Kos, the compact bathing island in the southeast of the Aegean Sea, has something to offer for almost every type of holiday. Along the north coast there are numerous Kos Resorts, which attract holidaymakers from all over Europe every year with hotels right by the sea and endless beaches.
»Where to stay on Kos? It depends entirely on your personal preferences. Whether you want to party or relax, Kos has something for everyone.«
If you want a lively environment and many shopping opportunities, you are in good hands in Kos Town. If you are looking for a distinctive nightlife with bars and clubs on Kos, then Kardamena is recommended. Or do you long for a quiet place on Kos away from the hustle and bustle – then Kefalos is for you.
We have been touring the island for more than 15 years and have all the holiday resorts of Kos visited several times. To make it easier for you to choose your hotel in Kos, here are the most popular resorts on the island:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
Kos holiday resorts in the east
#1 Kos Town
Kos Town is suitable for: City fans, shopping queens and party people
The capital of Kos is definitely the liveliest holiday resort on the island. With more than 19,000 inhabitants, Kos Town pulsates with life day and night. The compact city center can be wonderfully explored on foot on a walk.
There are numerous shopping facilities available to you while you stroll around Kos Town. In addition to the classic souvenir shops, there are also many tasteful boutiques, clothing stores, leather goods and jewellers.
The selection of cafés, restaurants and bars is huge and in the evening there is a lot of fun in the famous bar mile of Kos until deep into the night. No other place on the island is as lively, even in the early and low season many shops are open.
Countless hotels and apartments have settled around the capital. In addition to chic city hotels, such as the Albergo Gelsomino(Link to Booking.com*), there are comfortable beach hotels and resorts just outside in the suburb of Lambi.
There is no classic beach directly in Kos Town, but in the north there is the pebble beach of Lambi Beach and in the south of the Paradeisi Beach directly to the capital.
→ What you can do in the capital of Kos can experience everything, we will tell you here: Kos Town
Lambi
Lambi is suitable for: Sun worshippers, party people and urban holidaymakers
Lambi is located just 2 km north of the city centre. Around Lambi Beach and Cape Skandari, there are a number of hotel complexes and apartments. Well-developed cycle paths connect the suburb with the city centre.
Along the main road that leads to the heart of Kos Town, you will find numerous rental companies for rental cars and bicycles, supermarkets, cafes and taverns. The long Lambi Beach provides cozy beach bars, such as the Mylos Beach Bar or Nissi Beach Bar for hungry bathers.
- Hotel recommendations for Lambi (Booking.com*): Lango Design Hotel*, Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel*, Blue Lagoon City Hotel*, Kos Aktis Art Hotel*, Orpheus Studios*
- Gastronomy in Lambi: very large selection
- Infrastructure in Lambi: very good (public transport, car rental companies, supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, ATMs, banks, hospital)
- Nightlife in Lambi: pronounced (many bars and pubs)
- Places of interest in Lambi: Three Island Tour* (GetYourGuide*), Archaeological Museum, Agora of Kos, Plane tree of Hippocrates, Casa Romana, Roman Odeon, Kos Market, White Stairs of Kos, Asklepieion of Kos Etc.
- Shopping in Lambi: Extensive range
- Beaches in Lambi: Lambi Beach (pebble beach)
#2 Psalidi and Agios Fokas
Psalidi and Agios Fokas are suitable for: Package holidaymakers, families and surfers
In the far east of Kos at Cape Psalidi lies the holiday resort of the same name. In principle, Psalidi consists only from hotel complexes. Several surf stations have settled on the grey pebble beach and use the wind tunnel between Kos and Turkey.
There are only a few taverns and cafés on site, which have adapted to the wishes of package holidaymakers. East of the hotel complexes are the Psalidi Wetlands (Beware of mosquitoes!) situated. Thats an important wetland of the island, which serves as a resting place for migratory birds in winter and spring and at the same time as a breeding area for ducks and flamingos.
The village of Psalidi is connected to the bus network and is therefore well connected with Kos Town. Alternatively, you can use the developed cycle paths to cycle along the coast to the capital, there are some rental companies on site. On Psalidi Beach you can enjoy wonderfully in one of the beach bars (e.g. Ammos Beach Bar).
