Top travel guide of Kos, Greece
Where: Kos, Greece | Number of days: 10 | Local currency: Euro
How to get to Kos?
Plane
Kos is easily accessible by plan due to the presence of an international airport on the island. From the Netherlands it will take you roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes from Amsterdam to Kos airport. Depending on your final destination, it will be a 30 minute taxi ride from the airport to Kos Town and 20minutes to Kefalos on the westside of the island. There is also a bus connection between the airport and the center of the city which a more economical option, but the bus is not available in the early mornings or late at night and only goes about 6 times a day, so double check the schedule before depending on this mode of transportation.
Boat
Although having no experience with island hopping in Greece, we did explore the option to travel between the many Greek islands. There are plenty of opportunities for boat trips to other islands, or find a connection to Rhodes, one of the bigger islands nearby. Additionally, Bodrum can be seen right across the water from Kos Town, but this might require some more administrational details as you will be travelling between countries.
Bike & Car
Once you’ve arrived, a very easy way to get around the island is by bike. Especially the area between the beaches and Kos Town are very well connected with bikelanes. Bike rentals can be found spread across town and are a cheap and fun way to explore. We used our bike every day, to cycle to the beach, nice restaurants and to the city center.
Renting a car is also a possibility if you want to explore the island further. The roads are relatively well maintained and villages and towns are well connected. Although, there are some more tricky roads, like the one leading up to Zia or Palio Pyli that may be a bit more bumpy, smaller or steeper than the main road that connects the island from west to east. If you’re planning to visit different sides of the island, I would recommend renting a car as taxi’s are quite expensive and the bus route isn’t very flexible.
Where to stay in Kos?
During the ten days we visited Kos, we stayed close to Lambi beach in Aegean Blu Hotel, in one of the appartments. The place was quite basic with all amenities that you are looking for, a pool and a small balcony. The location of the hotel was perfect, two minutes walking distance you will find a supermarket, three minutes you will find Istros, a restaurant I will talk more about later, and a five minute walk to the beach. What more could you ask for during your holiday?
If you’re looking for a bit more of a luxury stay, I can recommend Frosini, which is just across the road from Aegean Blu Hotel and is a bit more updated than our stay.
If you are considering to enjoy more of the Kos night life while you’re there, I would book a place in Kos Town, then you wil be able to walk (or roll) home after your night out!
What to do in Kos?
Zia
One of the best places to visit and watch the sunset, is the village of Zia. A quaint little town located uphill at 30mins from Kos Center with many different restaurant that are located in such a way that you can enjoy the sunset from multiple angles. But before the main event, you can stroll around, pick up some souvenirs or visit the local church. During peak season it may be quite busy but from mid-september onwards it was enjoyable to walk around. I would advice to plan your visit ahead of time and rent a car, a buggy or book a tour that will take you there. We booked a taxi (60euros) and even though it was expensive, we were happy with that decision as it gets quite dark later in the evening and the winding road is something we weren’t too comfortable with. Besides your transportation, also consider the fact that restaurants with sunset view are often booked in advance so if you’re planning a trip to Zia make sure you also reserve a seat at one of the many places, so you can enjoy the sunset at the fullest.
Palio Pyli
Palio Pyli is the perfect activity if you’re looking for something more active. At the bottom of the hill you can park your car, and from there onwards you take the stairs. Keep right and once you end up at a junction, you can go towards the castle or to the right, and walk up a few flights of stairs to the taverna. Remember to bring plenty of water as it can be quite a challenge on hot days, so skip the climb between 12 and 3 o’ clock and wear comfortable (hiking) shoes. The view from the taverna is beautiful, during the day and to watch the sunset, and while you’re there, definitely visit the bathroom for an unique al fresco experience.
Hippocrates Tree and Neratzia Castle
Just a few minute walk from Kos Center you will find a historically significant tree. According to the legends, this platane tree is where Hippocrates taught his students the art of medicine, around 2400 years ago. The tree currently isn’t in its best state and requires a bit of support from a man made steel structure but considering the age of the tree and the historical relevance it is an interesting stop on your way to the Neratzia Castle.
Connected by a bridge, you can cross the road from the Hippocrates Tree to the castle which was reopened in 2021 after an earthquake made it unsafe for visitors. While its name sounds like one of the locations in Lord of the Rings, the castle is actually named after the ‘‘Sour Orange’’ trees that are found in the vicinities. Within the castle you can clearly see the remains and the impressive size of the former building. Spotting any hostile ships from miles away, the strategically located castle is stretched out on the east side of the island next to the harbour.
Odeon and Gymnasium
Just on the south side of Kos Town, you will find the Odeon and the Gymnasium. An impressive area that can easily be reached by foot from the center of Kos Town. Here, you will be able to wander around the remains of the old city. The old music theater (the Odeon) was build in the second century A.D. Walking around the grounds feels like a timemachine, as you can imagine what it must have been like to perform in front of such an impressive number of seats.
