Where to stay in Kos: area guide and 14 reviewed accommodations

Kos is the third-largest island in the Dodecanese and one of Greece's easiest islands for a holiday: flat, with cycling paths, vast sandy beaches, and dozens of hotels of every category. Where to stay in Kos primarily depends on whether you prefer a town with history and vibrant life or an organised resort directly on the beach.

In this guide, we analyse each accommodation area, the real distances from the town and the airport, the profile of each location, and seasonal prices. We also recommend fourteen accommodations that we checked one by one on Booking.com.

Kos at a glance: what you need to know before booking

Kos spans 290 square kilometres, is approximately 45 kilometres long, and has around 36,000 residents. It is the island of Hippocrates: the Asklepieion, three kilometres outside the town, was the most important healing centre in antiquity and remains the island's top attraction.

Kos Town is a rare blend: a Hellenistic Agora and Roman Casa Romana next to a 15th-century Knights' Castle, Ottoman mosques, and Italian interwar buildings. All this is within walking distance, with cycling paths reaching as far as Lambi and Psalidi.

The beaches are divided into three zones. To the northeast, Lambi, Psalidi, and Tigaki have sand, shallow waters, and wind favourable for windsurfing. To the southwest, the large bay of Kardamena and Kefalos hosts the most spectacular sandy beaches, such as Paradise Beach and Agios Stefanos with its Early Christian basilica opposite the islet of Kastri.

Hippocrates Airport is located in the centre of the island, 24 kilometres from Kos Town and just 6 kilometres from Kardamena. The port in Kos Town has daily connections to Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, and Patmos, while the journey to Bodrum takes less than an hour.

Kos's great advantage is that you can truly holiday without a car. The network of cycling paths extends over 20 kilometres around the town, and buses frequently connect the main resorts, especially during the summer months.

Which area to stay in

Kos Town: for history, food, and convenience

The town is the best base for anyone seeking daily life, attractions, and restaurants without a car. It has its own beach in Lambi, a marina, a market, and all connections to the rest of the Dodecanese. Evenings are lively but not deafening, especially if you avoid the bar street.

Psalidi and Agios Fokas: quiet, close to town

Three to six kilometres east, Psalidi and Agios Fokas feature large hotels with swimming pools and views towards Turkey. You're a ten-minute bike ride from the centre, but you'll enjoy absolute tranquillity.

Tigaki and Marmari: for families and shallow waters

To the north, 12 to 15 kilometres from the town, Tigaki and Marmari boast long sandy beaches with very shallow waters, and next to them, the salt lake with flamingos. This is the most popular choice for families with young children.

Kardamena: near the airport, with nightlife

Kardamena is the island's most touristy resort, with a large sandy beach, dozens of restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It's just six kilometres from the airport and offers the best prices for all-inclusive packages.

Kefalos and Paradise Beach: for the most beautiful beaches

At the southwest tip, 40 kilometres from the town, Kefalos bay has the island's most spectacular sandy beaches and sunsets towards Nisyros. You'll need a car if you want to explore, but if your goal is solely the beach, it works perfectly.

14 accommodations we recommend in Kos

The following accommodations were selected based on guest ratings, location relative to the beach and amenities, and value for money. Prices are indicative for a double room during mid-season.

1. Kos Aktis Art Hotel
A modern hotel on the town's seafront promenade, with rooms overlooking the Aegean and an award-winning restaurant.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 190€ per night

2. Kosta Palace
A central hotel next to the marina, with a rooftop pool and views of the Knights' Castle.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 130€ per night

3. Aegean Bay Hotel
A family-friendly hotel near the town beach, with a swimming pool and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 115€ per night

4. Blue Lagoon City Hotel
A hotel with pools and organised services in Kos Town, popular for family rooms.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 140€ per night

5. Maritina Hotel
A classic hotel in a quiet part of town, with a swimming pool and easy walking access to the centre.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 110€ per night

6. Mosay All Suite
A modern all-suite accommodation near Kos Town, with suites featuring private pools for couples.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 250€ per night

7. Theros All Suite (adults only)
Adults-only suites with private pools, for a peaceful holiday by the sea.

• Area: Psalidi
• Average cost: 300€ per night

8. Lango Design Hotel & Spa (adults only)
A designer adults-only hotel with a spa and large pools, near the town beach.

• Area: Kos Town
• Average cost: 230€ per night

9. Grand Blue Beach Hotel
A beachfront hotel in Kardamena, with swimming pools and direct access to the large sandy beach.

• Area: Kardamena
• Average cost: 150€ per night

10. Cabana Blu Hotel & Suites
A modern complex with pools and suites near Kardamena, a good choice for couples and families.

• Area: Kardamena
• Average cost: 200€ per night

11. D'Andrea Lagoon All Suites
Suites with kitchens near Tigaki, ideal for families seeking independence and shallow waters.

• Area: Tigaki
• Average cost: 170€ per night

12. Atlantica Beach Resort Kos
A large resort with all-inclusive options and child-friendly facilities, right on the beach.

• Area: Marmari
• Average cost: 210€ per night

13. Koia All Suite Well Being Resort
Suites focused on well-being with Aegean views, on the western side of the island.

• Area: Kefalos
• Average cost: 290€ per night

14. OKU Kos
A luxurious resort in Marmari with a relaxed aesthetic, large pool, and excellent gastronomy.

• Area: Marmari
• Average cost: 450€ per night

How much does accommodation in Kos cost per season

In May and October, Kos is one of the most affordable destinations in the Aegean, with good four-star hotels from 70 euros. In June and September, prices range from 100 to 160 euros, with full operation across all resorts.

At the peak of July and August, the same hotels go for 160 to 260 euros, while luxury resorts exceed 400 euros. As Kos relies heavily on Northern European charters, early bookings offer significantly greater discounts than on other islands.

Practical tips for your stay

• If you don't rent a car, stay in Kos Town; you can easily cover Lambi, Psalidi, and the Asklepieion by bike.
• For Kefalos and the beaches of the southwest tip, allow forty minutes driving from the town.
• Tigaki and Marmari have very shallow waters, ideal for young children, but often windy in the afternoon.
• Kardamena is convenient for late flights; it's just ten minutes from the airport.
• Many hotels outside the town operate only from April to October; out of season, prefer the town.
• Check if the accommodation offers bicycles; it's the most practical way to get around the northern part.

Read also

See also our guides for Rhodes, Tilos, and Naxos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best area to stay in Kos?

Kos Town for history, food, and holidays without a car; Tigaki and Marmari for families; Kardamena for nightlife near the airport; and Kefalos for the best beaches.

Do I need a car in Kos?

Not necessarily. The town and nearby resorts are covered by bike and bus. You mainly need a car for Kefalos, the mountain villages, and Zia.

How far is Kos Airport from Kos Town?

Approximately 24 kilometres, which is thirty minutes by car. From the airport to Kardamena is just 6 kilometres, and to Kefalos, it's 20 kilometres.

Is Kos suitable for families with children?

Yes, it's one of the most family-friendly islands. Tigaki, Marmari, and Lambi have sand and very shallow waters, and there are many hotels with children's pools and all-inclusive options.

When is the best time to visit Kos?

June and September. The sea is warm, the Meltemi wind is less intense than in August, and prices are noticeably lower.

How many days do I need for Kos?

Five days are enough for the town, the Asklepieion, and the northern beaches. With seven days, you'll also manage to visit Kefalos, Zia, and take a day trip to Nisyros or Kalymnos.