Cheap holidays from Bournemouth to Kos, Greece

Kos, Greece

Kos (sometimes known as Cos) is a Greek island in the Dodecanese, just four kilometres off the coast of Bodrum, Turkey. The island is bordered by the Karpathian Sea and its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of luxury and cheap hotels, and excellent flight deals, have made it a favourite holiday destination for families, couples, and singles alike.

Kos Holidays

The main town on the island is also called Kos. A pretty port with whitewashed buildings and a quaint harbour, it is also the location of 'barstreet,' where many of the popular hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs are situated. Kardamena is a favourite resort for couples and singles as it has a large number of bars and nightclubs, and a good range of cheap hotels. Package holiday operators offer cheap holidays and travel deals to both Kos town and Kardamena, so if you're looking for cheap family holidays you’re sure to find them on Kos.

In addition to its exciting nightlife, Kos town has a fascinating history. The fortress at the harbour entrance, known as The Castle, dates back to 1315, and other notable historic sites include the Agora, the Western Ruins, the Odeon, and the restored Roman Villa. Kos town is also thought to have been the birthplace of Hippocrates and you can still see the tree under which he taught medicine in the main square.

Culture and Sightseeing on Kos

The island of Kos is famous for its beaches, and has an incredible one hundred and twelve kilometres of coastline. The best beaches on Kos include Tigaki, Paradise, Camel, and Kefalos. The quality of the island's beaches makes it a great destination for a cheap family holiday by the sea, but there is much more to a holiday on Kos than the beach and the nightlife.

The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Italians all left their mark on the history and culture of Kos. Ancient Greek temples, theatres, and other monuments can still be seen throughout the island. Other sites of historical and cultural importance include Antimachia's traditional windmills, spread amongst the ruins of its Venetian castle, and the Asklepieion, an impressive group of now partially ruined buildings which was a famous centre of healing in the ancient world.

Turkey is just half an hour away by boat, and Rhodes is within easy reach for a day trip. Ferries and hydrofoils run regularly between Kos and the neighbouring islands, but if you're looking for a more romantic or adventurous holiday, you could also hire your own sailing boat.

Hiring a car will also allow you to discover the more authentic Kos, with its quiet hillside farms and fields of wheat and corn. Farming is important to the economy of Kos, and figs, grapes, almonds, and olives all grow well in its fertile soil. This is reflected in the island’s cuisine and in its festivals. The Honey Festival in Antimachia, Ouzo Festival in Kefalos, and the Fish Festival in Mastichari and Kardamena all offer an authentic taste of Greece.