If you are planning a trip to Kos, you will surely be struggling with the choice of the area where to stay.
In fact, once you have decided to visit this beautiful Greek island, it is important to choose the best place to sleep in Kos. Doing so is not easy because there is a lot of information online but not always clear.
This is why I decided to write a detailed article to help you understand the characteristics of each area of the island. This way you will be able to choose the perfect base to stay in Kos, so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Kos is an island that truly offers everything, the third largest island in the Dodecanese is rich in history, archaeological remains, beaches and crystal clear sea, lots of nature but also lots of evening entertainment.
It is therefore clear that it is an island suitable for everyone: families, couples or groups of young friends. The important thing is though organize your holiday taking into consideration your own needs. So let's find out more about the island of Kos and its main tourist resorts.
Where to Stay in Kos: Important Considerations
The two main locations and the busiest on the island are Kos Town and Kardamena, located respectively north and south of Kos. Then there are other minor seaside resorts such as Tigaki, Marmari e Mastichari in the north coast e Kefalos in the south coast.
The north coast as in most of the Greek islands is often subject to strong winds. Here the beaches are sandy and the sea is generally a little warmer.
The south coast, where there are the most beautiful beaches, is characterized by a crystalline sea but with slightly cooler water.
Usually a very good one starting point for visiting the island is Kardamena, a small village but with all services, located in strategic position, halfway and therefore close to everything, especially the beaches of Kefalos.
In any case, the island is quite small, so I recommend choosing only one place to stay in Kos.
Let's find out now in detail the main areas and their characteristics.
Kos Town: Beautiful Town and Evening Life
Kos Town as well as being a splendid city, rich in history and archaeological sites, is the truth beating heart of the nightlife, lively and cosmopolitan, with clubs, pubs and discos.
If you are young and looking for fun, Kos Town is for you.
Staying in Kos Town you will have the advantage of not having to move in the evening; during the day you can go around the island and visit the beautiful beaches of the south. Also because in Kos Town the sea is not the best and the beaches are very popular.
If you decide to visit the island in the low season it is preferable to stay in Kos Town, where there is always a bit of activity.
Recommended hotel in Kos Town
Hotel Sonia: The Hotel is in an excellent position for visiting Kos Town, near the center and the port. It is not a luxury hotel but it has simple, clean rooms equipped with every comfort. The owner Sonia and her children will be able to advise you and help you in all your needs.
Kardamena: Best Location
Kardamena is the second most important town on the island, small but lively, well organized and with all services: shops, banks, supermarkets, clubs for all tastes and excellent taverns.
The area is perfect for those looking for a bit of evening life but not excessive chaos, it is not too dull but not too chaotic, the right middle ground between bustling Kos Town and quiet Kefalos.
But the real strength of Kardamena is the strategic position, absolutely the best, exactly in the middle of the island. The airport is 7 km away, Kefalos and the most beautiful beaches are about 15 minutes by car. Kos Town and northwestern towns such as Mastihari, Marmari or Tigaki can also be reached within a maximum of 25 minutes by car.
Kardamena offers a beautiful sandy beach, washed by transparent waters and with a calm sea. Reachable on foot from the center of the village, Kardamena Beach is ideal if you want to stay in the area for a little while for a few days.
The advice is to stay just outside the center, the ideal would be a structure on the sea, comfortable and quiet at the same time.
Recommended hotel in Kardamena
Olympia Mare: Simple but clean hotel in a great location, directly overlooking the private beach. It is located close to Kardamena but away from the noise, so perfect place to relax.
Here too the management is the strong point, owners available ready to recommend restaurants, trips and beaches.
Kefalos-Kamari: Quiet area, spectacular sea
For those who are looking only relaxation and beautiful beaches the best solution is to stay in Kefalos, a small village located in the southern part of the island.
Kefalos is a little paradise where the most beautiful beaches are located and where you can breathe the true atmosphere of ancient Greece. Kefalos is a very quiet place perfect for a stay made exclusively of sea and excursions in the south west of the island, there is no nightlife, only a few taverns and a few pubs. Especially recommended for a family vacation with children.
I suggest choosing a structure close to the sea in the Kamari area, instead I would avoid the village of Kefalos which is on top of the hill.
Recommended hotel in Kamari
Nefeli Apartments: Very nice, well-kept and clean apartment, located in an excellent position about 400 meters from Kamari, 100 meters from the sea and close to the best beaches on the island. The added value is the kindness and availability of the owners. The rooms are simple, clean, with air conditioning. Be pampered by George and his wife and trust the advice they give you on beaches and restaurants.
Mastichari: Good location and wide beach
Mastichari, located in the north of the island about 20 km from Kos Town is a very nice and quiet small residential village, famous for its wide beach.
The beach of fine white sand is perfect for relaxing, for those who love to take long walks and admire the sunsets.
The area, however, is particularly windy (especially in the afternoon), it is in fact ideal for lovers of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Without the wind, Mastichari Beach would surely be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Kos.
The location is still excellent for getting around the island and reaching all its beautiful beaches.
Tigaki: Residential area for an all inclusive stay
Tigaki is located in the north of the island about 10 km from Kos Town. It is not a real village but it is a village completely dedicated to tourism, full of hotels and resorts on the beach.
The beach of Tigaki is very wide, of light sand and with a transparent sea, except when there are algae due to the currents. On the seafront there is a wide choice of bars, taverns and international restaurants.
Recommended area especially for an all-inclusive holiday, especially for a family stay.
Conclusions
Now you have all the information you need to organize your holiday in Kos and choose the area that best suits your needs without making a mistake. In summary:
Kos Town: Very lively evening life, beautiful town;
Kardamena: Excellent location, in the middle of the island, close to the most beautiful beaches, discreet evening movement;
Kefalos-Kamari: Spectacular sea, zero evening life;
Mastichari: wide sandy beach and good location;
Tigaki: Sandy beach, all inclusive vacation.
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