Guide to Kos Town

"With gorgeous architecture, a beautiful castle and a sizzling nightlife scene – Kos Town has it all and then some!"

Over half the island's population live in Kos Town. So, you won't be surprised to hear it's a fairly lively place. At the same time though, it's got oodles of charm, enhanced by a wonderfully picturesque setting and some fine Italian architecture. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Venetians, Ottomans and the English Knights of St John have all pitched into the town's heritage, leaving a rich legacy of landmarks and buildings, including mosques with minarets, temples and churches, not to mention the stunning 15th century castle. Other sightseeing highlights include the Art Deco Archaeological Museum, laid out like a Roman house, the ancient market place, and a heap of roman remains, such as the central baths, the Odeon and the Casa Romana. As for beach life, the town's main stretch of sand and pebbles does the job nicely, but there's a bigger and better one at Lambi, just north of the harbour. And if you really want to get away from it all, there's Embros Therma, around ten miles or so south, where the sands are glitteringly black and the hot springs make the water a few degrees warmer. In the evening, Kos Town comes alive with bars, restaurants and nightlife. There's everything to eat from 'souvlaki' and swordfish to pizza and pasta. And after dinner, you can relax in one of the harbourside bars or dance the night away at a disco, grooving to pop, techno, house - whatever gives you the biggest buzz.

Over half of the island's population live here so it can have a slightly frenetic feel, but there are plenty of tranquil pockets of relaxation - to the east there's a delightful garden suburb and dotted throughout are a wealth of Hellenistic and Roman remains with cool, peaceful interiors.

Find the cheapest late deals to Kos Town leaving in the next six weeks.

 
 

Kos Town hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Kos Town include Aegean Houses, Alexandra Hotel And Apartments, Alice Springs Hotel And Apartments, Ambavris I, Ambavris Ii, Atlantis Hotel And Studios, Blue Lagoon Resort, Hotel Americana, Hotel Bahamas, Kos Aktis, Kos Apartments, Nicon Apartments, Pelagos Studios And Apartments, Peridis Apartments, Phillipion Hotel, Polina Studios And Apartments and Poseidon Hotel.

 

More Kos holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Kos? Our Kos holiday destinations include Agios Fokas, Kardamena, Kefalos, Kos Town, Lambi, Marmari, Mastichari, Psalidi and Tingaki.

 

Beaches

Lambi Beach, located north of the harbour, is a wide sand and shingle beach. There are plenty of watersports and sunbeds for hire too. It's equally suitable for both those wanting action and those seeking relaxation. Alternatively, there are plenty of ferries, catamarans and hydrofoils sailing to neighbouring islands where secluded beaches and deserted bays are waiting to welcome you with white sands and clear seas.

Eating out

Most of the restaurants are around the harbour, but for low budget options, head to the beachfront or inland. From traditional Greek tavernas, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and fast food joints - Kos Town has it all. In the tavernas, try 'kakavia' - a wholesome soup with a melange of rich flavours.

Nightlife

Kos Town has around 200 tavernas and bars, plus a couple of discos and nightclubs. The good range of bars and music promise to suit all tastes whether you're looking for a night of loud music and dancing or a relaxing nightcap after dinner.

Shopping

Kos Town has a good selection of shops on offer, ranging from the souvenir shops of the old town to the expensive boutiques of the new town. The central shopping area is very compact and offers plenty of treats. Why not take home something traditionally Greek - perhaps a CD of local music, unique handcrafted jewellery or an unusual ceramic vase. The cobbled streets of the old town are also a great place to have a stroll in the evening, and when you tire from all that shopping, there's a selection of cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Local information

They say Hippocrates lectured on medicine beneath the great tree that bears his name in Kos Town, while the Castle of St John is foremost among the many ruins that have survived through the ages.

Location

23km from the airport

Transfer time

1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

 
 
 
Kos Town
000907
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