Hitting the Greek clubs, enjoying an outdoor pamper at Therma Beach or exploring the volcanic landscapes - you can do it all in Kos.
Destination highlights
Family-friendly holiday destination
Over 20 diverse beaches
Party island hotspot
Watersports haven
What are the best beaches in Kos?
Holidays to Kos in 2024 are all a bout the eternal sunshine, emerald waters, and your choice of non-stop activities or complete calm when you're chucking your towels down on the sand. When it comes to these beaches, you deffo don’t wanna miss out:
Marmari Beach – the place for water sports and home to many private boats - that's if the white sands and clear blue waters aren't already enough to draw you in!
Paradise Beach – one of the most popular beach spots, perfect for families with its golden sands and non-stop entertainment.
Camel Beach – snorkelling fans will love the clear waters at this quiet, rocky cove
Agios Stefanos Beach – a unique beach with golden sands and the scenic ruins of an ancient Christian Basilica.
Kardamena Beach – if you’re looking for endless good times, this is the beach for you.
Lami Beach – an idyllic, kilometre-long stretch of sand close to Kos Town.
Tigaki Beach - the perfect pick for families and thrill seekers, you've got shallow waters for the littleuns to paddle in and top-tier wind conditions for all the wind-surfers out there.
What are the top hotels in Kos?
Whether it’s a family-friendly holiday in Kos or a party week with your pals, there's a hotel for everyone. Here are our top picks for your Greece getaway:
Dimitra Beach Hotel & Suites - step into paradise at this beachfront hotel with five-star facilities and jaw-droppingly good views of the sea.
Pelagos Suites - for a taste of peace and quiet, this hotel serves as the secluded and relaxing stay you’ve been dreaming of.
Lakitira Suites - if pure serenity is your holiday goal, then this boutique hotel has your name all over it.
Grecotel Kos Imperial - a firm five-star favourite with many holiday-goers, this hotel offers the island’s most enviable location.
Labranda Marine Aquapark Resort - you read it right, an aquapark right at the hotel complete with slides, a wave pool, and an activity pool for the kids... that's a lot of pool action - good job the dinign choices are just as bangin'.
Kos has a warm, Mediterranean climate, making it the perfect choice for summer holidays. August is blessed with the highest temperatures, but you can still soak up some sun and enjoy a dip in the sea later in the year.
A top Summer jolly destination, Kos weather in Summer is passionate, it's feisty, it's bloomin' boilin' with the celsius reaching high highs of 32°C through July and August and reach the lowest temp of 20°C in June. Get your beach bums on the sand and sizzle your way to that golden tan you've been dreaming about since you booked, last-minute bookers, that do include you.
If you're looking for toasty temps without the school holiday crowds, then you should deffo sneak a peak at an Autumn booking, the rainfall increases as the months tick over, so if you wanna maximise your jolly then look no further than September with temps still hitting 29°C. If you don't mind the rain then October and November still sit pretty between 12°C and 24°C, so still a chance at beach lazing and grub grazing on your Kos holidays.
Winter does a see a dip below the 10°C mark, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy mild weather, even in January the temps can hit 14°C - who says mild has to mean mid, you can still bag a banging jolly... maybe just keep a cardi handy incase.
A sightseers dream - when Spring has sprung on Kos you best believe the temps give you a reason to get outside and explore, we're talking highs of 24°C in May and much drier too. Finally time to dust off those hiking boots and take to the trails to keep your Insta-feed well fed for another couple months... or stick to the poolside and leave the boots at home, either way, it's gonna be a top-notch holiday to Kos.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Kos?
It takes around four hours to fly to Kos from the UK/Ireland - spend half on a nap and the other half getting a head start on the tipples.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Kos?
The local time in Kos is two hours ahead of the UK/Ireland - so that airport drink at 10AM is actually midday... we're just saying.
Known as the birthplace of medicine and dating back to around 400 BC, Asklepieion is a legendary medical centre to visit near the main town of Kos. There’s plenty to see including temples, a museum, and Roman baths.
Jet off
Kos is renowned for its gorgeous beach scene and crystal-clear waters. Rent a jet ski and see the coastline in style, either with your partner, pal, or ride solo! It’s an adrenalin-packed way to experience the best parts of Kos.
Dive in
There’s as much to explore underwater as there is on land in Kos. Scuba diving is a water activity that all the family can get involved with. Witness the wonders that lie beneath the surface of beautiful Kos.
Treat yourself to an outdoor pamper
In Kos, there’s no need to head inside to experience a spa when you can go to Therma Beach instead! The beach has many natural hot springs which are known to have healing powers, making this a unique experience in Kos.
Venture up a volcano
Nisyros is a volcanic island and if you’re looking for something that’s off-the-beaten-path, this is the excursion for you. You can drive up to the volcano and experience the best views of the sea and neighbouring islands.
Jeep, Jeep
An adrenaline fuelled drive to the highest point in Kos, the peak of Mount Dikaios on this jeep safari that gives you an unfiltered view of the island off the beaten track - peep the wildlife, soak up the views and enjoy the ride.
What events can I go to in Kos?
From traditional festivals to music events and all the goodness in between, the island of Kos always has something going on, and these events are deffo worth checking out on your trip:
Carnival (February) - a big ole' celebration with parades, music and dancing - sounds like a cracking party we deffo wanna be on the guest list to.
Winter Festival (March) - jam-packed with live performances, art exhibitions, and film projections to celebrate the quieter months
Easter (April) - one of the biggest celebrations in Greece (more than Christmas), with religious processions, live music, traditional parades and all the good food you can eat.
