Theoxenia Apartments, in Panagia, Kasos
Theoxenia was an ancient Greek festival celebrated mainly in Delphi but also in many other places in antiquity. During this festival, it was believed that the god Apollo hosted all the Olympian gods. So, etymologically speaking, theoxenia means “hospitality to the gods” — or “hospitality worthy of gods.”
That’s exactly what happened to me in Kasos. Theoxenia. Hospitality at its finest.
⚠️ Warning: I’m going to be a little over the top. You know how I get when I’m excited. Whatever I say will not be enough to describe the hospitality of Theoxenia, Kasos Tours, Giorgos Mastromanolis and his family — a connection that came about through my friend Maria Passarivaki and SteMajourneys, in a wonderful chain of coincidences.
“Kasos is its people, its traditions and its food above all,” Maria told me before I left. And she was absolutely right. Kasos is all of that — and so much more — as I felt and experienced during a journey that had always seemed far away but turned out not to be. (But more about that in another post.)
Grapes drying in the sun to make wine
A traditional house in Kasos
Magical hands peeling prickly pears in 4 moves
Today I want to share my experience staying at one of the four apartments of Theoxenia Apartments/Suites, owned by Giorgos Mastromanolis.
Theoxenia is located in the small village of Panagia, just a 5-minute drive (15–20 minutes on foot) from the main port of Kasos, Fry, and between the old commercial harbor Emporeios and the settlement of Poli. It’s considered a summer resort village and was once home to Kasos’ shipwrights and captains.
*Charming alleyways and doors in Panagia, where Theoxenia Apartments are located
The village takes its name from the nearby church of Panagia, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th.
*Panagia Church, built in 1896, with its impressive wooden iconostasis, pebble floor and the marble shrine of St. Kassiani.
My “home” — because that’s what it truly was (one of those places where you could happily live forever) — was a fully equipped, bright, elegant, and immaculately clean apartment, suitable for 2–3 people and equipped with everything you could possibly imagine.
Sunlight bathed every corner, and the endless white and blue of the island made me feel like I was in paradise.
Comfort, luxury, functionality, and spotless cleanliness are what define a stay at Theoxenia Apartments, which undoubtedly makes it onto my list of the best accommodations ever.
The attention to detail, the soft pastel colors, the light, and — for cleanliness freaks like me — the almost touching level of “sparkling neatness,” simply make you feel at home.
The view towards the chapel of Agia Eirini Chrysovalantou, the endless blue of the Aegean, and the small harbor of Emporeios give you a sense of absolute peace and serenity.
But the highlight, beyond any luxury, was when I opened the fridge: lovingly waiting for me were local delicacies for my two-night stay — four boiled eggs, half a watermelon, local cheese and mizithra from a Kasos dairy, homemade jams, yogurts… all the good things in life.
There was also a laminated sheet with useful information about the island’s must-see attractions and books about the history of Kasos, which I read with emotion before falling asleep:
“Sing, my Muse, of Kasos’ suffering and bravery;
let your chords sound her heroic pain.
What you forget to sing, History will remember.”
(Panagiotis S. Synodinos)
“We are an authentic Kassian family who wants to share with you our love for the island of Kasos.”
This is one of the mottos of Kasos Tours (also owned by Giorgos Mastromanolis), which promises to introduce you to the authentic side of Greek island life.
“Our ultimate goal is to return permanently to our ancestral roots and share flavors, traditions and feelings with our guests.”
*The six chapels of Panagia
*A house in Panagia with the date August 5, 1895 above the door
*Fry as seen from Panagia
With Kasos Tours, your holiday doesn’t begin or end at the hotel. Here, accommodation is combined with local experiences, such as:
🌿 An unforgettable agrotourism experience at the family’s traditional estate
🍝 Cooking lessons (traditional makarounes and bread baking)
🚲 Bicycle rental for scenic rides
🏡 Visit to a traditional Kassian house
🏝️ Boat trip to the islet of Armathia
🏖️ Swimming at Marmara beach (the best beach in the Mediterranean)
… and much more.
This is a new approach to alternative tourism that focuses on a deeper connection with the place and its people.
Those who know me also know that I don’t believe in coincidences. Almost ten years ago, I met Maria for 30 seconds in Telendos. On the day I was desperately searching for accommodation in Kasos (and found nothing), she happened to post something about the island. I messaged her, she led me to Giorgos, and Giorgos — though living in the US — metaphorically “took me by the hand” and led me to his wonderful mother, Mrs. Irini.
She opened her home and her heart to me. I met his aunt, uncle and cousin, and for two days, I saw all of Kasos through their eyes — and, believe me, I fell in love with it.
Then Giorgos called Vaggelio in Olympos, Karpathos — a key figure in the village — but that’s another story…
Generosity and care. That’s what I received. They didn’t know me, but they embraced me warmly and gave me the reason to return.
I wanted to write just about my stay, but I couldn’t leave out the feeling that warmed my soul.
Still sitting there?
On Wednesday early morning, the Blue Star Chios ferry passes through Kos at 2:45 a.m. and arrives in Kasos at 1:00 p.m..
Tickets were surprisingly affordable:
💺 €19 in economy
🛏️ €40 in a single cabin
🚗 €32 for a car (one way, with Sea Smiles card).
And if you factor in the Transport Equivalent refund for the return trip… well, then… start packing! 🧳
Remember: “Far away is only the place you don’t want to go.”
*The picturesque little harbor of Bouka in Fry
