Culture, Leisure and Recreation

Explore the shores of Chios Island, discover caves and secluded beaches in the most fascinating and enjoyable way.  

The island’s nature is fascinating due to the dramatic changes of its landscape and its biodiversity. When hiking in the southern part of the island you encounter the fragrant citrus orchards of Kampos area and the evergreen Mastihatrees. Follow trails across the mastic villages, the well preserved fortified settlements that date back to the medieval times and are a significant element of the culture of Mastiha.

Scuba diving is an activity that anyone can engage into, either a beginner or an experienced diver.

• You can take scuba diving classes for beginners. After a short introduction in theory, you will have the necessary information to dive is safety and enjoy the magic of the sea.
• Daily snorkeling excursions are organized for inexperienced divers and those who would like to enjoy a day at the sea.
• Diving programmes, offering equipment, boat and trainer, are available for experienced divers. For those who would like to get a diver's diploma, it is necessary to complete a course, which will enable them to dive in bigger depths.

There are a lot of interesting diving sites around Chios and the neighbouring islands, such as shipwrecks, caves and reefs, which can be approached by boat or from diving directly from the beach.

Chios is an ideal destination for cycling, not only because of its size, but also because of the richness of the natural and cultural resources and the variety of itineraries it has to offer. Cycling has become increasingly popular over the past few years. As a result, groups and associations organize a variety of activities, such as relaxed cycling or even organized sports events.

Cycling  in Mesta offers the visitor a different experience, spending time near the nature and discovering the diverse sites of the island. Cycling gives us the chance to know different sides of Chios. 

Masticulture is a locally owned and operated small scale travel bureau in the mastic village of Mesta on Chios island in the Aegean Sea. It works under an official Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) licence as a general tourism office (travel agency). It is the first and only tourism company specialising in ecotourism on the island. It provides a broad variety of activities related to Chios island environment (natural and social) as well as the people, businesses and associations representing the local traditions and culture of Chios.

At Apothika Beach, there's an eco-friendly dive center - Cantine Tortuga, Mesta Diving School - where experienced and beginner divers can explore the beauty and mysteries of underwater Chios.The center offers scuba diving lessons, so anyone can take the plunge!