Kos combines long sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and lively seaside villages in a compact, easy to explore island. Choosing where to stay will shape what kind of holiday you have, whether it is culture filled days in Kos Town, big resort relaxation in Tigaki, or quiet village life in Mastichari.
This guide breaks down the best areas on the island, who they suit, and highlights noteworthy hotels in each so you can match your base to your travel style and budget.
Kos Town: Best for First Timers, Culture and Nightlife
Kos Town is the island’s main hub and the most versatile place to stay. Here you are close to historic sites, the main harbor, shopping streets and the most varied choice of bars and restaurants.
It suits first time visitors who want to sample everything without hiring a car, as well as couples who enjoy dining out and evening strolls by the marina.
Why Stay in Kos Town
Staying in Kos Town means you can explore much of the island’s history on foot. The medieval Neratzia Castle, the ancient agora, Roman ruins and several small museums sit within a short walk of each other. You can mix sightseeing with café stops under plane trees and return to your hotel easily during the heat of the day.
Evenings in town are lively but not overwhelming. There is a compact bar district for those who want a late night, while the waterfront and Old Town streets offer quieter tavernas and wine bars.
Ferry connections and excursion boats depart from the port, so day trips to nearby islands are simple if you are based here.
Recommended Hotels in Kos Town
Kos Town offers everything from contemporary design hotels to simple family run pensions.
Most properties lie either around the harbor and Old Town, or along the coastal road heading toward Lambi Beach.
- Stylish adults focused hotels with rooftop pools and sea views, ideal for couples who value design and location.
- Mid range hotels near the marina that balance comfort and price, often including pools and generous breakfasts.
- Smaller guesthouses tucked into the Old Town streets for travelers who want character and are comfortable with a little street noise.
Beaches directly in town are serviceable rather than spectacular, but several hotels compensate with good pools.
If you plan to spend most days exploring or out on excursions, this trade off is usually worthwhile for the convenience of staying in the capital.
Tigaki and Marmari: Family Friendly Beach Resorts
North coast neighbors Tigaki and Marmari are among the best areas for a classic beach holiday. Long, soft sand, shallow water and big resort style hotels make them particularly popular with families.
Tigaki is larger and more developed, while Marmari has a quieter, almost countryside feel just behind the dunes.
Tigaki: Long Sandy Beach and Easy Comfort
Tigaki stretches behind one of the longest beaches on Kos, roughly 10 kilometers of pale sand and mostly shallow sea. This combination is ideal for children and for anyone who wants to spend most days by the water with minimal planning.
The resort itself is a single strip of hotels, shops and tavernas that feels purpose built for holidays in a positive way.
Most accommodation here consists of mid to large scale resort hotels and apartment complexes set back from the beach.
Many come with multiple pools, kids’ clubs and on site entertainment. Self catering apartments are also common for families who want kitchen facilities and a bit more space.
Notable Hotels in Tigaki
Recent hotel lineups in Tigaki highlight a mix of polished beachfront resorts and strong value family properties slightly inland.
Several four and five star resorts offer water slides, spa facilities and all inclusive packages, while smaller three star hotels provide a more low key ambiance.
- Beachfront resorts suited to families, with shallow children’s pools, playgrounds and buffet dining.
- Contemporary hotels on the main road offering a quieter base within walking distance of the sea.
- Apartment complexes that are popular with repeat visitors who appreciate self catering convenience.
For most visitors, Tigaki’s appeal is straightforward. You check in, settle into a comfortable room, and step out daily to an easy, safe beach.
Kos Town is about 15 minutes away by bus or taxi for occasional excursions, which keeps evenings flexible.
Marmari: Quieter North Coast Escape
Marmari lies a short drive west of Tigaki but feels significantly calmer. The beach remains wide and sandy, though it can be breezier, which attracts kitesurfers.
Behind the seafront, low key lanes, small hotels and fields create a village backdrop that suits travelers who want a slower rhythm without being far from the island’s main sights.
Accommodation in Marmari tends to be clusters of mid sized resort hotels and a few boutique style properties set among gardens. Many sit directly on or very close to the beach, with pools positioned to maximize sunset views over the sea.
Because nightlife is limited to a handful of relaxed bars and hotel entertainment, Marmari is best for families who are content with early nights, couples seeking peace, and nature lovers who appreciate walks near the Alykes salt marsh and surrounding countryside.
Kardamena: Nightlife Hub and All Inclusive Resorts
Kardamena on the south coast is Kos’s main party resort and also home to several of the island’s largest all inclusive hotels.
It was once a small fishing village and the harbor area still has local touches, but the center has evolved into a strip of bars, clubs and late opening venues that draw a young international crowd in summer.
Who Kardamena Suits
Travelers who want long nights, beach parties, and a wide choice of inexpensive bars naturally gravitate to Kardamena.
