Destination guide

Kos

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Kos is a long, flat Greek island in the Dodecanese, close to the Turkish coast. It is known for its beaches, its ancient healing sanctuary and its easy cycling. It is lively without being overwhelming.

It suits families and couples who want sun, a mix of beaches and an easy base for island hopping.

How many days: 7

A week gives you beach days, a bike ride, a day trip to another island and a visit to the ancient sites. A long weekend works for a beach break.

Kos Town is the main base, with beaches and nightlife nearby. Villages in the hills are quieter.

What to do in Kos

Visit the Asklepion
An ancient healing sanctuary on a hillside above the town, linked to Hippocrates. The terraces have views over the sea.
See the Hippocrates plane tree
A very old plane tree in the old town, said to be where Hippocrates taught. A short, shady stop.
Cycle along the coast
Kos is flat and has an extensive network of cycle paths. Bikes can be rented easily.
Explore the Castle of the Knights
A medieval fortress beside the harbour, built by the Knights of St John. Walkable and photogenic.
Take a day trip to Bodrum
Ferries cross to the Turkish coast in under an hour. Take your passport and check entry rules.
Visit Nisyros
A small volcanic island with a crater you can walk into. Boat trips run from Kos.
Swim at Paradise Beach and Tigaki
Long sandy beaches with calm water. Good for families.
Walk in the hill village of Zia
A traditional mountain village with views over the sea, known for sunsets.
Visit the Ancient Agora
The ruins of a market place and temples in the middle of the town. They sit beside the harbour and are easy to include in a walk.
Walk or cycle to the thermal springs
Warm sea-water springs on a rocky beach on the south-east coast. A good place for an evening dip.
Visit the Kefalos area
The south-west of the island has long, wild beaches, a historic village and some of the best sunsets.
Visit the old town of Antimachia and its windmills
A village in the middle of the island with a small castle and a row of old windmills. A quiet stop on a drive.

What to eat and drink

Greek salad
Tomatoes, olives, cucumber and feta with olive oil. Simple and fresh.
Grilled fish and seafood
Fresh fish is served at harbour tavernas. Ask for the catch of the day.
Souvlaki
Meat on skewers or wrapped in pita. A cheap and filling meal.
Local honey and herbs
Honey, thyme and oregano are sold in village shops.
Greek yoghurt with honey
A simple dessert or breakfast. Rich and creamy.
Local wine and ouzo
Local wines and the aniseed drink ouzo are popular with meals.
Local pies and cheese
Look for cheese pies and savoury pastries in bakeries. Cheap and tasty, and good for a picnic.
Local pastries and sweets
Bakeries sell honey and nut pastries, and pies filled with cheese or spinach.

Getting around

A hire car or scooter is easy to rent. Bicycles are a popular alternative.

Buses link the main towns and resorts. Taxis are available.

Ferries connect Kos with other islands and Turkey. Check timetables.

Good to know

  • Summer is hot and busy. Late spring and early autumn are more comfortable.
  • The meltemi wind blows in summer and can affect beaches and ferries.
  • The sun is strong. Bring sun protection.
  • Many businesses close in winter. Check before you go.
  • Check the latest rules for crossing to Turkey.
  • Kos is one of the flattest Greek islands, so it is easy for families and for less active visitors. Cycling is a pleasure.
  • Ferries to nearby islands and to Turkey are popular. Check the crossing rules and bring your passport.
  • The island has a good bus network and a sea-front promenade. You can see most of Kos Town on foot.

Where to stay in Kos

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Kos Town

Kos Town combines a historic harbour, archaeological sites, restaurants, bars and easy access to beaches in a compact, cycle-friendly centre. It is the strongest base for first-time visitors who want sightseeing and nightlife together.

Lambi

Lambi lies immediately north of Kos Town and offers a long beach, hotels and easy cycling access into the centre. It suits families and couples wanting beach time without giving up restaurants and nightlife.

Kardamena

Kardamena is a lively south-coast resort with a long beach, extensive nightlife and a broad range of restaurants and affordable hotels. It is popular with younger travellers and groups, though peak-season noise can be significant.

Tigaki

Tigaki is a relaxed north-coast resort known for its long, shallow sandy beach, cycle routes and family-friendly hotels. It is excellent for easy beach holidays, though sightseeing and nightlife are more limited than in Kos Town.

Mastichari

Mastichari is a small west-coast village with a sandy beach, seafood tavernas and ferry links to Kalymnos. It offers a quieter and more local atmosphere than Kos' larger resorts, making it suitable for couples and families.

Kefalos

Kefalos occupies the island's quieter western end, with dramatic beaches, a traditional village and scattered resorts around Kamari Bay. It is excellent for relaxed and scenic stays, though reaching Kos Town requires a longer drive.

What it costs

A typical day in Kos, per person, in pounds.

£61

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£140

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£280

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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