Hitting the Greek clubs, enjoying an outdoor pamper at Therma Beach or exploring the volcanic landscapes – you can do it all in Kos.

Highlights - Holidays to Kos 2026

• 🏖️ Over 290km of coastline — from party beaches in Kardamena to hidden coves near Kefalos

• 🏛️ Birthplace of Hippocrates — ancient ruins, medieval castles and the Asklepieion healing temple

• 🚴 One of the best Greek islands for cycling — flat roads, coastal paths and bikes everywhere

• 🌋 Day trip to Nisyros volcano — walk into an actual crater, then grab lunch in a whitewashed village

• 🎉 Kardamena's legendary nightlife — plus laid-back sunset drinks in Zia and harbourside cocktails in Kos Town

🎉 Good to Know for your Kos Holidays

• 🤩 Fun Fact: Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates – aka the "Father of Medicine." You can even visit the famous Plane Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town, where he supposedly taught his students.

• 🏖️ Best Beach: Agios Stefanos Beach takes the top spot for us – soft sands, ancient ruins and crystal-clear waters. It’s like a history lesson and a beach day rolled into one.

• 🍺 Price of a Pint: Expect to pay around €3.50–€5 (£3–£4.25) depending on where you are – beach bars tend to be pricier, but the views make up for it!

What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Kos?

Kos is all about 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 your Greece holidays, you don't wanna miss out on these beaches:

• 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.

🏨 Top Hotels in Kos - 2026 / 2027

Whether it's a family-friendly jolly in Tigaki, a couples escape in Psalidi or a party week with your mates in Kardamena, there's a hotel for everyone. Here are our top picks:

For Families

• Canvas by Mitsis Family Village — moments from the beach in Kardamena, this is the go-to resort for all-inclusive holidays in Kos. Kids' clubs, splash pools, a beach pizzeria and a late-night disco club — all at the foot of Mount Dikeos.

• White Olive Marine Aquapark — you read it right, an aquapark right at the hotel in Tigaki, complete with slides, a wave pool and an activity pool for the kids. The dining choices are just as banging, with Greek, Italian and an all-day BBQ by the pool.

• Tigaki Beach Hotel — a spacious, comfortable property set amongst beautiful gardens in Tigaki, just 100m from the beach. Perfect for families after a fuss-free stay with a pool, playground and easy access to the sand.

• Grecotel Casa Paradiso — a proper good family pick in Marmari with a kids' pool, playground, Discovery Adventures club and a beachfront taverna serving food all day. The GrecoBaby service means cots, highchairs and bottle-making gear are all sorted.

For Couples

• Mitsis Selection Blue Domes — this five-star 24-hour ultra all-inclusive in Kardamena is the land of luxury and entertainment, with nine pools, multiple restaurants and the Sapphire Spa for proper pampering vibes.

• Dimitra Beach Hotel & Suites — step into paradise at this beachfront five-star in Psalidi with jaw-droppingly good views of the Aegean, a swim-up bar and an adults-only White Lounge.

• KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort — an adults-only wellness retreat near Psalidi with a private beach, floating breakfasts, local tastings and seriously zen vibes. All suites come with private sunbathing terraces.

• Grecotel Kos Imperial — a firm five-star favourite with holiday-goers, set right on the beach near Psalidi. Multiple restaurants, live evening entertainment and a gorgeous lagoon-style pool make this one of the island's most enviable stays.

Boutique Stays

• Pelagos Suites — for a taste of peace and quiet in Lambi, this boutique hotel serves up suites and villas with private pools, a floating restaurant and a spa — all just a short stroll from Kos Town.

• Lakitira Suites — if pure serenity is your jolly goal, this boutique gem near Kardamena has your name all over it. Intimate, elegant and right by the coast.

👉 See all our Kos hotels | All Inclusive Kos holidays |

🏨 Where to stay on your Kos holidays?

Kos has got the goods for a perfect jolly, whatever the weather, and whoever you're jetting off with, kinda like the Taylor Swift of Greek Islands, everyone's kinda obsessed with her. We've got a few thoughts about where you should settle down, so keep on scrolling:

• Kardamena - this one’s the life of the party. Packed with bars, buzzing beach clubs, and nightlife that goes way past bedtime, it’s the place to be for group getaways and stag or hen dos. Don’t worry though – there’s a gorgeous beach and water sports galore for the day-after recovery.

