Villa Tigaki 1 sits 800m from one of the islands many long sandy beaches, this one Tigaki (10km long) perhaps the best of them all with its shallow waters providing perfect for fun for all the family.
Tigaki village, just as close as the beach, only 5 minutes walk from the villa offers café’s, tavernas, small local shops and where should you wish to, you can catch the bus to other small villages en route to Kos town 11km away, the main city on the island of Kos, where there is a choice of café’s, restaurants, shops and nightlife to suit everyone.
Kos’s culture has evolved out of its rich ancient heritage. Kos old town area around Elefthrias Square is entirely pedestrianised, a fabulous area to meander and visit the smaller local shops and cafés, admire the narrow streets and old buildings and spend some of your holiday euros. The harbour and promenade are more modern, always fun to be around as the boats come and go all day, every day!
The bustling harbour area is the centrepiece of the modern town, however, sitting on the left as you enter Kos from the sea is the truly magnificent Kos Castle of the Knights, the Nerantizia Castle. The perimeter walls and in particular the Nerantizia bridge are a very worthwhile visit, the area within the walls is closed to the public at present since a devastating earthquake in 2017.
Kos is most famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The tree that he once taught under, the Hippocrates Plane Tree (one of the oldest trees in the world) still stands in Kos town and is revered by many visitors each year.
The island is sprinkled with archaeological gems dating back over 3000 years, the most significant and well known of which, the Asklepion, 4km from Kos town, is well worth a visit, fabulous views across to Turkey are to be had if you make it to the top of the stairs.
If you want a day off from the beach why not head for the hills, the mountain village of Zia is less than a 20-minute drive from Tigaki, the views on the way up are awesome, from Zia itself, breathtaking. The village is small, but perfectly formed, quaint churches, 3 of them, shops selling local goods and several café’s and tavernas. Should you have the luxury of being able to be away from the villa until sunset, please stay have supper and admire it from here.
The port town of Mastichari, 22 km from Kos is an excellent place to sample fresh seafood, local fishermen fill the harbour daily supplying the local tavernas and surrounding villages with their daily catches. The local wine festival held each august is Mastichari’s signature cultural event for those wishing to sample homemade wines Greek delicacies and music. The beach here is ideal for swimming and water sports, windsurfing being a firm favourite.
The Region
The third largest island in the Dodecanese, Kos has been attracting visitors for years thanks to its glorious beaches, verdant landscapes and fascinating ancient history.
The capital of the island is Kos Town in the north-east, 24km from Kos International Airport. There’s a relaxed ambience as you potter around its tree-lined harbour, cobbled pedestrian lanes and the grand Eleftherias Square with café terraces and restaurants. Look out for boat excursions from trips to the nearby islands of Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos to dolphin-spotting cruises and more. You could even spend the day in Bodrum, Turkey – ferries take around 30 minutes.
In Kos Town, admire the centuries-old Plane Tree of Hippocrates where legend says the great physician taught his students in the shade, close to the imposing Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights), then explore the ruins of Ancient Agora. Just outside the town, Asclepieion is said to be the birthplace of Hippocrates and one of the island’s most significant and visited ancient sites. Be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos in Kos Town.
Kos has become a mecca for sunworshippers, watersport enthusiasts and beach lovers, yet there is so much more to discover across its verdant and rugged landscapes. There are kilometers of cycling lanes along the coast as well as off-road mountain biking trails – Kos is now certified as a ‘Bike Friendly Destination’. Keen walkers will adore the many hiking routes around Plaka Forest, Palio Pyli and Mount Dikaios.
Back to the coastline, only 11km from Kos Town is the fashionable seaside resort of Tigaki with its idyllic sandy coastline, gently-shelving water, charming tavernas and a vibrant atmosphere as evening nears. Try paddle-boarding in the clear sea or venture a little further towards the Alikes wetlands, a Natura 2000 location, perfect for nature lovers with a diverse range of flora and fauna as well as migratory birds including pink flamingoes, pelicans and herons.
The stunning sandy beaches and azure-coloured sea of Marmari should also be experienced. It’s a popular spot for horse-riding, kite-surfing and windsurfing. For a change of scene, head along the coast to the bustling resort of Mastichari for fresh seafood, beachside bars, boat trips and more great beaches with sun beds, parasols and watersports.
On the southern coast is Kardamena, once an important religious site and former fishing village, now a much-loved resort close to the airport with a variety of sandy beaches, water-based activities, a lovely market and plenty of shops and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Kefalos Bay offers a wealth of authentic experiences with its traditional hilltop village, coastal resort and arguably some of the island’s finest beaches scattered across the south-western corner of Kos.
