Kos, the compact holiday 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 atmosphere and plenty of shopping opportunities, you’ll be right at home in Kos Town. If you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs, then Kardamena is the place for you. Or do you long for a quiet spot on Kos away from the hustle and bustle? Then Kefalos is your answer.
We have been exploring the island for more than 15 years and have visited all the holiday resorts on Kos several times. To make it easier for you to choose your hotel on 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 pulses with life day and night. The compact city centre can be wonderfully explored on foot.
There are numerous shopping options 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 shops and jewellers.
The selection of cafés, restaurants and bars is huge, and in the evening there is plenty of fun to be had on the famous bar mile of Kos well 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 sprung up 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 to the north you’ll find the pebble beach of Lambi Beach, and to the south Paradeisi Beach lies right on the edge of the capital.
→ Everything you can experience in the capital of Kos, 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 cars and bicycles, supermarkets, cafes and tavernas. The long Lambi Beach is home to cosy beach bars, such as the Mylos Beach Bar or Nissi Beach Bar, perfect 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: lively (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 of hotel complexes. Several surf stations have set up on the grey pebble beach, taking advantage of the wind tunnel between Kos and Turkey.
There are only a few taverns and cafés on site, catering to the needs of package holidaymakers. East of the hotel complexes, the Psalidi Wetlands (beware of mosquitoes!) are situated. This is an important wetland area on the island, serving as a resting place for migratory birds in winter and spring, and at the same time as a breeding ground for ducks and flamingos.
The village of Psalidi is connected to the bus network and therefore has good links to Kos Town. Alternatively, you can use the dedicated cycle paths to ride along the coast to the capital — there are several rental companies on site. On Psalidi Beach you can relax wonderfully at one of the beach bars (e.g. Ammos Beach Bar).
South of Psalidi lies the hamlet of Agios Fokas, which also consists of just a few hotel complexes. This part of Kos is very isolated, so you’ll ideally need a rental car if you want to explore the rest of the island. The settlement is also connected to the bus network, with a regular service to Kos Town.
The beach of Agios Fokas is made up of grey pebbles and stones. In this area of Kos, bathing shoes (link to Amazon.com*) are recommended. The warm thermal springs of the Embros Thermal Baths are located just a few kilometres from Agios Fokas and are one of the most popular attractions on Kos.
- Hotel recommendations for Psalidi (Booking.com*): Oceanis Beach & Spa Resort*, Andromeda Hotel Apartments*, KOIA All-Suite Well Being Resort*
- Gastronomy in Psalidi: limited selection
- Infrastructure in Psalidi: adequate (public transport, car rental companies, mini-markets, ATMs)
- Nightlife in Psalidi: limited to 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 purpose-built resort that consists almost exclusively of holiday complexes, a few shops and restaurants. Today, you’ll find some of Kos’ best hotels along the coast between Tigaki and Kos Town. In winter, however, the area around this popular holiday resort feels completely 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 set up shop.
In recent years, the area has been increasingly spruced up, and you’ll now find tasteful beach restaurants and hip beach bars (e.g. King Size Beach Bar), which add to the holiday atmosphere.
On Tigaki Beach, sun loungers stretch for kilometres one after another, and in midsummer the beach is usually packed with holidaymakers.
If you head a little further towards Alikes Salt Lake, you’ll find a quieter spot at Happy Flamingo Beach, Golden Beach or Barracuda Beach. Here you can expect a largely 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, 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: Very limited (souvenir shops only)
- Beaches near Tigaki: Tigaki Beach (fine 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 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 stunning 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 via an offshore sandbank.
→ We share the 12 most beautiful excursions for a successful family holiday in Kos in our article: Kos Island with children
The village of Marmari has a Lido Water Park, the Marmari Go-Kart Center and various riding stables such as Erika’s Horse Farm, which also offer some leisure activities. Water sports enthusiasts feel right 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: adequate (public transport, car rental, supermarket, ATM)
- Nightlife in Marmari: very limited (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 (a lovely sandy beach)
#5 Mastichari
Mastichari is suitable for: beach vacationers, individualists, families, surfers
Mastichari, a small but lively harbour town, is the only authentic village on the north coast besides Zipari. Some locals still live in Mastichari year-round, making their living through fishing and agriculture.
Individualists will find plenty of apartments, studios and private rooms for self-catering in Mastichari, while larger hotel resorts have settled just outside the village. Thanks to its central location, Mastichari is a great base for independent travellers who want to explore the island on day trips.
→ We have summarized the most popular activities and excursions on the island of Kos in this article: Kos Excursions & Tours
Mastichari has the best infrastructure of all the holiday resorts on the north coast of Kos. There are numerous tavernas and cafés, souvenir shops, smaller stores, 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 can sometimes be a bit affected by seaweed, parasols and loungers are available. Beach bars like the Aplo Beach Bar provide cool drinks and snacks right at the 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. Both 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*
- Dining in Mastichari: Wide selection
- Infrastructure in Mastichari: good (public transport, car rental, tour operators, 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, Antimachia Windmill, Peacock Forest Plaka, neighbouring island of Kalymnos
- Shopping in Mastichari: a few shops and souvenir stores
- Beaches in Mastichari: Mastichari Beach (fine 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 venture here for a few hours, for example to catch the sunset in Zia.
