Anavatos Hiking Tour in Chios – Pine Forest Circular Walk

We are a collective of five families brought together by a shared passion: promoting sustainable, alternative, and eco-friendly tourism on our beautiful island. Through collaboration and collective action, we support our members and the local community while highlighting the unique natural and cultural heritage of Chios.

• Activities
• We organize hiking excursions along the breathtaking trails of Chios, bringing visitors closer to nature. 
• We clean and maintain walking paths, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and well cared for. 
• We support creative and educational activities that connect nature with local culture and traditions. 

Our Philosophy

With deep respect for the environment and strong principles of good governance, we reinvest our profits to strengthen social employment and keep the natural landscape of Chios vibrant, protected, and accessible to everyone.

Our Vision

A connected network of clean, well-maintained trails offering unforgettable experiences to visitors, while strengthening the bond between people and nature.

Circular Hiking Experience in Chios

Location: Anavatos, Chios

Duration: 2 hours

Suitable for adults – Children welcome with parental supervision

A Journey Through Nature & History

Our afternoon hiking experience begins on the road leading to Anavatos, the legendary castle village of Chios, dramatically built atop a steep rocky hill. From there, we follow a circular hiking trail through a serene pine forest, where nature whispers stories of centuries past.

As we walk beneath the trees, the landscape unfolds slowly—peaceful, aromatic, and deeply connected to the island’s rural heritage.

Awakening the Senses on the Trail

Along the path, all senses come alive:

• The air is filled with aromas of wild oregano, thyme, savory, balm, and sage
• Seasonal herb foraging where permitted
• In late spring, wild berries appear
• In early summer, we encounter wild pistachio trees
• Breathtaking views over the rugged landscape of Anavatos
• Local Gastronomy & Foraging Traditions

During the hike, we explore Chios’ rich botanical and gastronomic heritage. When conditions allow, we identify and collect wild herbs such as:

• Thyme
• Oregano
• Savory
• St. John’s Wort (Balsam)
• Sage

Passing by the small chapel of Old Taxiarchis, the only remaining structure of the old settlement, we encounter the historic pistachio trees of Anavatos—a crop deeply rooted in local tradition.

The Pistachio of Anavatos – A Forgotten Delicacy

For many years, pistachios were the main agricultural product of the area. Unlike the pistachios of Aegina, Chios pistachios are harvested unripe in June, before forming a shell, and preserved as a unique pistachio spoon sweet.

A traditional local practice involved cutting male pistachio trees to prevent fertilization, keeping the fruit hollow—ideal for sweet making. A rare culinary heritage that survives today in only a few trees.

After the hike, guests may enjoy pistachio spoon sweet at the village café, while those interested can experience the fruit raw, picked directly from the tree—an increasingly rare sight today.

 Guided or Self-Guided Experience

Your hike can be led by an experienced local guide from ChiosTrails.gr, a resident of the neighboring village Avgonyma. With deep knowledge and love for the land, the guide can accompany you throughout the walk or simply offer tips if you prefer to hike independently—free of charge.

Optional Traditional Dinner (21:00)

Those wishing to extend the experience are welcome to join an optional dinner featuring authentic local dishes of Chios. A relaxed evening of food, wine, stories, and shared moments.

(Dinner is optional and not included in the tour price. Please inform us in advance if you wish to join.)

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes 
• Hat & sunscreen 
• Water 
• A good mood 

Please arrive by 17:45 for timely departure.