A harbor, a river and a small boatyard define Lagkada. The seafaring village lies on the northeast coast of Chios, in Kolokythia Bay; Chios town is 16 km away. The Krikeli River flows through the village. The Glyfos Canal is also part of the village’s character: it forms the natural entrance to Lagkada, and one side of the canal is lined with eucalyptus trees. Together, these waterways and the harbor give Lagkada a distinct maritime character. They offer a clear point of reference when deciding whether the village is right for your trip.

Harbor, Beach and Dining by the Sea

There are mezedopoleia, ouzeries and cafés along the entire harbor. You can eat or have coffee right by the sea. Individual venues may change over time. The harbor is therefore the shared focal point for a meal or coffee break; the different types of venues are spread along its waterfront.

The beach can also be located precisely: Fanaraki is a pebble beach at the eastern end of the beach by Lagkada harbor. There are no organized beaches in the village. If you value a particular type of beach or organized beach facilities when choosing where to stay, you should take this distinction into account.

Boatbuilding and a Historic Windmill

On the west side of Karydas, boats belonging to recreational fishers are still repaired at a small boatyard. On the east side of Lagkada stands one of the area’s many windmills; its main structure has been preserved. Historically, the windmills mainly ground wheat. These two details represent different layers of time: here, the ongoing repair of boats; there, a preserved mill structure and its former function.

Cultural Highlights on Chios

Beyond Lagkada’s harbor and waterways, Chios offers other cultural highlights, including Byzantine art, knowledge of mastic cultivation and historic village architecture. The Nea Moni Monastery of Chios is considered an undisputed masterpiece of Byzantine art. It was built between 1042 and 1056. Its mosaics are part of one of three collections from the Middle Byzantine period preserved in Greece.

In Pyrgi, the permanent exhibition at the Chios Mastic Museum presents traditional knowledge of mastic cultivation. The outdoor exhibition introduces visitors to the mastic plant and its natural habitat. The museum opened to the public in 2016. Free parking is available at the museum; check this facility before your visit.

The villages of Mesta and Pyrgi also offer contrasting architectural highlights. Mesta is a medieval village preserved as a monument. Its closely packed houses are arranged like a castle and form a protective perimeter wall. Pyrgi is often called the “painted village” because of its detailed façade motifs. The Xysta are black-and-white geometric decorations on house façades. Thus, Mesta is defined by its enclosed village layout, while Pyrgi is known for its façade design.

Discover more destinations: Limnia, Emporios, Chios, Mestá, Koini Ionia, Paralia Agias Fotinis, Neochori and Avgónyma.

Go to the main travel overview: Chios.