A fortified mastic village built as a stone labyrinth.
Mesta is one of southern Chios's best-preserved medieval villages, with defensive lanes, a compact central square and active mastic traditions.
Mesta was designed to protect both residents and valuable mastic stores. Houses share walls, lanes twist beneath arches and the village once had only controlled entrances, creating a remarkably coherent fortified settlement.
The central square is now lined with tavernas, but homes and mastic production keep the village alive beyond tourism. Nearby Olympi and the coast allow a wider view of Mastichochoria life.
Practical information
A car is the easiest access from Chios Town. Park outside the walls, keep voices low in residential lanes and arrange mastic experiences through local producers.
