The Daily Express newspaper, the fifth most read in the United Kingdom, has published an article recommending "visiting a Greek island as large as Lanzarote, but without overcrowding".
It refers to the island of Chios, the fifth largest in Greece, which has an area of 842 square kilometers (three less than Lanzarote) and is located in the northeast Aegean.
"Unlike Lanzarote", says the Daily Express, “in Chios tourists can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, without crowds”.
“With 21,000 fewer overnight stays than Lanzarote per square kilometer, its medieval villages, beaches and trails are wonderfully uncrowded”, explains the British newspaper.
The Daily Express states that “thanks to the rich biodiversity of the Greek island, which includes rare mastic trees from which resin can be extracted, as well as olive oil, figs, wine and citrus fruits, Chios has not had to depend on tourism”.
Thus, the article continues, “a different travel experience has been created without uncontrolled tourist complexes. Visitors can stay in small family-run guesthouses or restored stone houses in villages such as Pyrgi, known for its striking black and white facades, and Mesta, a perfectly preserved fortified village with narrow alleys and hidden squares”.
The British newspaper highlights the interior of Chios “the hiking trails that wind through pine forests, orchards and ruined chapels”.
It also underlines the “abundance of beaches” such as those in the town of “Komi, with shallow waters and simple taverns, those of Apothika, where you can swim in the shade of the cliffs, and Nagos, known for its freshwater springs”.
In addition, it highlights “the cultural heritage of the island, such as the Mastic Museum, or monasteries such as Nea Moni, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which offer tranquil views of the hills”.
“Ferries connect Chios with even lesser-known islands such as Psara and Oinousses, and even in the port city, life feels calm. Here you can explore the medieval castle, stroll through the old town or marvel at the Argenti Gallery”, adds the newspaper.