South of Psalidi lies the hamlet Agios Fokas, also consisting of only a few hotel complexes. The area on Kos is very isolated and you ideally need a rental car if you want to see the rest of the island. The settlement is also connected to the bus network and there is a regular connection to Kos Town.
The beach of Agios Fokas is made up of grey pebbles and stones. In this region of Kos, bathing shoes (link to Amazon.com*) recommended. The warm thermal springs of the Embros Thermal Baths are located just a few kilometers from Agios Fokas and are one of the most popular attractions in Kos.
- Hotel recommendations for Psalidi (Booking.com*): Oceanis Beach & Spa Resort*, Andromeda Hotel Apartments*, KOIA All-Suite Well Being Resort*
- Gastronomy in Psalidi: small selection
- Infrastructure in Psalidi: sufficient (public transport, car rental companies, mini-markets, ATMs)
- Nightlife in Psalidi: only in the beach bars (Ammos and Agios Fokas)
- Places of interest in Psalidi: Embros Thermal Baths
- Shopping in Psalidi: nonexistent
- Beaches near Psalidi: Psalidi and Ag. Fokas Beach (grey pebble/stone beach)
Kos resorts in the north
#3 Tigaki
Tigaki is suitable for: Beach holidays, package tours, families
Tigaki on the north coast is a place out of the retort and consists almost exclusively of holiday resorts, some shops and restaurants. Today, you’ll find some of Kos’ best hotels on the coast between Tigaki and Kos Town. In winter, on the other hand, the region around the popular Kos holiday resort seems deserted.
→ In search of the perfect Hotel for your holiday in Kos? Take a look at our article: The best hotels in Kos
A long cul-de-sac leads down to Tigaki, where numerous accommodations, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, car rental companies and tour operators have settled.
In recent years, the place has become more and more spruced up and so you will now also find tasteful beach restaurants and hip beach bars (e.g. King Size Beach Bar), which give rise to a holiday feeling.
On Tigaki Beach one beach lounger follows the other for kilometers and in midsummer the beach section is usually bursting at the seams with all the holidaymakers.
If you want to go a little further in the direction of Alikes Salt Lake, you will find a quieter spot at Happy Flamingo Beach, Golden Beach or Barracuda Beach. Here you can expect a mostly natural light sandy beach.
- Hotel recommendations for Tigaki (Booking.com*): Gaia In Style Hotel*, Utopia Blu Hotel*, Golden Star*, Sunny Days*, Taf Boutique Villas*
- Gastronomy in Tigaki: Extensive selection
- Infrastructure in Tigaki: good (public transport, car rental company, supermarket, tour operator, gas station, ATMs, doctor’s office)
- Nightlife in Tigaki: in the bars on the beach and along the main street
- Places of interest in Tigaki: Alikes Salt Lake, Hatziemmanouil and Ktima Akranis Wineries, Hatzipetros Olive Oil Factory
- Shopping in Tigaki: hardly available (except for souvenir shops)
- Beaches near Tigaki: Tigaki Beach (light sandy beach), Alykes Beach
#4 Marmari
Marmari is suitable for: Beach and package holidaymakers, families, windsurfers and kiters
Once upon a time Marmari was the fishing port of the village of Pyli. However, Marmari had to give way to the interests of the large tourist companies. Similar to Tigaki, the Kos resort of Marmari today consists almost exclusively of hotel complexes, apartments, resorts and huge all-inclusive clubs.
Accordingly, the range of taverns and restaurants on site is limited. Along the main street there are a few restaurants, car rental companies and supermarkets with attached souvenir shops.
The main attraction of Marmari is the dreamlike Marmari Beach, which stretches dune-like into the hinterland. Families with children in particular are often found here, as the beach slopes very gently into the sea through an offshore sandbank.
→ The 12 most beautiful excursions for a successful family holidays in Kos we will tell you in our article: Kos Island with children
The village of Marmari has a Lido Water Parkthe Marmari Go-Kart Center and various riding stables such as Erika’s Horse Farm also offer some leisure activities. Water sports enthusiasts feel at home at Marmari Beach. Several windsurfing and kite stations offer courses, equipment rental and stand-up paddling on Kos.
