Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Dodecanese Islands / Kos
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| | | | A top place
Kavos is a top place to visit. The locals are so friendly. I have been visiting Kavos now for around 12 years and have made friends with a family that run the SOS bar with whom I stay with every time. They are top people.
Travel guide: Kos
Excellent hospitality
Only one word to describe Kardamena in Kos - fantastic. I have been there three times now and every time just gets better.
I just got married there in June and the hospitality from the locals is second to none for young and old alike.
Travel guide: Kos
Everything you need on a holiday
My boyfriend and I went to Kos last October and we really loved it. We loved it so much we are going back this year.
I would recommend it to anyone. It has everything you need from a holiday.
Travel guide: Kos
Very Greek!
The best place I've visited in Europe so far. It was lovely and hot, the sea and beaches were gorgeous and the traditional little tavernas and towns were very Greek which was nice because when you usually go to Europe everything can be really commercialised.
I would definitely recommend Kos - I'm hoping to go back this year or if not Kardamena maybe a different part of Greece.
Travel guide: Kos
Loads to do
Me and my partner went to Kos in October and it was great. It was red hot and it rained once and it was only for 10 minutes and then the sun came back out.
There are plenty of things to go and do in the daytime no matter what you are interested in. At night there isn't much entertainment going on but our hotel was near to Kardamena and the nightlife there is never ending if you want it, if not it was bed at 11.30pm!
I would recommend it to everyone, lovely weather, loads of things to do and friendly locals.
Travel guide: Kos
An amazing week in the sun
I have recently returned from Kos after an amazing week in the sun. I went in August when the temperature was medium to high 90s throughout the week!
However, as Kos is an island, there is a refreshing breeze apparent throughout the whole of the island which is a relief from the stifling temperatures.
Shopping in Kos is also an experience. There are many shops where you can buy holiday gifts or just holiday memorabilia.
However, unlike the local mainland of Turkey, the shopkeepers in Kos leave you to look around their shops at your own pace and allow you to leave the shop without having to buy anything.
Travel guide: Kos
Karamena has much to offer
Derek Robins says in his report from Kos that the nearby resort of Kardamena is 'best avoided' but in my opinion Kardamena has much to offer.
There are good restaurants as well as fast-food outlets. It has no more 'tacky' shops than many another Greek resort. The locals are friendly. There are views of mountains and Kardamena has a fantastic beach.
It is an inexpensive place to eat and drink. As, presumably, most of the students at the soccer academy in Kos will be youngsters, I would have thought Kardamena will hold more appeal for them than scrambling around the ruins in Kos Town, as interesting as that may be to Derek Robins.
Travel guide: Kos
Kos, Greece: Don't forget your boot brush
Families can really get a result in youngsters' eyes with a classy new football academy on the Greek isle of Kos aimed at five to 14-year-olds.
The facility is endorsed by England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence and offers youngsters the chance to hone their soccer skills at the Mark Warner holiday complex at Lakitira.
Youngsters are graded according to age under the watchful eye of trainers with Football Association coaching badges.
Clemence, ex-England, Liverpool and Spurs goalie, has no hesitation in recommending the new academy.
He says: "I am very impressed with the facilities and the coaching standards.
"It's not like other football schools where there is one ball between 20 players. The staff are qualified and they like the kids. It could produce good players in the future."
Youngsters themselves are keen on the facilities too.
Jason Robins, 14, says: "The coaching was good. It was fun, especially the volleying practice.
"We also practised turning with the ball and heading, and I think it has improved my skills. It is certainly better than all the football schools I have attended before."
The courses take place on a newly-laid five-a-side pitch. Sessions last an hour daily and while the temperatures are in the 90s coaching staff are careful to ensure that the children get regular drink breaks.
Girls as well as boys are encouraged to take part.
Adults can also have a fun kick-about. If kids get bored with footie, there are other activities to amuse them.
They include 12 tennis courts with coaches available to improve the game. On the beach there is waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and scuba diving.
