Major city · Greece
MestaΜέστα
Spend a half‑day in Mesta: walk the fortified village and visit one nearby beach (≈2 h total).
Mesta is a tiny medieval village on Chios. Its narrow streets, two historic churches and a castle can be explored on foot in 1–2 hours. Add a short beach visit (6 km away) for a relaxed half‑day. One night is enough for accommodation.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (high heat on beaches)
- Airport
- Chios Island National (JKH)
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Mesta100 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mesta, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; petty theft rare, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers100 police · 166 ambulance · 199 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportJKH Chios Island National Airport (Taxi to Mesta about 30 min).
- Getting aroundThe village is pedestrian‑only; walk everywhere.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))€12–15 (≈ US$14–18)
- Budget bedApartment (2‑bed), a night, per room€60 (≈ US$70)
- Mid-range bedHotel room (double), a night, per room€70 (≈ US$85)
- High-end bedHotel room (double), a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €30 (≈ US$35) · Mid €55 (≈ US$65) · High €80 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- JKH Chios Island National Airport (Taxi to Mesta about 30 min)
Map of Mesta
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Care
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Care
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mesta: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is pedestrian‑only; walk everywhere. Taxis can be arranged from the Chios tourist office if buses are not running.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Agia Dinami beach
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round‑trip
Taxi or local bus, about 6 km (3.7 mi), 15 minTaxi or local bus, about 3.7 mi (6 km), 15 min
White sand, good for swimming.
Avlonas Bay
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round‑trip
Taxi, 6 km (3.7 mi), 15 minTaxi, 3.7 mi (6 km), 15 min
Pebble beach in rocky setting.
Didima twin beaches
goDoor to door: ≈45 min round‑trip
Taxi, 9 km (5.6 mi), 20 minTaxi, 5.6 mi (9 km), 20 min
White pebbles, family‑friendly.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lida Mary Hotel
8 rooms inside the medieval castle; wifi, AC
Medieval Castle Suites Hotel
20 suites in the village; kitchenettes
Voltes Residences
Renovated stone apartments; natural cooling
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €30–45 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- High
- €70 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel room (double)1 × 1 night × €70 | €70 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €55 | €110 |
| Taxi from Chios airport to Mesta (round‑trip)2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × €8 · check | €16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €22 |
| Trip total≈ €121 per person per day, bed included | €242≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and ferry to Chios excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Souvlaki | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Taxi (5 km) | €12–15 (≈ US$14–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Municipal KTEL buses are suspended as of May 2026; arrange a taxi.
- Some beach signposts were damaged by a 2026 flood; follow locals.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
Pocket card
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MestaΜέστα
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police100
- Ambulance166
- Fire199
Embassy
US consulate in Chios (check address); other embassies in Athens.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Mesta, taxi: about €12 (≈ US$14) total, 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Συγγνώμη — Excuse me / Sorry (see‑ngno‑mee)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (ef‑ha‑ree‑sto)
- Πόσο κοστίζει; — How much is it? (PO-so ko‑STE‑zee)
- Πού είναι η στάση του λεωφορείου; — Where is the bus stop? (POO EE‑ne ee sta‑SEE tou le‑o‑fo‑RE‑ou)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mesta. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (high heat on beaches) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Mesta
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