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Chios Island National Airport Homer - JKH serves as the main entry point for visitors traveling to the beautiful Greek island of Chios. Known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and unique cultural heritage, Chios Island is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and authentic Greek experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the airport, its location, connectivity, attractions, food options, transport, and the best time to visit.
Chios Island National Airport Homer, with the airport code JKH, is located approximately 4 kilometers southwest of Chios Town (also known as Chora), the island’s capital. The airport is named after the famous ancient Greek poet Homer, who is believed to have been born on the island of Chios. Although relatively small compared to major international airports, Chios Airport is well-equipped to handle both domestic and international flights, offering a smooth arrival experience.
This airport serves as the gateway for travelers heading to Chios Island, offering convenient access to the island's many attractions, including its historic sites, beautiful beaches, and picturesque villages. The airport's proximity to the town makes it an easy starting point for your exploration of the island.
Chios Island National Airport Homer - JKH has excellent connectivity with both domestic and international flights. During the summer months, the airport handles a higher volume of flights, catering to both Greek residents and international tourists.
Domestic Connectivity:
The airport is well-connected to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), with regular flights. From Athens, passengers can easily connect to other parts of Greece. There are also occasional flights to Thessaloniki and other regional airports.
International Connectivity:
In addition to domestic flights, Chios Island National Airport Homer - JKH receives seasonal international flights from major European cities, particularly during the summer tourist season. These flights connect travelers from countries like Italy, Germany, and the UK, making it easier for tourists from abroad to reach this beautiful island.
Once you arrive at Chios Island National Airport Homer - JKH, you’ll find yourself only a short drive away from many of the island's main attractions. The island of Chios has a diverse range of activities and sights for every type of traveler. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing by the sea, Chios has something to offer.
Chios Town, located just a few kilometers from the airport, is a charming blend of traditional and modern Greece. The town has narrow streets, old stone houses, and vibrant shops, making it perfect for strolling. Don’t miss the Chios Archaeological Museum, where you can explore artifacts from ancient Chios. The town is also known for its medieval Castle of Chios, which offers panoramic views of the town and the Aegean Sea.
One of the most unique aspects of Chios Island is the Mastic Villages, a collection of medieval settlements in the southern part of the island. The villages, including Pyrgi and Mesta, are famous for their traditional mastic production. Mastic is a resin harvested from the mastic tree, which has been used for centuries in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Visitors can explore the villages' medieval architecture, narrow alleys, and quaint houses, all while learning about the mastic production process.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nea Moni Monastery is located inland, about 15 km from Chios Town. The monastery, dating back to the 11th century, is famous for its stunning mosaics and historical significance. A visit to Nea Moni is a great way to immerse yourself in the island's rich religious and cultural history.
Chios is also known for its beautiful beaches. The Karfas Beach, located about 7 km south of Chios Town, is one of the island’s most popular beaches. With its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Karfas is perfect for swimming and relaxation. Mavra Volia Beach, on the southern coast of Chios, is famous for its unique black pebbles and volcanic landscape.
Other notable beaches include Daskalopetra Beach, Agia Fotini Beach, and Lithi Beach. Each of these offers something special, whether it's the peaceful setting, water sports, or picturesque scenery.
Chios is also famous for its vineyards, particularly the Chios Mavro grape variety. The island produces excellent wines, and there are several wineries where you can enjoy wine tasting. You can also explore the local markets and taste other local products like mastic-based products, local honey, and traditional Greek sweets.
Athens to Chios: The distance between Athens and Chios is approximately 300 km by sea, with regular ferries connecting the two destinations. By air, the flight takes about 45 minutes, making Chios an easily accessible destination from the Greek capital.
Thessaloniki to Chios: Thessaloniki is about 450 km from Chios. You can travel by ferry, which takes around 8 to 9 hours, or by plane with a short connecting flight.
Izmir, Turkey to Chios: Chios is located just a short distance from the Turkish coast. The town of Izmir is approximately 80 km from Chios, and there are ferry connections between the two destinations, which take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
When it comes to food, Chios offers a wide range of delicious local dishes that reflect its rich history and diverse cultural influences. Here are some food options you shouldn’t miss:
Many local restaurants and tavernas offer freshly caught seafood, as well as classic Greek dishes like moussaka, tzatziki, and souvlaki.
While public transport on Chios Island is limited, getting around is still easy, especially with taxis or rental cars. Most visitors choose to rent a car, as this gives them the flexibility to explore the island at their own pace.
There are also local buses connecting Chios Town with the airport and other key locations. However, for those wishing to explore the more remote parts of the island, renting a car is the most convenient option.
Taxis are available at the airport, and there are several car rental agencies in Chios Town and near the airport.
The best time to visit Chios Island is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather during these months is mild, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the island's natural beauty. The summer months (July and August) are the peak tourist season, offering warm temperatures and numerous cultural events but also larger crowds.
Most visitors spend about 3 to 5 days on Chios Island, allowing enough time to explore the town, beaches, historical sites, and the Mastic Villages. However, those wishing to relax by the sea or delve deeper into the island's history may want to extend their stay.