The central streets can be noisy into the early hours between June and September, so this is not the best place for light sleepers or those with small children who prefer quiet evenings.
At the same time, modern all inclusive resorts have sprung up on the outskirts and along the coast outside the main strip. These hotels effectively form self contained enclaves with their own pools, restaurants and family activities, giving guests an alternative experience to the downtown nightlife even while sharing the same area.
Accommodation Types in Kardamena
In the heart of Kardamena, you will find small budget hotels, simple apartments and rooms above bars that attract groups of friends and younger travelers.
These places trade luxury for location and low prices, but they put you steps from the sea and nightlife.
Further along the coast, large resort complexes and family focused hotels line quieter stretches of beach. These typically feature multiple pools, dedicated children’s areas, sports courts and evening shows on site.
- Adults oriented properties near the village center, convenient for nightlife oriented trips.
- Family resorts with all inclusive options, kids’ clubs and direct beach access.
- Mid range seafront hotels that suit couples wanting facilities without the full resort feel.
Because Kardamena sits close to the island’s airport, transfer times are short. Boat trips to nearby islands and beach excursions depart from the local harbor, giving an additional reason to base yourself here if you like variety alongside nightlife.
Mastichari: Laid Back Port Village With Character
Mastichari on the northwest coast balances tourism with a still tangible village identity. It faces a wide sandy beach and has a small port with frequent boats to Kalymnos, which keeps a sense of everyday local life alongside visitors.
The atmosphere is slower than in Kos Town or Kardamena, making it a strong choice for couples and families who value authenticity.
The Feel of Mastichari
Mastichari’s seafront is lined with tavernas serving freshly caught fish and local dishes, particularly busy around sunset as both locals and visitors dine facing the sea.
Back from the shore, a grid of quiet streets holds small shops, bakeries and low rise accommodation. It is easily walkable, so you rarely need more than a few minutes to reach the beach from your room.
The area is also known for reliable winds in summer, which attract windsurfers and kitesurfers. The beach can have a livelier sea than the north coast’s more sheltered bays, which many swimmers find refreshing, although it may not always be ideal for very young children.
Where to Stay in Mastichari
Accommodation in Mastichari skews towards small to mid sized hotels, apartment houses and a handful of resort style properties set just outside the main village.
The range suits travelers who prefer independent places rather than large branded chains.
- Beachfront hotels offering simple, bright rooms and friendly service, ideal for couples who spend most of the day outside.
- Self catering apartments a street or two back from the sea, popular with families and longer stay guests.
- Family resorts a short drive from the village that combine extensive pool areas with easy access to Mastichari’s tavernas and port.
Mastichari is also a practical base if you plan island hopping. Regular ferries to Kalymnos depart from the local port, and day trips to nearby islets are easy to arrange.
The airport is around 10 minutes away by car, which keeps arrival and departure straightforward.
Kefalos and Kamari Bay: For Stunning Beaches and Quiet Nights
At the southwestern tip of Kos, Kefalos and the adjoining Kamari Bay area provide some of the island’s most photogenic coastal scenery.
White sand coves, rocky headlands and the tiny islet of Kastri offshore create a postcard backdrop. The trade off is that this corner of the island feels remote, with limited nightlife and longer driving times to other regions.
Kefalos Village and Kamari Beach
The traditional village of Kefalos sits on a hill overlooking Kamari Bay. Narrow streets, small squares and older houses give a distinctly local feel here compared with purpose built resorts elsewhere on the island. Below, around the curve of Kamari Bay, a string of hotels, tavernas and beach bars line the waterfront.
Visitors who choose this area often split their time between the atmospheric upper village and the easier beach life in Kamari.
Walking between the two is possible if you are comfortable with hills, but most people use local buses or hire a car, especially in the heat of summer.
Beaches Around Kefalos
Several of Kos’s best known beaches lie a short drive from Kefalos and Kamari Bay. Paradise Beach, Camel Beach and the shore by the ruins at Agios Stefanos are regular fixtures in island photo galleries.
Water here is usually clear and inviting, with a mix of organized sections offering sunbeds and wilder stretches where you can spread a towel on the sand.
The area appeals strongly to travelers who prioritize swimming, snorkelling and unhurried days by the sea over shopping and nightlife. With a car, you can also explore smaller coves and viewpoints around the Kefalos peninsula, including quieter spots such as Mikro Limanaki.
Accommodation Choices in Kefalos and Kamari
Most hotels and apartments cluster along Kamari Bay, with a few properties also scattered between Kefalos village and nearby beaches. The scale is smaller than in the north coast resorts; you will find many family run places with longstanding repeat guests.
- Beachfront hotels steps from the water, some with pools positioned to look out across the bay to Kastri islet.
- Studios and apartments geared to independent travelers who want kitchenettes and flexibility.
