Best Places to Stay in Kos

Whether you’re looking for charming villages, the best beach experience or a luxurious stay, Kos is full of unique accommodations. From luxury resorts to stylish boutique hotels and private villas, you’re sure to find something to fit your travel style.

Discover the rich history of the island as you explore its ancient ruins and stroll through its enchanting towns. Its pristine beaches offer everything from energetic entertainment to tranquil solitude.

Lambi Beach

Kos is known for its long sandy beaches and family-friendly resorts, but there are also boutique hotels with a contemporary twist in a variety of locations across the island. For example, the upscale adults-only White Rock of Kos sits up on the hills behind Kefalos, overlooking two beautiful beaches and a small islet with a picturesque church. Guests can choose to relax in the hotel’s pool or venture out for exhilarating watersports.

Alternatively, Kardamena is a lively beachfront resort on the south coast of Kos with plenty of kids’ clubs and water sports facilities. Its gorgeous beaches are backed by chilled out beach bars and tavernas, perfect for couples looking to kick back and relax.

The enchanting village of Asfendiou is a popular place for hikers to base themselves while exploring Kos’ beautiful countryside. It’s dotted with winding trails filled with olive groves and fragrant vineyards, as well as traditional Greek houses and tavernas offering local seafood dishes.

On the outskirts of the capital, the quaint resort of Kos Town offers a fusion of ancient and modern amenities. Its historic landmarks include the ancient agora, the Castle of the Knights, and the Tree of Hippocrates, where the famous physician reputedly practised his healing arts. The town centre is a buzzing hub for bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to a range of hotels that cater for all budgets, from 1920s guesthouses and luxury glamping tents to vast villa-style resorts for families.

Mastichari

Unlike the bigger resort hotels in Kos Town, holidays to Mastichari are all about chilled-out sunbathing and relaxed days at local tavernas. This quaint fishing village on the west coast is compact with just four streets, making it easy to explore on foot. Locals pride themselves on super-fresh fish that arrives straight from the harbour and laid-back, disco-free evenings. And the gorgeous sandy beach means there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Mastichari has a small selection of hotels that make the most of this sunny location. For a fully serviced apartment with an amazing beachfront location, check out Achilleas Beach Hotel. It has comfortable shared amenities, like an outdoor pool and a lounge along with a tasty restaurant and free parking. For something a bit different, try the historic boutique Albergo Gelsomino Hotel. Built in 1928, this art deco gem is set right on the waterfront, bringing some serious luxury to your getaway.

The main beach in Mastichari is a mix of tiny colourful pebbles and coarse sand. It has a northwest orientation, making it great for watching the dramatic sunsets, and the hotels here are typically family-run traditional guesthouses and tavernas. It’s a modest area and you’ll find some excellent value accommodation, including the cosy Katherina’s Studios. There are some larger hotels towards the northern end of the beach, such as Zeus Hotel.

Kardamena

Kardamena is the island’s most popular summer resort with a vibrant nightlife. During the day, bask under the Mediterranean sun or take a boat trip to nearby islets for epic sunsets. At night, head to Bar Street for drinks and to dance the night away. As you dance the night away, your hotel’s staff will make sure you get back to your room safely with a late-night taxi.

The south coast is also dotted with picturesque beaches and traditional harbour towns. You’ll find everything from pristine sandy beaches to secret rocky coves. It’s the perfect choice for a family holiday or a romantic getaway.

In the capital city of Kos, the streets are filled with bustling shops, tavernas, and cafes. The harbor and medieval castle attract history lovers, while the quaint Old Town is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Towering palm trees and numerous beaches add to the appeal of this lively center.

This stylish boutique hotel brings a touch of art deco style to the Kos waterfront. Its minimalist rooms and suites include private balconies/terraces with sea or Turkish coastline views. You’ll love the upscale amenities and luxury toiletries. Located close to the airport, this luxurious hotel is also a short drive from several beaches. It offers a full-service spa and an infinity pool with spectacular views of the sea. Its free breakfast and on-site restaurant are also great additions.

Kefalos

The upscale resort town of Kefalos is home to a variety of hotels and vacation rentals with breathtaking views of the beach, sea, and sunsets. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Kefalos has something for everyone. The quaint ambiance of the village offers a relaxing retreat away from tourist crowds, while the nearby beaches offer a tranquil setting to sunbathe and swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The resort’s most popular attraction is the rocky coastline, with dramatic rock formations and a beautiful sandy beach that’s ideal for swimming. There are also a number of local tavernas and shops where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes.

Another popular attraction is the nearby Antimachia Castle, which was built by King Michael III of Greece. The castle is now a museum that showcases various artifacts from the Greek history and culture. Besides its cultural significance, the Antimachia Castle is also an important part of the island’s natural heritage.

Families on a budget will love staying at the affordable Aktis Art Hotel, which is located right on the beach and features a large pool with exotic gardens to relax in. For those who prefer luxury, consider the five-star Blue Lagoon Resort – All Inclusive, which is located in the heart of Mastihari and boasts amazing amenities including luxury toiletries and modern technology. Other great options include the 3-star Kordistos, which is conveniently located in the center of Kefalos and offers rooms with breathtaking ocean views.

Marmari

The northern coast of Kos is a stunning stretch of shoreline where chilled-out beach bars and laid-back tavernas line the sand. Here, you’ll find some of the island’s best hotels for families. The sprawling kid-friendly Mastichari Resort, for example, offers an impressive variety of accommodation options including villas, bungalow suites, dream suites, and penthouse suites with 4-poster beds – some with private pools. The property also has an array of tasty Greek restaurants and plenty of entertainment options, plus a huge lagoon pool with waterfalls, and a water park for kids!

Another option for families is the swanky D’Andrea Lagoon hotel. It has a fabulous private stretch of Marmari beach, and sleek style shaded by palms. You’ll enjoy a superb range of facilities, and the Ode restaurant brings gourmet Greek heaven to the area with an extensive menu including vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options.

For something a little different, head to Sails on Kos for a glamping experience. It has all the comforts of a luxury beachside resort, but with tents and chalets set amid exotic gardens for a real taste of the wilderness. It’s located right on the coast and overlooks the gorgeous harbour, making it one of the most unique hotels in Kos! The area around the resort is a beautiful, scenic natural landscape, with epic ruins and secret rocky coves. It’s a lovely base for some of the most spectacular day trips in Kos.

Psalidi

A coastal gem, Psalidi offers a quiet escape from the noise of beach towns with a range of tavernas and boutique stores to explore. It’s also a convenient base for hikers who want to enjoy the rugged mountains of Kos National Park. Located close to the town of Kos, the village is well-connected and has a great selection of hotels. There’s a choice of cheap and affordable options like Oceanis Beach & Spa Resort or Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso, as well as more luxury choices like the Aktis Art Hotel.

The southern area of the island is a hub for all-inclusive hotels, with Kardamena offering some of the best. Here, you can stay in large and polished beachfront resorts with a wide array of facilities for all the family, including watersports and a lively entertainment schedule. If you prefer a more homely option, there’s always the chance to buy a package deal and stay in an apartment with a pool in the area.

One of the best places to stay in Kos is Ikos Aria, a luxurious hotel offering a beautiful setting overlooking the heavenly cerulean sweep of the Aegean Sea. There are a variety of rooms, from airy suites to spacious villas with private pools. It’s ideal for those who want a quiet holiday but are happy to make the short journey to Kamari and Agios Stefanos to eat out at the many bars and restaurants.