If you’ve always wanted to learn about chewing gum, Chios is the place to do it. This island has an unusual claim to fame – producing mastic, a resin from the pistacia lentiscus tree. (Try to say that 10 times in a row after some ouzo.) Mastic is considered a spice and is used as an ingredient in chewing gum, as a flavoring in food and as a medicinal additive. But Chios has a lot more than gum to offer. Your port of arrival – known as Chios town – has several museums and lots of restaurants. And it’s easy to visit one of the charming villages or sunny beaches outside the city, including the black pebble Emporios Mavros Gialos Beach.