Offering something for all ages and tastes Kos is a great base from which to explore other Greek islands such as Rhodes or Kalymnos, even Turkey is easily accessable with day trips heading off on a daily basis for you to stock up on your designer leather goods. Holiday makers attraction to the island is mainly due to the stunning sandy beaches and secluded coves most of which offer great water sports. Getting around on is pretty easy and the main methods of transport are the bicycle or the moped, if you do decide to hire the latter of the two then please be sure to wear your helmet as there are many fatalities every year due to careless use of these bikes, although if driven sensibly they are a great way of seeing what this pretty island has to offer, letting you reach some of the more traditional out of the way villages away from the usual touristy resorts.

If you have come here to party then you have a choice of two resorts either cosmopolitan Kos town with its stunning harbour area filled with lively cafe bars and restaurants or the fast growing resort of Kardamena with its long sandy beach, great for watersports, bursting to life at night with British style pubs and bars making it a young clubbers paradise. For relaxation the sleepy village of Kefalos would be the ideal choice, nighlife here is pretty low key mainly centred around the local tavernas and restaurants where you can while away your evenings after a lazy day on the long sand and shingle beach.

You wont be stuck for something to do on Kos with plenty of excursions on offer such as a boat trip to the enchanting island of Nisyros, wonder the capitals narrow cobbled streets until you reach the Monastry of Madonna of the caves or for the really adventuras take a walk amongst the hot craters of a dormant/active volcanoe, that's if you can put up with the pungent smell of the sulphur. A must while you are here is to attend a traditional Greek night, eat locally prepared meze and fill up on the wine before you join in with the dancing and smash plates until your heart is content. If the children ever tire of splashing in the warm shallow waters or building castles in the sand then a trip to the water park usually keeps them happy, Shape water park however is small in comparison to other water parks in Greece so do not expect too much, but there are still enough waterslides, flumes and chutes to keep most people happy, if the idea of getting wet is not on your agenda leave the kids to it while you browse the shops or keep cool one of the bars.

When shopping for souvenirs in Kos it is sometimes better to head for the smaller villages where you are more likely to find true local produce such as sweet honey, spices and good local wine. Pottery, weaving or embroidery are some of the good local buys and if you are lucky you may even get to see it been painstackingly hand made by the local craftsmen.

FLIGHT TIME

APPROX 4 HRS

PASSPORT INFORMATION

You need at least 3 months on a 10 year British passport from the date of return. Please note that passport and visa requirements change regularly so check with the local embassy prior to travel.