Black-and-white geometric façades at the heart of mastic country.
Pyrgi is Chios's most visually distinctive mastic village, known for xysta wall patterns, a fortified plan and traditions tied to resin cultivation.
Pyrgi's houses are decorated with xysta, geometric patterns scratched through white plaster to reveal dark layers beneath. The technique turns whole streets into graphic surfaces within a compact medieval settlement.
The village remains an active centre of mastic production. Balconies hung with tomatoes, the central tower and narrow lanes are part of daily life, not a staged attraction. Nearby Mavra Volia beach shows the volcanic side of southern Chios.
Practical information
Reach Pyrgi by car or limited bus from Chios Town. Park outside the centre, ask before photographing residents and buy certified Chios Mastiha products.
