Kos holidays

Combining Greek, Turkish and Mediterranean fare, Kos is an island of variety. The local cuisine is heavily based around seafood, however this archipelago is famed for its production of watermelons and wines. Traditionally, tavernas will serve authentic delights such as labropites, which is a cheese pie or stuffed tomatoes with octopus often featured on many menus. Sample the island’s finest with a stop at Oria Tavern which is conveniently positioned up in the hills facing Pili Castle. Not only offering magical countryside vistas, but tasty dishes including roasted pork and oven-baked moussaka. For beachfront eats, Agios Theologos places you among sand dunes. It’s celebrated for its home-grown vegetables and lemon drizzled red mullet fish. Tea, also referred to as ‘tsai’ is hugely popular in Greece, usually consumed black or herbal flavoured, it’s a breakfast favourite. Come evening, Mythos is the local beer on draught or brandy lovers can revel in island favourite Metaxa.

The beaches of Kos are where sand meets shingle, many are backed by bustling promenades and jam-packed with water sports, while more rural areas offer tranquility and seclusion. Agios Stefanos is among one of the best and largest, with golden grains ideal for sandcastle building and perfect azure water for swimming. If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love Tigaki Beach, a 10km stretch of white sand on the north coast. The beach slopes gently into the water here, making it perfect for little ones who enjoy paddling. Camel Beach in the southeast meanwhile is best for bigger kids, offering exceptionally clear water for snorkelling. 

Kardamena has party-goers covered with beach club venues providing the music and drinks, while the wild ripples are ideal for thrilling banana boat rides. Kefalos is a cove of fun-filled activities from volleyball courts to paragliding, not to mention the shallows of the Aegean Sea await. Head off-the-beaten track to Mastichari Beach where exotic scenery and emerald waves are yours for the taking.

With an abundance of timeless ruins throughout the island, there’s no end to the heritage in Kos. Archaeological sites are aplenty and there’s even a 500-year-old tree dedicated to Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Medicine’, who was born in 460 BC. But that’s not all, located on the harbour entrance find the Castle of Knights which was once destroyed by an earthquake, while over in Zia village you can experience a one-of-a-kind sunset.

Thermal Springs of Kos: Located in Agios Fokas, the sea-pool of hot springs known as ‘the thermes’ invites you in for a dip. Placed at the end of an idyllic pebbled stretch, submerge yourself in 42°C waters. The locals recommend starting at the back, where the circles of springs are cooler before working your way towards the hotter ripples for the best experience. According to studies, these baths contain healing properties for skin conditions.

Kos Town: As the island’s biggest draw, no trip is complete without a visit to Kos Town. Romans, Italians and Ottomans have all contributed to the history here, leaving behind archaeological wonders and medieval remains. The Castle of Neratzia dominates the harbour front and just four kilometres west you’ll find the Asklepion, an ancient Greek medical facility. This is also where you can board the ferry to Bodrum in Turkey.

While serious party-goers may want to head to San Antonio in Ibiza or Majorca’s Magaluf, there’s still plenty of nightlife to be enjoyed in Kos, whether you prefer a few gentle drinks as the sun goes down, or a let-your-hair-down affair that goes on until the early hours. If you’re travelling with young children, you can enjoy a pleasant evening at your all inclusive resort, where you’ll find entertainment for all ages including live music and magic shows.

Kos Town: If you’re after a bit of bar hopping, you’ll love Bar Street in Kos Town, which offers a wide choice of places to drink, as well as eat. This part of town has a vibrant but safe atmosphere, so you can come here as a couple or family and enjoy a pleasant evening out. If you want to keep going into the night, head to the harbour area, where low-key clubs keep things alive until 3am and later.

Kardemena: When it comes to clubbing, there’s nowhere better than Kademena on the east coast. For pre-club drinks, this buzzy resort town offers plenty of pubs and bars where you can grab hold of a bargain beer or cocktail. Later on, enjoy everything from karaoke and live music to superclubs with international DJs. You’ll even find a couple of 24hr bars for watching the sun come up.