When we first visited Kardamena in 2009, the town was one thing above all else: British. There were pubs on every corner, fish and chips were at the top of the menu, and English pop music blared from the speakers. Anyone looking for a typical Greek experience sometimes had to look a little closer. Fortunately, that has changed quite a bit over the years.
From party hotspot to family heaven: Kardamena on Kos has transformed from a wild party destination into a charming holiday spot.
Tom & Ella
Kardamena (also Kardamaina) is now one of the most popular vacation spots on Kos. Today, we enjoy strolling along Kardamena’s palm-lined waterfront promenade with our daughter, sipping a freddo espresso at one of the trendy cafés, and feeling that this is finally the Kos that so many vacationers love.
In this post, we will tell you what makes Kardamena special, who it is ideal for, and where you can eat, sleep and swim:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Who should visit Kardamena?
In short: A vacation in Kardamena on Kos is worth it for almost everyone. What we love about Kardamena is its interesting mix. Families with children feel just as at home here as young couples who want to go out in the evenings. And those who are simply looking for sun, beach, and good food will also be happy here.
- Family holiday in Kardamena: The beaches in the Kardamena town area aren’t necessarily the most beautiful on the island in our opinion, but they’re ideal when the north wind is blowing hard again. Shallow, calm water, wide sandy stretches, no rocks, and beach chairs and umbrellas almost everywhere. We regularly bring our daughter here, and she loves it.
- Vacationing in Kardamena as a couple: The promenade in the evening, a glass of wine at the harbor, good food. That’s all you need. It just works.
- Party vacation in Kardamena: Kardamena still has an active nightlife scene with bars and pubs. Still, it’s no second Mykonos. If you really want to party hard, you’re better off there. Here, things stay pleasantly within limits.
- Budget holiday in Kardamena: Accommodations in the town center are among the cheapest on the entire island. If you don’t necessarily need a beach hotel, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck here.
Kardamena is less suitable for those seeking absolute tranquility and unspoiled nature. The town is simply too touristy and feels overly artificial in many places. During peak season, Kardamena is also quite bustling. If you’re looking for true seclusion on Kos, you should head to Kefalos or the quiet mountain villages of Kos, such as Lagoudi or Asfandou.
→ Here you can find all the information you need for your Kos holiday, from getting there to the best beaches: Kos Vacation
#2 Location of Kardamena
Kardamena is located on the south coast of Kos, about 30 kilometers from Kos Town. However, it’s only about 6 kilometers from the airport near Antimachia, which makes Kardamena particularly popular with vacationers. By rental car, you can get there from the airport in about 10 minutes. That’s one of Kardamena’s biggest advantages. There are public bus connections from the airport and from Kos Town, though service is limited.
Geographically, Kardamena is located halfway between Kos Town to the east and Kefalos to the west. This makes the town, with its approximately 1,650 residents, a great starting point for exploring both ends of the island of Kos during your vacation. Kardamena is the youngest settlement on Kos and was founded as recently as 1865 on the site of the ancient city of Alasarna. To the left and right of the town stretch gentle sandy beaches that are among the most beautiful on the south coast.
→ Is Kardamena not the right fit for you? Discover all the holiday spots on Kos at a glance: Kos Vacation Spots
#3 Stroll through Kardamena
Kardamena has grown a bit unchecked in recent years, and you can’t help but notice it. Modern concrete architecture dominates the small town’s landscape, but flower pots, freshly paved paths, and charming cafés show that someone is putting in the effort. And so it’s fun to take a little stroll through Kardamena. Start at the white-and-blue Genesiou Tis Theotokou Church (open on Sundays), built in 1908, and make your way eastward through the checkerboard-like maze of alleys.
In addition to the many souvenir shops, interesting stores like the Pretty Greek boutique, the Olive Branch Gift Shop, and the Nyssia Concept Store have now established themselves, where you can find unique souvenirs. You’ll inevitably pass by the large and lively main square called Plateia Eleftherias. The local bars and cafés are a great spot for a coffee or a cool drink at any time of day.
The heart of Kardamena is the 500-meter-long seaside promenade. It used to be rather utilitarian, but today it features beautifully paved paths, a lovely palm-lined promenade, plenty of seating, and a pleasant mix of cafés, taverns, and small shops. The promenade is interrupted by the port of Kardamena, where fishing boats and the excursion boats to Nisyros are moored. There is also parking available at the port.
