Resorts on the island of Kos

South coast of Kos

The resorts on the southern coast of Kos are popular for their spacious, mostly sandy and well-equipped beaches and quiet environment suitable for families with children. Tourists appreciate the opportunity to relax by the sea, practice water sports and taste traditional Greek specialties in local tavernas. The south coast area is characterised by livelier seas and windier weather, which also makes it popular with windsurfers. Near the beautiful beaches, there are hotels and resorts that offer modern comforts while retaining an authentic atmosphere.

The dominant resort on the south coast is Kardamena, the second largest tourist centre on the island. Kardamena is a bustling and lively resort with excellent facilities in the form of shops, restaurants and hotels and a rich nightlife. The pride of the resort is the beautiful, long sandy beach of Kardamena.

At the eastern end of the south coast of the island lies the smaller, quiet resort of Agios Fokas, famous for its long pebble beach of Agios Fokas and modern hotel resorts that combine relaxation by the sea with comfortable services. Not far from here, the healing hot springs of Embros rise from the sea.

North coast of Kos

The northern coast of Kos also offers beautiful beaches, but in a somewhat more lively environment where tourism plays a more important role. The area is characterised by quality, organised beaches with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars. The northern coast of the island is particularly popular with visitors due to its milder climate, easy accessibility to services including shops, tavernas and hotels and proximity to the capital.

The most popular resorts along the north coast of Kos are the smaller but well-equipped resorts of Tigaki and Marmari. The resort of Tigaki is famous for its long sandy beach of Tigaki, its gently shelving beach and its organised water sports facilities, ideal for families and active holidays. Marmari is a quiet seaside resort where tourists will appreciate relaxing by the clean beaches of Marmari and Limnaria, favourable conditions for water sports and the friendly atmosphere of a small community, including an animal farm with horse riding. Alikes Salt Lake, a local attraction, lies between the resorts.

To the west along the north coast of the island is the former fishing village of Mastichari, now a popular smaller resort with a marina and the beautiful sandy beach of Mastichari.

East coast and capital Kos

The northeastern and eastern part of the island is dominated by the capital Kos. The town of Kos forms the natural centre of the island with the highest concentration of services and historical monuments. Important monuments such as the Neratzia fortress, the ancient agora and the archaeological museum are reminders of the island's glorious past. At the same time, the town offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and shops, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Kos also has a large harbour, where ferries and smaller cruise ships depart daily, and has its own town beach, Akti Zouroudi.

The nearby resorts of Lambi and Psalidi practically merge with the capital, adding to the offer for visitors looking for a quieter beach environment or active sports activities. Here, tourists can combine sightseeing of historical monuments with relaxing on the beach and enjoying the local gastronomy. Lambi, Psalidi Paradiso and Psalidi Ramira are also among the most popular beaches on the east coast.

The east coast area of the island is characterised by a gradual entry into the sea and good access to services. The tourist resorts here offer the widest range of accommodation, dining and entertainment options.

Western tip of the island

The Kefalos peninsula, which stretches across the southwest of Kos, is one of the most picturesque and peaceful parts of the island.

The area is represented by the village of Kefalos, which retains its original architecture, narrow stone streets and picturesque squares. The locals here maintain the old craft traditions while responding to the needs of tourists. The coastal part of Kefalos attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches with clear waters and quiet coves. These beaches are ideal for families with children, water sports enthusiasts and anyone looking for a relaxing break away from the bustling city life.

In addition to the eponymous village of Kefalos, there are other smaller settlements in the region where you can experience a quieter holiday with authentic Greek charm. Kamari is arguably the liveliest resort in this part of the island and attracts visitors with its perfect combination of modern tourist infrastructure, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Kampos, on the other hand, is a small village with a traditional character and minimal tourist infrastructure.

Visitors here appreciate not only the peaceful environment, but also the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquil beaches. In the vicinity of these resorts, visitors will find the beautiful beaches of Agios Stefanos, Kefalos and Kamari, while to the east there is a long bay with several small but very beautiful beaches, such as Paradise, Psilos Gremos, Magic, etc.

Inland villages

The unique flatness of the island of Kos ensures easy access between resorts and sights, whether you are travelling by car, motorbike or even bicycle. However, the south-eastern part of the island is mostly mountainous, with the highest peak on the island, Mount Dikeos, reaching an altitude of 846 metres. It is here, in the Dikeos Mountains, that the beautiful mountain villages of Zia, Lagoudi and Asfendiou are hidden. These traditional mountain villages retain their original character and offer an authentic insight into local life. The tourist infrastructure here is limited and the villages are more popular for day trips. The village of Zia is particularly famous for its spectacular sunsets and handmade handicrafts.

Other beautiful inland villages, which have retained their traditional Greek character to this day, can be found just outside the Dikeos Mountains. Villages such as Zipari, Pyli and Antimachia represent an authentic lifestyle dominated by family-run guesthouses, small cafes and traditional crafts. Visitors have the opportunity to get to know the daily life of the locals, taste local specialities and enjoy the tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

These inland locations provide a unique atmosphere that contrasts with the modern resorts on the coast. For lovers of history and traditions, they are the ideal destination to see old churches, small archaeological sites and enjoy a glimpse of traditional Greek architecture. The villages are a peaceful escape from the hectic city life and bring visitors closer to the authentic face of Kos.

Inhabitants and life on the island of Kos

The island of Kos has approximately 33,000 permanent inhabitants, with a significant number living in and around the capital city of Kos. The traditional way of life, based on agriculture and fishing, has been greatly influenced by the development of tourism since the 1970s. On the one hand, old craft traditions, farming and family businesses are maintained, while on the other hand the local population often cooperates with the tourist sector and adapts to modern trends.

In terms of ethnicity, the permanent population of Kos is predominantly Greek, with the majority of the population being of the Greek Orthodox faith. To a lesser extent, there are also minorities on the island, such as the Turkish community, which has historical roots in the region. A significant Turkish minority inhabits the village of Platani (Kermentes), which is renowned for its Turkish gastronomy.

A well-developed road network, a quality tourist infrastructure and a reputation as a safe destination make Kos one of the most popular and sought-after Greek islands. From relaxing on beautiful beaches, to cultural and historical experiences, to authentic contact with the local community, Kos offers visitors a wide range of experiences. This diversity makes Kos an ideal destination not only for holidays but also for day trips, where you can enjoy both modern comforts and traditional Greek life.

Map of the island of Kos - Tourist resorts

The various tourist resorts of Kos - the most popular and busiest holiday resorts, quiet seaside resorts with beautiful beaches and traditional Greek villages - are clearly marked on the Kos map.