Even though this sweet-scented island — known as the fragrant flower of the Aegean — owes its fame to mastic, it gains visitors with its natural beauty and ancient architecture. Chios, also named Hios or Khios, is an island with a long history that dates back to ancient times. The different influences of the island rulers such as the Turks, The Genoese, the Romans and Alexander the Great left ancient monuments and abandoned churches and monasteries. The 11th-century monastery of “Nea Moni,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the island.

The south of the island is noted for the Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages), the six villages of Mesta, Pyrgi, Olυmpi, Kalamoti, Vessa, and Elata, which together have controlled the production of mastic gum in the area since the Roman period. The villages, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, have a carefully designed layout with fortified gates and narrow streets to protect against the frequent raids by marauding pirates. Between Chios Town and the Mastichochoria lie a large number of historic villages including Armolia, Myrmighi and Kalimassia.

Some historians believe that the famous Greek poet Homer was born on Chios

Star Flyer begins cruises to Chios in summer 2011.