This past weekend, Ciara and I rolled the dice and tried a “blind booking” program offered by the European airline Eurowings. The concept is simple: you choose a category of vacation activities, like beach getaways or cityscapes, then input your available dates. From there, the airline picks your destination and duration. Having just spent two weekends hiking in Switzerland, we opted for the “Greece Island” category. We narrowed our selection down to Athens, Thessaloniki, and the Island of Kos in Greece.

You can imagine our delight when we scored two round-trip tickets to Kos, Greece, for just $110—during Europe’s high travel season, no less. And to make it even better, we booked the trip just 48 hours before departure. The only downside was that we’d only be there for two nights. But two nights in Greece is better than two weeks in Stuttgart; so we took it!

First Impressions of Kos Island, Greece

As we stepped off the plane onto Kos, one of the more popular islands in Greece, the sun had just begun to set over the Mediterranean. Having previously visited Zakynthos and Corfu, we knew this feeling all too well—the feeling of walking into paradise. Our bliss was short-lived when we encountered a lengthy delay with the rental car service, but once we finally settled down for a traditional Greek meal of moussaka and a Greek salad, our remaining stress quickly melted away.

Morning Bliss by the Sea

We hadn’t had much time to research the island of Kos in Greece before our trip. Can you blame us though? We only had 48 hours’ notice! However, this wasn’t our first rodeo on a Greek island. We knew what to expect: white sandy beaches, delicious food, warm hospitality, and a charming old town. Long story short: Kos exceeded our expectations on all fronts.

On our first full day, we decided to keep things simple by starting with a morning swim. Our hotel was just 80 feet from the beach, and we wasted no time heading there. An unattended sunbed called our names, so we set our things down and took a refreshing dip in the ocean. The water was the perfect temperature, with crystal-clear visibility—just what you’d expect from a Greek island in midsummer.

As the waves slowly rocked Ciara and I back and forth, I completely forgot about my previous week. All my worries about my upcoming PCS seemed to vanish completely. It’s amazing how something as simple as waves lapping against your back while the sun kisses your front can eject you from reality.

A Relaxing Start to the Day

After our swim, our stomachs reminded us it was time for breakfast. We walked back to the hotel for a cup of coffee and a freshly prepared meal. Satiated but still not ready to explore, we made our way to the pool deck for some sunbathing. The combination of warm sun, a cool breeze, and the serene atmosphere was just what we needed to further unwind.

Before long, the many hours of sleep I gave up during the previous week came knocking; looking for answers. I graciously let them in and dozed off to the quiet ambiance of a few friends playing in the pool and Ciara flipping the pages of her book.

Exploring Therma Beach: A Hidden Gem

Once we were both fully relaxed, we decided it was time to explore one of Kos’ famous beaches. As I did a quick google search for popular beaches, one kept topping the lists: Therma Beach. Why? The natural hot spring that poured directly our of the rocks and into the sea.

Located about 35 minutes from our hotel, the beach sounded like the perfect spot to spend the day. So, we set out on our journey. Cruising along the twisty turns of Kos’ coastline while the sea air rolled in through our windows was subline. Deep house remixes eased out of our Fiat’s speakers while the sun tanned my left arm; it was perfect.

As we arrived at Therma Beach, I wasn’t sure what to be more surprised by: the goats climbing the cliff walls or the smell of sulfur in the air. The beach itself was stunning, with hot spring water flowing directly from the sand into the sea, creating the perfect mix of hot and cold. We found a shady spot under a rock overhang and settled in for the day.

A Unique Experience at Therma Beach

You might think laying in a hot spring on an island in Greece in early August (specifically on Kos) might sound unbearable. I’m happy to report just the opposite. In fact, it’s probably the combination you didn’t know you needed until you’ve experienced it.

The combination of the hot spring and the cool ocean water created a perfect balance. People from all walks of life sat peacefully in a loose semi-circle, worries melting away simultaneously. Ciara and I joined the mix of locals and tourists, instantly knowing we had found the ideal spot to spend the day.

Whenever the hot water became too much, we’d simply scoot back a few inches until the chilly ocean water cooled us off. If we felt goosebumps on our arms or legs, we’d inch closer to the hot spring source. It was a new experience for us, and one we were grateful to have.