Travel guide: Kos
Look our for your heart
For several years I have been visiting the Greek Islands and feel there's nowhere quite like them. You would be hard pushed to find somewhere which could match the friendliness of the locals; the beautifully rugged yet, pretty scenery; the crystal waters; delicious fresh food - the list goes on.
I love their charm so much I am not only planning to marry there but also to live there one day!
The smaller Islands are well worth a visit as they are untouched by tourism and are very accessible as many boats from the bigger islands have trips there. But even on the larger islands, true, untouched Greece can be found.
Out of the larger islands, I would have to say Kos and Zakynthos are my absolute favourites so far. Both have a charm that stays in your memories and the friendliness of the locals is astounding.
A boat trip around the islands is a good idea as you get to see the awesome landscape from a different perspective.
If you do visit Kos, a trip to neighbouring Kalymnos (island of the sponge divers) is worth a visit - with its Venetian architecture and welcoming harbour, it makes for an enjoyable trip. Turkey is also not far away and there are many scheduled boat trips from Kos.
If you visit Zante, then popping over to Kefalonia is a must. It isn't very far away at all and the stunning scenery is worth it - if only for a glimpse of the famous Myrtos beach.
I could go on and on about the Greek islands as I have so many wonderful memories from several of them but the best way for anyone to discover the amazing charm of them is to experience it for themselves - go and visit them all in their sublime glory - you won't be disappointed but you had better be prepared for them to seep into your heart.
Travel guide: Kos
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| | | | Fun food for all
Hungry youngsters and parents are well catered for with three restaurants at the complex.
The kids' favourite is the eat-as-much-as-you-like pizzeria. Those with more gourmet tastes can find traditional Greek food such as octopus and tzatziki at the large taverna.
While meals are included in the cost of the holiday, drink can be expensive with a pint of lager at £2.60.
In spite of all the attractions at the complex, tourists should explore the rest of the island.
The nearest resort Kardamena, three miles away, is best avoided unless you like fast food and tacky shops.
More impressive is historic Kos Town - 30 minutes by bus (£1.30) or cab (£15) - which has Hippocrates' plane tree and statue, and the 14th-century Castle of the Knights.
The only downside to Kos on a recent visit were the annoying power cuts.
The Greek authorities are trying to solve the problem but it isn't much fun not being able to have a shower and wandering around with candles on two consecutive nights.
Flights go from Gatwick and Manchester. Prices at Mark Warner for a week range from £475 to £899 per adult and £285 to £539 per child. Info on 0870-770-4226.
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| | Destination Guide : Kos |
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| | | Archaeological treasure |  | Why go on holiday to Kos?
Sun, sea and sand are the essence of Kos, a picturesque Greek island set just a few miles off the coast of Turkey. It also boasts a wealth of archaeological remains.
How much does it cost?
Seven-night self-catering package holidays start at £250. Expect to pay around £150 for flight-only deals. Hotel rooms are cheap (from £10 per night), clean and generally easy to find when you arrive, though it's best to book in advance during peak season. All prices can vary so shop around.
When should I go?
The Mediterranean summer begins in April and peters out in October. Temperatures range from 21C to 35C (70F-95F). In the peak season, July and August, the beaches are wall-to-wall sun beds and parasols.
What should I do when I'm there?
The island is blessed with long expanses of sand where you can unwind during the day and swim in the beautiful azure waters of the Mediterranean. Alternatively you can have some seaborne fun with a pedalo or a jetski.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Greece.
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| | | Home to healing and Hippocrates |  | What's the lie of the land?
The island's main road runs south west from Kos town, with turnoffs for the mountain villages and the resorts of Tigaki and Marmari.
Between Kos town and Marmari is a network of quiet roads, ideal for cycling, winding through flat, agricultural land. The southern peninsula offers wild and rugged scenery and the small villages of bygone Greece.
What's Kos town like?
