Kardamena holidays

How to reach Kardamena

Flight time: Flights to Kos take about 4 hours from London and other major UK cities.

Transfer time: Taxiing from Kos International Airport to Kardamena takes around 10 minutes, about 15 minutes by bus.

Price: An airport taxi to Kardamena will cost around €15–€25; a one-way bus ticket costs €2.30.

Weather and best time to visit Kardamena

Sun, sea and sand? Festivals and culture? Finding the best time for your Kardamena holidays depends on what kind of holiday experience you have in mind.

April to June sees average high temperatures ranging from 21 to 32°C, 44 to 2mm of rain, and 8 to 11 hours of sunshine. These are perfect months to take advantage of the great outdoors. In April, the sea will be pretty fresh but swimmable.

July to August is ideal for heat lovers, with temperatures hovering around 35°C, little to no chance of rain, and up to 12 hours of sunshine daily. The nightlife scene hots up, too.

September to October offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer tourists as the season winds down. There’s some chance of rainfall, 15 to 55mm, but with temperatures ranging from 30 to 26°C and 10 to 8 hours of sunshine daily, there are still plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.

November to March are off-season months. November ushers in cooler, rainy weather, with temperatures dropping from 21 to 15°C by January before climbing to 18°C by March. Swimming will likely be off the agenda unless you’re fairly hardcore, but you can explore historical sites and enjoy the local culture without the crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: Kardamena is served by KTEL buses. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or the driver. A single ticket from Kardamena to Kos Town costs €3.80. Taxis are also widely available. If you want to explore the island at your own pace, hiring a car will set you back around €35 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Kardamena

A popular tourist resort on the southern coast of Kos, holidays to Kardamena offer a fantastic mix of stunning beaches, shopping, lively nightlife and historical sites.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Antimachia Castle: Set on a high plateau, this medieval fortress offers breathtaking views towards Kardamena. You can walk up from the town in under an hour. Look for the stone-paved footpath on the right as you come up from the town.

The best districts

• Seafront: This area is the heart of the town, lined with restaurants, bars and shops. It’s a great place to stroll, enjoy a meal with a sea view or relax and people-watch.

• Old Town: Explore the charming streets of Kardamena’s old town, where you’ll find traditional Greek houses, quaint shops and local tavernas offering authentic cuisine.

Parks and gardens

• Plaka Forest: Located a short drive from Kardamena, this peaceful forest is home to peacocks and other wildlife. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk among the trees.

Museums

• Nautical and Folklore Museum: Exactly like it sounds, fishing paraphernalia, model boats, century-old furniture, traditional costumes etc. It’s small but interesting, with a wealth of photographic material.

Historical monuments

• Temple of Apollo: Situated near the centre of Kardamena, this ancient temple is a significant historical site. The well-preserved ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past.

• War Memorial: Tucked away on the harbourfront, this simple white marble cenotaph with its cross relief is easy to miss.

Day trips in the area

• Nisyros Island: A boat trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros is a must. Explore the crater, wander through charming villages and enjoy the unique landscapes.

• Kos Town: Visit the capital of Kos to explore ancient ruins, the Castle of the Knights and the lively harbour area filled with shops, cafés and restaurants. Discover our deals on holidays to Kos Town.

Activities for families in Kardamena

Once an 18- to 30-year-old holiday hot spot, the party scene has mellowed, and holidays to Kardamena are more than suitable for families.

• Water parks: Aquatica Water Park is a fun day out for the whole family. With towering slides, tubes and pools, it’s sure to be a hit with the kids.

• Family-friendly beaches: With white sand, crystal clear water and banana boat rides, Kardamena Beach has buckets of family appeal. Plenty of facilities are nearby, including cafés and restaurants. The seabed is rocky in places, so it’s worth investing in jelly shoes if you have little kids.

• Boat trips: Take a family-friendly boat trip to nearby islands and hidden beaches. Most itineraries include stops for swimming and snorkelling.

• Aquariums and zoos: A half-hour drive from Kardamena, Kos Natural Park is dotted with animal enclosures, from donkeys and deer to terrapins and tortoises. As a bonus, there’s a playground here, too.

• Go-karting: Whether you’re whizzing past or being lapped by the kids, everyone in the family will have a blast at Kardamena’s Go-Kart.

Free things to do in Kardamena

Enjoying Kardamena doesn’t have to break the bank, whether it’s swimming and sunbathing, catching a free event or exploring the local area.

• Beaches: At 3km long, beautiful Kardamena Beach has plenty of unorganised spots to lay out your towel.

• Annual festivals and free events: The Alasarnia Festival offers a summer-long cultural programme of traditional dance, music and theatrical performances.

