Kos
Golden beaches, ancient Greek heritage and relaxed island life — ideal for couples and families
Deals from £547ppBest Deal of Kos
Overview
Things To Do
Deals
Travel Guide
Kos, part of the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea, lies just 4 hours from the UK by direct flights from the UK. Known for its sandy beaches, classical ruins and cycling-friendly terrain, the island offers a balanced mix of relaxation and exploration. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild shoulder seasons ideal for outdoor activities. Resorts such as Kos Town, Kardamena, Tigaki and Marmari showcase its range, from cultural landmarks to beachside escapes. UK travellers consistently choose Kos holidays for short flight times, competitive all-inclusive pricing and a compact island layout that keeps travel simple and efficient.
✨ Why Visit Kos
- Birthplace of modern medicine — the Asklepion near Kos Town dates to the 4th century BC and remains one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.
- Cycling-friendly terrain — over 15km of flat coastal paths make Kos one of the easiest Greek islands to explore by bike.
- Extensive sandy beaches — Tigaki and Marmari offer long stretches of shallow water ideal for families and swimming.
- Compact island size — at just 45km long, Kos allows you to explore multiple resorts and landscapes in a single trip.
- Strong value all-inclusive market — packages are often more affordable than Rhodes or Crete.
- Easy access to Turkey — ferries from Kos Town reach Bodrum in just 30 minutes.
🌴 What Makes It Special
Unlike larger islands such as Crete or Rhodes, Kos offers a more manageable and accessible experience without compromising on variety. While Zakynthos is known for dramatic cliffs and Corfu for lush greenery, Kos stands out for its flat landscape, making cycling and easy exploration a genuine advantage. Its blend of ancient history, sandy beaches and proximity to Turkey creates a unique cultural mix, appealing to travellers who want both relaxation and discovery without long internal travel times.
📍 Key Areas to Explore
- Kos Town — Historic capital with Roman ruins, harbour views and lively dining along the marina.
- Kardamena — Energetic resort with nightlife, long beaches and ferry access to Nisyros.
- Tigaki — Peaceful coastal area with shallow sandy beaches and nearby salt lakes.
- Marmari — Relaxed resort known for wide beaches and consistent windsurfing conditions.
- Kefalos — Traditional village overlooking Kamari Bay with scenic viewpoints and quieter beaches.
Discover the island through nature, culture and coastal experiences.
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
- Hike Mount Dikeos (central Kos) — summit at 846m offering island-wide panoramic views.
- Explore Plaka Forest (near Antimachia) — pine forest home to peacocks and shaded walking trails.
- Visit Alikes Salt Lake (Tigaki) — seasonal flamingo habitat during winter months.
- Walk Kefalos Peninsula trails — scenic coastal paths linking secluded beaches.
🏖️ Beaches
- Relax at Paradise Beach (Kefalos) — famous for volcanic gas bubbles rising beneath the sand.
- Swim at Mastichari Beach — long sandy shoreline with clear, shallow waters.
- Visit Camel Beach (south coast) — small sheltered cove with crystal-clear water.
- Explore Lambi Beach (near Kos Town) — lively beach with water sports and beach bars.
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Try souvlaki and gyros — staple Greek dishes widely available in Kos Town tavernas.
- Sample saganaki — fried cheese served with lemon, common across the island.
- Visit Oromedon Restaurant (Zia) — traditional dishes paired with mountain views.
- Taste local wines at Triantafyllopoulos Winery — showcasing regional grape varieties.
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
- Experience Kardamena Strip — main nightlife hub with bars and clubs open late.
- Enjoy harbour cocktails in Kos Town marina lounges.
- Visit open-air cinemas in Kos Town during summer evenings.
- Explore Mylos Beach Bar (Lambi) — beachside venue with music and sunset events.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Zia sunset viewpoints — panoramic views across the Aegean Sea.
- Agios Stefanos Beach ruins — ancient columns set against turquoise water.
- Kos Harbour promenade — lined with yachts and historic architecture.
- Antimachia Windmill — restored traditional windmill with scenic surroundings.
