What to see

Bring your binoculars with you and stare at the monachus – monachus  seals living at Piperi, watch the pine trees at Chryssi Milia above the beach, visit the empty monasteries at Gioura, Kira Panagia. Also walk through the woods to visit the Agios Anargyros church and the Folk Museum (Kostas and Aggelos Mavrikis) at Patitiri.

Where to swim

There are 51 beaches on the island where you can walk to or take the boat to. The busier ones with umbrellas and sunbeds are to the south. Agios Dimitrios with bright blue waters and white pebbles and Kokkinokastro are very famous. Chrissi Milia seems ideal for children. Mikros and Megalos Mourtias are calm most of the times. When going to Mikro take water with you, at Megalo you will find everything you need. Go to Vithisma if walking is your strong point and you need to isolate or skinny dip. If you are a water sports fan Marpounta near the port is ideal.

Where to stay

At Marpunta Village Hotel (+30 65212, +30 65173, +30 65581) for a dose of luxury. At Konstantina Studios (+30 66165, +30 65900) at Chora. At Ikion Hotel (+30 66360) at Patitiri in a fully refurbished traditional building. At Yalis Hotel (+30 66186) at Votsi, 5km from Chora and 2km from Patitiri.

Where to eat

Take herbs, sage, tsitsiravla and kritama back home with you. Ask for chamali, a traditional dessert made to give to the groom on the day of the wedding. Eat fish, meat, lobster pasta and try the local greens pies. All fresh, great fish you’ll taste at the fish villages Megalos Mourtias, Leftos Gyalos (Elaionas tavern) and Kalamakia. Go to Dentrolivano at Votsis for excellent seafood and to the grill house Kali Kardia for traditional recipes, Panouli's tavern however has the perfect view. At Steni Vala, Tasia's tavern is quite famous for its home cooking, mezes and lobster pasta. For a perfect sunset and drinks go to Sunset Cafe at Chora.

Area Code: +30 24240

Police: +30 65205

Port Authority: +30 65595

Town Hall: +30 65555

First Aid: +30 65208