Usually, with all of my travels around Europe, I don’t like to stay in one place for too long. In fact, I see it as kind of “wasting” the vacation if all you do is visit one spot. At first, this Kos island in Greece was not above that thought logic. Yet, as the day cruised on, Therma beach taught me a new lesson: when you have something as good in front of you, just enjoy it. We spent six hours switching between the hot spring pool, napping, and snorkeling, reaffirming our belief that Greece is truly paradise.

Discovering Kos Town in Greece: A Night of Island Delights

As the sun began to set behind the cliff walls (still covered in goats), we decided to head back to the hotel. Showered and cleaned up, we made our way back into Kos town. We were simply blown away by the energy of this tiny city. The nightlife was vibrant, with live music in various restaurants and a handful of street food vendors.

What commanded our attention though were the dozens of large wooden ships in the harbor, all lit up like the 4th of July. It was the most amazing night life scene in all of Greece,! I’ve experienced the nightlife in Athens, but I have to say, Kos does it better.

That night, Ciara and I discovered Meze, or Greek tapas. The restaurant we chose served small dishes meant to accompany your drinks—not the other way around. As Ciara adequately put it, they were “food chasers”. We enjoyed moussaka, meatballs, dolmades, tzatziki with hummus, Greek salads, and more.

My favorite was the Berki Meze, a slow-roasted and marinated chicken dish in a mouthwatering sauce with a hint of heat. We ended the night with deep conversations and a stroll through the old town before heading back to the hotel to sleep off our food comas.

Extending Our Stay in Paradise

Saturday morning arrived much too soon, and our flight was scheduled for 3:00 PM. Normally, we’d have chosen a later flight to maximize our time, but that’s not how the Eurowings surprise program works. You provide your preferred dates, and they give you what you’re willing to pay for. In this case, that meant leaving on Saturday, having only arrived Thursday night.

But we just weren’t ready to leave the Island of Kos (or Greece) yet! As Ciara got ready for our final day, I took a quick look at flight costs for a Sunday departure. I told myself “Well, if there’s something for less than like, $70, I’ll consider mentioning it to Ciara”. To my surprise, I found a direct flight to Stuttgart on Sunday for just $50! Without hesitation, we booked two tickets, securing one more full day in paradise.

A Day of Shopping and Sightseeing

With a full day now ahead of us, we decided to explore Kos town again—this time for sightseeing and shopping. Ciara found a beautiful new sundress, and I finally purchased a wooden watch, something I’d been eyeing for years. We wandered the small harborside town, strolling up and down the narrow stone streets, admiring the cafes and shops housed in Byzantine and medieval buildings.

During our exploration, we stumbled upon the Church of Agia Paraskevi, a well-maintained Greek Orthodox church with a stunning stone mosaic on the ground outside. Naturally I went inside to look at the architecture while Ciara found a friendly ally cat to pet in the shade in the courtyard.

Discovering Ancient Ruins

Our wanderings eventually led us to a lot with ruins and a sign that simply read “Antike Agora.” It was disappointing to see such monumental artifacts neglected by the city, but it was also fascinating to witness nature slowly reclaiming the site. After taking in the ruins, we decided it was time to find another beach for the day.

Relaxing at Agios Stefanos Beach

This time, we headed to the western side of the island, where several blogs mentioned the best beaches on the island of Kos, Greece. After a 45-minute drive, we arrived at Agios Stefanos Beach near Kefalos. Despite the wind, everything was perfect here.

The sand at Agios Stefanos Beach was powdery, a welcome change from Therma Beach’s pebble shoreline. There’s something about digging your feet deep into soft sand that makes you feel truly relaxed. However, the highlight of this beach was the small island of Kasti, just a few hundred meters from the shore, which you could easily swim to.

An Adventure on Kasti Island

After lounging on the beach for a while, I felt the urge to explore and decided to swim out to the island. Ciara happily agreed to join me, so we donned our snorkel gear and slowly made our way to the island. While Kasti Island commands the majority of attention from Agios Stefanos Beach, the stark white church with the sky-blue roof and dome on Kasti Island is just as captivating.

Situated a few dozen meters above the crystal-clear waters, the chapel of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) commanded our attention as we encroached. As we climbed the rock walls to get a closer look, we were met with a lack of details—no signs, no historical facts, nothing at all. This chapel easily captured my imagination the most out of everything we saw during our trip.