To the southwest of the harbor lies the popular Paralia Kardamena, a chic city beach with light-colored sand. Several establishments here rent out lounge chairs at fair prices. Our favorites are Melissa on the Beach and the NOA Beach Bar & Restaurant, where you can relax perfectly at lunchtime. In the evening, the promenade fills up; children and locals play in the traffic-calmed alleys, and tourists head into the restaurants. That’s when Kardamena really comes alive.
#4 Attractions around Kardamena
Historical sights right in town are rare—but if you have a car, there’s plenty to discover around Kardamena. Most vacationers come to Kardamena anyway for the beaches and the relaxed atmosphere. Daily excursions to the volcanic island of Nisyros also depart from here.
Our long-standing and reliable car rental partner on Kos, Costas Car Rental, offers everything you need to get around, from compact cars to family vehicles. Baby seats and child seats are also provided. You can request a rental car for Kos directly from the friendly owners, Tanya and Kostas, here:
Aquatica Waterpark Kos
Just three kilometers from Kardamena lies Aquatica Waterpark Kos, a compact but well-equipped water park that belongs to the Porto Bello Group. Adrenaline junkies of all ages will get their money’s worth on the Kamikaze slide and the free-fall slide. A hydrotube ensures plenty of speed in the water tube—not for the faint of heart!
For children between the ages of 5 and 10, there is a dedicated water playground with age-appropriate slides, various water games, and fountains. A lazy river rounds out the offerings for those who prefer to take it a bit easier. The water park near Kardamena is open daily from May to October, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You can find all information and tickets directly on the website: aquatica.gr
Trip to Antimachia
The village of Antimachia is located just a few kilometers from Kardamena and is often overlooked by most vacationers—unfairly so. Most people only know Antimachia from the airport located here, but the town and its surroundings have much more to offer. Antimachia Castle, north of the village, offers a magnificent panoramic view of the south coast. The medieval fortress sits at an elevation of about 170 meters, is well-preserved, and can be explored on your own.
In the village itself, the Antimachia windmill is the highlight par excellence. “O Mylos tou Papa,” the priest’s mill, is over 250 years old and the last functioning windmill in the region, which once boasted around 100 windmills. For a small fee, Andonis and his team will show you the restored mill from the inside and clearly explain how it works. In the on-site shop, you can buy sweet and savory pastries as well as snacks.
The small local museum, Traditional House of Antimachia, across the street is also worth a visit. For a small fee, you’ll find lovingly furnished rooms filled with old tools, traditional costumes, and everyday objects from Kos’s past. For a coffee break, we recommend the Neohori Bar/Restaurant on the western edge of town. Here, you can watch the holiday flights take off and land while enjoying a frappe, delicious ice cream, and a small snack.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Trip to the Plaka Peacock Forest
If you’re traveling with children, you definitely shouldn’t miss a visit to the Plaka Peacock Forest. This small wooded area is located about five minutes from Antimachia and is the only place on Kos where wild peacocks roam freely through nature and let you take photos of them up close. The animals are used to people and can be observed without any trouble.
For children, this is often the absolute highlight of a vacation on Kos. With a little luck, you might even see them fan out their tail feathers. In addition to the colorful birds, a few cats have also settled here from time to time, and visitors are welcome to feed them.
→ Everything about the Plaka Peacock Forest on Kos – location, tips, and how to get there: Plaka Kos
Trip to Kefalos
If you have a rental car, don’t miss the beautiful beaches on the Kos Isthmus, including Magic Beach, Psili Gremos Beach, and Paradise Beach. Just a few kilometers to the west lies the Kefalos Peninsula. From the village of Kefalos, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the bay. A handful of taverns cater to visitors’ culinary needs, making the village a worthwhile destination. Especially when the midday heat reaches its peak along the coast, there’s always a cool breeze up here.
→ Find out everything there is to discover in the Kefalos region here: Kefalos on Kos
Day trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros
Ferries depart daily from Kardamena to the small neighboring island of Nisyros. No visitor to Kos should miss this excursion. Nisyros features an active volcanic crater in the center of the island, picturesque villages, and is, in our opinion, one of the most charming islands in the Dodecanese. The crossing to Nisyros takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the boat, and is an experience in itself.
