A long, thin island - almost 64km end to end - Kos is also mostly flat and low-lying. In general the scenery is not outstanding by Greek standards. The main scenic interest is found in the more mountainous south of the island while the north is a flat, featureless and rather monotonous plain. Kos been one of the most popular package holiday destinations for many years. Tourist numbers are up seven per cent since 2000 at around 700,000, swamping the local population of 22,000. British visitor numbers hover around the 217,000 mark. Kos town and Kardamena are the two biggest resorts but hotels have sprung up behind most beaches and some, especially along the flat northern coastline have been built in some pretty desolate spots. The flat plains have made cycling uniquely popular on Kos and there are some 5,000 cycles for hire at the height of the season. Excursions are popular and plentiful on Kos, not only around and across the island but to neighbouring islands such as Pserimos and also to Turkey.
Agios Fokas is located around 8 kilometres south of Kos Town, and is the perfect place for a complete relaxation. There are a number of tavernas, small shops and bars. Agios Fokas is set near the Nissyros Volcano from which the beach flows from black sand and pebble beach's into white sand and pebble beach's, with the sea temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius, it feels like you are swimming in a luscious warm bath.
Kardamena is classed as one of the hottest party playgrounds in Greece, in the summer months there are more British abroad than authentic Greek, Kardamena holidays are all about beach, bars, beer and burgers. The Beach stretches for 3 kilometres against the mountainous backdrop making it the ideal location for lounging out on the beach all day long; there are a number of water sport activities to keep people entertained from parasailing to pedaloes or even a boat trip to sleepy Nissyros.
Or staying inland provides customers with go-kart tracks, crazy golf and more ancient ruins to visit than any one island needs. When the sun goes down the tempo goes up with bags of bars, nightclubs and discos that are open well into the early hours.
Hotels We Recommend:
Mammis Beach Studios 3*, Sunny View Hotel 3*, Kalimera Mare Hotel 4*, Mitsis Family Village Hotel 4*, Lagas Aegean Village Hotel 5*, Carda Beach Hotel 5*.
Kefalos is situated in the far south of the island and is very much still a traditional Greek village, perched on a hillside overlooking a delightful bay with a sand and shingle beach.
The newer part to Kefalos is spread along the main beach road, with a selection of bars, tavernas and village shops.
On a night time enjoy a drink in a friendly family run bar or visit the local disco.
Hotels We Recommend:
Hermes Hotel 2*, Eleni Hotel 2*, Maritsa Studios 3*, Kordistos Beach Hotel 3*.
Kos Town is a friendly and picturesque resort which has plenty to offer to suit all tastes. Kos Town's waterfront is lined with tavernas and international restaurants and is dominated by the 16th century castle and the Turkish mosque. There is also plenty of shopping opportunities and plenty of water sports to keep people entertained. Evenings come alive with bars and discos for those who wish to party the night away.
Hotels We Recommend:
Alexandra Beach Hotel 4*, Palm Beach Kos Hotel 3*, Continental Hotel 4*, Platanista Hotel 4*.
Lambi is located on the North West coast of Kos Town harbour and around 900 metres from its resort centre, this smaller, quieter location boasts a lovely sandy beach, perfect for relaxation catching the sun, or you could always try out the selection of water sports. Lambi also offers a good selection of beachfront tavernas and restaurants. However the night life in Lambi is fairly non excitant you can travel around a mile to Kos Town where there are bars and restaurants galore.
Hotels We Recommend:
Blue Lagoon Resort 5*, Diamond Hotel Kos 4*, Apellis Hotel 3*, Nefeli Hotel 4*, Gaia Hotel 3*.
Psalidi is a small quiet resort located just outside Kos Town, the main selection of shops, sights and entertainment can be found close by in Kos Town. During the day however you can soak up the sun on the sand and shingle beaches and at night time you can either chose from the traditional tavernas and also a small selection of restaurants or alternatively take a short walk to Kos Town where there is far more activities to keep you entertained at all hours of the day.
Hotels We Recommend:
Aegean Hotel 4, Dimitra Beach Hotel 4*, Iberostar Panorama Family Hotel 4*, Sol Kipriotis Village Resort 5*, Oceanis Beach Hotel 4*.
Tingaki is located just 7 kilometres from Kos Town and is surely the perfect holiday destination for those who are looking for sunbathing and taking part in beach water sports. On a holiday to Tingaki, along the main road you will find cafe bars and tavernas and also a number a shops and small markets; there is also a good selection of bars offering a laid back nightlife.
Hotels We Recommend:
Golden Star Hotel 3*, Irina Beach 3*, Tigaki Star Hotel 3*,
Iberostar Odysseus 5*, Aspro Spiti 3*, Aquis Marine Resort & Waterpark 5*.
