Kos Holidays in 2013

This area is great for family dining because there is such a great selection of both traditional Greek and British and international food. Got kids that will eat only fish and chips? No problem, Kardamena is full of chippys and even has a MacDonalds if that is what you want. Those with more adventurous taste buds should check out the many waterfront tavernas in Kos Town. Try local specialities like moussaka or grilled meat with tzatziki and pitta. The small fishing villages around the island boast some great family owned restaurants so hire a car and go and explore.

Kos Town is a great place to visit as families will enjoy wondering around the impressive historical architecture while indulging in a spot of shopping. The imposing Castle of the Knights of Saint John, which is on the eastern side of the harbour and accessible by a bridge, includes towers, battlements, moats and altars dating from the 12th century. The small town of Antimachia also has a Venetian castle with some amazing views of the island that is worth a visit.

The Lido Waterpark is a great family day out for all ages. Gentle wave pools and relaxation pools are joined by family play pools and slides for children and adults, which means mum and dad can relax in sun loungers while children play safely nearby. Dare devils will love the Kamikaze, a high speed water slide 80 meters high and the Black Hole, a 130 meter plunge into darkness. There are also rapids and gentler slides for those who want to take it slightly easier.

Folklore museums have become very popular in Greece and The Kos Folklore Museum is one of the best in the country, offering a display of tools and other objects from daily life over the centuries. The archaeological museum of Kos, in Kos Town, is also well worth visiting if you want to learn more about Kos’s rich historical background. There are a variety of ceramics and statues from the Roman and Hellenistic eras, which are some of the finest in Greece.

If you want to get away from the touristy side of Kos the definitely steer clear of Kardamena, which caters more to young groups rather than serious foodies. Kos Town has several more upmarket tavernas and restaurants offering traditional Greek food including moussaka, grilled meats and mezze plates. For a real culinary adventure, hire a car and head out to some of the small fishing towns around the island, where you will find small family run restaurants offering stunning fresh seafood. Oromedon restaurant in Zia is well worth the trip for some of the best views on the island. To check out the island’s only genuine ouzeri, head to Pote tin Kyriaki in Kos Town. This is a really untouristy and traditional restaurant that offers the potent Greek drink ouzo alongside delicious mezze plates.

If its souvenirs you’re after, then the many stalls and shops along the beach in Kardamena will have more than you could ask for. Be sure to barter though as it is possible to get heave discounts. Kos Town offers a much more cosmopolitan shopping experience and it is possible to get beautiful homemade trinkets from the quant family run stores in the old town. The city’s central market is a great place to browse locally sourced produce including olive oil and honey. Be sure to pick up a bottle of ouzo to take back home.

Kardamena is the place to be for young groups going out in Kos. Packed full of fun cocktails bars, karaoke bars, English pubs and clubs, the town literally never sleeps as there is a party every night. Whether you like RnB, House or cheesy retro pop, it’s impossible not to have a good time with the party atmosphere. Downtown is a popular bar that churns out a mix of dance and 80s music, while Starlight is Kardamena’s hottest club and is famous for its Saturday night foam parties.

Adrenaline junkies will love the variety of water sports available on the beach, which include water skiing, banana boating, wind surfing and jet skiing. Parascending is a really popular activity. Whether you brave it alone or do it in a pair, it offers the rare opportunity to see Kardamena from above. Those who want to take a slower pace will enjoy taking out a pedalo or kayak and leisurely whiling away the day in the ocean.

The Lido Waterpark is a big hit with young groups looking for a fun filled day out. You can either get one of the buses to the park or organise a day trip through a tour operator. There are a variety of attractions, from giant slides to wave pools, meaning daredevils and easy going types will be equally satisfied. The park’s highlights include the Kamikaze, a high speed water slide 80 meters high and the Black Hole, a 130 meter plunge into darkness, to which scaredy cats should steer clear of.