Would Kos Be Right for Our October Half-Term Family Holiday?
We were looking for an October half-term escape with sunshine, beautiful beaches, historical sites and plenty to keep everyone entertained. Travelling as a multi-generational family, with two lively boys aged seven and eight, their parents and grandmother, we wanted somewhere we could relax together but also get out and explore.
We chose Kos, a Greek island in the Dodecanese, and set off to discover whether it would tick all our boxes.
As it turned out, we found much more than a beach holiday.
Arriving in Kos: A Relaxed Start to Our Holiday
We took an early morning flight from Bristol to Kos International Airport. The flight took around four hours, which was no problem for the two excited boys!
As we descended, we could see Greek islands scattered across the Aegean, with the Turkish coastline visible from the left-hand side of the plane.
A transfer of around 30 minutes brought us to our hotel, Grand Blue, near Kardamena. We were able to settle into our apartments straight away before heading for a much-needed buffet lunch, one of the advantages of an all-inclusive holiday when travelling with children.
Our Stay at Grand Blue Hotel, Kardamena
Grand Blue is set on a hillside overlooking the coastline, with accommodation, restaurants and pools spread across the grounds. The elevated setting provides lovely views, although it does mean there are slopes to navigate.
We found the hotel’s complimentary buggy service particularly helpful. A quick call to reception arranged a lift between the accommodation, restaurants and pools, very welcome when travelling with tired children or luggage.
There were three main swimming pools, two children’s pools and a kids’ club. The boys had plenty to keep them occupied, and we enjoyed the hotel entertainment too.
The hotel had three restaurants, although we mainly used the buffet for convenience. There was a good variety of food to suit different tastes, and we particularly enjoyed the Greek-themed evenings.
Our impression of the hotel: Although Grand Blue was advertised as five-star when we stayed, we felt the overall experience was closer to a comfortable three-star standard. We enjoyed our holiday there, but would advise anyone considering it to choose it for its setting, facilities and convenience rather than expecting a luxury five-star experience.
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Evenings in Kardamena
The hotel was around a 20-minute walk from Kardamena along a pavement beside the coastal road.
Kardamena has a reputation for nightlife, but we also found a welcoming resort with local life, shops, restaurants and places to enjoy a relaxed evening.
One of our favourite spots was Adam’s Bar, where we enjoyed cocktails while watching a spectacular sunset.
From Kardamena, you can also take boat trips to nearby islands, including volcanic Nisyros, home to the impressive Stefanos crater. We decided to spend most of our time exploring Kos itself.
Exploring Kos by Hire Car
We hired a car for our holiday so we could discover the island at our own pace. We found driving straightforward, with relatively quiet roads during our visit.
Having a car made it easy to combine beaches, villages, historic sites and spontaneous lunch stops, exactly the sort of flexibility we wanted with three generations travelling together.
Kos Town: Ancient History and a Family Reunion
Another day, we drove to Kos Town, the island’s lively capital, to explore its harbour, shops and archaeological sites.
We also had an unexpected opportunity to meet up with family members who were visiting Kos for the day during a Mediterranean cruise!
We wandered along the waterfront and through Eleftherias Square, taking in the historic buildings, mosque and archaeological museum.
Kos is closely associated with Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician. We stopped to see the famous Plane Tree of Hippocrates, which is linked to the tradition that he taught in this area.
The Castle of Neratzia, built by the Knights of St John, was another highlight, with its imposing walls beside the harbour.
Just outside Kos Town is the Asklepieion, an ancient healing sanctuary and one of the island’s most significant archaeological sites.
We also enjoyed browsing the Market Hall for local produce, olives, nuts, Greek treats and souvenirs.
Kos Town was a lovely place to spend the day, combining history and sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or something to eat.
Plaka Forest: Peacocks and a Surprise for the Boys
Our first outing was to Plaka Forest, where peacocks roam freely among the trees.
