Where to Stay in Kos?

In the Dodecanese archipelago, near Turkey, the island of Kos is known for its beautiful beaches and significant heritage, making it ideal for a relaxing vacation. The island also hosts several archaeological sites to visit such as the Asclepius, an ancient healing temple, and the Nerantziá Castle, a testament to the island's cultural heritage. If you've chosen Kos for your next getaway, you're likely wondering where to stay? To make the most of your visit, here's my selection of the best accommodations in Kos, Greece

Before booking the first available hotel room, take the time to explore the different towns on the island of Kos. Although the island is large, public transportation, especially buses, is not very efficient; so if you don't plan on renting a car, be sure to think carefully!

The main criterion to consider is what you expect from your stay. Each town and village on Kos offers a different atmosphere: lively nightlife, water activities, historical sites, or a calm and peaceful ambiance. After that, consider your budget for accommodation.

Like many Greek islands, book your hotel as soon as possible, especially during the summer. Waiting too long may mean missing out on the best establishments, and prices will be higher. Now, let me introduce you to the best towns to stay in Kos, along with some great addresses to remember!

If you're in a hurry and don't want to read the entire article for now, here's a quick summary of the best places to stay in Kos:

The town of Kos is perfectly situated close to Turkey. In fact, it lies at the eastern end of the island and remains one of the best options for staying in Kos. If you love historical sites, busy streets, and going out at night, the town of Kos is certainly meant for you!

Among the best activities in Kos are the ancient Agora, an open-air archaeological site that is free to visit. You can see the ruins of the temples of Hercules and Aphrodite and even the columns of the market, which are still visible, not to mention the magical atmosphere of this surprising place.

Take the time to stroll through the streets of the old town of Kos to observe Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval influences through the houses and buildings. Don't miss the chance to visit the Tree of Hippocrates, an ancient oriental plane tree, the Gazi Hassan Mosque, and the Nerantziá Fortress. Finally, the must-see site in Kos is the Asclepius, a Greek healing temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius.

In addition to these notable attractions, enjoy the bars, restaurants, and numerous clubs if you're coming to Greece to party! The best place remains Bar Street, the headquarters of the youth in Kos In terms of accommodations, there are plenty of hotels for every budget. In my opinion, the town of Kos offers a truly complete experience that combines nightlife, history, and relaxation!

The Maritina Hotel offers lovely double rooms that are spacious and modern, located in the center of Kos, close to major tourist attractions. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a nice outdoor pool, with rooms starting at €81 per night including breakfast.

The Kosta Palace is a beautiful place to stay in Kos as it has an ideal location in the city center. With stunning views of the castle and the sea, the spacious and modern accommodations are available from €100 per night for a 35m2 apartment with a kitchenette.

Near the marina, the Orpheus Studios offers studios ranging from 30 to 40 square meters, perfectly equipped, comfortable, and available from €84 per night. This establishment provides free parking, and the staff is particularly kind and helpful .

If you're coming to Kos for water activities, I recommend staying in Kefalos, a quiet little village overlooking Kamari Bay. Here you'll find beautiful beaches and coves, and it's worth noting that Kefalos was the ancient capital of the island of Kos. So, why not find refuge here?

Unlike the town of Kos, life in Kefalos is not dictated by vibrant nightlife and large tourist crowds. The setting is much more authentic, with pretty white houses, charming little streets, and some monuments to see such as a Hellenistic temple and the Panagia Palatian church.

As mentioned at the beginning of this section, this is where you'll have the chance to enjoy fantastic water activities like windsurfing and water skiing. Additionally, if you love tranquility, this beautiful Greek village is clearly an ideal base for relaxation or exploring the hinterlands of the island of Kos.

From a budget perspective, prices are quite reasonable in Kefalos. But as always, be sure to book your accommodation as soon as possible to secure something interesting.

The Manolis Studios is located 300 meters from Agios Stefanos Beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool and offers comfortable and pleasant little studios. For about €52 per night, you will be close to restaurants and shops and also benefit from an on-site snack bar.

Fully equipped and simply furnished, the studios offered by the Panorama Studios feature a private balcony and have great proximity to Kefalos Beach. For one night, this accommodation is available starting at €154, breakfast included.

The Villa Bel Passo Apartments offers self-catering accommodations just 100 meters from Kefalos Beach, as well as restaurants and shops in Kefalos. Each unit is well-furnished and equipped with a kitchenette. Prices start from €52 per night for 2 guests, breakfast included.