The old town of Kos was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933 but the new town, although modern, is picturesque and lush. An ancient castle dominates the port. It also has two streets of bars that pulsate in the high season.
Are there any ancient sites I should visit?
And how. Kos was at the centre of ancient Greek civilisation. The island is peppered with interesting sites of classical antiquity, the most important being The Asclepion, built on a pine-covered hill outside Kos town.
The Asclepion was a healing centre and a school of medicine following the teaching of Hippocrates, the founding father of the medical profession, who lived and taught on Kos. Now it's a peaceful place with a glorious view.
Beaches, history, and what else?
The mountain villages of Kos are worth a visit. There are several pretty ones on the northern slopes of the Alpine-like Dikeos mountains. Go for the gorgeous countryside, stunning sunsets and some delicious taverna food.
What day trips can I make?
Day trips take in the sponge island of Kalymnos and the picturesque island of Pserimos. There are also daily ferries to the Turkish mainland resort of Bodrum.
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| | | Luscious lemon pie | | Where's good for nightlife?
Kos town has three nightclubs, two of which are outdoors and have swimming pools. The indoor Fashion Club has three bars. There's an outdoor cinema, which is open in the summer only. Kardamena and Tigaki also have plenty of discos and bars.
What's the food like?
Expect plenty of fresh fish and the usual taverna staples which you'd find on the mainland. Delicious lemon pie is a Kos specialty.
In general, the restaurants on Kos Town's central waterfront are best avoided - they're expensive and poor value. Platanos is a good place to find local cuisine.
What should I buy?
Look for leather goods, ceramics and gold and silver jewellery.
What is there for children to do?
Kos does not have the amusement parks and science museums of large cities, but the simpler childhood pleasures of sand and sea are in abundance.
Some resort hotels may offer kids' clubs, with entertainment, sports and babysitting. Check with your travel agent.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Fact File : Kos |
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| | | Kos | | Did you know?
Hippocrates (460-377BC), the founder of the medical profession, lived and taught on the island.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required from EU residents for a stay of up to three months.
Getting there
Wide selection of charter flights and package holidays available from the UK.
Flying time from London
Four hours.
Getting around
Moped and cycle hire are particularly popular among tourists. A good ferry service can take you to nearby islands and the Turkish mainland.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Prices vary, but as a rough guide: litre of petrol 50p; moderately priced restaurant meal for two with wine £20; 24-exposure camera film £2.50; bottle of beer £1; four-mile taxi ride about £3.
Weather
The Mediterranean summer begins in April and peters out in October, with temperatures ranging from 21-35C (70-95F). In the peak season, July and August, the beaches are chock-a-block with sun beds and parasols. Winter is wetter with temperatures from 4-18C (40-65F).
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT in summer, two hours ahead in winter.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 for Greece, followed by the island code - 0242.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz - you'll need an adaptor for the standard continental two-pin plug.
Opening hours
Banks open 8am-2pm Mon-Thur and 8.30am-1.30pm Fri. Post offices open 7.30am-8pm Mon-Fri and till 2pm on Sat. Shops vary - some open seven days a week, some close for very long lunches.
Health - Before you go
UK citizens are covered for health care on production of form EHIC (available from UK post offices). Emergency treatment is free in hospital (though relatives must take food in for patients). However, the health service in Greece is very underfunded and one of the poorest in Europe so if you'd prefer private treatment, decent travel insurance is essential.
Health - When you are there
Sunburn is the biggest danger - especially in summer. Slap on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Warnings
Beware of jellyfish, particularly during September and October. Although they are not lethal in Greece, their stings can be very painful.
Emergency
Tourist Police Tel: 22 444. British Consulate, Rhodes Amerikis 111, Rhodes City. Tel: 27 247.
Customs
Greeks are friendly and hospitable. Personal questions are not considered rude in Greece and if you react as if they are, you will be the one causing offence.
Pets
You may bring your pet to and from the UK provided you have the correct documentation under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme but this takes time to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it is customary to leave a small tip; same for taxis.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Kos |
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