• Explore local villages: Picturesque Antimachia Village, with its traditional windmills, is within roughly 1 hour’s walk of Kardamena.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking and mountain biking: There are numerous dirt trails and canyons around Kardamena. For something more challenging, Mount Dikaios is within striking distance, offering panoramic views of the island and the sea.

• Parasailing: For an adrenaline rush, try parasailing with Kardamena Water Sports on Kardamena Beach.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: The underwater volcanic landscape and clear waters (reckon on 20 to 30m visibility) around Kardamena are perfect for snorkelling and diving. Arian Diving Centre offers courses and dive packages.

• SUP: Explore the calm waters of the bays and coves around Kardamena on a stand-up paddleboard. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. Pick your own adventure or join a guided tour. SUP Kos at the harbour offers day and weekly board rentals (including tandem boards), introductory lessons and various tours.

• Windsurfing and kitesurfing: The beaches on the northern side of the island, say Mastichari and Marmari (Windsurfing Kos operates stations at both), are famous for their excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.

• Horse-riding: Hack through olive groves into the hills around Kardamena or trot along the beach with the Kardamena Horse Riding Center. The centre offers 30-minute or 1-hour guided rides suitable for all ages and levels of experience.

• Fishing: Cast a line from the beach or the jetty or try your hand at boat fishing with Kardamena Fishing Trips.

Discover the best beaches on your Kardamena holidays

Kardamena is renowned for its beautiful beaches, making it a top destination for sun-seekers and water lovers. Whether you're looking for a lively beach with plenty of activities or a more secluded spot to relax, Kardamena offers a variety of stunning beaches to enjoy during your holiday.

• Kardamena Beach: The main beach in Kardamena stretches for several kilometres along the coastline, offering soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This beach is perfect for families and those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, with plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. You can also find a variety of water sports here, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

• Tigaki Beach: Located a short drive from Kardamena, Tigaki Beach is known for its long stretch of fine sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children. The beach is well-organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a selection of nearby tavernas where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine.

• Paradise Beach: True to its name, Paradise Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Kos, offering a picturesque setting with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkelling, with a lively atmosphere that attracts visitors of all ages. The beach is also equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars for refreshments.

• Agios Stefanos Beach: For a more tranquil experience, Agios Stefanos Beach is a hidden gem located near the ancient ruins of a basilica. This beach offers stunning views of the nearby islet of Kastri and is perfect for those looking to relax in a peaceful environment. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

• Camel Beach: A more secluded option, Camel Beach is a small, quiet cove perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere. With fewer visitors, it’s an excellent spot for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, but its relative seclusion means it remains a peaceful retreat even during peak season.

These beaches offer something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, family-friendly fun, or a quiet place to unwind. Kardamena's diverse range of beaches makes it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday by the sea.

Local dishes in Kardamena

On holidays to Kardamena, you’ll find familiar British favourites, anything and everything from full English breakfasts to Sunday roasts, alongside plenty of traditional Greek dishes.

Some typical dishes

• Horiatiki Salata: Quartered tomatoes, sliced red onions and cucumbers are the mainstays in Greece’s national dish, but olives and feta may be added.

• Krasotyri: Made from sheep’s or goat’s milk (or a blend of both), this traditional semi-hard cheese is aged in red wine sediment, which gives it its distinctive flavour.

Meze dishes

• Chtapodokeftedes: A local speciality, these herby, fried octopus balls are a must-try.

• Dolmades: Vine leaf parcels stuffed with rice, pine nuts and herbs.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: Juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender, this slow-cooked lamb dish is traditionally cooked in a sealed clay pot.

• Moussaka: This baked casserole dish is ubiquitous throughout Greece. It consists of layers of aubergine and minced meat topped with béchamel sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Barbounia: Grilled or fried red mullet served with a squeeze of lemon. Light and flavourful, it is perfect for a seaside meal.

• Kalamari: Crispy fried squid, a favourite at many local tavernas. It’s usually served with a wedge of lemon and is perfect as a starter or a main course.

Street food

• Gyros: A popular Greek fast food, gyros are made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in pitta with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki.

• Tiropita: These cheese-filled pastries are perfect for a quick snack. They’re often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Sweets and desserts

• Glyko Tou Koutaliou: Fruits, nuts or vegetables preserved in sugar syrup and served in a spoon. Spoon sweets are common across Greece, but each region tends to have a signature version. On Kos, it's tomatoes.

• Finikia: Moreish semolina pastries flavoured with honey, orange zest, cinnamon and olive oil.

Local drinks

• Kanelada: An island favourite, this refreshing non-alcoholic beverage is made with sugar, water, cinnamon and cloves.

• Ouzo: Like French Pastis, this strong liquorice-tasting spirit is commonly diluted with water, making it cloudy. It is best sipped slowly.