Kos

Greece’s Dodecanese island of Kos has as many amazing beaches as it does incredible ancient Greek sites. That is to say: lots. Kos mixes beach holiday with history lesson seemlessly. You can keep your holiday here as simple as eat, drink, swim, repeat or you can get out and explore hidden landscapes and fascinating archaelogical sites.

The main city of Kos Town is a vibrant place full of old architecture and a mix of streets where one moment you’ll be on a stylish and swanky shopping strip and the next in the middle of a partying paradise of revelling holiday-makers. Kos Town has a few of its own beaches, but heading out to Mastihari in the north or Kamari in the southwest will afford beach-lovers nicer options.

The absolutely unmissable attraction of Kos is the ancient site of Asklepieion. Easily accessible at just 3km out of Kos Town, this ruin covers three levels and is set on a pine-covered hill over-looking the ocean and all the way over to Turkey. Excellent explanations are provided at all of the highlights.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the rugged mountains of the interior of the island. The green northern slopes are easily accessible and can be covered in day trips, but there are plenty of adorable villages should you choose to stay overnight.