Close to the Turkish coast and one of the most popular of the Greek Islands, Kos is relatively flat with one mountain range, Dikeos, rising to 846m. Boasting picturesque traditional villages, ancient sites, popular resorts Kos holidays are fantastic for sun-worshippers.
Of the 12 Dodecanese islands, Kos is the third largest in size after Rhodes and Karpathos, and has the second largest population. Close to Turkey’s coast and fringed by beaches, it boasts picturesque villages, ancient sites, popular resorts and lively nightlife. One of the most popular of the Greek islands, Kos enjoys Mediterranean sunshine, warm Aegean waters and fabulous beaches. Kos holidays are for beach-lovers, with an island most famed for its beaches; ranging from the long golden sandy beach in Kamari, the bustling beach at Kos Town lined by restaurants and bars, to the tranquil black volcanic beach with a few tavernas at Agios Fokas, and the family friendly gently shelving beach at Mastihari.
Kos Town
Cosmopolitan Kos Town combines ancient and modern worlds with historic sites, great shopping and exciting nightlife. Built around a bustling harbour and dominated by the impressive medieval Castle of the Knights, cosmopolitan Kos Town offers a plethora of restaurants, cafes and bars, together with great shopping and vibrant nightlife. It combines ancient, medieval and modern architecture and wide tree-lined streets and sophisticated shopping comprises the new town whilst the old quarter boasts historical ruins, a maze of pedestrianized cobbled streets, local markets and charming squares. From ambling around the town to relaxing on the beach, holidays to Kos are the perfect sunshine destination. The extensive beach with its promenade of bars and tavernas tends to get busy close to town in the height of summer, although the beaches of Lambi, Marmara and Tingaki along the coast provide quieter alternatives.
Lambi Beach
One of the island’s best beaches, Lambi Beach is a 20 minute stroll from Kos Town centre, with a glorious 1km long sand and shingle beach extending north from Kos Town harbour to Lambi. The beach shelves gently into the sea and is ideal for families with waterports, good snorkelling around the headland, and an array of beachfront tavernas, restaurant, cafes and bars. Ideal for more energetic holidays to Kos there are a range of activities to participate in. There are boat trips to neighbouring islands of Pserimos, Nisyros and Kalymnos and inland there are scenic walks and traditional villages for those in search of authentic Greek life.
Mastihari
The traditional fishing village of Mastihari is located a 30 minute drive from Kos Town and is an ideal family resort with a wide stretch of white sandy beach gently shelving into safe shallow waters, and numerous secluded coves just along the coast. Typical tavernas and restaurants line the waterfront, and the bustling port ensures the easily availability of fresh fish. Nightlife is relaxed comprising an excellent meal following a stroll around the waterfront and popular recreational pursuits include watersports, specifically windsurfing and sailing, and leisurely cycle rides along the flat coastal terrain. Mastihari is the perfect resort choice for a less fast-paced Kos holidays. There’s the Lido Waterpark, and boat trips to neighbouring Kalymnos, famous for its sponge diving, and the sandy beaches and delightful local tavernas on the tiny island of Pserimos.
Agios Fokas
Located 8km to the south east of Kos Town with views across to the volcanic island of Nisyros, the tranquil resort of Agios Fokas offers a secluded atmosphere with a smattering of tavernas and bars. Life here revolves around the beach with its unusual combination of volcanic black and white sand-and-pebbles and its deep warm waters where, due to hot springs, temperatures range between 40-47 degrees in natural swimming pool areas in the sea. For beach-lovers looking for something a bit different on holidays in Kos, we recommend giving Agios Fokas a visit.