Where to stay on the Greek island known for ancient ruins and superb sands
Hidden sandy coves, sprawling ruins and peaceful harbours clinking with fishing boats, it's simply oozing Greek island charm and we've selected the best hotels in Kos for an unforgettable escape.
The third largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago, Kos is actually closer to the Turkish resort of Bodrum than it is to Athens, which stretches the sun-drenched holiday season from April through to late October.
Famously the birthplace of Hippocrates, the island is teeming with ancient ruins and is a perfect choice for those looking to combine a beach holiday with culture and ancient history.
Kos Town, the island capital, makes a great base for your holiday. At its heart is Hippocrates Plane Tree, a leafy descendent of the original tree that the father of medicine taught under. Wander around the Ancient Agora, the remains of the old town with its stadium and gymnasium, or visit Nerantzia Castle, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John. It's also close to the site of Asklepieion, the island's famous healing centre built by the son of Apollo in the 3rd century BC.
A 10-minute drive north from Kos Town is the thermal waters of Agios Fokas, a natural sea pool filled by thermal waters. While Lámbi Beach and Tigaki are both buzzy resorts offering family hotels and adult-only options, alongside numerous bars and tavernas. On the southeastern coast is Kefalos, a quieter beach resort which boasts some of the island's nicest stretches of sand.
Whether you're looking for a fly-and-flop style resort in Kefalos, a chic boutique hotel in Kos Town or a beachfront pad in Marmari, we've chosen some of our favourite Kos hotels for your next holiday to Greece.
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If it's sun, sea and sultry style you're after, look no further than Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa. Moments from Lámbi Beach and the Cape Skandári lighthouse, this beautiful adults-only hotel is perfect for a proper grown up escape. Inside, it's all cool clean lines and contemporary, with a serene spa filled with natural light and views over the Aegean.
All the suites are beautifully styled, most have private balconies or terraces, while our favourites have sweeping sea views and plunge pools. By day, you can relax in the spa or wander over to the hotel's private area of the beach, while at night maybe dine in the stylish open-air restaurant or sample one of Lámbi's multitude of bars and tavernas a short walk away.
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Airy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces overlooking the heavenly cerulean sweep of the Aegean Sea, Ikos Aria is a pretty special place to stay. Moments from Kamari and Agios Stefanos, two of Kos' finest beaches, it's perfect for a relaxing Greek holiday.
Spread over a massive 47 acres, there are gorgeous pools surrounded by day beds, a Pilates and yoga studio, a glorious spa, not to mention a Michelin-starred restaurant. As for style, there are swinging rattan egg chairs, wicker beds and acres of white linen, while the best suites have private pools and free champagne. And if you want to explore the island, just hop in the complimentary Mini Cooper available for hire for all guests.
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Across the road from Lámbi Beach, this modern adults-only wellness hotel offers a quiet escape away from the lively hubbub of Kos Town. Centred around the spa and vast pool complex, Diamond Deluxe Hotel is very much a hotel for the fly-and-flop brigade where returning home truly relaxed is all but a given.
The rooms are housed in a cluster of white-washed and stone villas, all swathed in cool whites and marble, while the top drawer suites have private pools. Don't miss a romantic dinner on the terrace, which serves fantastic Greek inspired dishes all with views over Psérimos islet and the Aegean Sea.
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Sleek and minimalist, luxury and lavish, the Lango Design Hotel is one of the most stylish hotels in Kos. A couple of sandy steps from Lámbi Beach, this chic adults-only boutique hotel is the perfect treat for a special week away. Relax in the superb spa, dine out on fine Greek dining or kick back with cocktails in the sunset lounge overlooking the sea.
There are just 54 rooms, most have balconies and sea views, while the best ones have private pools or whirlpool spas to soak up the Greek sunshine. For a real treat, why not book a special floating breakfast to enjoy in your private pool.
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Lush tropical gardens, cool chill-out music and beach yoga classes, OKU Kos is a super-stylish adults-only hideaway with a rather exclusive, almost Ibizan vibe. Relax around the pool under coconut frond umbrellas, dine out on Mediterranean delights in the indoor/outdoor restaurant or try yoga on the beach or in the spa. Chances are, you might never want to leave.
The rooms are equally as chic: mid-century modern furnishing meets beach blanket Babylon with natural woods and hessian textures. There are also swim-up suites with direct access into the cool waters of the pool. Heaven.
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Greece is a very family-orientated nation and Kos offers the perfect getaway for children, not least with a stay at the brilliant Astir Odysseus. Overlooking the sandy sweep of Tigaki Beach, this sprawling upmarket beach resort is jam-packed with children's activities from kids' clubs and games rooms, lagoon pools and even a rock climbing wall.
With more than 300 rooms and suites, there's something to suit every family. Most have balconies and views over the Aegean Sea, while the best suites have sea views and a private pool. While the kids are occupied parents can make full use of the spa with its traditional hammam and treatments.
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As an alternative to staying in a standard beach resort, why not embrace the natural landscape of Kos and go glamping... in style. Sails on Kos is a spectacular tented resort near Marmari and offers all the modern conveniences of a fancy hotel, but is something a little different to the normal Greek holiday experience.
Choose from 20 luxury tented villas and safari tents, all beautifully styled and with plenty of space, plus private gardens and terraces. Don't worry about the balmy temperatures, all tents come equipped with air coolers and WiFi to offer a little safari luxury in Greece. As for activities, there's an outdoor theatre which hosts Greek mythology stories by a local storyteller.
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Perched on Ágios Fokás, which has direct views over Turkey's Datça Peninsula, this swanky beach resort offers a classic Greek holiday. Outside is dominated by probably one of Greece's most incredible infinity pools, where it's difficult to see where the pool ends and the Aegean begins. Down on the beach is just as attractive, not least thanks to the cool beach bar.
A Therme Spa, vast Mediterranean buffet restaurant and a kids' clubs in peak season, the Michelangelo Resort & Spa is just the ticket for those looking for an accessible all-inclusive holiday for all the family. Out of the 200 or so rooms, our favourites have balconies and those marvellous sea views.
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Offering something a little different to the standard beachfront resort, this historic boutique hotel in the heart of Kos Town brings some art deco style to the Kos waterfront. Built in 1928, it's the oldest hotel on the island and was once the Kos Officers' Club.
Now restored to all its former glory, Albergo Gelsomino Hotel offers plush, elegant rooms in a monochrome palette, all with undisturbed views of the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. After cocktails on the terrace, relax over dinner in the Gelsomino restaurant, which serves elegant Mediterranean dishes in a gorgeous space.
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Marmari is a charming resort perched on the north coast of Kos, famed for its lovely wide sandy beach scattered with chilled out beach bars and tavernas. It's close to the Alikis lagoon, known for its flamingoes and pelicans which migrate here each spring.
For sleek style shaded by palm trees, look no further than D'Andrea Lagoon, a luxury adults-only hotel with a private stretch of Marmari beach. White-washed villas surround a vast central pool area – some suites have swim-up access – not to mention the fantastic Ode restaurant, a gourmet Greek heaven which brings some cool boho beach style to this quiet corner of Kos.
(Booking.com)The best hotels in Kos for families, luxury, adults only, all inclusive and five-star stays. From OKU Kos to Kos Town hotels, here's where to stay in Kos.