Pyrgi, Chios
Pyrgi, one of southern Chios’ famed mastic villages, feels like an open-air gallery. As you stroll through the narrow streets of this beautifully preserved medieval settlement, you’ll notice that nearly every façade is decorated with the village’s famous xysta, intricate black-and-white geometric designs found nowhere else in Greece.
Diamonds, crescents, floral patterns and birds cover the walls in intricate symmetrical designs. This unique folk art has been passed down through generations, and local artisans still practice it today using sand, black cement, and lime. Take a break in the village square, where the surrounding buildings showcase some of the finest examples of xysta. You’ll also find the motifs adorning ceramics, textiles and paintings in local craft shops – perfect souvenirs to take home.
Christos Raches is one of the island’s largest and most famous villages. [Shutterstock]
Christos Raches, Ikaria
