Room 1
Mastihari holidays
During the summer months, the laid-back fishing village of Mastihari transforms into a bustling seaside resort attracting all types of holidaymakers. There are many accommodation options in the area, from family-run hotels and villas to large complexes, and there's sure to be something to suit you. The area is renowned for its beaches full of sun loungers and lined with bars and restaurants, a great place to enjoy some well-deserved sun, sea and sand.
- Flight time
- 4h
- From London
- Currency
- €
- Euro
- Time Zone
- GMT + 2h
Getting to Mastihari
Situated north of Kos Airport, about 7 kilometres away, Mastihari is approximately a 12-minute drive. This short distance can be travelled by taxi or bus. Most major districts in the UK offer direct flights, and the typical flight time from London to Kos Airport takes four hours on average.
Average weather in Mastihari
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Mastihari
Compared with most other resorts, the night-life in Mastihari is pretty tame. Most people who chose to base themselves here are content with quite a few drinks and a nice meal. With no late-night bars or clubs here, everything is pretty much done and dusted by midnight. That said we do have some recommendations; the Horizon Bar offers quality cocktails and snacks with stunning views over the Aegean as the sun sets, and Number One has been serving equally good drinks for over twenty years and is the oldest cocktail bar in the town. For something a little different during the day, try the Half Time pool and bar, set around a lovely swimming pool with a well-stocked bar and free sun beds for customers. Finally for a relaxing end to the evening we suggest you try the Chill Out or Aplo bars.
Mastihari is an ideal destination for food lovers. The beach and harbour are full of restaurants and bars serving traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes, as well as burgers, grills, pastas and pizzas. One of our favourites is the open-air terrace at the Aplo Beach Bar. Here you can listen to live music while enjoying freshly baked baguettes, pizzas and burgers straight from the oven. For seafood lovers, the El Greco restaurant is a must, with its baby squid and fried octopus. If that sounds a little too adventurous, curl up with a footstool at the Palatiano restaurant and enjoy fresh grilled fish or chicken breast served with potatoes and salad. Finally, for the view, the Kali Kardi restaurant on the edge of the harbour is a must. Take a seat here and watch the boats come in and out of the harbour right in front of your table, while enjoying mussels, squid, aubergine and their famous mixed grill.
Although small, the charming village of Mastihari on the island of Kos offers a delightful shopping experience. Known for its tranquillity and traditional Greek island atmosphere, Mastihari offers visitors local shops and boutiques that reflect the essence of Greece. Browse the quaint shops for locally made items - from handmade jewellery to unique ceramics and eye-catching artwork, the craftsmanship is simply irresistible.
As well as these handicrafts, you'll find shops selling local produce and Greek specialities, including the island's renowned honey and olive oil. Check out the small souvenir shops full of trinkets and memorabilia, to make sure your memories of this Greek island getaway stay with you.
Beyond tradition, Mastihari's shopping scene boasts a select range of clothing and beachwear shops. You'll find everything you need to bask in style on the island's sunny beaches. The shopkeepers at Mastihari are known for their friendly attitude and are always happy to help you find the perfect item. Although it's a small village, Mastihari promises a shopping experience full of unique finds and pleasant encounters.
Activities in Mastihari
The main activity in Mastihari is to pull up a sun lounger and relax on the beach. However, this ancient fishing village also offers a wide range of activities on the beach and in the water. It is also ideally situated for exploring the neighbouring islands of Kalymnos, Pserimos and Leros, which are easily reached by one of the private water taxis operating from the harbour.
Watersports
Diving in Mastihari
If you have always fancied trying a bit of underwater exploration or are an experienced diver, then the seas around Kos are for you. Grab a wet suit, some SCUBA gear and be prepared to encounter underwater walls, thermal vents, tunnels, caves, coral gardens and of a course marine life. The currents around Mastihari can be tricky so we recommend that you utilise an established business such as Liamis Diving Centre in Kos, just North of the resort. All the centres in the area offer PADI accredited lessons and will take you on dives to places such as The Wall, situated at the bottom of a steep cliff face on the nearby island of Pserimos. Here you can dive to depths of 50m to see Octopi peering cautiously from cracks in the wall or sea slugs munching their way along underwater cliff ledges. Another popular dive close to Mastihari is the 69m long wreck of a WWII freighter, which has become home to a large variety of marine life.
Surfing in Mastihari
While Mastihari isn't the first name to pop up when you think about surfing destinations, it is popular among other water-sports enthusiasts. Consistent summer winds create the ideal conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing, and do also provide some opportunities for traditional surfing as well.
Local businesses offer surfboard and equipment rental along with lessons tailored for various skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking to ride the waves or a beginner eager to learn, the area is renowned for its clear waters and sandy beaches, providing an idyllic backdrop for your surfing adventure.
Kos is occasionally treated to larger swells during the autumn and winter months, making a more exhilarating ride. And at the end of a long day out in the water, there's nothing quite like watching the stunning sunset over the Aegean Sea from your surfboard.
TL;DR not be a world-class surfing destination, but a unique and enjoyable experience in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Mastihari
On the north coast of Kos, Mastifhari often offers ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. With a wide sandy beach, turquoise waters and favourable wind conditions, it can be a playground for wind sports enthusiasts.
The Meltemi wind is a thermal breeze that blows from the north over the Aegean Sea, especially during the summer months from May to October. Its intensity can vary, creating ideal conditions for both beginners and the more experienced. The strongest winds are in August, making for a thrilling and adrenalin-fuelled experience.
