Kos | Greece

Places to Visit:

• Zia
• Kos Town
• Tigaki Salt Flats
• Kefalos
• Mastichari
• Nissyros (island)
• Kardamena
• Plaka forest
• Asklepion
• Thermae beach (not paradise beach)

Exploring Kos: From Windmills to Weddings

Twice, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting the enchanting island of Kos, each time opting for an all-inclusive hotel as our base. This choice not only proved to be cost-effective compared to self-catering options, but it also allowed us the freedom to explore the island at our leisure. We allocated our budget towards car hire, excursions, and immersing ourselves in the local nightlife. Our love for Kos was so profound that we chose it as our wedding destination.

Kos Uncovered: A Day of Historical and Natural Wonders

During our first visit, we hired a car for the day directly from our hotel. For around £70, the convenience of having the car delivered and picked up from our doorstep was well worth it. Our journey took us through the heart of the island, starting with a drive through Antimachia to see the iconic windmill, a symbol of Kos’s rich history. Our adventure continued with visits to the castle, Kefalos, Plaka forest, Tigaki Salt flats, and Thermae beach. Each location offered its own unique charm and stunning views of the island. We also booked an excursion called ‘Kos by Day’ through our hotel. This tour led us to Asklepion, home to a breathtaking view that transports you back to Ancient Greece. A word of advice: resist the urge to look back until you reach the top of the stairs. The sight is truly worth the wait. Our day continued with an exploration of Kos Town and a delightful lunch at a local café on the marina, where we savoured gyros and Mythos beer with a view of the harbour. The day concluded with a sunset at Zia, a serene mountain town offering picturesque views over the Tigaki Salt Flats.

Second Time in Kos: A Wedding and More Adventures

Our second visit to Kos was even more special as we returned for our wedding and had two whole weeks to delve deeper into the island’s beauty. It was a joy to share our favourite spots with our parents, who accompanied us this time. We hired a car again, this time for a couple of days, and expanded our itinerary to include Mastichari beach, a walk around Tigaki Salt Flats, and further exploration of Kos Town’s old quarter.

The night before our wedding, we dined at Thomas Grill & Mezze in Kardamena, a short and scenic 15-minute walk along the sea from our hotel. The restaurant served delicious food and exquisite wine, making for a memorable evening.

Kos: The Perfect Backdrop for Our Wedding and Adventures

On the morning of our wedding day, we awoke to the promise of a beautiful ceremony. Our TUI wedding planner had thoughtfully arranged a family breakfast in a secluded corner of the hotel restaurant, setting the tone for the day. With the anticipation of the ceremony building, we decided to indulge in some pre-wedding fun at the hotel’s water park. It was a delightful distraction and, thankfully, we escaped without any mishaps!

As the day progressed, we prepared ourselves for the momentous occasion. Our wedding was set on a stunning terrace, which offered panoramic views of the hotel and the captivating island of Nissyros. As the local time struck 5pm (3pm UK time), we exchanged our vows amidst the breathtaking scenery.

The celebration continued into the night as we danced away with other hotel guests, some of whom were also marking significant milestones. Time seemed to stand still as we revelled in the joy of our special day. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we felt a sense of carefree happiness, thanks in part to the less restrictive measures in place in Greece compared to back home.

It’s worth mentioning that we chose to stay in one of the Royal suites, designed specifically for weddings and celebrations. Our suite was expansive, complete with our own private pool and breathtaking views of the ocean. The additional cost for this luxury was unquestionably worth it. The sense of privacy and disconnection from the outside world created a blissful bubble that enveloped us during our two-week stay. Given the chance, we would undoubtedly opt for this experience again when we return.

Nissyros and Nostalgia: A Post-Wedding Wanderlust in Kos

Just a few days after our wedding, we decided to embark on one last adventure before bidding farewell to Kos. We booked a day trip through our TUI representative to Nissyros, a nearby volcanic island. The package included a ferry ride to the island and a comprehensive tour that allowed us to sample local wine and visit the still-active volcanic crater.

The day was perfectly rounded off with a delightful lunch by the sea. As we sailed back to Kardamena on the ferry, we were filled with a sense of contentment and a touch of melancholy, knowing our time in this paradise was drawing to a close.

To make the most of our remaining time, we decided to dine one last time at Thomas Bar & Mezze. The memories of the delicious food and the warm hospitality will always remain with us.

Back at our hotel, we spent our final days making a splash in all 14 pools and revisiting the water park. It was the perfect end to our unforgettable wedding.

Hotels we stayed:

• Porto Bello Beach Kos | 4* All Inclusive Beach Resort
• Porto Bello Royal Hotel | 5* All Inclusive Resort in Kos

Restaurant recommendations:

• Thomas Grill & Mezze, Kardamena
• Broadway, Kos Town