Villa Barefoot

Villa Barefoot can be found in a small eco-friendly complex, set in nature, on the north coast of the beautiful island of Kos, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. The villa is a seventeen kilometres drive from the international airport and just twenty minutes to the capital town of Kos. The island of  Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese, with a one hundred and twelve-kilometre-long coastline, populated with family-friendly beaches, and crystal clear waters. Villa Barefoot is within walking distance of the tourist resort of Tigaki, where you will find sandy beaches, beach clubs, water sports, bars, cafes, and restaurants, as well as shops stocked with all the provisions you will need for your holiday. Kos is known as the bicycle island, with more than ten miles of cycling lanes, enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour on two wheels. For those who like a bit of activity, you’ll be spoilt for choice with hiking the many walking trails, swimming and snorkelling azure blue waters, kite and windsurfing, paragliding and scuba diving, and horse riding and mountain biking.

A trip to Kos town, the capital of the island is a must. Situated on the northeast tip of the island, it’s an eleven-kilometre drive away. Here you will find a mix of the ancient, medieval, and modern, as you wander through historic streets you will see the Castle of the Knights of St John, Greek gymnasiums, original agoras, and Ottoman mosques. Neratzia Castle is an imposing fortification over Kos town, whilst the Roman Odeon is just outside. Visit a restored replica of a fifth-century BC house in Hippocrates Garden, and sit under the plane tree, where the father of modern medicine reputedly swore the Hippocratic oath. Make your way to Eleftherias Square, the town’s meeting place in the centre of Kos, where you will find the Archeological Museum, stuffed with artefacts from the island’s history. Or enjoy the simple pleasures of some homemade meze and a glass of retsina, as you watch the world go by.

For somewhere more traditionally Greek, visit some of the lesser-known villages, go south to Kefalos, and wend your way around the labyrinthine alleyways to the Folklore Museum, swim in the azure sea, then dine on freshly caught seafood at the old port. Take to the mountains to see the village of Zia, a tiny village on Mount Dikaios, walk the cobbled lanes with its blue and white houses, and shop for souvenirs of handmade artefacts. Not far from the villa is the Alikes Wetland Reserve, where fresh and saltwater meet to form a lagoon, which attracts migrating flamingos and pelicans.

Take a tour and visit one of the many vineyards, where you can sample the wine, and take a bottle or two home with you. If you are feeling adventurous, island hop from Kos to the adjacent Dodecanese destinations of Kalimonos and Pserimos. Go even further afield and board the ferry across the Aegean to the ancient town of Bodrum in southwest Turkey. In the evening if it's nightlife you’re after, go into Tigaki for some cracking karaoke, and Greek-themed dining, and dance yourself dizzy to some rocking DJs. Or go into Kos town for some serious all-night clubbing and beach parties.

Read more about Kos

The third largest island in the Dodecanese, Kos has been attracting visitors for years thanks to its glorious beaches, verdant landscapes and fascinating ancient history.

The capital of the island is Kos Town in the north-east, 24km from Kos International Airport. There’s a relaxed ambience as you potter around its tree-lined harbour, cobbled pedestrian lanes and the grand Eleftherias Square with café terraces and restaurants. Look out for boat excursions from trips to the nearby islands of Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos to dolphin-spotting cruises and more. You could even spend the day in Bodrum, Turkey – ferries take around 30 minutes.

In Kos Town, admire the centuries-old Plane Tree of Hippocrates where legend says the great physician taught his students in the shade, close to the imposing Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights), then explore the ruins of Ancient Agora. Just outside the town, Asclepieion is said to be the birthplace of Hippocrates and one of the island’s most significant and visited ancient sites. Be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos in Kos Town.  

Kos has become a mecca for sunworshippers, watersport enthusiasts and beach lovers, yet there is so much more to discover across its verdant and rugged landscapes. There are kilometers of cycling lanes along the coast as well as off-road mountain biking trails – Kos is now certified as a ‘Bike Friendly Destination’. Keen walkers will adore the many hiking routes around Plaka Forest, Palio Pyli and Mount Dikaios.

Back to the coastline, only 11km from Kos Town is the fashionable seaside resort of Tigaki with its idyllic sandy coastline, gently-shelving water, charming tavernas and a vibrant atmosphere as evening nears. Try paddle-boarding in the clear sea or venture a little further towards the Alikes wetlands, a Natura 2000 location, perfect for nature lovers with a diverse range of flora and fauna as well as migratory birds including pink flamingoes, pelicans and herons.  

The stunning sandy beaches and azure-coloured sea of Marmari should also be experienced. It’s a popular spot for horse-riding, kite-surfing and windsurfing. For a change of scene, head along the coast to the bustling resort of Mastichari for fresh seafood, beachside bars, boat trips and more great beaches with sun beds, parasols and watersports.

On the southern coast is Kardamena, once an important religious site and former fishing village, now a much-loved resort close to the airport with a variety of sandy beaches, water-based activities, a lovely market and plenty of shops and restaurants.

Meanwhile, Kefalos Bay offers a wealth of authentic experiences with its traditional hilltop village, coastal resort and arguably some of the island’s finest beaches scattered across the south-western corner of Kos.