Olympi is a settlement of southwest Chios, between the villages of Pirgi and Mesta, 31 kms by the city of Chios. This castlebuilt, during the 14th century village, is one out of the 22 mastichohoria (mastic producing villages), located hough far from the island's shores.
Less typical example than the Pirgi and Elata villages, preserving though the basic attributes of it's characteristic for Chios type of settlement. Houses are built in a extremely close vincinity. Those located at the outer edges of the village, lack of doors and windows towards their outer sides. That way, they form a solid infrastructure, and thus protected residents from pirates and other raids and outside threats in general, additionally ensuring the most efficeint control of the mastic trees. At the four edges of Olympi, small towers can be found, while the main 20 metres tall central tower served as a shelter, which is the most well preserved of it's kind on the island. One could enter the village only through its only entrance, the Kato Porta (lower gate)
The great earthquake that shook the island in 1881 left most of the buildings untouched and thus, the modern visitor crosses through the same shadowy arches and narrow paths, amidst medieval buildings.
Of particular interest is a two-storied building with dark coloured windows, arch gate and elongated halls, that is preserved until today in a fair condition, the Bank of Olympi, dominating since the years of Genoese occupation.
Residents of Oliypi village, the ''Limpousi'' according to the local glossology, pay tribute to their church Ai Giorgi ( Saint George ). Worth of viewing also is the church of Agia Paraskevi with it's wood-carved temple.
During the Kathara Deftera day ( last day of the carnival exhibitions and at the same time first day of the greek orthodox fasting ), revives in Olimpi, but also in other mastic villages too, the traditional custom of ''Agas''. Agas is a strict ''judge'', appointed by the residents of the village. He judges and condemns most of the bystanders, where they are kimd of obliged to buy out their penalty. It is a parody of justice being served by the Othomans during the Turkish occupation. The custom is framed by various happenings and traditional music events and amazing hospitality and treats.
In 3 kms distance by the village, can be found the Cave of Olympi or else Sikias Cave, which was discovered in 1985. It is a small cavebed, with greater depth than length, roughly 57 meters. It offers a remarkable natural decoration of stalactites.
At the end of the road leading towards the cave is located a deserted cape, to where is saved until today a medieval Vigla ( watchtower ). Here can be found also a deserted beach with the chapel of Agia Irini.
Just a few kms outside the village can be found Fana. Since the ancient times this bay already served as a safe anchorage for locals and bypassers. The area took it's name by the temple of faneos Apollo located there, which is dated back to the 6th century BC. The beach of Kato Fana is sandy, ideal for schwimming.
