Why Kos
From the best kite spots to our favourite restaurants and the most beautiful places – we share what makes Kos so special to us.
Kite spots
In summer Kos is a true strong-wind spot with very reliable conditions – 30 knots and more are the rule rather than the exception, so bring small kites. The Meltemi blows from the north, so our three favourite spots are all on the north coast.
Our absolute favourite! A natural beach with no sun loungers. During the Meltemi it has the strongest wind on the island – thanks to the funnel effect of the islands Pserimos and Kalymnos offshore. Never too crowded and worth a trip even without wind. Park right behind the dunes: drive past the salt lake on the left and follow the gravel track to the water.
In the south-west, at the narrowest point of Kos. Great conditions on the north side during a northerly Meltemi. After several days of strong wind in summer, a lovely wave builds – a dream for wave riders. Designated kite area (fee), with sun umbrellas and loungers. A wonderful natural beach.
At the hotel of the same name near Mastichari. Works best when the wind turns westerly: a bit of shore break, then a wave on the sandbank. Large launching area. At Pepe’s you can rent gear and book lessons – plus refreshments, a shower and a compressor.
Restaurants
From an oasis in the old town to a beach restaurant at sunset – these are the places we love to eat and drink.
Just steps from the bustle of the old town – an oasis of calm under vines, with soft piano music and a trickling waterfall. Personal welcome, great service. Be sure to try the tuna steak (medium) – the best on the island. Book in high season.
A beach restaurant in a dream setting in the dunes between Marmari and Mastichari. Stylish, laid-back vibe, lounge music, open views of the sea and the sunset behind Kalymnos. Excellent food at a fair price. Book a table on the beachfront.
Perfect for a dinner for two. A multi-award-winning restaurant with a cocktail bar in a historic building by the beach. A little upscale, but with many “compliments from the kitchen” and an exquisite, well-stocked wine list – home to our favourite wine, “Acrani”.
On the edge of the old town. The best burgers in town, a highly recommended Caesar salad, friendly staff, great value. No reservation needed.
Just east of the big marina in Kos town, right by the sea. Top service, a little pricier but really good. Our tip: the Japanese Caesar salad and the sushi. Book in season.
A little insider tip beyond Mastichari – an unassuming sign leads you across a field straight to the sea. A breathtaking spot on the cliffs, simple interior, friendly staff, tasty food and spectacular sunsets.
Just a 15-minute walk (or a few minutes by car/scooter) from the Soulbreeze Bungalows – a tasty fish restaurant right by the sea. Usually no reservation needed.
A ten-minute drive away on the beach in Tigaki. Modern setting with laid-back DJ music. Vincent will serve you warmly and attentively. No reservation needed.
In the west of the island, a little off the tourist trail – an institution on Kos for over 90 years. A huge choice of cuts, freshly sliced daily and superbly prepared; vegetarians are spoilt too. Large wine selection, reservation recommended.
Steakhouse and grill in Kos town, run by passionate butchers and chefs. A range of premium cuts (Black Angus, ribeye), superbly grilled – plus perhaps the best burgers on the island, crisp country fries and fresh salads. Booking recommended in season.
Charming brunch café in the old town of Kos – sweet and savoury bites, good coffee, laid-back vibe. Our tip for a peaceful start to the day or a slice of cake in the afternoon.
Popular bakery & patisserie in Kos town (Vasileos Georgiou V’) – huge selection of cakes, wonderful ice cream and a really good breakfast. Ranked #1 among the town’s bakeries on Tripadvisor. Can get busy around midday.
Traditional taverna in the mountain village of Asfendiou, just 1.5 km from Zia. Greek classics with fresh ingredients, warm welcome, a lovely outdoor setting next to a small church – and a beautiful sunset. Perfect for an evening in the hills.
A real insider tip: an abandoned mountain village above Agios Dimitrios, where the café has been lovingly restored and runs entirely on solar power. Greek meze with sea views, and live music under the stars on Friday and Sunday evenings – unforgettable.
Small café-bar in the middle of Kos town (near the cathedral) – our recommendation for the whole day: fluffy pancakes, great omelettes, really good coffee. Charming vibe, friendly staff, consistently top-rated.
Family-run winery at the foot of Mount Dikeos, with views all the way to Bodrum. Tastings of white, rosé and red wines, paired with local cheeses, charcuterie and olives. Tours run several times a day – a peaceful afternoon away from the hustle.
Favourite places
This collection is still growing – for now, a few places on Kos you shouldn’t miss.
Near Kefalos: the ruins of an early-Christian basilica and, opposite, the islet of Kastri with its little white-and-blue chapel – one of the island’s most beautiful photo spots.
A mountain village on the slopes of Dikeos, home to perhaps the most famous sunset on Kos – on a clear day all the way to the neighbouring islands.
Palm-lined avenues, a Venetian fortress and lively lanes – especially atmospheric in the evening.
An abandoned Byzantine mountain village with the ruins of an 11th-century fortress – a short walk up, rewarded with sweeping views over the north of the island.
At 846 m, the highest peak on Kos. For hikers, the summit offers a cross, a small chapel and – on a clear day – views all the way to the Turkish coast.
A 14th-century Knights’ fortress. From its walls a wide view opens over the south coast – quiet, unspoilt, hardly touristy.
Ancient sanctuary from the 4th century BC, where Hippocrates once taught. Built on three terraces overlooking Kos town and the Aegean – one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Beautifully preserved Roman villa in the heart of Kos town – 36 rooms, elegant mosaics and frescoes reveal how luxuriously people lived here 2,000 years ago.