The Seven Painted Ladies of San Francisco are one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. They are symbolic of the California Gold Rush, which enabled a building boom with all its newfound wealth. The colorist movement in the 1960s gave the normally gray houses their bright colors to complete their look. Fans of the sitcom "Full House" will recognize the Seven Painted Ladies from the opening credits.

Further inland, in the southern part of the island, lie the so-called masticochoria (mastic villages). These well-preserved, fortified villages date from the 14th-16th centuries and were centres for the cultivation of mastic. Mastic is the sweet-tasting gum of the lentisk bush, which was exported all over the Mediterranean – and the area still produces around 300 tonnes of mastic every year. The most picturesque villages are Pyrgi, with its houses decorated in black and white geometric patterns called xysta Mesta, where towers and walls surround a baffling labyrinth of village streets as well as Olympoi and Vessa are all a worth a visit.

Covering over 160 hectares, the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes are located right in the city centre, surrounded by cafes, parks, and walking paths, with an abundance of oaks and chestnut trees for nature lovers. Ideal for renting a canoe, pedal boat, rowing boat, or sailboat to stay active. The area is enhanced by sculptures both on land and in the lake. Vast bodies of water are often best enjoyed during the golden hour and aboard a boat. Gather a small group of friends and book a one-hour sailboat ride at sunset.

A number of companies offer all-day yacht tours around Chios and to neighboring islands - an experience guaranteed to leave visitors with lasting impressions. Most tours include a BBQ lunch on board and stops for swimming in the open sea and/or lesser known, secluded beaches.