- Hotel recommendations for Marmari (Booking.com*): OKU Kos*, Hotel Palladium*, Hotel Esperia*, Sails on Kos*
- Gastronomy in Marmari: small selection (few restaurants & cafes)
- Infrastructure in Marmari: sufficient (public transport, rental car rental, supermarket, ATM)
- Nightlife in Marmari: hardly available (few bars)
- Places of interest in Marmari: Erika’s Horse Farm, Marmari Go-Kart Center, Lido Water Park
- Shopping in Marmari: not available (except for souvenir shops and mini-markets)
- Beaches near Marmari: Marmari Beach (light sandy beach)
#5 Mastichari
Mastichari is suitable for: Beach vacationers, individualists, families, surfers
Mastichari, a small, bustling harbour town, is the only authentic village on the north coast besides Zipari. In Mastichari, some locals still live in winter and pursue fishing and agriculture.
Individualists will find numerous apartments, studios and private rooms for self-catering in Mastichari, and larger hotel resorts have settled just outside the village. Due to its central location, Mastichari is very suitable as a starting point for individual explorers who want to explore the island on day trips.
→ The most popular activities and excursions on the island of Kos, we have summarized in this article: Kos Excursions & Tours
Mastichari has the best infrastructure of all the Kos holiday resorts at the North Coast. There are numerous taverns and cafes, souvenir shops, smaller shops, supermarkets, tour operators and car rental companies.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
At the elongated Mastichari Beach, which is sometimes a bit polluted with seaweed, parasols and loungers are available. Beach bars like the Aplo Beach Bar provide cool drinks and snacks at Mastichari Beach.
From the large dock in the coastal town of Mastichari, car ferries and small excursion boats run daily to the neighboring islands of Pserimos and Kalymnos. The two islands are great for a day trip.
- Hotel recommendations for Mastichari (Booking.com*): Neptune Luxury Resort*, Horizon Beach Resort*, Mastichari Bay Hotel*, Ilios and Irene*
- Gastronomy in Mastichari: Extensive selection
- Infrastructure in Mastichari: good (public transport, car rental company, tour operator, supermarkets, gas station, ATM)
- Nightlife in Mastichari: in the bars on the beach and in the town centre
- Places of interest in Mastichari: Lido Water Park, Basilica of Agios Ioannis, Windmill Antimachia, Peacock Forest Plaka, neighboring island of Kalymnos
- Shopping in Mastichari: some shops and souvenir shops
- Beaches in Mastichari: Mastichari Beach (light sandy beach)
Kos resorts in the centre
#6 Zia and the Dikeos Mountain Villages
Zia is suitable for: Individualists, nature lovers, active holidaymakers, peace seekers
Far away from the tourist hustle and bustle, the quaint mountain villages of Kos lie in the middle of dense coniferous forests. Most holidaymakers only get lost here for a few hours, for example around sunset in Zia.
→ More information about the mountain village of Zia can be found in our article: Zia Kos
As an individual tourist, you can spend a very relaxed holiday here. Around the villages of Zia, Lagoudi and Asfendiou more and more beautiful holiday homes and luxurious villas are being built.
Self-caterers can unwind here and usually have a breathtaking view of the coastal plain from their accommodations. In the mountain villages of Kos you can still enjoy largely authentic Greek cuisine in a rustic atmosphere.
🚘 Car rental for Kos: We recommend Costas Car Rental – a warm family business that we know personally and have appreciated for years. Well-maintained cars, uncomplicated service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, everything is there. Request your desired vehicle for Kos directly here: Book Kos Car Hire
If you spend the night in the mountains, you get to know Kos from its original side, but you don’t have to do without a visit to the beach completely. Kos is a compact island, so you can drive from the city to quiet Kos spots in the mountains or on the coast in just 20 minutes.
- Hotel recommendations for Zia (Booking.com*): Tramonto Villa*, Orea Ellas*, Anamnesia*, Forest View Villas*, The Water Mill Cottage*
- Gastronomy in Zia: good selection in Zia (otherwise about 1 tavern per village)
- Infrastructure in Zia: weak (only public transport and mini-market in Zia)
- Nightlife in Zia: nonexistent
- Places of interest in Zia: Ghost village of Agios Dimitrios, peak of Dikeos, Paleo Pyli fortress
- Shopping in Zia: not available (except for the shops in Zia)
- Beaches near Zia: approx. 20 minutes by car to the north coast (Tigaki Beach)
Kos resorts in the south
#7 Kardamena
Kardamena is suitable for: Beach and package holidaymakers, families, individualists, party people
The tourist center in the south of Kos does not seem very inviting at first glance. Grey concrete architecture characterises the former fishing village Kardamena, which is usually busy today.
