Holidays to Kos Town mean first-class heritage sights, a walk-to beach, and buzzing nightlife.

A meeting of old and new

Set on the northeast coast of Kos island, the capital Kos Town wears its history well. The Romans, Ottomans and Italians have all left their stamp here in the architecture and ruins, while a 15th-century castle plays up to the resort’s Medieval roots. There’s plenty of room for modern Greece, too, as you’ll see in the lively bars and harbour-side restaurants. There’s a beach in the centre of town, too.

A town centre beach

Zouroudi Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles and sits in front of the castle’s Medieval walls. Cafés and restaurants are close by, which makes it very popular. There’s also a second, bigger beach just north of the harbour. If you’re looking for an uncrowded stretch, though, a 20-minute walk takes you to the shingly shores of Psalidi.

History on the doorstep

Kos Town is big on heritage. There’s the impressive Castle of Neratzia, built by the Knights Templar, which dominates the harbour front. Nearby is the town’s landmark plane tree, like the one Hippocrates used to teach under. Around town you’ll come across Roman ruins, while about 4 kilometres to the west you’ll find the remains of the Asklepion, a Greek sanatorium.

Daytrips to Bodrum Town

Holidays to Kos Town get you a 2-country deal – 20 minutes by ferry and you can be in Bodrum Town in Turkey. Here too, there’s a waterfront castle. This one’s a 14th-century Ottoman number with ramparts, dungeons and towers to explore, and it also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaelogy, complete with a very old shipwreck. Elsewhere, there are marina boutiques and lively night-time bars.