Name day of Agios Georgios (April) - locals celebrate the name day of Agios Georgios in the Pyli village, with horse races in Afendiou and lots of food (of course)
Wine festival in Mastichari (July) - a time to celebrate the local wines - look out for free samples!
Hippocratia Festival (July–August) - the most important cultural event on the calendar for the locals of Kos, featuring cultural traditions across the summer season with concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and live traditional music
The Honey Festival in Antimachia (August) - following the Feast of the Assumption, the festival involves handing out honey-based sweets to visitors and locals, plus dance performances from adults and children
Fish festival in Kefalos (September) - the annual fish festival held in Kefalos, a part of the greater Hippocratia festivities so expect dancing and music too!
International Day of Tourism (September) - celebrated in Kos in the village of Kefalos on 27th September with live music
Presentation of the Virgin celebration - on the 21st of November, the village of Kefalos celebrates the religious festival of the Presentation of the Virgin
Christmas (December) - the weeks leading up to Christmas are full of religious processions, local traditions, and lights across the town to show the festive love
Where's the best nightlife in Kos?
The liveliest island in the Dodecanese, Kos is for all the party-lovers, whether you’re looking for a top-tier club night, a pub to make the new local, or a live music venue. These nightlife spots are well worth a visit:
Sitar - the cocktail destination to be for a quieter and refined evening with a unique buzz in the air.
West Club - one of the most popular clubs on Kos Bar Street, with an electric atmosphere, the best DJs, shots and cocktails - it's a party night you’ll never forget.
Camel bar - a bar with a brilliant reputation as the 'place to be' in Kos, offering an iconic atmosphere where you’ll want to party the night away.
Downtown Club Kos - the non-stop-entertainment nightclub with music until early hours, endless drinks, and a lively atmosphere that’ll leave you feeling buzzed.
G-Plaza - the perfect place from day to night, turning into a dreamy cocktail bar in the evening, overlooking the harbour.
Mylos Beach Bar - a unique live music venue unlike anything we've ever seen, it's sat inside an old windmill along the beach and boasts delish cocktails you can sip on while the sun sets.
What’s the food like in Kos?
What's a holiday to Kos without some traditional dishes to spice up that flavour palate, cuisine in Kos doesn't stray too far from Mediterranean so you'll be on familiar ground, but let's give you some suggestions just incase, check em out:
Kanelada - the traditional drink of Kos, made with cinnamon, clove and aromatic herbs
Pitaridia - a local pasta dish, cooked in beef broth for a meaty flavour, typically eaten with butter or a tomato and meat sauce
Lampropites - cheese pies that mark the beginning of Easter, made in a bowl shape and filled with unsalted mizithra cheese
Katimeria - a sweet pie filled with mizithra cheese, fried in a pan and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon
Pasa makarouna - similar to the famous Greek Pastitsio, made of pasta, cheese, mince, and bechamel sauce
It'd be rude of us not to give you some restaurant recs too while we're at it, so if you want our advice then make sure to check out these top dining spots:
Broadway - one of the most popular restaurants in Kos, known for its inviting atmosphere and range of freshly cooked dishes
Elia - the perfect family restaurant in the Old Town with a unique ambiance and Greek way of dining
H20 - a seafront restaurant in Kardamena, offering traditional Greek food and romantic dinners
Aegli - a restaurant in the main square of Kos, which not only serves up great food but is also run by women with no or low income, to help them support their families
Che Guevara - an Argentinian place may seem like an odd choice, but this steakhouse is so fun and friendly we had to include it!
The Garden - hidden away in Kos Town, this gorge eatery is known for... well... it's lush garden setting, expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make up Greek salads, homemade desserts and grilled fish among other dishes.
Places to visit
Hippocrates Garden Cultural Centre
A culture vultures paradise, now we've heard about a lot of historic sites, but not one like this, a revival of the ancient Greek way of life from homes to ancient theatres and temples; this garden takes everything that makes a house a home and doubles it to create this time capsule. Talk about a blast from the past, while you walk around here, soaking up the sun, you can feel like a true Ancient, heck, you can even head to the Eros vineyard and sample some of the varieties of wine on offer in your new surroundings. If you're looking to escape the beach for the day, then you deffo don't wanna miss this.
Zia Natural Park
Getting away from the main city hustle and bustle is sometimes just what the doctor ordered on a busy jolly, so we thought we'd throw you a lifeline - in walks this absolute gem nestled in the forest on the mountainside. Expect vibrant colours as you stroll the streets, souvenir shops to get the pesky shopping out the way and even a few taverns to sink a few drinks in. It's famed for it's idyllic location so make sure you bring your zen head with you too and soak up the gorge sunset, you can even mosey on up the mountain road to reach the highest point on the island.
Antimachia Traditional House
Opposite a windmill - immediately sold - sits this traditional house that has been restored and provides the perfect example of a typical 20th Century Greek home. Get mesmerised by the intricate stone work, soak up the folklorian-esque decor and explore the rooms that offer a glimpse into yesteryear. If you're not a history buff - we get it, not everyone is - then you're in luck, the house is located in Antimachia's village square which always has a bustling, lively atmosphere, espesh on feat days. A perfect day trip if you time it right, you can be in the early 20th Century by morning and thrust into the celebrations of the 21st by the afternoon.
Key facts about Kos
Flight Time
4 hrs
Time Difference
+2 hrs
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Kos?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Kos?
From 1st of January 2018, the Greek Government are charging a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel:
