Mastichari holidays

Don’t be fooled by its miniature size, you’ll find some of the island’s best eats in hidden resorts like this one. Only using locally grown produce and family recipes, flavour is guaranteed. Known as the ‘Garden of the Aegean’ it’s safe to say some iconic vegetation is grown here, including the succulent olives that make the island’s oil. Wine Cheese is a trademark in Kos, the locals will combine goat’s cheese and red wine straight from the vineyards, then it will be left to mature. Sample the finest when you visit the capital city, where market stalls will lure you in with soft wedges. Boasting a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence, Kenny’s Gyros & Grill is the place to head for the Greek version of a kebab. If you’re craving some home favourites, this spot serves up an excellent English Breakfast too. Biggie’s is a beachfront bar meets restaurant and a top choice for a pint of Mythos. Reviews state that its calamari is the best in the resort and the burgers go down a treat too.

You may mistake this idyllic shore for the Caribbean at first glance, which is hardly surprising owing to its pristine, white sand and ultramarine ripples. All you need is a cocktail in the form of a coconut and you’ve got yourself a tropical getaway. At almost two kilometres in length, this sprawling coastline will not only impress you with its spacious surroundings, but the view gazing out onto Kalymnos Island are mesmerising. Although there’s no lifeguard supervision, nervous parents can relax knowing the waves rarely make an appearance, it’s that calm. In the middle of the beach, there’s a watersport school where you can hire paddleboards and kayaks. Alternatively, check out the volleyball court for some serious competition. Set in the background is a collection of snack shacks, drinking venues and souvenir shops all at your disposal.

Naturally days in Mastichari are sun-soaked and that can only mean one thing, plenty of tanning opportunities. Alternatively, you can grab a snorkel and dive its waters, who knows what wreckages you may uncover. Nearby the traditional villages of Mount Dikaion and Antimahai store up to three centuries worth of history.

Make a splash in the largest waterpark in Kos: Just a quick 10 minutes down the road lies Lido Waterpark in all its glory. Featuring an interactive children’s area made up of three slides, six pistols, waterfalls and a rotating water bucket, you won’t be able to pull them away. As for its more daring rides, the Black Hole will plunge you into darkness and drop you over seven metres. Whereas, the Space Bowl will spin up to four people and the multi-racer will challenge the whole family. Among its thrills, there’s a lazy river, hot tubs and wave pool. But if you want to avoid the water completely, there’s sunloungers by the boatload, beach volleyball and trampolining. Don’t worry about food either, onsite there’s a mini market, restaurants and selection of bars to match.

Boat trips to Kalymnos Island: With a ferry departing every few hours, it’s easy to hop on over to the island of Kalymnos. The tickets cost around six euros and every penny is worth it. Standing out due to its unique rocky landscape, hikers will be in their element. In fact, there’s a very popular climbing festival here every year and a rock climbing school on hand too. In terms of heritage, stumble across the Medieval castle of Chryssoheria and monastery of Agios Savvas. However, this island is most famous for its sponge making roots, which was once a dangerous job in Greece. Now, you can purchase one of its famed sponges along the coast or visit its dedicated museum for further background information.