With almost guaranteed sunshine during the summer months, sandy beaches, nearby islands to explore, and only a 4-hour flight, it’s pretty obvious why Greek island Kos is such a popular destination. Whether you’re holidaying with your partner or best pals, there are plenty of things to do during your stay. That’s if you can tear yourself away from all the incredible Greek food (currently dreaming of ALL the salads, tzatziki, gyros and souvlaki)…
Need some help planning your trip? Let us guide you through our most recent stay on the Dodecanese island as inspiration.
WHERE WE STAYED
OKU Kos is, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammable hotels I’ve been to. Taking inspiration from traditional Greek island architecture with cubic buildings and a village-like feel, its ‘laidback luxury’ aesthetic made me feel instantly relaxed as soon as I arrived. The adults-only beachfront resort is a total hideaway, nestled in the secluded countryside of Marmari on the island’s north coast. From the majorly comfy sun loungers to the rattan and wood interiors, the vibe is effortlessly chic and VERY cool – perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway or a break with your bestie if you simply want to switch off from the outside world (but also take lots of cute photos).
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From classic rooms with garden views to poolside suites and roof terrace rooms with a sea view, there’s something for every guest and a variety of budgets. If you’re travelling in a larger group (and feeling bougie), there are also villas for four people with a private pool.
I stayed in the junior swim-up suite, a spacious room with stone walls, neutral tones, rattan lamps, and a sleek waterfall shower I could only ever dream of having in my flat – my kind of minimalist décor! The patio offers direct access to a shared pool (between one or two other rooms), although I didn’t see my neighbours during my stay, so it felt private. The hammock on the terrace was the perfect peaceful spot for turning my phone on ‘do not disturb’ and getting stuck into a good book.
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The room is heavenly, but you’ll want to spend most of your time around the rest of the resort, listening to chilled music around the pool with the open-plan restaurant and bar just steps away. Or head down a short walkway to OKU’s private sandy beach, where you can relax on cabanas, use complimentary paddleboards or join the daily yoga classes – listening to the waves during beachside yoga was THE most calming experience. At night, spend your evenings sipping delicious Palomas and watching the mesmerising sunsets from OKU’s outdoor terrace – the mountainous backdrop makes it a truly special spot.
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Whether you’re able to splash out on an entire stay here for a special occasion or treat yourself to a couple of nights as part of an extended trip around the island, factoring OKU into your trip will be the best decision you make. Rates at OKU Kos start from €256 (approx £213) based on two sharing a double room on a B&B basis. For more information and to book, head here.
WHAT WE DID
If your plans are, well, to do nothing except relax, I recommend wasting no time booking a massage. We opted for the (blissful!) relaxation massage, but there are many options: from CBD massages and facials to hot stone treatments. OKU’s spa is also equipped with a gym, an area for yoga and pilates classes, indoor pool, hammam and sauna. For date nights there’s also an outdoor cinema in the resort, but we chose to sit on the beach by the fire and wrap up in a blanket with a glass of wine in hand. Living the dream, right?
There’s no better way of exploring what Kos has to offer than a boat trip, so adding it to your to-do list is a must. Venture into the capital, Kos Town (about 20 minutes’ drive from OKU), and head to the harbour. We used ‘KosRentaBoat’ for a private boat trip. There are plenty of sandy beaches, hidden bays and quiet islands to stop off at – and with a boat you have the freedom to swim in the clear, blue water or explore on foot (or both!) We visited Pserimos, Plati and Kalymnos, famous for its sponge-fishing traditions – Vathy in Kalymnos is a beautiful fishing village, not to be missed!
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After a busy day exploring, head into the charming historic Kos Town and find many narrow streets lined with souvenir shops and local tavernas. If nightlife is what you’re after, Kos has it covered with most of its clubs and bars packed into two famous streets in the town – Diakon and Nafklirou. However, we won’t blame you if you want to escape the hustle and bustle early to maximise your (hangover-free) tanning time the next day.
Always had ‘beach horse riding’ on your bucket list? Visit Erica’s farm, a family-run business home to donkeys, ponies, goats, llamas, deer, chickens, ducks and rabbits. Their horse riding treks will take you around Alikes Salt Lake, where you can spot the flock of flamingos that live there! Book the evening slot, trot along the gorgeous Alykes Beach (in Tigaki) and ride into the sea as the sun sets. A truly unforgettable moment.
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Kos is also a handy starting point for exploring other islands or neighbouring Turkey. If you have time, you can get ferries during the summer months to all the islands of the Dodecanese for a Greek island hopping paradise, or from Kos Town to Bodrum in Turkey (which takes around 40 minutes to an hour).
WHERE WE ATE
To Kima Beach Club is OKU’s restaurant, specialising in farm-to-fork dishes inspired by local Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. From mouth-watering salads to mountains of homemade tzatziki and pita to locally sourced meat and fish, any craving you have will be satisfied. The choice at the breakfast buffet is vast, and there are plenty of delicious vegetarian options and a vegan menu. My favourite dishes were the ‘pita gyros’ with tzatziki and souvlaki for lunch and the Aegean sea bass and beef cheeks from the dinner menu. OKU also grows vegetation like olives, mint and rosemary on the complex, which they use in their dishes and cocktails. And just like the rest of the resort, the interiors are stunning!
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If you’re heading into Kos Town, check out Barbouni for incredible seafood dishes in a picturesque setting. The sea-front location near the harbour means you’re dining with stunning views of the boats, ferries and neighbouring Turkey. I’m still thinking about the king crab black ink tagliolini and calamari…
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Top tip
The best time to visit Kos is from around May until October. We visited in mid-May and had blue skies and bikini weather temperatures without feeling unbearably hot. It also didn’t feel too busy around the island so I’d definitely recommend.
The peak months in July and August can get super busy. Traffic can take longer to get anywhere, so factor this in with travelling around the island, and always pre-book a taxi from the airport to avoid long queues in high season.
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