- Simple pensions in Kefalos village itself, suitable for those who prioritize atmosphere over facilities.
Because of its distance from Kos Town and other major resorts, Kefalos is best suited to visitors who are comfortable hiring a car or who are happy to spend most of their stay in this one corner of the island.
How to Choose the Right Area in Kos for Your Trip
With several appealing bases, narrowing down where to stay in Kos comes down to your priorities. Different parts of the island cater to different styles of travel, from party weeks with friends to multi generational family holidays, romantic breaks or solo escapes.
Match the Area to Your Travel Style
Think first about what you want to do most days. If you picture yourselves visiting ancient sites, café hopping, and taking boat trips, Kos Town is the obvious answer.
If beach time is essential and you are traveling with children, Tigaki or Marmari will keep logistics simple.
- For nightlife and a younger crowd: Kardamena and parts of Kos Town.
- For family friendly resorts and shallow beaches: Tigaki, Marmari, and some of the larger resorts outside Kardamena.
- For a traditional village feel: Mastichari or Kefalos.
- For the island’s best beaches and quiet nights: Kefalos and the southwest coast.
Consider transport too. Those who do not want to rent a car will find life easier in Kos Town, Tigaki, or Kardamena, where bus links are stronger. More remote areas are wonderfully peaceful but require more planning for day trips and evenings out.
Budget and Seasonality
Prices in Kos vary by area and by season. Kos Town and the most in demand beachfront resorts command higher rates in July and August, while Kefalos and Mastichari can offer slightly better value at the same time.
All inclusive resorts around Kardamena often have competitive packages that appeal to families watching costs closely.
Visiting in shoulder seasons such as May, early June, September and early October softens prices and brings a more relaxed mood to most resorts.
The sea is usually warm enough for swimming from late May through October, though services in smaller villages can start winding down towards the end of the season.
The Takeaway
Where you stay in Kos will define how you experience the island. Kos Town is the natural choice for a balanced first visit, combining history, dining and nightlife.
Tigaki and Marmari deliver the classic family resort package on long sandy beaches, while Kardamena suits party oriented holidays and those who like big all inclusive hotels.
Mastichari offers a slower, more local feel with easy sea connections, and Kefalos rewards those who travel further with some of the best scenery on the island.
By weighing up how much you value nightlife, beach quality, local atmosphere and convenience, you can select a base that feels tailored to your trip.
With relatively short distances between most resorts, you can still explore broadly, but choosing the right home base will turn a good holiday in Kos into a great one.
FAQ
Q1. What is the best area to stay in Kos for a first time visitor?
For a first trip, Kos Town is usually the best base because it combines easy transport, historical sites, varied restaurants and a range of accommodation, allowing you to sample different parts of the island on day trips.
Q2. Which part of Kos is best for families with young children?
Tigaki is particularly popular with families thanks to its long, shallow sandy beach and resort style hotels, while Marmari and some family resorts near Kardamena also work well for child friendly holidays.
Q3. Where should I stay in Kos for nightlife?
Kardamena is the main nightlife hub, with a dense strip of bars and clubs that stays busy well into the night in summer, while Kos Town offers a more mixed scene of bars, tavernas and a smaller late night district.
Q4. Which area has the best beaches on Kos?
The southwest around Kefalos and Kamari Bay, including Paradise Beach and the coves near Agios Stefanos, is widely regarded as having some of the finest beaches on the island with clear water and dramatic views.
Q5. Is Kos Town a good place to stay for beach holidays?
Kos Town itself has usable beaches and many hotels with pools, but the sand and sea are generally better in Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari or Kefalos, so many visitors based in town take short trips to those areas for beach days.
Q6. Do I need a car if I stay in Kos Town?
You do not need a car in Kos Town for everyday activities because most sights, restaurants and the harbor are walkable and buses run to major resorts, but renting a car for a day or two lets you explore the island more freely.
Q7. Which area is best for a quiet, romantic stay?
Couples often choose Mastichari for its laid back port village atmosphere or Kefalos for sea views and quiet beaches, while some boutique style hotels on the outskirts of Kos Town or Tigaki also cater specifically to adults.
Q8. What is the most budget friendly area in Kos?
Kardamena has many affordable apartments and simple hotels, especially for groups, and Kefalos also offers good value family run accommodation, particularly outside the peak weeks of July and August.
Q9. How far is Kefalos from Kos Town and is it too remote?
Kefalos is around 40 to 45 kilometers from Kos Town, roughly a 45 minute drive, which makes it feel more remote, so it suits visitors willing to hire a car or those content to spend most of their time enjoying the local beaches.
Q10. When is the best time of year to visit Kos for good weather and fewer crowds?
Late May, June, September and early October are ideal, with warm weather, swimmable sea temperatures and fewer crowds than in the peak holiday weeks of late July and August, while prices are often more favorable as well.