Things To Do in Marmari

A 10-minute drive east from Marmari brings you to this family restaurant, which has an idyllic setting of fountains and water features. It’s owned by Manos and Donna, who specialise in Greek food but also serve up a very good Indian and Italian. Their grilled sea bream and pizzas come highly recommended, or for a one-stop tour of Greek flavours, order the Greek Plate.

Marmari may be small, but it cooks up some big flavours, especially when it comes to seafood. Net-fresh fish and shellfish play a big part in the local cuisine – try saganaki for a classic example. It’s prawns, cooked with ouzo and feta cheese. Most of the restaurants are on the waterfront, but do check the back streets for places serving up slow-cooked lamb.

Marmari’s handful of souvenir shops will sort you out for basic bits and pieces, but if you want more of a shopping trip, head to Kos Town. Among the cobbled streets you’ll find boutiques where you can pick up leather bags and belts, jewellery and clothing. If you visit on a Saturday you’ll also get to roam around the indoor market in the main square. Look out for the stalls selling handmade soap and locally-produced honey.

This place sits in a garden of palm trees, at the end of a walkway lined with flowering shrubs. Once you’re through the arched entrance, you’ve got an impressive selection of drinks, including a full cocktail menu. There’s plenty of seating outdoors in the shade, or during the sports season you can take in the action on the big TV screen inside.

Thanks to a long, flat stretch of sand, Marmari Beach has first-class conditions for windsurfing, and the on-beach windsurfing school makes it a great place to learn the sport. There’s also surfing and volleyball here, too. Meanwhile, the gently shelving sands offer plenty of paddling opportunities for smaller or less confident swimmers.

This festival in nearby Pyli is a 2-parter. First off there’s Fanos, where locals try to out-leap the flames from fires lit around the town in the hope of gaining some of the fiery power. Then there’s Klidonas. After you’ve thrown a personal item, like a ring, into a jug of water, traditionally-dressed girls will recite a verse to reveal your fortune. It’s all rounded off with a big song and dance around the fire.

Head about 3 kilometres inland and you’ll arrive at Pyli, a part-ruined village topped off with what’s left of a Byzantine castle, handed down from the Knights of St John. There are plenty of ancient treasures to explore, like the semi-circular tomb of local hero Charmylos with its 12 crypts. For a more modern experience, stop off for a drink at one of the traditional tavernas in the central square.