Travel Guide Olympi

Continuing into the depths of the Mastichochoria region, the road passes by the medieval village of Olympi. Don't miss the opportunity to leave the main road to make this small detour, which is well worth the effort. Its defensive structure remains intact, and forms an almost perfect square that you will have to drive along very slowly before parking at the outside parking lot. The defensive elements of the medieval villages of Mastichochoria can be found here: surrounding walls, a single entrance (Kato Porta) closed at night, winding alleys and a central square, dominated by a tower of defense and refuge. This perfect structure has been the subject of extensive studies in Olympi: you will see a 3D reconstruction of it in the Museum of Mastic. Less visited than its neighbors Pyrgi and Mesta, Olympi is nevertheless touching with its trompe-l'oeil that embellish the blind walls, and it is less touristy. It retains strong historical traditions, especially during the carnival period. The Agas are held there, parodies of courts that mimic the arbitrariness of the Ottoman authority. A judge condemns the inhabitants-victims who come to him, under absurd pretexts and mocks them copiously, all in the benevolence of a game where everyone is judge and victim in turn.About 6 km south of Olympi, do not miss two natural treasures: the cave of Olympi (or Sikia) and the turquoise beach of Agia Dynami, surely the most beautiful of Chios.