For a friendly and relaxed vacation in Kos, I suggest settling in Marmari, a lovely beach resort surrounded by breathtaking sand dunes! The village has a spacious beach suitable for activities, especially if you're here with children

Marmari is located on the northern coast of the island of Kos, and in terms of charm, you'll be delighted! You'll find beautiful crystal-clear waters, whitewashed houses, and pleasant streets. Of course, restaurants, bars, and small shops will be at your service, particularly along the village's waterfront.

If you're considering Marmari as your place to stay in Kos, know that accommodation options are quite varied and suitable for all budgets. You'll find all types of establishments, from small hotels to more upscale resorts.

Just 400 meters from Mastichari Beach, Ilios and Irene offers comfortable air-conditioned apartments with balconies overlooking the Kos countryside! The hosts are friendly, the property has free parking, and a bar. Prices start from €50 per night, including breakfast.

The VENOS APARTMENTS is located near Marmari and Golden Beaches. It offers pleasant, spacious, and very comfortable accommodations. Free parking is available, and you can also enjoy a garden and a terrace. Rates start from €42 for a night with a garden view room.

Located next to Marmari, about ten kilometers from the town of Kos, the village of Tigaki is a tourist-oriented beach resort! Like its neighboring village, the atmosphere here is very laid-back and friendly, and it's particularly known for the splendor of its beaches ️

During your stay in Tigaki, I obviously recommend enjoying the sun by spending time at Barracuda Beach and Lena Beach. They are clearly the most beautiful beaches in the area! Not far away, there is also the Alyki Tigaki wetlands, a saline nature reserve where hiking is possible

For accommodation, travelers looking for all-inclusive hotels will be pleased! Of course, there are also great options in pleasant and welcoming guesthouses. One way or another, the accommodation options in Tigaki are quite numerous, so you're bound to find something!

The Golden Sun is a nice establishment located just 400 meters from Tigaki Beach in Kos. It offers comfortable and well-equipped studios with balconies overlooking the garden and the sea, starting at €50 per night. On-site, various facilities are available: pools, a playground with a trampoline, billiards, and dart games...

Olivo Home is a stunning vacation apartment, modern and tastefully decorated. Well-equipped, it also offers a beautiful view of the sea and mountains from its balcony. This accommodation can host up to 4 people as it has one double bedroom and a sofa bed. Available for €132 per night for 4 people.

Want to enjoy the nightlife in Kos? If you are here exclusively to enjoy vibrant nights and dance until dawn, then Kardamena is clearly the place for you! It is the second most important town on the island of Kos, particularly dynamic despite its smaller size compared to the capital.

Initially, Kardamena is appreciated for its 7-kilometer beach and its many facilities for travelers' comfort. The waters are calm and clear, easily accessible by foot from the town center. The village itself is also well-equipped to welcome tourists: restaurants, bars, shops, boutiques, and all necessary amenities.

Among the activities available, you can obviously discover the nearby islands, such as Nissiros Island, from the marina. The archaeological site of Alasarna is also a must-see due to its significant role in antiquity, as well as various ruins, basilicas, and even an ancient theater.

In addition to enjoying the clubs for partying, note that Kardamena can be a very convenient base, as it is close to the airport and many of the villages mentioned in this post. This way, you can easily roam around the island to experience the different atmospheres offered on Kos

The Pittas Studios & Apartments offers very large air-conditioned rooms, cozy and equipped with a kitchenette, near the beaches. In addition to a magnificent sea view, you can relax in the garden or on the terrace. For a night, count on about €91 for 2 people.

The Vrahos hotel provides charming, well-equipped independent accommodations decorated simply. You'll also find a bar, restaurant, communal lounge, and a sun terrace. Starting at about €51 per night, you'll be less than 1 km from Kardamena Beach.

If you're coming to the island of Kos to enjoy the beaches and water activities, it's highly recommended to travel during the months of June, July, and August. During the summer season, temperatures are warm and the days are sunny, but beware of rising prices and heavy tourist crowds!

Traveling to Greece in April or May, or in September, are also great alternatives ☀️ By visiting in spring, you'll enjoy pleasant temperatures, around 23 to 25 degrees, with less crowded beaches and more affordable prices. As for September, summertime temperatures are still present ️ Even though a few degrees may be cooler, the days remain warm and prices are more attractive.

The quickest solution for reaching Kos is by plane! The island has an international airport, which is great news as it is increasingly sought after and, therefore, more accessible

If you're looking for a flight to Kos from the United States, I advise you to search for the cheapest tickets using a flight comparison tool like Ulysse! Flights are operated by airlines such as Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, or Sky Express. Before arriving in Kos, you will have a layover in Athens.

That's it for this article! I hope it has inspired you regarding where to sleep in Kos. If you're looking to visit other islands or cities in Greece and are wondering what to do in Santorini or where to sleep in Athens, I have articles for you!