Highlights of the Greek island of Kos
Within 4 hours' flight from Amsterdam Schiphol you are on the Greek island of Kos, the second largest island of the Dodecanese. We have holidayed on Kos several times, because the island has a lot to offer. Visit Kos Town and Tigaki, a vineyard, a salt lake with flamingos and the romantic mountain village of Zia for the most beautiful sunset.
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Highlights of the Greek island of Kos
Within 4 hours' flight from Amsterdam Schiphol you are on the Greek island of Kos, the second largest island of the Dodecanese. It is also known as the cycling island. The island has a lot to offer and is extremely popular with Dutch tourists.
Kos Town
The capital is the town of the same name, Kos. Kos Town is typically Greek, with all kinds of charming blue and white streets. Settle down on a terrace and order a delicious Greek coffee, or pop into one of the many boutiques. In the middle of the centre there is a market hall where you can buy local spices and other products. All over Kos Town you will also find several archaeological ruins that are open to visitors, including Neratzia Castle, which has a beautiful view of the harbour of Kos Town. You pay a small entrance fee for the castle. The harbour of Kos Town is a lovely place to spend time. Colourful boats with market stalls and cosy restaurants where you can eat the most delicious Greek dishes. Just outside Kos Town (within walking or cycling distance) you will find nice sandy beaches. Here you can flop down on a sunbed for a few euros. Order a cocktail during happy hour and cool off in the sea.
Cycle around the island
Kos is a real cycling island, with cycle paths all over the island. You can rent bikes in the centre of Kos Town, or in most villages and accommodations. Cycle to the village of Tigaki, for example, known for one of the nicest beaches on Kos. Across the water from Tigaki you can see Turkey. Just outside Tigaki there is a salt lake where, if you are lucky, you can spot flamingos! Stop at Hatziemmanouil Vineyards for a tour and a wine tasting. Ideal when you are on a bike!
See even more of the island
The bus connections around the island are also good. Would you rather book a day trip? Try booking it with a local tour agency. That is what we did in the centre of Kos Town, where we booked a Kos day tour. This tour takes you past the Asklepieion, an important archaeological site that was the medical school of Hippocrates. The site was only discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Along the way you visit a honey farm, where you can taste different kinds of honey. You also stop at Camel Beach, a beautiful rocky beach on the other side of the island with a stunning view. A (literal) highlight of the island is the mountain village of Zia, with its typical blue and white tavernas and shops and views over the whole island. Go there early in the evening for the most beautiful sunset on Kos.
Of course, you can also discover all of this yourself by renting a car. We always recommend booking a car through Sunny Cars, so you are well insured straight away.
Treat your taste buds
Kos is teeming with delicious Greek restaurants where you can eat the most wonderful moussaka, Greek salad, tzatziki and souvlaki. If you fancy something different for a change, we have 3 tips for you below.
Mamma Rosa, Kos Town
At this restaurant you can eat the best pizzas in all of Kos Town, served by Rosa, the owner.
You can order an XXL pizza here with different toppings to share.
Los Chicos, Kos Town
Love Mexican food? You will find the best nachos here! In this restaurant you feel as if you are in Mexico, in Greece!
The street the restaurant is on is incredibly lively, with terraces everywhere.
Watermill of Zia, Zia
On Kos they love homemade lemonade. The nicest place to drink it is the Watermill of Zia. A super cosy and colourful spot on top of a hill in the mountain village of Zia, with a beautiful view over Kos.
The walk there alone invites you to order something on the terrace, as you pass all kinds of colourful signs along the way.
The terrace itself is also an explosion of colour that will make you happy!
Unwind
There is hardly such a thing as a bad place to stay on Kos. It all depends on what you are looking for. Do you want to be close to town, or would you rather have nature around the corner? We have an excellent option for both.
Kosta Palace, Kos Town
A small, cosy, friendly family hotel with apartments. Right on the harbour, so book a room with a view! The room furnishings are a bit dated, but the service is excellent. Your room is cleaned every day and you have breakfast overlooking the harbour of Kos Town. And one of the bonuses is the rooftop pool! From the hotel you can walk straight into the centre or onto the beach, and there is a minimarket around the corner. The hotel is also a short bike ride from lovely beaches. You can book Kosta Palace with Sunweb.
Caravia Beach Hotel, Marmari
Fancy a bit more luxury? Then Caravia Beach Hotel is a really nice hotel. The hotel has every convenience. The food here is truly high quality, fresh every day and super tasty. The hotel offers an all-inclusive package. Need extra luxury? Then book a swim-up room in the adults-only section, where you can plop straight into the pool from your terrace. The adults-only section also has its own restaurant, where you can dine à la carte every evening (included in the all-inclusive price!). The hotel has an extensive wellness centre, a (kite)surf school, a tennis court and bike hire (at an extra charge). The hotel also has several pools and is right by the sea. Around the corner you will find a salt lake with flamingos, and the vineyard mentioned above is within cycling distance. Book Caravia Beach Hotel through Sunweb.
Last tip! On this island we discovered our favourite coffee liqueur, Arret. The liqueur comes in different flavours, but we think the café version is the most delicious. You can pick up a bottle to take home at liquor stores in Kos Town!
Practical tips for Kos
Preparation
On the spot
Frequently asked questions about Kos
How long is the flight to Kos? +
From Amsterdam Schiphol you are on Kos in under 4 hours.
What can you do in Kos Town? +
Stroll through the blue and white streets, visit the market hall and the archaeological ruins, including Neratzia Castle with its view of the harbour, and enjoy the restaurants along the harbour. Just outside the town there are nice sandy beaches.
Is Kos good for cycling? +
Yes, Kos is also known as the cycling island. There are cycle paths all over the island and you can rent bikes in Kos Town, the villages and at many accommodations. Cycle to Tigaki, for example, and stop at Hatziemmanouil Vineyards for a wine tasting.
Where can you see flamingos on Kos? +
Just outside Tigaki there is a salt lake where, with a bit of luck, you can spot flamingos.
What are the most beautiful beaches on Kos? +
Tigaki has one of the nicest beaches on the island, with a view of Turkey. Camel Beach is a beautiful rocky beach on the other side of the island, and just outside Kos Town you will find nice sandy beaches.
Where can you see the most beautiful sunset on Kos? +
In the mountain village of Zia, with views over the whole island. Go there early in the evening and have a drink at the Watermill of Zia.
How do you discover the rest of the island? +
By bike, bus, rental car or on a day trip. We booked a day tour with a local tour agency in Kos Town, visiting the Asklepieion, a honey farm, Camel Beach and Zia.
Where is the best place to stay on Kos? +
If you want to be close to town, choose a hotel on the harbour of Kos Town. If you are looking for more luxury and nature around the corner, Caravia Beach Hotel in Marmari is a great choice.
What souvenir should you bring back from Kos? +
Our favourite is the coffee liqueur Arret, which you can buy at liquor stores in Kos Town. We think the café version is the most delicious.