Mastihari is home to a number of windsurfing and kitesurfing schools, offering equipment hire and lessons. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced surfer looking to improve, professional instructors ensure that safety is taken seriously and provide equipment and advice.
One of the perks of Mastihari is that it's less crowded than other popular surf spots, giving you more space to surf and enjoy the waves.
Sailing in Mastihari
The port of Mastihari is the starting point for a whole range of sailing excursions. The marina caters for experienced sailors chartering their own yacht or beginners opting for a guided tour with an experienced skipper. Several businesses in the village offer sailing excursions and yacht hire.
Sailing trips from Mastihari usually involve exploring Kos' beautiful coastline, dropping anchor in secluded bays, swimming in crystal-clear waters or relaxing on pristine beaches. Some excursions venture to neighbouring islands such as Kalymnos, known for its rugged landscapes and traditional sponge diving heritage, adding a cultural element to your sailing experience.
The waters around Mastihari are teeming with marine life and you can spot dolphins, sea turtles and a wide range of bird species.
From your boat, watch a spectacular sunset over the Aegean, where the sky takes on golden and purple hues. It's the perfect end to an unforgettable day's sailing.
Fishing in Mastihari
You'll find local companies offering boat-based fishing excursions that take you out into the open sea. These trips, often captained by knowledgeable locals, equip you with all the necessary fishing gear and guidance. They'll take you to the best fishing spots and help you reel in your catch.
One unique experience here is traditional Mediterranean fishing. This usually involves dropping lines off the side of the boat as you drift along the clear blue Aegean waters. You could be pulling in a wide range of fish like bream, bass and the prized red snapper.
Deep-sea fishing trips are exciting if you're after larger species like swordfish and amberjack, with expeditions led by experienced captains. With the deep waters of the Aegean Sea so rich in marine life, these trips can be rewarding for ambitious anglers.
For more leisurely shoreline fishing, there are several quiet, beautiful spots along the coast where you can set up with a picnic and spend a peaceful day casting lines.
Some also organize special evening fishing trips. The allure of these trips lies not just in the distinct nocturnal marine life, but also in the magical ambiance of fishing under the starlit sky.
Canoeing & kayaking in Mastihari
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, several watersports companies based in Mastihari offer canoe and kayak hire and lessons. Experienced instructors ensure that you are comfortable with basic paddling principles and safety procedures, and provide you with all the necessary equipment, including life jackets.
One of the joys of canoeing at Mastihari is the ability to navigate at your leisure. Glide over the gentle waves, taking time to admire the breathtaking coastline. It's a fantastic way to discover hidden beaches and secluded coves that aren't accessible by road.
Group excursions are also popular in Mastihari. These guided tours offer a social and shared experience that often includes stops for swimming, sunbathing or snorkelling in the azure waters.
For a more challenging venture, sea kayaking is an invigorating exercise and an exhilarating way to explore further afield. Cross the Aegean, explore neighbouring islands or discover sea caves. You may even encounter local marine life along the way, adding an extra dimension to the adventure.
Land activities
Golf in Mastihari
Although the island offers many outdoor activities, from windsurfing to cycling, golf is not one of the island's main sporting attractions. If you're staying on Mastihari and want to play golf, you may need to consider a trip to a neighbouring island or to the mainland, where there are more golfing opportunities.
Neighbouring Rhodes, for example, is home to the Afandou Golf Course, an 18-hole course open to the public. The Greek mainland also offers other options, such as Costa Navarino and Glyfada Golf Club in Athens.
It's always a good idea to check the latest information, as new facilities and tourist attractions may be developed. Don't hesitate to ask us for the latest information on golf options near Mastihari.
Cycling & mountain biking in Mastihari
Kos is renowned as a cycling paradise due to its combination of flat and mountainous landscapes, as well as its expansive network of cycling paths that traverse the island. Local infrastructure is well-developed for cycling and respects the needs of cyclists.
Starting from Mastihari, set off on numerous routes that take you through olive groves, along beautiful coastlines, and even up challenging terrain, from coastal rides that offer splendid sea views to exciting off-road tracks in the hills.
For adventurous mountain bikers, the Dikeos Mountains in the center of the island are a thrilling ride. Trails are rugged and rocky, offering both an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views of the island.
Bike rental shops are available in Mastihari and throughout Kos, with a variety of bikes to suit your preferred type of cycling, whether it's a leisurely ride on a road bike or a thrilling off-road experience on a mountain bike. Many of these shops also provide detailed maps and can suggest cycling routes tailored to your skill and fitness level.
As always, it's advisable to check locally for the most recent and detailed information, as routes and conditions can change.
Walking & hiking in Mastihari
Kos' generally flat terrain makes walking a pleasant way to explore its stunning scenery and historic heritage. Mastihari is very close by, especially if you have a car. We particularly enjoy walking around Kos town. There's a short 3km walk from the marina to the nearby wetlands, which is ideal for beginners or those with young children. There is also a longer 13km cycling and walking trail along the seafront, which is a great way to explore the area's beaches. To the south of the island, near Kefalos, is the shady pleasure of Plaka Forest, ideal for picnics and encounters with the famous peacocks. We also enjoy walks to the deserted village of Haihoutes or the mountainous region of Zia, where you can relax after your exertions in the superb local cafés serving homemade ice-cold lemonades.
