The southern part of the island holds the most surprises. This is the famous mastich of Chios and is truly unique to this island. Another interesting town to visit is Pyrgi - a beautiful village with house fronts specially decorated. A medieval village that has been preserved is Mesta. Here women's agrotourist cooperatives put up visitors in their own homes and offer the opportunity for them to live a traditional island life.
Samian grapes are famous for their juice and the fine wines produced.
The island is dotted with picturesque towns and villages with old houses featuring narrow windows and wooden balkonies. Popular beaches on the island are Tsamadou, the crystal clear waters at Votsalakia, Possidonio and Psili Ammo. Karlovasi and Pythagorio are 2 big port towns of the island. Tigani has the ruins of the wall of Polycrates and the ancient theatre and trench of Eupalinos an aqueduct which supplied the ancient town with water. The name of the island is said to have been taken from Icarus - in mythology the story of the young man who tried to fly.