Mesta

Mesta is a village on the Greek island of Chios.

Understand

Built as a fort to ward off raiding pirates, the village has been remarkably preserved. The narrow maze-like streets are surrounded by thick walls, and towers on surrounding hills could be used to signal the appearance of raiders. The current church of the Archangels towers over the village, and has a remarkable history and beautiful iconography. The old church of the archangels (Taxiarchis) has a carved-wood icon stand that is well-preserved and can be visited (ask for someone to bring the key from the town square).

Get in

The village is served numerous times daily by municipal bus (KTEL/ΚΤΕΛ) from the main city (Hora) of the island.

See

Churches

• Great Archangel Basilica. A three-aisled basilica, one of the best samples of Greek popular art. Built in 1870 on the place of the central defensive tower pulled down in 1858. Parts of the base of the tower can still be seen around the church. Inside the old "Great Archangel" (15th century) there is a wood–carved screen dating back to the 18th century (updated Feb 2016)
• Old Church of Archangel Michael and Gabriel (Palios Taxiarhis), Kasoula Street. a small church dated back about 1412 AD with a painted 'iconostasis' inside. Ask for a guide that will escort you to the old church (updated Feb 2016)

Do

Apart from the village itself, the surrounding area has many great beaches.

• Agia Dinami (about 6 km from Mesta, near the medieval village of Olimpi) – white sand.
• 1 Avlonas Bay – pebble beaches within a rocky setting.
• Apothika – a black pebble beach with clear waters.
• 2 Didima – twin beaches with white pebbles
• 3 Merikounda – black sand

Mesta beaches are ideal for relaxation, swimming, fishing and scuba diving.

Eat

• To Mestousiko, Mesta, Chios (East of the main square), ☏ +30 22710 76458. Daily 10:00 to 23:00 (or later). Small grill with outdoor seating, run by George and Marina Pannadi year-round. The menu has traditional Greek mezedes (appetizers), grilled sandwiches, souvlaki, steaks, chops, Greek (horiatiki) salads, and other local specialties. Located a block from the town square directly behind the new church of Taxiarchis (Archangels). Internet access available for customers. To reach the restaurant from the bus stop, walk to the right and turn into the first alley. When you see the church, turn right. inexpensive. 

Sleep

Splurge

• Lida Mary Hotel, ☏ +30 22710 76217, +30 6976629668 (Mob). 8 lodgings with stone walls and vaulted ceilings inside the medieval castle of Mesta, Free wifi connection, air conditioning, RF electronic locks, 32' LED TV, safe (updated Feb 2016)
• Medieval Castle Suites Hotel, ☏ +30 22710 76345. 20 suites scattered inside the medieval village. A/C with individual climate control, bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen with fridge and mini bar (updated Feb 2016)

Go next

• 4 Mavra Bolia (Black Pebbles beach)- One of the most popular beaches on Chios Island.