However, if you stroll along the harbor promenade and through the long shopping alleys, you may still like Kardamena. Years ago, this Kos holiday village was still considered a party stronghold of the island for party-loving young Brits. The municipality is trying to change its image, away from the Greek Ballermann, towards a holiday resort on Kos for the whole family.
After Kos Town, Kardamena has the largest range of shopping opportunities, countless taverns, cafes and bars. New hotel complexes are constantly being built on the outskirts of the village and the sandy/pebble beach of Kardamena is always well visited.
The coastal town of Kardamena is also an important starting point for exploring the neighbouring island of Nisyros. Every day at 09:30 a.m. depart the excursion boats to Nisyros. During the season, up to 4 ships sail to the volcanic island near Kos.
→ tips for exploring Nisyros on your own, check out this post: Nisyros
Unfortunately, the excursions organized from Kos do not visit all the places of Nisyros. If you want to explore the rest of Nisyros, you have to travel to the island individually. By the way: From Kardamena there are only regular buses to Antimachia and Kos Town. There you have to change the bus to get to the others places of Kos by bus.
- Hotel recommendations for Kardamena (Booking.com*): Kyma Rooms & Suites*, NISSEA Boutique Hotel*, Nissia Kamares*, Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa*, Kalimera Mare Hotel*
- Gastronomy in Kardamena: large selection
- Infrastructure in Kardamena: very good (public transport, car rental companies, supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, ATMs, banks, doctors’ offices)
- Nightlife in Kardamena: pronounced (many bars and discos)
- Places of interest in Kardamena: Plaka Peacock Forest, Windmill and Fortress of Antimachia, Tour to Nisyros* (GetYourGuide*)
- Shopping in Kardamena: Extensive range
- Beaches near Kardamena: Kardamena Beach (sandy/pebble beach), Paralia Chelona
Kos resorts in the west
#8 Kefalos and Kamari
Kefalis is suitable for: Beach vacationers, individualists, families, active vacationers, nature lovers, peace seekers
For us personally, the Kefalos Peninsula is the most beautiful corner of Kos. The scenic scenery is simply fantastic. Long white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise-blue sea, rugged mountain peaks and a lonely hinterland where you can get to know Kos from its original side. This is rounded off by the postcard motif of Kefalos Bay with its offshore mini-island Kastri.
→ In this blogpost, we reveal everything there is to discover on the Kefalos Peninsula: Kefalos Kos
The coastal town of Kamari is the tourist center of the peninsula, although the hustle and bustle here is limited even in the high season. In Kamari, individual travelers will find countless apartments, studios and small hotels. For package vacationers, the luxury resort stands Ikos Aria directly on the dream beach of Agios Stefanos.
→ The most beautiful Beaches of the island of Kos we will tell you in this article: Kos Beaches
Agios Stefanos Beach consists of sand in the east and gravel further west and slopes gently into the sea everywhere. The offshore winds are used by surfers on Kos, who find one of the oldest surfing areas in Greece here.
The main town Kefalos is located on a high plateau and is firmly in the hands of the locals. This is where local village life takes place in the cafes and taverns. There are a good dozen holiday apartments in Kefalos available for holidaymakers. Most of the time you live right next door to the locals.
The Kefalos Peninsula is rather isolated compared to the rest of the island. If you want to explore Kos, you will need a rental car, rental companies are available on site. The lonely south-west cape is particularly picturesque. Over dilapidated gravel roads you will reach monasteries and chapels and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the Kavo Paradiso.
Hikers also get their money’s worth in the wild and rugged landscape around the holiday resort of Kefalos. The Aspri Petra Cave on Mount Zini invites you to a beautiful hiking tour with magnificent views. Most of the time, apart from a few goats, you hardly meet any other people.
