Kos Hotels and Holidays

Hotels in Kos

From large-scale resorts to cheaper family hotels and luxurious apartments, the Greek island of Kos caters for every type of holidaymaker. Many of the hotels make the most of the island’s year-round warm weather by featuring outdoor pools, water parks and easy access to the beach. No matter what you’re after from your getaway, you’re bound to find it on Kos!

One of the most popular of Greek’s Dodecanese islands, Kos welcomes thousands to its sunny shores every year. It’s well known for its idyllic sandy beaches and rich Greek history, but it’s also a haven for water sport enthusiasts and foodies. Plus, with it being possible to drive from one end of the island to the other in just over an hour, this makes it easy to tick off as many sights as you like during your getaway.

Where to stay

Kos Town

This harbour town is the island’s capital, and is home to ancient ruins, an eclectic nightlife and colourful shops. Many of the hotels centre around the town’s bustling harbour area, leaving tourists on the doorstep of seafood restaurants, bars and museums. Those after a little quieter holiday can base themselves out of the main town towards Lambi Beach or Paradiso Beach.

Kardamena

A small resort town on the island’s south coast, Kardamena is a convenient 10-minute drive from the airport. It’s best known for its long stretch of sandy beach, as well as its small port area which makes daily trips to the nearby island of Nisyros. Traditional tavernas and contemporary nightclubs line the town’s front, while holiday apartments can be found a short walk from the beach. Meanwhile, family-friendly fun can be had at Aquatica Water park, situated just a short walk from the seafront.

Psalidi

Less than a 10-minute drive away from Kos Town, Psalidi offers a quieter stay for the entire family. This small resort town is popular with those wanting to make the most of the water sport opportunities, with surfing centres dotted along the coast. The area is home to a myriad of upmarket adult-only 5* resorts, as well as large family-friendly resorts.

What to see

With car rental, it’s more than easy to experience everything that Kos has to offer whilst on holiday. The beautiful beaches are one of the main draws of this Greek island, with several sitting just a short drive away from Kos Town. Therma beach is one of the most enchanting of them all, featuring a rockpool that contains hot springs from the sea. Meanwhile, Psalidi and Lambi beaches offer visitors the chance to try out some water sports, or simply enjoy sunbathing on one of the many sunloungers. Look out for the Lido water park, located just outside the town of Mastihari, for safe family friendly fun including slides, a wave pool and a separate kids’ area.

Culture lovers will lap up the history on Kos, starting with the Tree of Hippocrates, which is said to be where Hippocrates taught his pupils the art of medicine. Neratzia Castle, in Kos Town, contains 14th-century ruins of the seaside fortress, while Asklepion Kos contains the ruins of an ancient healing temple and a medical school where Hippocrates once practiced. Festival lovers might also want to visit Kos during July and August when its annual Hippocratia Festival is in full swing. Expect to see art exhibitions, music concerts and theatrical performances across the entire island.

Nightlife

With a reputation for being the liveliest Dodecanese holiday island, Kos is a party-lovers mecca. Across the island you’ll find clubs, discos, bars and pubs to party the night away in. Kos Town is one of the most popular spots on the island, with clubs open until the early hours of the morning. Head to the Bar Street area, also known as Nafklirou Street, for hoards of bars and clubs that sit side by side. Elsewhere on Kos, the nightlife in Kardamena draws a huge crowd, especially in the summer months. Bars and clubs are mostly scattered along the seafront, close to many of the big hotels and eateries.

What to eat

Offering up a mixture of Greek, Turkish and Mediterranean flavours, Kos has delicious meals left, right and centre. Spinach and rice is a traditional staple, and is flavoured with hints of dill, lemon juice and seasoning for a tasty snack to remember. Be sure to try posa cheese before you leave, too; also known as wine-cheese, this snack is made by allowing local goat cheese to mature while submerged in red wine. Those with a sweet tooth will love loukoumades - Greek honey-soaked doughnuts that often come coated in cinnamon or other sweet toppings.

Shopping

The winding, colourful streets of Kos Town are one of the best places on the island to while away a few hours with some Euros in tow. The beachfront is full of traditional holiday souvenir shops, and for something different you should check out the indoor market, held each evening in Eleftherias Square. As well as local produce, you’ll have the chance to pick up homemade soaps, gifts, and more. The resort towns of Kardamena, Psalidi and Zia also each have a vibrant collection of local shops selling handmade goods and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Fast facts about Kos

Direct flight time from London: 4 hours

Transfer time from Kos International Airport: From 10 minutes

Time zone: GMT+2

Currency: Euro

Language: Greek

Average price of a domestic beer: €3.50

Average price of a bottle of wine: €8