life under its own terms. The island isn’t restricted to being the most talked about Greek Island or destination in the world. It doesn’t have to live up to a demand of who and how many are planning to visit. Chios Island creates its own magic and makes its uniqueness known to the world.

Chios hasn’t lost its authenticity.

Can you imagine having a chill evening on a Greek Island without sharing that moment with dozens of others who want to take a sunset picture? In Chios Island, it would be yes. Actually, a hell yes. You wouldn’t have to imagine. It’s a reality.

In fact, you could roam the narrow streets and maze-like paths discovering hidden gems and *cough* secret doors.

It’s pure bliss.

Exploring Vessa and its narrow streets and blue door

The great part about traveling in Chios Town and its villages, you’ll get to see and explore history spanning thousands of years. From its architecture through the Roman, Byzantine, and Genoese periods and the supposed birthplace of Homer and Christopher Columbus (whether you’re a fan of his or not), your experience will be uninterrupted. No lines of tourists or photographers clogging up space. You can take it all in.

Chios Island has magic mastic

Cue Bruno Mars 24k Mastic⁣
What y’all trying to do?⁣
24 karat mastic in the air….

#truestory You can smell mastic in the air. The scented-island will draw you into the story of this mysterious yet multipurpose gift.

The island is famous for its mastic resin, also known as the Tears of Chios. The mastic tree grows only in South Chios in the humid and tropical microclimate. As a staple and trademark of the island, most residents depend on its production as a source of income. The worldwide product is used in food, medicine, alcohol, cosmetics, dentistry and more.

Visit the Chios Mastic Museum that details the history of the tree, resin, life in the villages, and how it has been sustained for 4,000 years.

Chios Island is not for everyone

Yes, this is a good thing! Santorini is known for the blue domes and white houses and Mykonos as the party island. Chios Island is for…

Slow Traveling?
Cultural Immersion?
Rest & Relaxation?
Or, all of the above?

Chios Island is not for everyone and that’s ok. The local residents, companies, and businesses are ok with that too. They want to attract travelers who want to learn about the island’s history, culture, people, food, and mastic.

I highly recommend connecting with Danai of Alios Tours who leads tours around the islands. From culture to food to adventure. I enjoyed the food and history walking tours of local villages to Vessa, Mesta, and Pyrgi. [POST coming soon!!]

Thinking about Jan Brady, Chios Island has similar qualities that make it a worthy place to visit.

I love the quote below because it captures the essence of Chios Island AND Jan Brady. While this is for entertainment, there is truth behind everything written here and shared above. Don’t forget to:

“Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.”
Janelle Monae

A huge thank-you to Alios Tours for sponsoring my accommodation, food, and tours during my trip to Chios Greece! The rest of Chios Island I booked and paid myself. All opinions and thoughts remain my own, despite any complimentary services received.