Kos Holidays

Discover Kos, Beyond the Beach Resorts

Kos is a beautiful Dodecanese island in the southeastern Aegean Sea, known for its sandy beaches, ancient sites and lively coastal resorts. But venture beyond the popular holiday areas and you’ll find traditional villages, scenic countryside and quieter places to relax.

Whether you’re planning a family beach holiday, a couples’ escape or a trip with friends, Kos offers plenty of opportunities to combine relaxation with exploration.

Lively resorts & peaceful beaches
Traditional mountain villages & scenic walks
Ancient history & fascinating archaeological sites

At Mapping Your Travel, we can help you find the right area to stay and plan a Kos holiday around the places you’d love to discover.

Kos Holidays, Ancient Ruins

What Could You Experience in Kos?

Beautiful Beaches & Coastal Escapes

Kos has a varied coastline, with long sandy beaches, lively resorts and quieter bays to discover.

Kardamena: A popular resort with beaches, restaurants, bars and a lively summer atmosphere.
Tigaki & Marmari: Sandy beaches and coastal resorts popular with families and couples.
Kefalos: A more relaxed resort area in the southwest of Kos, with beautiful beaches, traditional tavernas and views across Kefalos Bay. Explore the hillside village of Kefalos for a taste of local island life.
Agios Stefanos: A beautiful beach near Kefalos, where you can swim with views of ancient ruins and the small offshore islet of Kastri.
Limnionas: A quieter coastal spot with a sheltered bay and a relaxed atmosphere.

Ancient Sites Kos

Mountain Villages, Walking & Island Adventures

Away from the coast, Kos has traditional villages, scenic countryside and walking routes to explore.

Zia: A hillside village known for its traditional shops, tavernas and beautiful sunset views.
Mount Dikeos: The island’s highest mountain, offering rewarding views for experienced walkers.
Palio Pyli: Explore the remains of an abandoned medieval settlement and its hillside castle.
Antimachia Castle: A historic fortress with views across the surrounding landscape.

Kos is also a lovely island to explore by bicycle, with cycle routes around Kos Town and opportunities to discover more of the coastline on two wheels.

We’ve explored Kos ourselves, including a walk up to the abandoned village of Palio Pyli. For more inspiration and a personal look at the island, read about our time in Kos →

Kos Town: Ancient History & Harbour Life

The island’s lively capital, Kos Town, combines waterfront cafés, shops and restaurants with fascinating archaeological sites.

Spend time wandering around the harbour, exploring the old streets and discovering the island’s connections to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician traditionally associated with Kos.

Highlights include:

Eleftherias Square: A central square surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and the island’s archaeological museum.
The Plane Tree of Hippocrates: A landmark associated with the tradition that Hippocrates taught beneath a plane tree in this area.
Casa Romana: A restored Roman villa with mosaics and displays offering a glimpse into life in ancient Kos.
The Castle of Neratzia: A medieval fortress beside the harbour, built by the Knights of St John.

Just outside Kos Town, you can also explore The Asklepieion, an ancient healing sanctuary associated with the island’s medical history.

Weddings on Kos: A Special Setting on Kastri

Looking for somewhere memorable to say “I do”? We’ve arranged a wedding on the little island of Kastri, just off Agios Stefanos Beach, followed by a reception dinner and fireworks at the nearby Cavo Greco taverna.

It’s a wonderful example of how a Kos holiday can become something truly personal. If you’re dreaming of a wedding abroad, we’d love to help you explore the possibilities.

Kos Wedding, Kastri Island

Traditional Greek Food & Local Flavours

Kos has plenty of inviting tavernas where you can enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats and traditional Greek dishes.

Look out for katimeria, local cheese-filled pastries, or try regional honey, olive oil and wines. A leisurely meal in a mountain village or beside the harbour is a lovely way to experience another side of the island.

Kastri Island Holidays

Explore Kos & the Dodecanese Islands

Kos is a wonderful destination for a beach holiday in its own right, but it can also be included in a longer Greek island-hopping itinerary.

Depending on ferry routes and schedules for your travel dates, you could combine Kos with other Dodecanese islands for a holiday featuring different beaches, villages and historic towns.

We can help you explore suitable island combinations, accommodation and transport arrangements.

Start Planning Your Kos Holiday

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach break, a holiday exploring Kos’s ancient sites or a longer island-hopping escape, tell us what you’d love to experience and we’ll help you plan your trip.

Start Planning Your Kos Holiday

Looking for more Greek holiday inspiration? Explore Greece Holidays →

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