The Gymnasium can be found just across the road from the Odeon. On this big open ground you can easily spot elements that tell the story of its past. With archways, mosaic tiles and other remains you can walk around the grounds and explore. The entrance is free, but there are little indications of what you are looking at so you have to use your imagination to fill in the gaps.
Olive oil factory
One of the greatest gifts from Greece are its olives, they are found on every menu in its solid or liquid form. The production process of the latter can be learned at the Papadimitriou olive oil factory, a place right next to Kos’ main road. Its owners are more than happy to show you around the factory and share the fascinating production process, which takes place between October and January. We also had the opportunity to try some of the olive oils they produce and ended up with a suitcase full of olive soap, olive oil and olives.
Beaches in Kos
Lambi beach, just a 5 minute car ride / 10 minute bike ride from Kos city is the perfect place to enjoy those rays of sun. A large part of the beach is covered by bars and restaurants that all offer sunbeds and parasols, to rent for the day. Depending on your mood, level of luxury and cuisine you like, you can pick between 5 or 6 beach clubs. By the end of our 10 days we had become regular customers at Artemis Heaven Beach bar, with incredibly comfortable sunbeds, palmtree-like parasols and the friendliest personnel. Obviously their iced coffees and delicious sandwiches and cocktails played a major role in our loyalty… Other great spots were Alibaba Beachbar and Mylos, most of these sunbeds are free to use but require a minimum spend, so take that into account. Depending on the season, I would highly advice to get there early in the morning, to secure the best spot. At the beginning and end of the boulevard you can also find space to put your towel down, if you’d rather skip the paid comfort.
A bit further down the coastline, at a 15min car ride from Kos city, you will find Tigaki beach. Here, the sea is more shallow and I would say, therefore, slightly more accomodating to families with kids. The beach is much wider than Lambi and sunbeds are stretched as far as the eye can see. Although Tigaki offers a wide range of nice restaurants (The Kitchen) and entertainment such as watersports, Lambi beach felt more cosy and small scale.
Where to eat and drink in Kos?
During our stay, we really fell in love with the Greek cuisine, from its deliciously rich tzatziki, tasty olives, grilled meat and honey baked fetas there is plenty to choose from and for all types of diets. Below you can find our favourite places on the island around Kos Town ranging from small family owned businesses to more hip locations to enjoy a cocktail.
Mylos: We were very lucky with our accommodation as Mylos was right next door. It is one of these places where you can start your day with a tasty breakfast, find a nice, comfortable sunbed to soak up some vitamine D, and end the day with a delicious dinner and a drink. And, if you still have energy left after this, you can dance the night away with the rest of the island. The menu is a mixture of local favourites as Greek yoghurt, feta and olives, and dishes influenced by other mediterrenean countries, like wood oven pizza’s, creamy pasta’s and ceviche seabass.
Ampeli wine yard: On one of the days we had our rental car, we visited Ampeli wine yard. We expected a wide variety of wines to taste, and were surprised by the delicious nibbles and dishes to share. We arrived here for lunch and combined it with a visit to Palio Pyli, Tigaki and the olive oil factor. The menu offers local dishes as stuffed wine leaves, fresh tzatziki, honey baked feta and locally made wine, all to be enjoyed underneath the grape vines. It is also the perfect place to update your instagram page with its green-covered pathways, colourful flowers and unique interior.
Oromedon: In Zia we reserved a table at Oromedon, one of the first restaurants on your right hand side when you enter the town. As mentioned before, do make sure you make a reservation otherwise you might not be able to secure the best spot for the sunset. As Zia is a popular place amongst tourists and the locals, so you will be dining between all nationalities and greek families.
Kapileio: Another family style restaurant is Kapileio, which can be found between Lambi Beach and Kos Town. We coincidentally came across this place and were happily surprised by the lovely service, cute plates and tasty dishes. The menu is filled with greek mezze like saganaki and souvlaki at very affordable prices, would highly recommend!
Never on Sunday: a little bit hidden and a small walk from the hustle and bustle of Kos Town, you can find Never on Sunday. A small restaurant with limited tables and a small menu that shrinks as the evening progresses as it depends on local resources. We had delicious potatoes and sardines and this was definitely worth the little treasure hunt! You can find them on Pisandrou #9 in the Old Town.
Istros: Istros is one of these places that you return to, not only because it was at a five minute walk from our appartement, but also because of the laidback atmosphere, the accomodating staff and delicious and reasonably priced dishes. Would highly recommend to try the Talagani on the menu!
Sitar: When dinner is finished and you’re looking for a place to start your night out in the town, kick it off at Sitar. A buzzing cocktail bar right across from the harbour with nice music and creative cocktails. Find a high chair and enjoy a bit of people watching while sipping your drink away.
So, if you haven’t decided yet on a summer holiday destination, definitely consider putting Kos on your list. An island filled with charming people, relaxing restaurants and beach clubs and delicious food, what more could you ask for?