The boys loved looking for their beautiful feathers in the undergrowth, and we even spotted a white peacock. It was an easy and memorable stop that gave the children something completely different to enjoy.
From there, we continued to Limnionas, a small fishing village on the western side of the island.
It was windy when we visited and the sea was too rough for swimming, but we enjoyed a paddle before settling down for a delicious fish lunch at a restaurant overlooking the bay. The views from the outdoor terrace were wonderful.
A Day Trip from Kos to Bodrum, Turkey
One of the most memorable parts of our holiday was taking a boat trip from Kos Town to Bodrum in Turkey.
The crossing itself took around 30–45 minutes, although boarding and border formalities added to the overall journey time. You’ll need a valid passport and should check the current entry requirements for your nationality before travelling.
Once in Bodrum, we enjoyed wandering through the streets, tasting Turkish delight and stopping for lunch at a bakery.
For the boys, it was a chance to experience a different culture. They were fascinated by the call to prayer and by watching people gathering for prayers.
Our tip is to look carefully at what’s included in an organised excursion. Some lower-priced trips include lengthy stops at carpet shops or other shopping venues, which may leave less time for exploring independently.
We enjoyed having the freedom to discover Bodrum at our own pace.
Mountain Villages, Scenic Walks and Ancient Ruins
Zia and Mount Dikeos
One day, we headed into the hills to visit Zia, a mountain village known for its sunset views.
Zia is popular with visitors, but we enjoyed exploring its narrow streets, shops and cafés. Sitting on an elevated terrace with a cold drink and looking out across the island was a lovely change from the coast.
Zia is also a starting point for walks towards Mount Dikeos, the highest mountain on Kos. The full hike is challenging, so if you plan to attempt it, allow plenty of time, set off early in warm weather and take suitable footwear, water and sun protection.
Scrambling Up to Old Pyli
After Zia, we visited Old Pyli (Palio Pyli), an abandoned medieval settlement with castle ruins perched above the surrounding countryside.
We scrambled up towards the castle, and the panoramic views made the effort worthwhile. The path was uneven and precarious in places, so this is one to approach with care.
Old Pyli was one of my favourite discoveries on Kos. It felt a world away from the beach resorts and gave us a chance to explore the island’s history in a beautiful mountain setting.
What to Do in Kos When It’s Too Windy for the Beach
We had a few windy days during our October visit, so it wasn’t always sunbathing weather. Fortunately, Kos has plenty to offer away from the beaches.
On one of those days, we visited Antimachia Castle, a medieval fortress with impressive defensive walls, two small churches and far-reaching views.
We enjoyed exploring the ruins, although some parts of the site were uneven and required care.
It was another reminder that Kos works well for families who enjoy mixing beach time with sightseeing and adventure.
Our Favourite Beach: Agios Stefanos, Near Kefalos
Of all the beaches we visited, our favourite for swimming was Agios Stefanos, near Kefalos.
What makes this beach so special is the combination of clear water, ancient ruins beside the sand and views towards the tiny island of Kastri, with its little chapel.
Kastri can be reached by boat, and it’s also a memorable setting for a wedding. In fact, we’ve also arranged a wedding on Kastri for Mapping Your Travel customers, followed by a reception dinner and fireworks at the nearby Cavo Greco taverna.
It’s a beautiful part of Kos, whether you’re visiting for a beach day or dreaming of a wedding abroad.
Would We Return to Kos?
Absolutely. Kos gave us the mix of relaxation and exploration we had hoped for.
The boys loved the pools, peacocks and beaches, while the adults enjoyed the historical sites, mountain villages, scenic drives and leisurely meals. Having a hire car meant we could explore together without being tied to an organised excursion schedule.
Our October half-term holiday included some windy days, but there was always somewhere interesting to visit. We’d happily recommend considering Kos for couples and families who want more from their holiday than time beside the pool.
Plan Your Own Kos Holiday
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel, a relaxing beach escape or a holiday that combines Kos’s coastline with its villages and ancient sites, we can help you plan a trip around what matters to you.
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