(2024 update) According to mythology, this Greek Island is the sacred land of Asclepius, the god of healing. With its crystal waters, amazing mountain rooftops and even a natural hot spring it’s the perfect place for an escape from the everyday. Not somewhere I have craved but I should have so here’s what you need to know to make your trip to Kos as memorable.
Discover the wonderous Kos
How to get to Kos
With an international airport the simplest if to fly in. The airport was very small so brings snacks for when you are leaving and it had only one very small souvenir shop, so don’t wait to get your gifts! You could also get the ferry from Rhodes or Athens via Ferry Hopper. I flew in and used Kos Activities for the transfer to the hotel. Aside there was no name board, it was brilliant. There was even a Whatsapp message sent even before we even left London with a picture of our car and where to find them.
Was it hot in October in Kos?
In short, yes! Most days I was dressed as if it was summer. Not stinky humid heat that you usually get in Greek summers – a really lovely temperature you can sunbathe in. However it was more temperamental than summer months, so we had some rain. This brought the temperature down on those days so pack a jumper or 3! But otherwise it’s a perfect time to visit as also a lot quieter.
Where to stay in Kos
Kos has some of the most luxurious hidden resorts and a 5 star in Kos town that was small but perfect, Albergo Gelsomino. Sadly they were way out of my budget and I was also booking last minute. I settled for the adult only Oceanis Beach Resort and Spa on the east coast about 10 minutes taxi from Kos town. Unbeknownst to me at the time, it turned out to be a TUI first choice holiday package, an all-inclusive hotel marketed as a couples’ retreat—something we were not!
As we hadn’t booked as part of TUI we beat the hordes from the flight who had a coach transfer. Our taxi had whisked us there before the check in queues ensued. However this didn’t stop our twin room not being available and being told I shouldn’t be upset I was on holidays – clearly they don’t understand how holidays work. We were given a double for the night then had to repack and move in the morning and then our holiday started. Not a great start.
The rooms were fine – spotless and modern bathrooms. I believe mostly the same inside but many with better trappings and views. If I’d stayed again (I wouldn’t) I would opt for jacuzzi one on the beach front, it’s away from the evening noise or one with their own mini pools.
Realizing it was an all-inclusive resort was a budget-friendly bonus! Typically, I’m out exploring on trips, so it’s not usually worth it. However, it’s not quite as “all” inclusive as expected—bubbles and iced coffee were oddly not included. But to be fair, the piña coladas were great, not watered down like some resorts I’ve heard of. Plus, we had always anticipated paying for drinks, so it was a treat to have them “free”!
The all inclusive meals were mostly served at the Yacht Club. This was more like a school canteen and the attitude of some dinner ladies I remember. It was a buffet system and a huge variety of food. You certainly would not go hungry. But due to lack of atmosphere we only ate one dinner on arrival and one lunch on a pool day. We were in an out in 20 minutes for both.
There are two other restaurants on site that are paid for but you get one ‘free’ meal as part of your stay. For a newbie to all things all inclusive this all seems such a bargain!
We chose the Culinarium by the pool and our waiter Costus was very kind going above and beyond. Food was good and again, a lot of it. However, I wouldn’t have visited the hotel just for it if we weren’t staying and it wasn’t “free”!
The pool was busy. It was a towel wars hotel and there’s music every day at the pool (which you can hear in your room) including extra loud music for aqua aerobics. Not chilled Ibiza tunes.
So we chose the beach. It’s mostly a pebble beach but the water was crystal clear, our ‘free’ pina coladas served to the waters edge and this was utter bliss. Could have sat there forever listening to the waves lapping. There was also lots of insta worthy objects dotted around the resort. From the sea swing to a stationary boat to settings for a private romantic dinner. So naturally would have been rude lot to pose for them!
The hotel also had daily excursions organised from the lobby, a couple of helpful shops on site and evening entertainment every night. We tended to go out independently but for those who don’t want to think on holiday this would have been ideal.
What to do on Kos
Visit Therma beach and it’s hot spring
Hippocrates was the Greek Father of Medicine said the hot spring on Therma beach was full of healing properties. So, it’s no surprise that it is a must-do while in Kos. We chose not to do organised fun there so we could chose our own timings. From the hotel to Therma the bus was only a couple of euros and only took 10 minutes. It is then a 10-15 minute steep walk down and so not great for those with mobility challenges.
I had heard that I would be disappointed due to its popularity, so I was mentally prepared, even though it was October. True to the reviews, the site was quite crowded, but since I was anticipating it, it didn’t bother me much. (Although I can only imagine how crowded it might be during peak summer months!)
And a warning, it is called a hot spring for a reason, 30-50 degrees. The advise to only stay in 10-15 minutes and drink a lot of water after is one not to mess with or you could feel rough. It reminded me of the magical properties of the Dead Sea.
Visit the Village of Zia
The highest inhabited point on this Greek island in the mountain of Dikaios or Oromedon is the most adorable village of Zia. I was in rooftop heaven! Click here for them
It’s not just the rooftops that make it so special, it’s the village vibe and vibrant colours. If the weather is good it’s an absolute must. You can do it as an organised tour but you are then beholden to their timings and if the weather isn’t great then you are stuck. We just got a taxi €30 each way booked through out hotel. Though if I wasn’t so clumsy I would have hired a Vespa!
The whole village is a vibrant colour palette with adorable souvenir shops though one in particular probably not for the kids! Serving a variety of coffees, I chose a traditional Greek one… a little gritty for me but probably an acquired taste but I love trying authentic local drinks.
Wander round Kos town
I found the town a little more like Costa Del Sol vibe than those beautiful stone streets the Greek islands are famed for. But it was still a cute harbour town with lots of themed bars and a healthy nightlife.
There is, of course, a Greek insta worthy street you may or may not be interested in photographing or posing on! It is based at the Fish House Taverna.
Where to eat and drink in Kos
Olympia
In Zia there is a beautiful rooftop restaurant where we had some amazing local drinks, the ‘Canellada’ at Olympia, a soft drink made with Zia’s own cinnamon syrup and soda water, the staff were super lovely and helpful explaining about it.
Oromedon
Olympia was just pipped at the post for dinner, by the rooftop opposite Oromedon, for dinner. Food was as amazing as the sunset. We opted for Greek tapas and a variety of wine! Hands down one of the best rooftops I’ve been to!
Albergo Gelsomino
Albergo Gelsomino is set on the edge of Kos town in a stylish 5 star boutique hotel with a small terrace serving food to non guests. Perfect for a Greek salad for lunch.
Agkyra Fish Restaurant
Right round the harbour are a wealth of sea fronted restaurants. Agkyra Fish Restaurant claims to provide the best fish in Kos and as it was the only fish I had in Kos, I concur!
Barbouni
Barbouni also located round the harbour was a dream. Being October, we were able to grab a sea front seat for a delicious dinner without a booking. But I would highly recommend booking,
Omega Sky Bar
Kos town would not be complete without an awesome rooftop bar. But most were closed for the season however I struck lucky with one of the most quirky, thoughtful rooftop bars yet! Omega sky bar brings Cuban style décor and fun frivolous cocktails including a bubble bath.
Final thoughts on Kos
Kos turned out to be a delightful surprise. With views stretching all the way to Turkey, watch your roaming—our phones welcomed us to Turkey in certain spots! This island is perfect for a long weekend getaway or an extended month of relaxation, especially if you choose a fantastic hotel (not mine unless you like it noisy). I still have the little duck from my bubble bath cocktail at Omega! Someday, I’ll have to bring him back for a visit!