The excursion boats to Nisyros depart daily at 9:30 a.m. from the port of Kardamena starting in late April. You can book seats for your family on the boat right away through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the guided tour to Nisyros*
#5 Beaches around Kardamena
The beaches outside Kardamena are among the most beautiful on the south coast of Kos. The view of the silhouette of Nisyros emerging from the sea on the horizon makes every day at the beach special. The water is calm due to the sheltered location, the sand is fine, and most sections have good amenities with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Only a few stretches of coastline consist of gravel.
Here is a selection of our recommendations for beaches near Kardamena:
Paralia Kardamena (Town Beach): The main beach right in town, with a wide strip of sand, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and beach bars. Ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to walk far. Families with children feel especially at home here because the water is shallow and calm.
Atlantis Beach: A long sandy beach, about one kilometer from the eastern edge of town. It is very quiet there. In the summer, the Atlantis Beach Restaurant & Bar and the Malibu Beach Bar rent out a few sun loungers and offer cool drinks and light snacks.
Agios Stonious Beach: The small sandy beach at the Olympia Mare Hotel (view on Booking.com*) features tamarisk trees that provide shade. There is no operator, but plenty of peace and quiet. The closer you get to Kardamena, the more stones there are on the shore.
Helona Beach: West of Kardamena lies a wide, fine-sand beach stretching from the Atlantica Beach Resort Kos all the way to just below the Robinson Club Daidalos at Cape Helona. Local amenities, such as the Ammos Beach Bar, are also open to non-hotel guests. Plus, you get a great view of Nisyros.
→ An overview of all the island’s beaches can be found here: Kos Beaches
#6 Recommendations for Restaurants and Cafés
The taverna with the laminated menu and the guy at the door who practically drags you out onto the street—you can still find those in Kardamena, of course. Especially among day-trippers heading to Nisyros, there’s still a bit of a show going on. But there are now some really good spots here. Almost all restaurants offer good Greek cuisine or invite you to enjoy a cold Mythos beer and a snack.
Taverns in Kardamena
The best taverns in Kardamena are located a bit off the main promenade, in the side streets or along the edge of the harbor. You’ll find everything on the menus: from fresh fish and seafood to moussaka and souvlaki, all the way to gyros and burgers. The quality is good, and prices are usually below the island average. We always look to see where the locals are sitting, as that’s a reliable guide in Kardamena, too.
- Avli Restaurant (be sure to make a reservation!)
- The Garden Bar & Kitchen
- Atheneon – Vegan Food & Cocktails
- NOA Beach Bar & Restaurant
Cafés in Kardamena
Having breakfast by the sea in Kardamena in the morning is truly lovely. Of course, you’ll still find English breakfast on the menu, but now there are also avocado toasts and other creative creations. There are several modern cafés along Kardamena’s promenade, but you’ll also find spots in the maze of alleys offering Greek breakfast, freddo cappuccino, and fresh juices.
- O Daskalos
- Lovemade
- The Stone Roses Bar
→ On our popular Google Map, you’ll find all the recommended cafés and taverns on Kos: Go to the Kos Map
Nightlife in Kardamena
If you want to go out in the evening, Kardamena offers plenty of options. There are cocktail bars at the harbor, livelier pubs in the side streets, and the classic nightclub. The nightlife in Kardamena is real, but manageable. If you want to dance until five in the morning, you’ll find what you’re looking for—just don’t expect it to be like Mykonos or Ios. The official spot for serious party nights is now the Downtown Club.
These days, a large part of Kardamena’s nightlife takes place on the street. The bar district stretches along the two streets behind the promenade: 7th and 25th Martiou. Here, bars and pubs line up one after another, with the jukeboxes playing until the early morning. The crowd is young and international, and the prices for cocktails are surprisingly fair. Those looking for a quiet nightcap will find it along the harborfront, where the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
#7 Hotels in Kardamena
In Kardamena, there really is something for everyone—from simple studios in the town center to all-inclusive resorts right on the beach, everything is available. The large hotel complexes are concentrated to the west and east of the town. In the east, the Mitsis Group dominates with its sprawling hotel village. In the west, both German tour operators like TUI and international tour operators have set up shop, filling large resorts with an international crowd.
→ Check out our recommendations for the best hotels on Kos here: Kos Hotels
The accommodations in the center of Kardamena, a short distance from the sea, are among the most affordable on the entire island. However, you should expect occasional small-town noise (motorcycles, barking dogs, bar music). So if you’re willing to walk a few minutes to the beach, you can save a lot of money here. This is a real option for budget-conscious travelers. For families with children, we recommend a Mitsis hotel outside of Kardamena.
