Lida Mary

Mesta is not only the best-preserved medieval village in Chios, but arguably one of the finest in the whole of Greece, retaining its original fortress-like character. The entire village was designed and built as a maze, its stone houses huddled together across narrow covered alleys, their vaults forming a compact structure to protect the village - and the wealth created from the cultivation of highly prized mastic gum - against pirate raids. A stroll around its labyrinthine cobblestone alleys, leading to post-Byzantine churches and outer turrets, will amply demonstrate the reason for its designation as a national heritage site.

Lida Mary comprises eight individual dwellings created within some of these ancient village houses, which were carefully restore to provide comfortable and tasteful accommodation whilst fully respecting and honouring their distinct medieval heritage. Traditional features range from exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings and wooden floors to raised wooden galleries and quirky stone niches, whilst modern facilities include air-conditioning, free WiFi connection, electronic door locks, safety deposit boxes, hairdryers and 32" LED TVs. Each room has a shower room and a small fridge; the studios and suites also have a small kitchenette for simple self-catering.

There are three standard rooms, Mikro Kri Kri, Aspros Gatos and Patari, the latter two sharing a small balcony. The standard studio, Kismet, is quite compact but can potentially sleep up to three people with a four-poster bed plus a single bed on a raised gallery. The two superior studios, Megalo Kri Kri and Livadi Tzaki, have two double beds each and can thus sleep up to four people, but please note that these are fully open-plan and rather cosy at maximum occupancy. There are also two larger suites with two separate sleeping areas, Megalo Livadi and Koukouvagia. Both Livadi Tzaki and Megalo Livadi benefit from access to a courtyard area.

All the accommodation is just a short stroll from Mesta's charming square, with its cluster of traditional tavernas and cafés where you can start the day with a breakfast of Greek yoghurt and honey, enjoy a lingering lunch in the shade of the plane trees, or dine under the starry Mediterranean sky.