Part of the Dodecanese group of Greek islands that dot the Aegean Sea to the south of Turkey, Kos is a paradise for beach lovers. Revellers will love vibrant resorts such as Kardamena, while those looking for relaxed Greek charm and a place to unwind will enjoy the island’s quieter resorts, such as Psalidi. And for those seeking party nights and peaceful days, Kos Town offers the perfect compromise.

Despite being the island’s main urban area, Kos Town has a great beach. So you don’t have to choose between beach time and staying at the heart of the action. Close to the harbour, Zouroudi, or Town Beach, can however become packed with sun worshippers and swimmers at the height of summer. If you take your beach going seriously, you should therefore consider booking car hire in Kos Town and visiting some of the island’s more famous stretches of sand, including Bubble Beach, Camel Beach and Thermes Beach. It takes less than an hour to drive the length of this small island, so you can tour the whole of Kos with ease.

Kos Town holidays are ideal for visitors looking for a little more to do besides lounging at the water’s edge. The town is the main shopping hub of the island, with a maze of backstreet alleyways concealing wonderful little boutiques and souvenir shops. There’s also culture on tap: sit down with a cup of coffee and drink in the atmosphere of Eleftherias Square before exploring the ancient castle.

Popular boat trips from Kos Town include the ancient city of Bodrum, in Turkey, just 20 minutes across the water. It is a magnet for bargain hunters keen to explore the labyrinth of market stalls.

If you are looking to go all-inclusive, Kos Town has a few hotels that offer round-the-clock dining and drinking, though it’s not a popular concept with hoteliers in these parts. Most hotels in Kos Town offer accommodation on a self-catering or bed-and-breakfast basis, leaving you free to sample the many traditional tavernas and international restaurants offering tasty cuisine at reasonable prices.

It’s easy to compare deals on package holidays to Kos Town; simply use the search tool on TravelSupermarket and sit back with a cuppa while we show you a range of fantastic offers. 

The most popular months for travel to Kos are July and August, when average daytime temperatures linger around 30C. June and September are also hot and dry, while there are slightly milder day and night temperatures in late April/early May and early October.

Cheap holidays to Kos Town are available throughout the season, though you can often find even cheaper holiday deals outside the peak months of July and August. 

Feast of St George (Agios Georgios); April: Festivities (usually drinking and traditional dancing) take place at the very beginning of the tourism season. In Pyli/Pili, which is 20 minutes by road from Kos Town, visitors are also treated to the spectacle of thrilling horse races.

Hippocratia Festival; July: As the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, Kos makes an effort to celebrate each year. There are concerts, folklore shows, workshops and much more for all the family.

Mastichari Wine Festival; August: If you decide to hire a car it will take only 25 minutes to reach the village of Mastichari, where island-made wine flows freely at the annual wine festival. 

Romance: Take a sunset cruise from the harbour and drape a bronzed arm around your other half as the sun disappears over the Aegean Sea.

Active types: Windsurfing is popular around Kos Town and you can get instruction if you are new to it. On dry land, horse-riding excursions can easily be arranged.

Nightlife: Kardamena, party central on Kos, is just a 30-minute drive away. However, when the sun sets on Kos Town, lively Bar Street provides more than enough bar stools and comfortable sofas to perch on for a drink or two. There are also plenty of other bars around town, as well as a handful of nightclubs.