A beautiful settlement close to one of Greece‘s most popular tourist hubs offers all the beauty of its more famous counterparts – without the heaving crowds.
The quaint fishing village of Mastichari is about 22 kilometers away from the town of Kos, known for its quiet, child-friendly atmosphere and a stunning beach.
It sits on Kos, the warmest Greek island in May, which sees daytime temperatures of 25 degrees. The community is pretty small, with just four main streets to get around, but it’s got a big reputation for fresh fish.
Catches are sent straight from the harbour to the areas’ various friendly tavernas, where holidaymakers can enjoy a delicious meal.
But while party goers flock to the more raucous tourist hubs like Corfu or Mykonos, Mastichari is enjoyed by laid-back travellers, looking for relaxing evenings without the beats blasting.
Though the island is a bit lowkey, there are still plenty of fun things to do, like windsurfing along its coast. A number of cafes are also dotted around, where you can enjoy a coffee and recharge your batteries.
Mastichari also makes for a great base from which to explore the surrounding area, including Kos, which is less than 30 minutes away by car.
Its small port also runs a regular ferry service to the nearby island of Kalymnos, which is only some 7.8 nautical miles away.
Kalymnos is known for its irregular coastline with beautiful beaches, crystal waters and various coves to explore.
The island is particularly popular among active tourists, with its Grande Grotta climbing fields with three sectors of rough rocks perfect for adventurers.
Kalymnos’s capital Pothia is located in a valley between two hills and is packed with history such as Vouvalis House, home of a prominent sponge merchant and benefactor of the island and Sotiras Christos Church, with its silver dome and marble icon screen crafted by the Greek sculptor Giannoulis Chalepas.
The capital is also home to the 15th-century castle of Chrysocheria, built by the Knights Hospitaller and there are also three stunning stone windmills located to the east of the town.
You can also take organized tours out of Mastichari to Platy and Pserimos, two other smaller islands, though make sure you book in advance.
Mastichari sits on the northern side of the island, a 10 to 15-minute drive from the airport.
You can get a direct flight, which takes around four hours, from various airports across the UK.
Flights currently start at around £78 according to SkyScanner.