Best Value Deals
🌴 All-Inclusive Holidays
Kos is one of Greece’s most accessible all-inclusive destinations, with packages starting from £449pp including flights from the UK in shoulder seasons. Resorts such as Kardamena and Marmari offer beachfront hotels where meals, drinks and daily entertainment are included, allowing travellers to enjoy a seamless holiday experience without worrying about additional costs once on the island.
👨👩👧👦 Family Holidays
Kos is ideal for family holidays thanks to its compact layout, short transfer times and safe, shallow beaches. Resorts like Tigaki and Marmari provide family-friendly accommodation, while attractions such as Lido Water Park and cycling paths ensure a mix of relaxation and activity for all ages.
💎 Luxury Holidays
Luxury holidays in Kos are centred around areas such as Psalidi and Agios Fokas, where five-star resorts like Ikos Aria and Mitsis Blue Domes offer private beaches, fine dining and spa experiences. These resorts deliver a more exclusive and refined stay, perfect for couples or premium travellers.
⚡ Last-Minute Deals
Last-minute deals to Kos are widely available outside school holidays due to strong flight schedules and large hotel capacity. Travellers booking within 4–6 weeks of departure can often secure excellent value, particularly in May, June and September.
Why book with us:
💷 Low deposits from £49pp
🔄 Flexible booking & payment options
🛡️ ATOL Protected holidays
📞 UK-based support team (8am–11pm daily)
✅ Competitive Kos package deals
📅 Best Time to Visit Kos
The best time to visit Kos is between May and October. Peak summer months (July–August) see temperatures reach 30–34°C, while shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) offer milder conditions around 24–28°C with fewer crowds. Northern coastal areas tend to feel cooler due to sea breezes, while inland regions are slightly warmer.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Families: Tigaki, Marmari
- Couples: Kefalos, Agios Fokas
- Luxury seekers: Psalidi, Agios Fokas
- First-timers & nightlife: Kardamena
- Culture lovers: Kos Town
🚗 Getting Around
Car hire costs around €30–€50 per day and is the best way to explore hidden beaches and villages. Public buses connect major resorts with fares between €2–€5, while cycling is a popular and practical option along the north coast.
💡 Travel Tips
- Tap water is safe but often avoided due to taste.
- Use a Type C/F adapter for UK devices.
- Tipping 5–10% is standard in restaurants.
- Sunscreen is essential due to strong UV levels.
- Book ferry trips early during peak season.
Map Of Kos
Top Experiences
Asklepion Ancient Sanctuary Tour
Walk through the 4th-century BC healing centre where Hippocrates taught medicine, exploring terraces, temples and panoramic viewpoints in a 2-hour guided visit.
Therma Hot Springs Swim
A short 15-minute coastal walk leads to natural thermal pools where volcanic springs reach up to 40°C, mixing with cooler sea water.
Zia Sunset Experience
Evening trip to a traditional mountain village, with tavern dining and uninterrupted sunset views across the Aegean towards Kalymnos.
Cycling the North Coast Path
Flat 10km cycle route passing Lambi Beach and Alikes Salt Lake, suitable for all levels with bike hire widely available.
Nisyros Volcano Day Trip
Full-day ferry excursion including entry into Stefanos Crater, one of Greece’s most accessible active volcanic sites.
Castle of the Knights Exploration
Discover a 15th-century fortress built by the Knights of St John, with harbour views and preserved defensive walls.
Top Hotels In Kos
Travel Information
Everything You Need To Know Before You Jet Off To Kos.
Other Hotels In Kos
Browse Our Wider Selection Of Hotels
Aeolos Beach
Lambi, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Agrelli Hotel
Kardamena, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Atlantica Thalassa Hotel
Lambi, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Diamond Deluxe Hotel & Spa - Adult Only
Lambi, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
E-geo Easy Living Resort
Marmari, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Elga Apartments
Kardamena, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Evripides Village
Kardamena, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Gaia Garden
Lambi, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Grand Blue Beach Hotel
Kardamena, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Grecotel Casa Paradiso
Marmari, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Harmony Crest Resort & Spa
Psalidi, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
Ikos Aria
Kefalos, Kos
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
