The Greek island of Kos has hauntingly beautiful beaches, secluded swathes of sand and a lively atmosphere. The stunning views don't stop at the sea, either: you can explore charming old villages and hillsides covered with wildflowers, while majestic mountains provide the perfect backdrop to every scene. When it comes to hotels and resorts, there's plenty to choose from: think fun-filled family holidays at the Atlantica Porto Bello Beach Hotel and indulgent, luxurious getaways at the Dimitra Beach Resort.
Whether you're looking for a wedding venue or a family holiday, the Holiday Village Kos can cater for all. With three pools, a full roster of sports and activities and a beach right on its doorstep, there's plenty to fill your day with. The pools are a highlight: choose from a lake-style one, an activity pool and a splash park for kids. The on-site restaurants are great and have plenty of variety – there's a stone grill, American diner and authentic Greek food.
This pretty hotel is run by a welcoming Greek couple, who'll help make your stay fantastic. As its name suggests, you're just a few steps from Nirides Beach and 500m from Psalidi Beach. Situated just outside Kos Town, you can enjoy a quieter setting while still being within walking distance to bars and restaurants. The hotel's restaurant serves up local produce and traditional, delicious dishes. There's a great pool on-site, as well as a smaller pool for kids.
The Atlantica Porto Bello Royal Hotel has everything you could possibly want for a great holiday: 14 pools, an open-air amphitheatre, spa and beauty salons, a water-sports centre with canoes, a range of restaurants and a beach just a few steps from the grounds. Not only will you enjoy top-class facilities, but the views over the Aegean Sea are superb, too. The rooms – or suites – are the height of luxury, and some even come with their own private pool.
The Blue Lagoon Resort has the location, facilities and style to accommodate anything from an indulgent, relaxing break to an action-packed family holiday. It's 75m from a long sand-and-shingle beach and a 10-minute drive to the centre of Kos Town. The resort has a huge number of pools: everything from adults-only and lazy rivers to spas and kids' splash parks. Food-wise, you can try the buffet restaurant and Greek and grill speciality place as well as the crepe station and a la carte.
This grand hotel looks like a Venetian castle and is set in beautiful grounds. It has two pools: one larger one with whirlpool baths and water-jets, and another with a swim-up bar that serves cocktails. Platanista Hotel is across the road from the beach and a short walk to shops, bars and restaurants in Kos Town. It also has its own taverna that specialises in local dishes as well as international foods. There's plenty of sports and activities to enjoy, including a mini-golf course.
There's no better place to stay for an awesome family holiday: this hotel has its very own waterpark and is situated right on a sandy beach. There are four restaurants to choose from, as well as a spa and amphitheatre – but the hotel's highlight is its waterpark. You've got a huge number of slides and rides to choose from, a splash zone for little ones, a lazy river and a giant pool to enjoy. There's even a water sports centre where you can hire canoes and pedalos.
The Poseidon Hotel and Apartments is ideal to let you explore all that Kos has to offer. You're a 10-minute walk to Kos Town and the beach, and the welcoming staff always have great recommendations. On site, you'll find a small pool, laid-back evening entertainment and regular barbecue nights. Despite being so close to Kos Town's range of restaurants, the Poseidon's traditional barbecues serve up some of the best Greek and Mediterranean flavours.
With the beach a few minutes' walk away and gorgeous views over the sea, mountains or manicured gardens, the Atlantica Thalassa Hotel is the place to go for a relaxing, quiet break. The sandy beach comes with a hazy backdrop of the mountains, while back at the hotel, you'll find a pool-side bar, a large sun terrace, buffet restaurant and an open-air stage. The rooms are simple yet stylish – and they all come with balconies and superb views.
From its stunning views over the water to its great facilities and activities, the Kipriotis Village Resort is a fun, relaxing place to stay. There are four huge outdoor pools and one indoor pool, as well as waterslides and a poolside sun terrace. There's a pebble beach just a short walk from the hotel gardens and regular buses to Kos Town. The resort has five bars, Greek and Italian restaurants, grill nights and a hot dog corner.
The Dimitra Beach Resort has everything: its own private beach, four bars, three restaurants and gorgeous views. Set up on the hillside, you can spend balmy evenings overlooking the Aegean Sea. And even when you're in the pool – or hot tubs – you can enjoy the views and sip on cocktails from the swim-up bar. There's a kids' club to amuse younger guests, while adults can enjoy the spa facilities of the neighbouring hotel.