➲ Book Mitsis Norida Beach (Holidaycheck)*
➲ Book Mitsis Blue Domes (Holidaycheck)*
If you want to stay right by the sea in Kardamena, you’ll find hotels and apartment complexes in the front row. The further away from the harbor and the main street, the quieter it is. The quality of the accommodations varies greatly; take a close look at the reviews on Booking.com* and pay special attention to recent entries. Our recommendations for good hotels in Kardamena or nearby are:
Nissia Kamares
A charming aparthotel in typical Greek style, just a few minutes’ walk from the promenade. Spotlessly clean, friendly staff, a family-like atmosphere, and all at very fair prices during the off-season. It has been very popular with Kos vacationers in Kardamena for years.
→ More info on Nissia Kamares*
NISSEA Boutique Hotel
Just six suites, all with direct ocean views, a private beach area, and service that guests rave about. The most stylish and personal property right on the waterfront in Kardamena. Our recommendation for anyone who wants a boutique experience instead of mass tourism.
→ More info on the NISSEA Boutique Hotel*
Nicolas Grand Suites
A modern adults-only hotel (16+) on the outskirts of town with stunning ocean views from every room, a great breakfast buffet, and a team that guests regularly praise by name. Quietly located, yet just a stone’s throw from the beach and restaurants—ideal for couples.
→ More info on Nicolas Grand Suites*
→ Our recommendations for cozy apartments in Kardamena:
#8 Scooter and Car Rentals in Kardamena
There are several rental companies in town offering quads, buggies, and cars. If you want to explore Kardamena and the surrounding south coast on your own, this is the best option. Always check the vehicle’s technical condition and ensure you have adequate insurance. It’s best to purchase a Mallorca insurance policy before you leave home. We recommend the following scooter, quad, and car rental providers in Kardamena:
- Ilias Rentals – Quads & Buggies
- SmartRental – All types of rental cars
- Mareva Rent a Car – Small and compact cars
FAQ about Kardamena
What are the beaches like in Kardamena?
Kardamena’s main beach is wide, sandy, and has shallow water—ideal for families. There are additional quiet sections to the left and right of the town. The most beautiful beaches on Kos can be found on the Kefalos isthmus, such as Magic Beach.
What’s the best way to get to Kardamena?
The most flexible option is to rent a car on Kos. It’s about 6 kilometers from the airport to Kardamena, a drive of about 10 minutes. There’s also a public bus from Kos Town, but it doesn’t run very often. If you really want to explore Kos, renting a car is pretty much a must. We recommend Costas Car Rental—a friendly family-run business that we’ve known and appreciated personally for years.
Is Kardamena on Kos beautiful?
Yes—but with the right expectations. Kardamena is not a sleepy fishing village, but a lively, modern resort town. If you’re looking for decent beaches, a pleasant promenade, good restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll really like it here. If you’re looking for untouched nature and tranquility, Kardamena isn’t the place for you. Over the years, we’ve grown to like the town more and more because it has changed for the better.
How much does a taxi cost from Kos Airport to Kardamena?
Kos Airport is located in Antimachia and is only about 6 kilometers from Kardamena—the shortest distance on the entire island. A taxi typically costs between 17 and 27 euros, depending on the time of day and the amount of luggage. A pre-booked transfer is slightly more expensive but more reliable.
Is Kardamena good for families?
Yes, Kardamena is well-suited for families. The beaches are ideal, the town is compact, there are good restaurants with a child-friendly atmosphere, and accommodations are affordable. Greeks are a child-loving people anyway, and you really notice that in Kardamena. We love bringing our daughter here. We’ve summarized all the highlights for a family vacation on Kos in a separate post.
Can you go on day trips from Kardamena?
Nisyros, with its volcanic crater, is accessible by ferry from Kardamena and is an absolute highlight—the excursion ferries depart daily at 9:30 a.m. You can reach Kefalos and the beaches around the cape in just a few minutes by rental car. And Kos Town, the island’s capital, is easily accessible in about 40 minutes.
Is there a nightlife in Kardamena?
Yes, but on a modest scale. There are bars, pubs, and even clubs. Those looking to party will find something to do. Those who want to sleep early won’t be disturbed. The nightlife in Kardamena can’t be compared to that of Ios or Mykonos—and for many vacationers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.
How far is Kardamena from Kos Town?
Kardamena is about 30 kilometers from Kos Town. By rental car, the drive takes about 35 to 40 minutes. By bus, the trip takes a little longer.
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