Kos with children

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Are you going to Kos with children soon? In this blog, we share everything you need to know for a wonderful holiday under the Greek sun!

Kos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is located across from the Turkish resort town of Bodrum. The island is about 40 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide, making it easy to explore in a week. Kos is just over a 3-hour flight from the Netherlands, making it an ideal destination for a sunny week with the kids.

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To do’s - Kos with children

Explore Kos by cargo bike

There’s nothing better than exploring a new place by cargo bike. We, and our kids, absolutely love it. Kos is also known as the cycling island of Greece. The island, especially around Kos town, is very flat, making it ideal for exploring by bike. Everything is possible: cargo bikes, electric bikes, children’s bikes, and child seats. Many large hotels offer bike rentals.

Visit Kos town

On the cargo bike to Kos town! Then stroll through the narrow alleys of Kos Old Town, and you’ll feel like you’re in Greece. The old center of Kos is car-free, making it ideal for wandering around. You’ll find countless restaurants, ice cream shops, and little stores there—a typical tourist Mediterranean village.

The center is located around the harbor, where large yachts, pirate ships, and fishing boats lie side by side. A wide promenade lined with palm trees and a bike path runs along the water. In the harbor, you can visit the medieval castle ruins of Neratzia and the Bridge of the Castle. Then, walk towards Kos Old Town via the typical Greek steps from Fish House Taverna.

At Eleftherias Central Square is the Kos Municipal Market, an indoor market where you can buy the tastiest Greek specialties. You can grab a delicious ice cream at Hans Gretel Kos, and their baklava is also super tasty!

Read all our tips for Kos town with children here, or book the best activities in Kos town below.

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Admire the sunset in the mountain village of Zia

Zia is probably the most beautiful village on Kos. In less than 30 minutes, you can drive from Kos town up the mountain to this stunning traditional and colorful village. There isn’t much to do in Zia; it’s a small village primarily visited for its delightful Greek atmosphere. However, if you’re visiting Zia with children, you shouldn’t miss Kos Natural Park. Kos Natural Park is a nature reserve, zoo, and playground all in one. Additionally, you have a beautiful view over the northern part of the island. Note: this park is not stroller-friendly, as there are many steps. You can leave your stroller at the entrance, and tickets are available at the ticket counter (€4 for ages 12 and up, €2 for under 12).

Stroll along the charming restaurants and tourist shops. Make sure to visit Zia in the late afternoon, as the sunset is stunning! Many restaurants have beautiful rooftops where you can enjoy the sunset during dinner. We dined at “Oromedon” Restaurant, which is highly recommended! Watermill of Zia, a traditional Greek restaurant, is also worth a visit.

You can easily park your car in one of the parking lots just before or after the village. Then, in just a few minutes, you’ll be in the cutest (and most touristy) village of Kos.

Relax on the most beautiful beaches of Kos with children

What better way to enjoy an island than on its beautiful beaches? Here are some of the most enchanting beaches of Kos that are perfect for families with children.

Camel Beach

Camel Beach is like a postcard come to life, with golden sand and crystal-clear water. The name comes from the natural rock formation that resembles a camel’s hump. For children, this place is a playground, with shallow water that is perfect for splashing around and swimming. Older kids will love the opportunity to snorkel and explore the fascinating underwater world. Tip: Restaurant Camel, located on the hill by the restaurant, is highly recommended, especially for its baklava!

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach lives up to its name with its enchanting beauty. This beach is known for having the softest sand in Kos and calm waters, making it ideal for families with young children. Along the coastline, there are countless shaded spots under trees, perfect for a picnic or an afternoon nap for the little ones. There are also various water sports available for older children, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Magic Beach

Magic Beach adds a touch of magic to the beaches of Kos. This peaceful and secluded piece of paradise is a hidden gem. The pristine sand and calm, clear water make for a relaxing day by the sea. Children will love collecting shells and building sandcastles on this quiet and less crowded beach.

Visit a water park in Kos with children

Kos not only has beautiful beaches but also fantastic water parks that are sure to provide hours of fun for families with children.

Lido Water Park is one of the most popular water parks on the island. With a range of slides, pools, and activities, it’s a true paradise for children. The different slides, from calm and child-friendly to adrenaline-pumping, provide excitement for all ages. For the little ones, there are separate areas with shallow water and play equipment for safe play, while older children can seek thrills on the fast slides.

Another top destination is Aquatica Water Park, located in the Kardamena area of Kos. This park offers a mix of exciting water attractions and relaxation. With multiple pools, slides, and a lazy river, there’s something for everyone. The spectacular slides, such as the kamikaze slide and the boomerang, provide a hefty dose of adrenaline. Additionally, there are sunbeds and shaded areas for parents to relax while the kids have fun.