After a few cliff jumps, Ciara and I were ready to head back to the beach and rest. We snorkeled with bright blue and dark red fish, eventually returning to our beach blanket for a nap. The world continued turning as we dozed off, our skin soaking in the warm sun’s rays. When we woke up, the sun’s intensity had lessened, and we felt refreshed—and hungry! We bid farewell to our corner of paradise and made our way back to Kos for one last night out.

A Perfect Last Evening in Kos

Our final night in Kos was magical. Ciara wore a beautiful white dress, highlighting her tan skin and striking green eyes, while I did my best to look like I deserved such a woman. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant just off the beaten path, followed by one last stroll around Kos old town, gelato in hand. The next morning arrived entirely too quickly, and before we knew it, we were back in Stuttgart, returning to the realities of chores and laundry.

Reflections on Kos: A Hidden Gem

Kos surprised us with its beauty and charm, yet it also delivered everything we expected in terms of hospitality and cuisine. If we’d had a whole week to explore, I have no doubt it would have been an incredible experience. We might have even taken a trip over to Turkey to visit markets and try different dishes.

Funny enough, Kos was never on my bucket list. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of it until Ciara used the Eurowings surprise program and landed us tickets there. But now, after experiencing its unique charm and beauty, I can’t imagine never having visited Kos.

The hot spring at Therma Beach, the snorkeling adventure to Kasti Island, and the incredible Greek cuisine are just a few of the highlights that made our trip unforgettable. The spontaneity of it all, coupled with the island’s laid-back atmosphere, made for a perfect getaway.

Final Thoughts: Why the island of Kos in Greece Should Be on Your Travel List

If you ever get the chance to visit Kos, take it. There are dozens of Greek islands, each with their own unique charm. However, Kos stands out for its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Kos offers an experience that’s as authentic as it is memorable.

While it may not have been on our radar initially, Kos has now earned a special place in our hearts. From the unexpected adventures to the tranquil moments by the sea, our time on this island was everything we could have hoped for and more. If you’re considering a trip to Greece, don’t overlook this hidden gem. You’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime—you have my word!

FAQ: Your Guide to Visiting Kos Island in Greece

Here are some questions frequently asked about Kos; from when to visit to whether it’s on fire (yes, Google says that question gets asked a lot).

Q: What is the best time to visit Kos?
A: The best time to visit Kos is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is warm but not overly hot, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer season. However, my experience during peak European travel season (i.e., August) was perfect. Both crowds and costs were low, and the weather was perfect.

Q: How do I get to Kos?
A: Kos is accessible by direct flights from many European cities, including Stuttgart. You can also reach the island by ferry from other Greek islands or from mainland Greece. During the high season, there are more frequent connections, making it easier to plan your trip. Consider using the Eurowings Blind Booking Program like Ciara and I did for even cheaper deals!

Q: What are the must-see attractions in Kos?
A: Some of the must-see attractions in Kos include the ancient ruins of Asklepion, the Castle of the Knights, Therma Beach with its natural hot springs, and the charming old town of Kos. Don’t miss out on visiting the smaller islands like Kasti, which offer unique experiences like snorkeling and exploring historical chapels.

Q: Is Kos suitable for families?
A: Yes, Kos is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for all ages. From beautiful beaches with shallow waters to historical sites and family-friendly restaurants, there’s something for everyone on this island.

Q: What is the food like in Kos?
A: Short answer: the best. The cuisine in Kos is typical Greek, meaning fresh, local ingredients. You’ll find plenty of delicious dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss trying Meze, a variety of small dishes that are perfect for sharing.

Q: Do I need to rent a car in Kos?
A: While it’s not absolutely necessary to rent a car in Kos, having one can greatly enhance your experience. It allows you to explore the island at your own pace, visit more remote beaches, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Additionally, Ciara and I learned that bus timetables are more like suggestions; maybe they’ll be there on time, maybe they won’t. If you decide to take public transportation on Kos, I suggest getting to the bus stop 5 minutes early, and manage expectations about getting somewhere on time.

Q: Are there any cultural tips I should be aware of when visiting Kos?
A: Greek culture is warm and welcoming, but it’s always good to be respectful. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is common. Lastly, learning a few basic Greek phrases, like “kalimera” (good morning) and “efharisto” (thank you), can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

Q: What should I pack for a trip to Kos?
A: Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm weather, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. If you plan on visiting historical sites or churches, bring something modest to cover your shoulders. Comfortable shoes are also a must, especially if you plan on exploring the old town or hiking.