• Kefalos - if peaceful vibes and postcard-worthy scenery are your thing, Kefalos is calling. With historic ruins, whitewashed buildings, and a long, sandy beach that’s more zen than Zante, it’s ideal for couples and travellers wanting the authentic Greek island feel.

• Kos Town - where ancient ruins meet modern vibes. The capital of the island is perfect for city lovers who still want beach time. Explore the castle, sip cocktails by the marina, and get lost in backstreets full of shops and tavernas. Great for culture seekers and night owls alike.

• Lambi - just a short stroll from Kos Town but with its own beachy identity, Lambi mixes laid-back charm with easy nightlife access. Great for families, couples, and anyone wanting a balance of chill and thrill.

• Marmari - peaceful and pretty, with soft sands and shallow swimmers. Ideal for family holidays or couples after a slower pace, but still with enough restaurants and cafés to keep you fed and watered. Plus, it’s got serious sunset game.

• Mastihari - a charming fishing village-turned-holiday haven. Expect golden beaches, seafood fresh off the boat, and easy ferry links to Kalymnos. Great for relaxing beach holidays or a base for island hopping.

• Psalidi - the wellness capital of Kos, home to spa hotels and beach bars made for sipping smoothies in the sun. If you’re chasing adult-only vibes, beachfront luxury and cycling paths along the coast, Psalidi’s the one.

• Tigaki - long, wide beaches, chilled tavernas, and super calm waters make this a family favourite. It’s also a hotspot for kite and windsurfing if you fancy mixing sunbathing with a bit of splashy fun.

🧳 Your Kos holidays 2026 travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do for families in Kos

Kos is packed with fun stuff for the whole family, so don’t worry about anyone saying "I’m bored" this holiday.

• Lido Water Park – a massive water wonderland in Mastihari with slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones for kids and grown-ups alike.

• Kos Natural Park – get up close to animals and nature in Zia village with walking trails, petting zoos and knockout views of the island.

• Tigaki Beach – super shallow waters and calm waves make it ideal for the little ones to paddle safely.

• Glass-bottom boat trips – sail the coastline and spot fishies without getting your hair wet – a win-win.

• Therma Beach – warm natural springs bubbling into the sea – like nature’s jacuzzi, and the kids will love it.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Kos

From romantic ruins to hidden beaches and sunset sips, Kos is serving all the couple goals.

• Zia Village – tucked in the hills, this is sunset central. Grab a wine, snap the view, and swoon at the scenery.

• Therma Beach – a quiet(ish) spa-like experience with natural hot springs – pack a towel and some wine for peak romance.

• Kos Old Town – cobbled streets, boutique shopping, and candlelit tavernas that are made for date night.

• Agios Stefanos Ruins – explore ancient temples right by the sea – then head for a swim after.

• Horse riding at sunset – gallop (or gently trot) along the coast with your other half. Ultimate honeymoon vibes.

🎉 Things to do for groups in Kos

If your mates are looking for big laughs and big nights, Kos has group holiday written all over it.

• Bar-hopping in Kardamena – beach bars, clubs, shots with sparklers – need we say more?

• Beach volleyball at Lambi – pack a ball and some snacks, and make a day of it.

• Watersports in Psalidi – banana boats, jet skis, and inflatable rides that'll have you clinging on for dear life.

• Villa days in Tigaki or Marmari – chill out with your crew by the pool, BBQ in hand, cocktail on deck.

🥙 Things to do for foodies in Kos

Whether you’re a meze master or just here for the gyros, Kos will keep your belly happy.

• Try moussaka with a local twist – many tavernas in Kos add courgette or eggplant straight from the garden.

• Order Psarás (grilled fish) by the sea – head to Mastihari or Kamari for the freshest catch.

• Don’t skip the meze plates – little bites, big flavour. Get your hands on dolmades, tzatziki, keftedes and saganaki.

• Visit a winery near Zia – sample local wines made from Muscat grapes and volcanic soil. Very boujee, very tasty.

• Grab a honey-drenched baklava – pair it with a Greek coffee and pretend you’re not planning your next meal already.

💰 How to Have a Cheap Kos Holiday (That's Still Totally Brilliant)

Kos is already one of the more affordable Greek islands, but with a few savvy moves you can stretch your euros even further without missing out on the good stuff.