Spot flamingos in the salt lake

Kos is home to not only beautiful beaches and historical treasures but also a natural wonder that steals the hearts of visitors: the majestic flamingos found in the salt lake of Kos.

The salt lake of Kos, located near Tigaki on the northern coast of the island, is a nature reserve and an important refuge for countless bird species, including the elegant flamingos. These beautiful pink birds find an ideal habitat in this unique ecosystem.

For most of the year, these pink-feathered creatures can be admired, especially during spring and autumn when they settle in the lake during their migration periods. The tranquility and relative isolation of the salt lake provide a safe haven for these birds to rest and feed before continuing their journey.

In search of ancient Greece

The ‘Ancient Greece’ comes to life on Kos, an island steeped in history and heritage.

Palio Pyli Castle

Palio Pyli Castle is a true time machine, located high on a hill. It not only offers breathtaking views of the island but also a glimpse into the past. The ruins of the castle date back to the Byzantine era and showcase the remnants of a once-powerful fortress. It’s a great place for families to explore, with winding paths, hidden corners, and an aura of mystery.

Odeon of Kos

The Roman Odeon of Kos is a masterpiece from the Roman era and serves as a reminder of the island’s cultural heritage. This ancient amphitheater, built in the 2nd century AD, accommodated thousands of spectators who came to enjoy theatrical performances, music, and other artistic events. For children, this is a fascinating place to hear the echoes of the past and imagine what it must have looked like at that time.

Asklepieion

And then there’s the legendary Asklepieion, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of Kos. This ancient healing temple was dedicated to the god of healing, Asklepios. The remnants of marble columns, baths, and sanctuaries provide a glimpse into the advanced medical knowledge of that time. It is not only a historical site but also a place that can pique children’s curiosity about history and medicine.

Are you in love with the beautiful structures from ancient times? Then be sure to visit Sicily with children as well.

A boat trip to nearby islands and Turkey

A stay on Kos is not complete without a boat trip to one of the many nearby islands or Turkey. You can easily book your boat trips in advance online through GetYourGuide.

Travel time - Kos with children

Allocate at least one week to explore Kos, but you’ll definitely enjoy yourself here for three weeks as well!

The best time to travel - Kos with children

The best time to visit Kos with children depends on your preferences regarding weather, crowds, and activities. Generally, the summer months from June to September are the most popular period due to the warm weather and lively atmosphere. The temperatures are high, perfect for beach days and water sports. July and August are the hottest months but also the busiest.

If you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are excellent choices. In spring, nature blooms, and the weather is mild, making it perfect for sightseeing and nature walks. In autumn, the temperatures remain pleasant, and although the evenings can be a bit cooler, the beaches are still inviting.

If you are mainly interested in cultural sights and want to explore historical sites without the crowds, the months outside of the high season are ideal. The winter months are generally quieter, but keep in mind that some restaurants and attractions may be closed or have limited opening hours.

Hotel - Kos with children

There are several great hotels in Kos that are perfect for families with children, ranging from family-friendly resorts to cozy boutique hotels. We ourselves stayed at the Blue Lagoon Resort hotel. We booked this all-inclusive trip through Tui.nl.

We really enjoyed the hotel. There are many pools, including a private water park, several playgrounds, lots of palm trees (that sold me!), and good food. The hotel is located on the beach.

Here are some other hotels known for their family-friendly amenities and hospitality:

Porto Bello Royal – This resort is known for its extensive all-inclusive offerings and excellent children’s facilities. With multiple pools, a water park, kids’ clubs, and activities such as mini-discoes, this hotel provides entertainment for children of all ages.

Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel – Located on Kardamena Beach, this hotel offers spacious rooms and a variety of activities for children, including playgrounds, kids’ pools, and a mini club.

Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso – This luxury resort offers a wide range of facilities for families, including kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and children’s pools. It also has a beautiful beach and several restaurants suitable for children.

Booking your own trip

When planning your trip to Greece, there are various ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs through Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. Would you rather have everything arranged at once? Then TUI offers complete packages for a hassle-free vacation. If you’re looking for more flexibility and want to customize your trip, take a look at Riksja, where you can build your ideal journey with building blocks.

The best restaurants - Kos with children

In addition to the restaurants I mentioned earlier in this blog and those highlighted in the blog about Kos town with children, I want to mention one place in particular: Mylos Beach Bar Restaurant. In my opinion, this is the place to enjoy a wonderful breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks with children. The setting is stunning, the food is delicious, and the location is perfect! You’re right on the beach, and kids can entertain themselves for hours building sandcastles or tossing stones into the sea.

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