Small size big experience

There are over 227 inhabited Greek islands spread over 4500 miles. That’s a lot of destinations to consider. Kos has long been a favoured destination for travellers looking for a Greek island getaway.

Kos is part of the Dodecanese islands and is the second most visited island after Rhodes. Due to its southerly location, it gets great temperatures throughout the year.

Although plenty of people will visit for its favourable climate and beaches. Kos offers much more for the visitor to discover. The island offers many historical landmarks that are a result of the various different cultures that have influenced it throughout its history.

Ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Medieval Knights and Ottomans have all contributed to its 5000 years of civilisation. A journey of discovery is well in order when visiting this delightful island.

Although it’s not all ancient ruins. Kos boasts some fabulous beaches, the warm waters of the Aegean Sea surrounding the island and over 70 miles of coastline to discover. The mountains that make up the interior of the island are well worth visiting.

There is also a lot of farming on the island, expect some flavour-packed local produce from olives, lemons, honey, cheese, wine, breads and an abundance of seafood. Kos is certainly a place to enjoy the local cuisine from tavernas, street vendors and purchasing from farm shops or local markets there will be endless opportunities to enjoy good quality local produce.

Kos Town

Built around its harbour in which the town fans out. Whether looking for history, sightseeing, nightlife or beaches Kos Town Kos Town won’t disappoint.

Kos Town is the capital of the island and along with Rhodes Town is one of the main hubs in the Dodecanese islands.

Kos Town is a popular tourist destination and is an enjoyable place to visit with plenty to see. The town is much more than just a functional administrative centre. There are a few intriguing sights including ancient ruins and a small old town.

Kos Town has been an important town since the time of the Ancient Greeks, so there are centuries of history here. Unfortunately, not all of it has survived due to numerous earthquakes and invasions so it’s not as impressively reserved as Rhodes Town.

However, there are still enough points of interest spanning all the invading empires Ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Venetian, Crusaders and Ottoman, which occupied our interest for a day or two.

The harbour is one of Kos Town’s key attractions. It’s been a strategic asset for centuries. Today it is packed with tourist boats offering excursions and some fishing boats for hire for fishing expeditions and is a hub of activity.

As it was lunchtime the waterfront was the perfect location to enjoy an alfresco lunch. The great thing about Kos Town is there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious Greek cuisine

The main central streets especially running of the harbour can be a bit busy, however a short walk off these main streets we discover more genteel surroundings, lush green alleyways and a relaxing atmosphere, to view all the different architectural styles of the countless civilizations which have occupied Kos over the years.

Although small in size as a first-time visitor I was surprised by how much there was to see in such a compact town of 19,000 people. The significant sightseeing opportunities are a clear reflection of its long history.

Kos Town by night

Kos Town can be quiet by day but certainly comes alive at night. Particularly on the harbourfront. Whether looking to get the drinks flowing and party till the early hours or like myself looking for a more relaxed evening enjoyment of a nice meal and a cocktail. Kos Town will have all the bases covered.

Just off the harbourfront, we came across the white steps unsurprisingly not hard to find as they are white. Nothing especially impressive about them but it’s a popular picture location and it does add some appeal to the area.

A particular favourite of mine was Kos Old Town. It’s not a large area a few streets running north to south. Starting at Freedom Square and ending at Diagores Square. The area is fully pedestrianised.

It’s a delightful location to enjoy an alfresco meal. An eclectic mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture blended with more modern architecture. Eating out here is a very pleasant experience in tasteful restaurants with prices that won’t break the bank.

After all that mouthwatering Greek cuisine time to take a stroll around the picturesque Old Town for a spot of retail therapy looking at the elegant shops with their stylish displays. It’s a perfect location for a low-key nighttime experience.

Persisting with the low-key theme, after an evening in Kos Town. Time to finish the evening with a drink back in the casual ambience of our hotel

Kos Town Beachside

Although not my primary reason for visiting, Kos had a vast array of beaches to choose from. Kos has a reputation for being a premier beach destination, although I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a Mediterranean oasis the beaches were idyllic and relaxing places to visit.

We were staying at a hotel 2.5 miles from Kos Town the beach there is called Lambi. The long beach stretches for 1 mile with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas and a few tavernas and bars, especially at the northern end closer to Kos Town.

It’s a sand and shingle mix and despite only being 2.5 miles from the centre of Kos Town, where you get all the hustle and bustle, Lambi Beach was far enough away to be a very peaceful location giving us the best of both worlds.

The further south you go the quieter the beach becomes. Many of the larger hotels are situated here and becoming more frequent as you get further away from Kos Town. There is a cycle path which runs adjacent to the beach which is also used by joggers and walkers and takes you into the centre of Kos Town.

Zia

A small village on the slopes of Mount Dikiaos, best known for its impressive sunsets. It doesn’t stop there, for nature lovers the well-kept National Park of Zia is a must.

The village is situated 16 kilometres from Kos Town so is in theory easily accessible. However public transport is very unreliable and taxis are not plentiful on the island.

Leaving two options to hire a car or book a transfer with a local company that runs trips daily and is a very low-cost alternative we choose the latter.

The village is very pretty with its cobbled streets, lined with charming shops and restaurants, nestled amongst lush green forests it’s an interesting visit in its own right. But what sets Zia apart from other mountain villages is its sensational views at sunset.

Although it’s a very busy location and can be somewhat of a tourist trap. This was soon forgotten as the sun dipped below the horizon, and the entire island of Kos appeared to bask in a warm golden glow. I might appear to sound a bit pretentious but this was a precious moment and the highlight of my visit to Zia.

Zia is a fantastic location with a mix of stunning viewpoints and friendly locals. An abundance of mouth-watering restaurants to choose from some with fantastic vistas for sunsets (although booking is advised). This is the perfect location to indulge in local flavours and authentic Greek cuisine.

Kardamina

A popular resort lying 30 kilometres southwest of Kos Town

Kardamina is well-developed in all aspects, with integrated infrastructure. Lots of accommodations and tourist amenities. Despite all this resort-like development, Kardamina just about retains its traditional charm.

However, without doubt, its greatest attraction is all-natural. A 2-mile stretch of soft golden sand. If you just want to visit Kos for the beach and nightlife experience then this resort is definitely you’re first choice,

There is a small Marina at Kardamina with regular ferries to Nisyros and other outlining islands. This was the reason for our short visit to Kardamina. Definitely worth a visit and totally different vibe to Kos Town.

My last-minute rearranged trip went in a blink of an eye. A very relaxing destination and for a relatively small island there is a large spectrum of activities and events to spend your time discovering from history, culture, architecture, beaches, mountainside villages and activities on land and water to keep you busy.

A very agreeable climate with an excellent dining scene, and friendly locals. This was my first visit to Kos but most certainly not my last.