→ More information about the mountain village of Zia can be found in our article: Zia Kos
As an independent traveller, you can enjoy 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 enjoy a breathtaking view over the coastal plain from their accommodation. In the mountain villages of Kos, you can still savour 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, straightforward service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, they have it all. Request your preferred vehicle for Kos directly here: Book Kos Car Hire
If you spend the night in the mountains, you get to experience Kos from its more authentic side, without having to give up beach trips entirely. Kos is a compact island, so you can drive from the village 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 one taverna per village)
- Infrastructure in Zia: limited (only public transport and a 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 centre 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 bustling today.
→ We reveal everything you need to know about the holiday resort Kardamena here: Kardamena
However, if you stroll along the harbour promenade and through the long shopping alleys, you may well find yourself warming to Kardamena. Years ago, this Kos holiday village was considered a party stronghold of the island for party-loving young Brits. The municipality is trying to change its image, moving away from the Greek Ballermann towards a family-friendly holiday resort on Kos.
After Kos Town, Kardamena has the widest range of shopping opportunities, along with countless tavernas, cafes and bars. New hotel complexes are constantly being built on the outskirts of the village, and Kardamena’s sandy and pebble beach 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., excursion boats to Nisyros depart from here. During the season, up to 4 ships sail to the volcanic island near Kos.
→ For tips on exploring Nisyros on your own, check out this post: Nisyros
Unfortunately, the excursions organized from Kos do not visit all the places on Nisyros. If you want to explore the rest of Nisyros, you have to travel to the island independently. By the way: from Kardamena there are only regular buses to Antimachia and Kos Town. There you have to change buses to get to the other 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: wide selection
- Infrastructure in Kardamena: very good (public transport, car rental companies, supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, ATMs, banks, doctors’ offices)
- Nightlife in Kardamena: lively (many bars and clubs)
- Places of interest in Kardamena: Plaka Peacock Forest, Windmill and Fortress of Antimachia, Tour to Nisyros* (GetYourGuide*)
- Shopping in Kardamena: Wide range of shops
- Beaches near Kardamena: Kardamena Beach (sandy/pebble beach), Paralia Chelona
Kos resorts in the west
#8 Kefalos and Kamari
Kefalos 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 scenery is simply fantastic. Long white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise-blue sea, rugged mountain peaks and a lonely hinterland where you can discover Kos in its most authentic form. This is rounded off by the postcard-perfect view of Kefalos Bay with its offshore mini-island Kastri.
→ In this blog post, 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 even in high season it remains pleasantly laid-back. In Kamari, independent travelers will find countless apartments, studios and small hotels. For package vacationers, the luxury resort Ikos Aria sits directly on the dream beach of Agios Stefanos.
→ We reveal the most beautiful beaches on the island of Kos in this article: Kos Beaches
Agios Stefanos Beach is sandy in the east and pebbly further west, sloping gently into the sea throughout. The offshore winds attract surfers to Kos, who will find one of the oldest surfing spots in Greece right here.
The main town of Kefalos sits on a high plateau and is firmly in the hands of the locals. This is where village life plays out in the cafes and taverns. There are a good dozen holiday apartments in Kefalos available for visitors, and most of the time you’ll be living right next door to the locals.
The Kefalos Peninsula is somewhat isolated compared to the rest of the island. If you want to explore Kos, you’ll need a rental car — hire companies are available on site. The remote south-west cape is particularly picturesque. Along bumpy gravel roads you’ll discover monasteries and chapels, as well as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island: 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’ll 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: Wide selection
- Infrastructure in Kefalos: Sufficient (public transport, car rental companies, supermarkets, pharmacy, petrol 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 stores in Kamari and Kefalos
- Beaches near Kefalos: Magic Beach, Psilos Gremos Beach, Paradise Beach, Kochylari Beach and many more (fine sandy beaches)
→ 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 choice for those seeking peace and nature. We love Kefalos: beautiful landscapes, plenty of unspoiled scenery, 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 purpose-built holiday resorts with dream beaches. Tigaki has more restaurants, bars, and better infrastructure, and feels livelier 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, though there is no real town center here. Tigaki is better suited for a bit more variety, especially as there are even cheaper hotels to be found here.
Is Kos Town suitable for swimming?
There is no classic beach directly in town, but Lambi Beach, a pebble beach two kilometres to the north, and Paradeisi Beach, to the west of 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 a swim, you can take a short trip to the northern beaches or, for a full day at the beach, head 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 spots on the island. Kefalos itself offers beautiful nature, secluded beaches such as Kavo Paradiso and the Theologos coast, as well as authentic village life. The mountain villages below Mount Dikeos offer villas with sea views, quaint tavernas, and numerous hiking trails. Mastichari is also laid-back and still reasonably authentic. Fishing boats depart from the harbour, and from here you can take a day 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 wide sandy beach, beach bars, and a go-kart centre; and Mastichari with its authentic character, good infrastructure, and easy access to day trips to Kalymnos. All three resorts have fine 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 plenty of 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 can be found in summer.
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