Mastic Villages

Chios is famous for the Mastic trees. Mastic is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). The biggest mastic village is Pyrgi, lively and famous for the decorations (sgraffito) on the houses. Olympi and Mesta are both medieval fortress towns pretty much intact. In Mesta there was a very popular tavern (O Mesaionas). The tough, admirable owner and "power woman" Despina, unfortunately emigrated to USA. You can read her family history (only German) in Caroline Wenzel's "Süsse Zitronen und bittere Lieder". Update : Luckily Despina is back and has reopened "O Mesaionas" near the parking lot !!