Villa Mastihari

Mastichari offers a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that is conducive to rest and recuperation. The beach is a huge expanse that never seems to be crowded. Approximately one-third of it is given over to sun loungers which peter out towards the beach based water sports business. It is great fun watching the kitesurfers being challenged by the waves, even if you are not brave enough to give it a go. You can take a trip to the neighbouring island of Kalymnos from the harbour.
 
The arid and rocky Kalymnos attracts many climbers as well as sponge divers. Today they have a huge fishing fleet producing roughly 30000 sponges annually. The Esperidon fjord is very beautiful and captivates visitors. The valley, embroidered with tangerine and orange trees, slopes down to the waiting sapphire blue waters of the Aegean. A terrifying earthquake in 554AD sliced off a piece of Kalymnos which sunk into the water at Pothaia. Today the island of Teledos lies across from Kalymnos with ruins and vestiges of that era. You can take a boat across or swim.
 
Antimachia, south of Mastichari is again a charming place to visit with interesting sights such as the House of Antimachia, which shows how a traditional Greek house would have been in the early 20th century. The old traditional working windmill and the ruins of the 14th century Medieval castle of the order of the Knights of St John are equally captivating. Antimachia’s Honey Festival takes place in late August offering Greek dancing and singing to the local traditional songs as well as honey tasting. The Wine Festival takes place in early September.
 
The lively entertainment on Kos is found in the alluring Kos Town and Kardamena on the south coast. Kardamena is a true tourist hotspot with many bars and nightclubs. It also has a fabulous beach with many watersports. Kos Town is also buzzy, but it also has many historic archaeological buildings and ruins including Neratzia Castle.

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.