Mastichari Holidays

If you’re after a tradition-tinted escape, Mastichari’s the holiday hideaway for you. This fishing village nestles on Kos’s north-west coast, and it keeps the pace nice and slow. In the daytime, the beach takes centre-stage. This white wedge of sand’s speckled with sunbeds and umbrellas, and you can join in with a selection of watersports, including peddle-boating and windsurfing. There’s not a neon glowstick in sight, here – but you’ve got plenty of locally loved café-bars and tavernas dishing up just-caught fish to keep you occupied come evening.

Picking up the pace is a doddle in this place, because there’s plenty to do nearby. Lido Waterpark – a 10-minute drive away – crams in a set of zoom-ready slides, as well as a mammoth wave pool. Or, the historical Hippocrates Garden Cultural Centre gives you a glimpse into ancient Greek life. Plus, boat rides to Kos' nearest Greek Island neighbour, Kalymnos, take 20 minutes – this cliff-ringed place is popular with rock climbers.

Sightseeing trips to Kos Town are super easy – the town’s a 30-minute drive away from Mastichari. You can spend a day taking in the 16th-century Castle of the Knights, plus the Roman baths and amphitheatre ruins. The yacht-peppered harbour’s worth a look, too. And, when you’re done, there are plenty of bars for sunset-sipping and ‘til-dawn dancing.