Top things to do in Mastihari

The agora, derived from the ancient Greek term for an open gathering space, was often the heart of any Greek town or city, where meetings and markets were held. Just a stone's throw from the port of Kos and a few minutes north of Mastihari, you'll find one of the largest agoras in Greece, dating back to the 4th century BC.

A visit to this agora will transport you back in time, as you pass the limestone and marble remains of houses, commercial structures and warehouses. Parts of the original surrounding wall have remained intact, and shrines dedicated to Hercules and Aphrodite still mark their presence. Although guided tours are available, it can be rewarding to explore the area at your own pace. You'll find plenty of English-language information boards dotted around the site to enrich your understanding of this historically dynamic place.

A few kilometres north of Mastihari, on the edge of Kos town and opposite the Great Odeon, you'll find a vast archaeological site housing a collection of splendid structures and artefacts. The site is strategically located at the crossroads of two centuries-old streets, Cardo and Decumanus, running north-south and east-west respectively.

In some places, the surface of Cardo Street is remarkably well-preserved, so much so that you can make out the furrows cut into the pavement by the carts that used to come and go from the city. This archaeological goldmine is also home to two Christian basilicas, a stadium dating back to the 2nd century BC and a gymnasium embellished with a marble colonnade.

Next to the gymnasium, inside the thermal baths, you can admire one of the largest mosaics in Kos, while another equally magnificent mosaic adorns the ruins of the House of Europe building. This is a must-see for history and archaeology buffs.

Perched on a promontory stretching out from the port of Kos Town are the splendid remains of Neratzia Castle. This fortress, built in the 15th century, was intended to protect the port from invasion by the Ottoman Empire. Even today, it remains an impressive sight and is easily accessible from Mastihari by public transport.

However, the castle could not prevent Kos and the rest of the island from falling to the Ottomans in the early 1500s. As a result, Neratzia was converted into a garrison and accommodation for the island's commander.

The structure of the castle, consisting of two separate walls, has remained virtually intact to this day. Inside, you'll find a number of broken columns and Hellenistic friezes depicting garlands and masks, as well as the coat of arms of Grand Master Emery d'Amboise. Despite its past, Neratzia Castle still stands as a reminder of the island's turbulent history.

For a refreshing break from the sun, a retreat into natural serenity awaits you in Plaka Forest. Located to the north-west of Mastihari, just west of the airport, this pine-filled area offers a haven of coolness and shade. Locals and visitors alike frequent this area for recreational activities and family outings.

You'll find picnic tables nestled among the woods, where you can relax and share your meal with friendly peacocks and docile cats, curious to discover the delicacies you've brought along. To add to the charm of this picturesque setting, there is a small pond, bordered by bright rhododendron bushes, where several turtles live.

Plaka Forest is the perfect place to relax and spend time surrounded by nature, offering a stark contrast to the busy beaches, a truly soothing experience just a few km from Mastihari.

For a glimpse into the life of wealthy society in ancient Greece, venture to the outskirts of Kos town to discover Casa Romana. This 36-room palatial villa was unearthed in the 1930s and meticulously restored to showcase the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy inhabitants of Kos over two millennia ago.

Although the building on display dates from the 2nd century BC, it stands on the ruins of an even older property dating from the Hellenistic period. This fascinating establishment features a set of stunning Greek columns, forming a welcoming entrance porch that leads to a captivating interior atrium. Upon entering, you will discover statues of Athena, ancient terracotta urns, a collection of ancient coins, as well as exquisite mosaics and frescoes, revealing a rich tapestry from a bygone era.