Book smart

Travel in May, June or September for lower prices and fewer crowds – you'll still get gorgeous weather without the peak season price tag. All Inclusive Kos holidays can actually work out cheaper if you're big eaters or drinkers, especially for families.

Eat like a local

Skip the seafront tourist traps and head to the backstreet grill houses in Kos Town – you'll get a proper Greek meal for half the price. Souvlaki wraps and gyros are filling and usually under €5. Lunch is often cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant, so make midday your main meal.

Drink clever

Happy hours in Kardamena are legendary – Pavlos bar does two pints for €5 before 10pm. Stick to local beers like Mythos or Alpha (around €3-4) rather than imports. Grab bottles from the supermarket for beach days – a cold Mythos from a mini-mart is about €1.50.

Free and cheap things to do

The best beaches are completely free – Tigaki, Marmari and Agios Stefanos don't charge a penny. Rent a bike (often free from hotels, or about €5-10 for the day) and explore the coastal paths. Wander the ancient ruins scattered around Kos Town – many are open-air and free to see. Catch the sunset at Zia village without spending anything.

Getting around on a budget

The local KTEL buses cover all the main resorts for €2-4 per journey – much cheaper than taxis. If you're staying put, the beach is probably walkable anyway. For day trips, shared boat excursions to Nisyros or the Three Island Tour are better value than private transfers.

🗺️ Best Day Trips from Kos

Kos is perfectly placed for island hopping and cross-border adventures — here's where to head when you fancy a change of scenery.

• 🌋 Nisyros — hop on a boat from Kardamena and you're on a volcanic island within the hour. Walk down into the Stefanos crater, wander the whitewashed streets of Mandraki, and grab lunch before heading back. One of the most unique day trips in Greece.

• 🇹🇷 Bodrum, Turkey — a short ferry from Kos Town gets you to this buzzing Turkish resort town. Browse the bazaar, explore the medieval Castle of St Peter, and haggle your way through the leather and spice stalls. Don't forget your passport.

• 🏝️ Kalymnos — the sponge-diving island is just a 20-minute ferry from Mastihari. Climb the rocks (it's a world-famous climbing destination), explore the harbour town, and pick up natural sponges as souvenirs.

• ⛪ Patmos — a longer day trip but worth it for the Monastery of St John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Organised boat trips run from Kos Town during summer.

• 🏖️ Three Island Cruise — several operators run day cruises taking in Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati, with swimming stops, lunch onboard and plenty of Aegean blue. Great for groups and families.

🚌 Getting Around Kos

• 🚌 Buses – Kos has a cracking little bus network that covers all the big hitters – from Kos Town to Kardamena, Tigaki, Kefalos and the airport. Tickets are usually around €2–€4, and you can grab them onboard or at local kiosks.

• 🚕 Taxis – easy to find in popular resorts and Kos Town, especially near the harbour and major hotels. They're metered and regulated, but prices can go up at night or for longer journeys.

• 🚴 Bikes & E-bikes – Kos is one of the best Greek islands for cycling, with designated bike paths in and around Kos Town and flat roads all over the island. Loads of hotels even offer bikes to borrow.

📅 When to Visit Kos

• ☀️ Summer (June–August) - Temps hit 28–32°C with barely a cloud in sight – peak beach weather and buzzing nightlife. July and August are the busiest months, so book early for the best hotel picks. The famous Meltemi wind keeps things bearable even on the hottest days.

• 🌸 Spring (April–May) - Lovely and warm at 19–24°C, with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides. Perfect for exploring the Asklepieion and Zia village without melting. The sea's warming up nicely by May.

• 🍂 Autumn (September–October) - Still gorgeous at 20–27°C with quieter beaches and warm seas – probably the sweet spot if you want sunshine without the school holiday crowds. September is particularly brilliant.

• 🌧️ Winter (November–March) - Mild but quieter, with temps around 12–16°C. Not beach weather, but you can still enjoy exploring, and you'll have the ancient sites practically to yourself.

Other Greece Holidays:

• Athens

• Corfu

• Crete

• Halkidiki

• Kefalonia

• Mykonos

• Peloponnese

• Preveza

• Rhodes

• Samos

• Santorini

• Skiathos

• Thessaloniki

• Zante