Best Places to Stay in Kos
Whether you’re looking for a party scene or a peaceful base, there are many great places to stay in Kos. From budget hotels to luxury resorts, read on to discover the top places to stay in Kos.
History lovers will enjoy staying near the impressive 15th-century Neratzia Castle and the ancient ruins of Asklepion. It’s also within easy reach of Kos Town and its beaches.
Agios Stefanos
Known for its picturesque church and crystal clear waters, this beach is great for families. The sandy beach is long with a naturist section at one end, and the waters are shallow making it easy for kids to get into the water. There are plenty of loungers to rent and the whole beach is patrolled so you can feel safe while relaxing on the sand. The hotels of Oceanis Beach & Spa Resort and Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso are nearby, so you can spend the day enjoying the hot springs in this idyllic coastal area.
This is a gorgeous and secluded beach near Kos Town, but it’s still very quiet and feels like a paradise. The beach is lined with exotic trees and flowers that are a treat to the senses, while the sea is calm enough for swimming or snorkelling. Guests can choose to rent a cabana, which is the best way to enjoy the beach in total privacy.
The resort is an excellent choice for couples looking for a romantic escape with beautiful views of the sea and a relaxing pool. It’s also close to the town centre so you can easily walk to restaurants and explore the sights of the island. If you want to get a bit more active, there are plenty of water sports available from the hotel.
This is a family-friendly hotel near the centre of Kos, and it’s got a great range of rooms for all budgets. There are studios for two, apartments for four, and suites that sleep up to six people. All come with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and terrace or balcony. The hotel’s location means you can walk to many of the top sites of Kos and there are lots of family-friendly restaurants in the area too.
Kardamena
Kos is a large island filled with millennia-old architecture and stunning beaches, and one of the best places to stay in Kos is the town of Kardamena. Once a small village, this lively resort is now the busiest destination in the south-east of the island, and you’ll find great restaurants, bars and shops here.
You can find great three- and four-star hotels in the town centre, such as Alexandra Hotel and Kosta Palace. But there are also grand five-star resorts in slightly less crowded areas, like the Ikos Aria and Kipriotis Panorama Hotel and Suites. The latter offers epic facilities such as a glistening outdoor pool, a chic fitness center and luscious garden area. There’s even a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day spent on the beach or exploring the town.
For a more budget-friendly option, try staying in a hostel or guest house in the heart of the town. This way, you’ll be close to the beach and the central attractions, but you’ll save on accommodation costs. The Kos Aktis Art Hotel is a stylish upper-mid range option that enjoys a fabulous seaside setting and minimalist rooms with striking views.
Another great solution is a family-run apartment in the heart of the town. This cute little property sleeps six and is perfect for groups looking to save money on their holiday without compromising on quality. You’ll be treated to a huge pool and a smaller kids’ pool, plus there are gorgeous exotic gardens for you to unwind in. There are also several tavernas nearby where you can try local dishes and wines. The beach is just a short walk away too, so you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lambi Beach
If you’re looking for a calmer and less crowded stretch of beach, head north to Lambi Beach. This quiet coastal village is one of Kos’ lesser-known areas but still offers beautiful scenery and an intimate sandy beach wedged between rocks. It’s also home to the ruins of Asklepios, the ancient healing centre, academy and temple that health professionals still make pilgrimages to today.
This part of the island also boasts a great range of accommodation from 1920s guesthouses and luxury glamping tents to vast, village-like five-star hotels for families and couples. Look for Ikos Aria, one of the latest additions to the Ikos Resorts chain, on the beach of Kefalos near Kastri, which blends the comfort of an all-inclusive hotel with superstar style. Rooms here have floor-to-ceiling windows, white linen and cowskin throws and private terraces or balconies.
Alternatively, for some sleek style shaded by palm trees, check into D’Andrea Lagoon on the northern coast of Kos. This luxury adults-only resort has a beautiful private section of the beach, white-washed rooms around a spacious central pool area (some suites have swim-up access) and a restaurant called Ode, which is a gourmet Greek heaven.
If you’d rather stay in a bigger hotel, try the Smy Princess of Kos All-Inclusive Hotel in the town of Kos. It has eleven restaurants and six bars so you’ll never be bored, plus a spa, gym and an epic water park for days out. It’s just a short walk from the port and has lots of other shops, restaurants and landmarks nearby too. You’ll get a range of room sizes from studios to deluxe apartments. All come with a kitchenette and balcony.
Agios Fokas
In the south of Kos, this village is known for its pristine beaches and bucolic charm. Here you’ll find enchanting castle ruins and tavernas where you can tuck into fresh seafood and local delicacies. This is also one of the best places to stay in Kos for families because of its safe and clean waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Contemporary touristic development in Kos has brought about new hotspots with a range of hotels from budget to luxury. One such spot is Agios Fokas, a charming town on the southern edge of the island that has embraced modern tourism and boasts plenty of things to do. Its beautiful beaches and quaint restaurants make it a good choice for those looking to relax away from the crowds.
There are some great budget-friendly hotels in Agios Fokas, such as Nissia Kamares and Cleopatra Superior. Both offer clean and comfortable rooms within walking distance of the bars and restaurants, as well as the beach. They’re ideal for young travellers who want to get their hands on the best of what Kos has to offer without breaking the bank.
On the higher end of the spectrum, you’ll find some stunning luxury hotels such as Ikos Aria and Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa. The former is a true gem of a hotel and offers pure class for couples looking to spoil themselves on their romantic getaway. The latter is another all-inclusive option that is a true treat for the senses. Its incredible facilities include glistening pools, a chic fitness center, and a lush garden area.
Kos Town is the island’s main hub and is where most visitors tend to base themselves during their stay. It has a fantastic mix of hotels for all budgets and is the perfect place to explore the culture and history of the island.
Marmari
Kos is a gorgeous island famed for its beaches and ancient Greek ruins. Its enchanting villages and towns are scattered throughout the island, offering different options to suit your family. Kos Town, Kardamena, Mastichari, and Tigaki are among the best places to stay in Kos for families. They all offer a variety of accommodation options, from hotels to apartments. Renting a car is a great way to explore the island, as it allows you to move around at your own pace.
The resort of Marmari is one of the most popular on the island, and it’s perfect for families with kids. The partly organised beach is ideal for young children, with its transparent waters and shallow depths. The area is home to rental offices, shops selling beach essentials, and traditional tavernas.
Its location is also a big draw – it’s just a short drive from Kos Town, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and landmarks within walking distance. There are also supermarkets, vehicle rental shops, and cash machines nearby, making it the ideal choice for a package holiday.
Ilios and Irene are fully equipped apartments that offer the privacy of a self-catering apartment with the perks of an on-site restaurant. They serve a free breakfast, and guests are welcomed with a platter of local delicacies upon arrival. The rooms are spacious and clean, with a private balcony or terrace and sea or pool views depending on the category. There is also a shared lounge with a TV and a pool table, and parking is available for a small fee. Achilleas Beach Hotel is another option in the south of Mastichari, offering a similar set-up to Ilios and Irene. It has comfortable and spacious shared amenities, including a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, along with a tasty restaurant and bar.