Though it’s the fifth largest of the Greek Aegean islands, Chios actually sits only a few miles off the coast of Turkey. The island offers naturally beautiful landscapes with rolling mountains and rugged coastlines as well as unique local culture shown by the medieval villages and historical sites. One of the most famous cultural attractions is the 11th century monastery Nea Moni, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Chios was one of the original twelve member states of the ancient Ionian league, and was one of the first ever societies to mint their own coins, which featured an image of a sphinx. After antiquity, the island was ruled over by many foreign powers including the Romans, the Genoese, and the Ottomans. With such a long and interesting history, Chios is full of cultural experiences and tales of history. The best way to see all that this special place has to offer is by renting a quad bike and exploring the island at your own pace.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a quad/ATV in Chios. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter or a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a quad in Greece
- The price of ATV rental in Chios
- How to find in Chios a rental ATV
- Whether it’s safe to drive in Chios
- The best places to visit in Chios
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire an ATV in Chios?
Greek law requires that all non-EU foreign drivers within the country carry an international driving permit with them while operating a motor vehicle. This goes for whether you’re renting a car, a scooter, or an ATV.
If you wish to hire a quad in Chios, you’ll have to apply for your international driving permit at least two weeks prior to leaving your home country, as that’s how long it typically takes the permit to come in the mail. You can apply here, and there is a fee of $20. Once you have the permit, it is valid for up to six months of driving in Greece
What Is the Cost Of Quad Rental in Chios?
If you’re looking to rent an ATV in Chios, you can expect to pay around €20 for a 150cc quad bike. You can find more powerful bikes in a higher price range; however, if you plan to stay in the more metropolitan areas of the island, a 150cc ATV will be perfectly sufficient. If you want to venture into the more mountainous areas, a more powerful rental ATV would be preferable.
There are several companies around the island that offer ATV tours. They usually charge around €100 for a tour that lasts around 5 hours. Quad tours are a great way to experience the more natural areas of the island in a short period of time.
Where Can You Hire an ATV in Chios?
If you plan on flying into Chios Airport Omiros, you will probably be able to find a company that will deliver a rental quad directly to your terminal. However, there are no services that rent directly out of the airport.
Most of the quad rental shops are located on the eastern side of the island. Your best bet for finding ATV hire is to go to either Chios Town, also known as Chora, or to the town of Karfas. These are the two most popular destinations on the island, and chances are you’ll be in one of these two towns anyway.
Is It Safe To Drive an ATV in Chios?
In general, driving around Chios is quite safe. The overall mode of life on the island is very relaxed, and local drivers are usually pretty respectful and laid-back. The cities in Chios are pretty small, so there isn’t a whole lot of traffic you’ll have to worry about.
In Chios Town and Karfas, as well as in the medieval towns of Pyrgi and Mesta, the roads can be quite narrow. It’s best to drive with caution when passing through these more populated areas. When driving through the countryside, you’ll come upon a lot of dirt roads. For this reason, driving an ATV is one of the most popular and effective ways to get around to different parts of the island.
What Are the Best Things To Do In Chios by Quad Bike?
If you want to drive a quad around Chios, one of the best ways to maximize your time is to take an ATV tour. However, if you’d rather explore on your own, here are some ideas to get you started:
Mavra Volia
A 40 minute drive from Chios Town through the scenic countryside to the southern end of the island will bring you to Mavra Volia, one of the most unique natural beaches in all the Greek islands. The shoreline is covered with black stones due to a volcanic formation in the nearby village.
The beach is a protected area so there are almost no businesses around it, leaving you to soak in the nature in its most pristine form. However, if you want to get a bite to eat, you can go into the nearby village and try some of the traditional fares.
Anavatos
If you want a sense of what medieval life was like on the island, take a 30 minute drive to the west of Chios Town and you’ll come upon Anavatos, an abandoned medieval village that is astoundingly well preserved. You can take a walk or a drive through the village and see all of the abandoned medieval houses, and then make your way up to the fortress that overlooks the village. The fortress offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and is a fantastic place to get a commemorative photo.
The road to Anavatos from Chios Town is also exceptionally picturesque, with towering mountains and luscious greenery lining the roads.
Chios Mastic Museum
Mastic is one of the most important substances to the culture of Chios. Also known as tears of Chios, mastic is a plant resin used for a wide range of medicinal purposes that is obtained from the mastic tree, which is abundant on the island. If you’re interest in learning about the history of its cultivation, take a 30 minute drive south from Chios Town, quite close to Mavra Volia, and visit the Chios Mastic Museum.
At the museum, you can learn all about the process of mastic cultivation and its multitude of healing properties, and you can even get a great view of some mastic trees. The museum is also located in the town of Pyrgi, which is definitely worth checking out on its own.
Travel Around Chios by ATV
Whether you’re looking for some unique history, quaint settings, beautiful beaches, or hiking adventures, Chios has something for every kind of traveler. If you plan on staying on the island for more than a few hours, you should absolutely rent a quad and go exploring!
Do you still have questions about quad/ATV rentals in Chios? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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