The Greek island of Kos has something to offer everyone, from wild nights for the party animals, to quiet strolls along the quayside for the romantics.  The weather is almost guaranteed to be perfect for a wedding day/night, and the constant sea breeze that comes in off the Aegean makes those hotter mid-summer days bearable.  As the island is fairly small (40km in length) it is possible to explore it in detail without taking too much time out of your relaxation.

Each resort has it’s own individual character, and over time each village/town has it’s own set of loyal visitors.  Kos has to be one of the highest-ranking destinations for repeat travellers.  Whether they come back for the culture that Kos has to offer, the beautiful coastline, the friendly, humble locals, or the amazing Greek food that Kos has become famous for, visitors to this island often make at least one return trip.

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History of Kos island

There is a rich history of the modern world at your fingertips, from Hippocrates, the founder of medicine as we know it, to ancient Roman and Turkish settlements from the various invasions over the years.  Each stage in the development of Kos as a viable tourist destination has added to the attraction.  The art history of the Byzantine years, the amazing architecture of ancient Greece which is well-preserved and apparent all over the island, the volcanic activity under the sea which provides natural hot springs – these are just some of the attractions awaiting you here in Kos.  Your wonderful wedding day will be the highlight of your holiday here, but there are so many other things to do here also, that you and your guests will have a very full and interesting stay here on our island.

 

The resorts of Kos

The south side of the island (Kardamena and Kefalos) boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The sand is soft and light, and the sand gently shelves into the refreshing Aegean Sea, making it safe for children to play along the shore.  Not forgetting the world famous bubble beach which is situated on the outskirts of Kefalos, where the underwater volcanic activity from nearby Nissyros provides a warm natural jacuzzi in the shallow sea.

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The views from this side of the island over towards Turkey and Nisyros are beautiful, and on a clear day you can see as far as Tilos and Rhodes too.

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Kefalos is classed as a quiet, romantic resort, with the entertainment based around dining and quiet cocktails.  The views over to Kastri island and it’s tiny chapel (one of the most popular destinations for a wedding ceremony) are second-to-none, and the locals welcome you with open arms as you have one of the most relaxing holidays you will ever experience.

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Kardamena, until recently, was known to be the bustling, wild, young-person’s resort, but whilst retaining it’s lively atmosphere, the main clientele these days are 25yrs+, who still want to enjoy great nights out, but who also appreciate fine dining and good music/wine.  Dining out is a pleasure, with numerous tavernas, many of which have been run by families for 30 years or more.  The diverse range of cuisine in Kardamena sees most restaurants being situated along the pretty, small fishing harbour.  After dinner, you can either have a busy, loud night along ‘Bar Street’, or sit back in a comfy bamboo chair and sip on cocktails in the main village square listening to great music.

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Kos Town has a very rich history of interaction with Turkey, and there is an Asian twist to some of the traditional dishes, known as ‘Politiko’ cuisine.  It is truly a delight to try.  There are so many restaurants and tavernas to choose from in Kos Town, plus an array of places serving the traditional ‘Gyros’ in pitta bread to take away – this is a ‘must-try’!  A night out in Kos Town is very cosmopolitan, and you will see such a multi-cultural society enjoying the nightlife that you will really feel like you are abroad.

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Tingaki is on the north side of the island and has spectacular views at sunset over the islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos.  The beach is beautiful and wide.  The activity here is based around early morning swimming, long lunches, lazy afternoons and lovely quiet dinners accompanied by great wine. The mini-train will take you up Mount Dikaio into the village of Pili,  here there is a natural spring.  It is a nice distraction from the beach, and ideal for your young travellers.

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Mastichari is also on the north side of the island, and is very similar to Tingaki, but smaller.  The fresh fish tavernas that line the sea-front and the traditional jewellery/pottery shops that pepper the resort make it a very lovely place to either stay at, or make a day-trip to.

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The ferry boat for Kalymnos departs from Mastichari, and you can hop over to this neighbouring island for an interesting day-trip. Kalymnos is the ‘sponge island’ where you can go and learn how the divers still use traditional methods to harvest the natural sponges that grow deep in the sea here.  Kalymnos is also very famous for climbing and caving, and sees an all-year-round trade centred around this.

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Zia is situated in the mountains and although it is not a resort that tourists can book through a travel agent, it is one of the busiest villages on the island due to the day trips that frequent it.  It has a breath-taking view over the whole of the north-side of Kos, and is lined with shops selling traditional souvenirs and restaurants.  There is a venue here that hosts a traditional Greek night with everything you would expect, from dancing, music, plate-smashing and good food and wine.  It is possible to hold your wedding reception here in Zia, even if the ceremony is elsewhere.

 

The Weather on Kos island

Because of its mild Mediterranean climate, the island of Kos has mainly sunny days most of the year.

The sea is clear and fresh, and is home to much marine life, such as dolphins, urchins, numerous fish and turtles. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to see the dolphins that live off-shore from the resorts of Kardamena and Kefalos. They can be seen often on a boat trip to Nissyros opposite.

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The rain season typically starts in November and lasts through to late March, although a heavy shower has been known through the summer months.

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