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A sun-soaked island getaway

With miles of golden beaches, warm Mediterranean sunshine and plenty of fresh, pine-scented air, Kos holidays are relaxing and rejuvenating – this is the birthplace of the ancient healer Hippocrates, after all. Located in the Dodecanese islands, in the southeastern Aegean region of Greece, Kos is a sun-drenched holiday destination with plenty to offer every traveller – it’s up to you to do as much or as little as you like.

Holidays to Kos are blissfully easy. From fun-filled resorts to boutique adults-only escapes, you’ll be met with warm Greek hospitality at every turn. Ancient ruins scatter the interior, meaning you never need to travel far to soak up history. Family-run tavernas can be found in the pretty main towns, but also in the island’s off-the-beaten-track villages, while water parks and windsurfing schools are always a hit with families – and big kids. Night owls will love the wide variety of nightlife, whether it’s non-stop dancing in one of the buzzing nightclubs or low-key drinks as the sun sets by the sea, while hikers will find peace, tranquility and unforgettable views in the Dikeos Mountains. Then there are the beaches – from deserted secret coves to expansive white-sand bays, you could spend weeks exploring them all.

Your Kos questions, answered

It’s the perfect destination for families, couples and small groups of friends looking for a relaxing break, with the option of lively nightlife if you fancy it.
There are dozens, but Tigaki beach is a particularly popular stretch of sand lapped by calm waters. Get there early to save a sunlounger next to the water.
With such a warm, dry climate, Kos is a popular destination for holidays. Summer months, from June until September, are usually hot. But you won’t be disappointed by the spring and autumn temperatures either. If you’re planning a tour around the island’s many ancient sites, this weather may suit you better. And, if you’re looking to explore the island on foot, winter is a great time to get out into the hills. Look out for the wildflowers in bloom and peacocks roaming the nature parks.
Kos is very close to Turkey, so meals are a wonderful mix of Greek and Turkish – mezze is a great way to try a variety of dishes.
The beaches in Kos are not just plentiful. They’re easy to reach, with clean sands and beautiful scenery to appreciate. So choosing the best beaches is very tricky. There’s a good-sized beach with soft white sands at Marmari and you’ll find further stretches of sandy shores at Tigaki and Kardamena. However, these are just a few of the options. As well as the popular parts of the coastline, you’ll find quieter sections with a tranquil atmosphere and clear waters.
Greek is the primary language spoken on Kos. You’ll find that the main resorts around the island are incredibly welcoming to visitors and understand English well. Menus are usually written in English too. You may want to learn a few key phrases before you go. This will help you find more opportunity to talk to the locals and feel part of the island. And the Greeks respect those who try to learn their language. However, you won’t need to remember many words to enjoy your time on the island.
There isn’t only one type of holiday you can experience in Kos. You could go simply for the beaches, spending long days relaxing on the sand or having a go at one of the organised watersport activities. You could go for the history, taking in the ancient sites such as the Asklepieion Temple and the Tree of Hippocrates. Or you could go for the food, eating your way across the island’s towns and villages. In fact, there’s no reason not to enjoy a little of everything. Just be sure to book enough days.
Not long at all. You can fly to the island in around four hours. Flight times do vary, depending on which airport you fly from and what time you go. The airport in Kos is centrally located, so it’s ideally placed no matter where you decide to base yourself. Most resorts are only a short distance from the airport, so it shouldn’t take you long to get settled in either. This is one of the reasons that Kos is such a popular destination.
There’s a good buzz around Kos itself, with bars and clubs offering something for most tastes. Dotted around the resorts you’ll find a mix of cocktail and beach bars, as well as tavernas and restaurants. So, whether it’s a lively night of dancing or a quiet night of dining, there’s plenty of options. Just be sure to leave yourself enough energy to explore the rich mix of daytime attractions.