- Hotel recommendations for Kefalos (Booking.com*): Ikos Aria Resort*, White Rock of Kos*, Nefeli Apartments*, Panorama Studios*
- Gastronomy in Kefalos: Extensive selection
- Infrastructure in Kefalos: sufficient (public transport, car rental companies, supermarkets, pharmacy, gas stations, ATMs)
- Nightlife in Kefalos: in the bars of Kamari
- Places of interest in Kefalos: Agios Stefanos Basilica, Isthmus Beaches, Aspri Petra Cave, Agios Mamas Chapel, Kavo Paradiso, Agios Ioannis Monastery, Agios Theologos
- Shopping in Kefalos: some shops and souvenir shops in Kamari and Kefalos
- Beaches near Kefalos: Magic Beach, Psilos Gremos Beach, Paradise Beach, Kochylari Beach and much more (light sandy beach)
→ More articles and numerous travel tips for the island of Kos can be found at:
FAQs about Kos holiday resorts
Where is the best place to stay in Kos?
That depends on your preferences: Kos Town is ideal for night owls and shopping enthusiasts, Tigaki or Marmari offer dream beaches for families, Mastichari is perfect for those looking for authentic village life, Kardamena is ideal for partygoers, and Kefalos is the perfect place for those seeking peace and nature. We love Kefalos: beautiful landscapes, lots of unspoiled Kos and Agios Stefanos beach with Kastri Island speak for themselves.
Where is the most beautiful sandy beach on Kos?
Our favorite is Cavo Paradiso in the west of Kefalos – a truly heavenly place. Light sand meets turquoise blue water, behind which a rocky outcrop rises from the sea. Marmari Beach, with its dunes, flat shore and shallow water, is also ideal for children. The kilometer-long Tigaki Beach and the beaches Paradise Beach and Magic Beach in the south are also fantastic. There are still many unspoiled sandy beaches in the western part of the north coast.
What is Marmari on Kos like?
Marmari is a pure holiday resort consisting of hotel complexes and all-inclusive resorts. It is therefore ideal for package holidaymakers and families who don’t want to worry about a thing. Marmari Beach is fantastic: it has sandy, light-colored dunes and the water is shallow. There are several trendy beach bars nearby. There is a water park, a go-kart center, and various water sports stations on site.
Marmari or Tigaki – which is more beautiful?
Both places are quite similar; they are artificial holiday resorts with dream beaches. Tigaki has more restaurants, bars, and better infrastructure, and seems livelier to us even in the off-season. Marmari is quieter, more child-friendly (shallower water), and has more leisure activities (water park, go-kart center). Marmari is more suitable for families, but there is no real town center here. Tigaki is better suited for a little more variety, especially as there are even cheaper hotels here.
Is Kos Town suitable for swimming?
There is no classic beach directly in the town, but Lambi Beach, a pebble beach two kilometers to the north, and Paradeisi Beach, to the west of the town, are right on the doorstep. Both have beach bars and are easily accessible by bike. Kos Town is ideal for city lovers looking for shopping, nightlife, and culture. For swimming, you can take a short trip to the northern beaches or, for a whole day of swimming, go straight to Kefalos, which is what we always do 🙂
Where is the quietest place on Kos?
The Kefalos peninsula and the mountain villages of Zia, Lagoudi, and Asfendiou are the quietest. Kefalos itself offers beautiful nature, secluded beaches such as Kavo Paradiso and Theologos coast, as well as authentic village life. The mountain villages below Mount Dikeos offer villas with sea views, quaint taverns, and numerous hiking trails. Mastichari is also relaxed and still reasonably authentic. Fishing boats depart from the harbor, and from here you can take a trip to Kalymnos.
Which Kos resort is best suited for families with children?
Marmari attracts visitors with its dune beaches, the TamTam Beach Bar, and the Water Park; Tigaki with its expansive beach, beach bars, and a go-kart center; and Mastichari with its authenticity, good infrastructure, and the possibility of taking trips to Kalymnos. All three places have light sandy beaches and hotels with childcare facilities and are quieter than Kos Town or Kardamena.
Where is the best place to party on Kos?
Kos Town is home to the island’s famous bar mile, where people party late into the night. Kardamena used to be a party hotspot – the Greek Ballermann for British holidaymakers – but is now trying hard to change its image. Nevertheless, there are still many bars and clubs there. Lambi, located north of Kos Town, also has a lively bar scene. In our opinion, this is where the best beach bars on the island are located in summer.
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