Marmari Holidays

Top attractions

Ideally situated in the middle of the north coast of Kos, Marmari offers plenty of opportunity for day trips and island exploration.

• The Dodecanese Islands sit temptingly across the water from Marmari, so take a day out to explore them on a boat trip. Nearby Kalymnos and Pserimos are popular stops, and you’ll have the opportunity to swim in idyllic bays en route.
• Take a walk around the Alikes Salt Lakes. Just east of Marmari lies a huge salt lake with an easy walking track around its shore. Spend an afternoon strolling here and you’ll spot flamingos bathing in the water.
• Spend a day in Kos Town, the main resort on the island. This cosmopolitan area has a lovely harbour to stroll along and some of the best shopping on the island. Head to Eleftherias Square to browse boutiques and souvenir stalls.
• On the east of the island, the Therma hot spring is a fantastic day trip. At the end of a dark, pebbly beach, hot water rises from beneath the ground to mix with the ocean, creating a beautifully warm natural bath to soak in.
• Commune with nature in Plaka Forest, a dense wooded area with proud peacocks and towering pines perfect for picnicking beneath.

Explore history in Marmari

Evidence of Ancient Greece abounds in and around Marmari, with ruined temples and fascinating castles to explore all over the island.

• Up into the mountains south of Marmari lies Palio Pili, the former capital of Kos, now an abandoned ruin. See a Byzantine castle and the homes of former residents, who fled the town during a cholera epidemic.
• Nearby, just south of Kos Town, Casa Romana is a compelling place to visit. The 36-room Roman villa was discovered in the 1930s and an incredibly preserved piece of architecture from the 2nd century.
• Perhaps the most exciting ruin on the island, Asklepion is where the great Greek physician Hippocrates once practiced. Wander among history at the 2000-year-old medical school and healing temple.
• A gorgeous, leafy ruin, Kos Town’s Ancient Agora is simply staggering. Exposed by an earthquake in the 1930s, it was the town’s centre during the 4th century BC. Carved columns, staircases and mosaics now remain.
• Spend an afternoon in the Archaeological Museum, where Hellenistic sculptures and Roman mosaics are displayed inside an Italian-era building.

Eating out

This small island has a surprisingly good food and drink scene, from its traditional tavernas to modern wineries.

• Take your time Greek style and have a long, leisurely lunch at one of the traditional tavernas in town. A cluster of places right on the seafront make the perfect place to fuel up before hitting the beach again.
• Unsurprisingly, fish is a big deal here and there are tavernas dedicated solely to serving seafood. Don’t miss out on freshly grilled swordfish or sea bass, perfectly prepared prawns and great tuna.
• Cheese is a Greek staple and in Kos it’s all about posa, a goat’s cheese matured in red wine – don’t miss it in a salad, or on classic Greek bread.
• Kos island has three wineries, all within a 20-minute drive of Marmari. Mesariano produces organic wines, while Triantafyllopoulos Winery is a new age vineyard. Taste their best bottles on a tour.
• Don’t miss a visit to Vouros in Kos Town. This dessert shop has been serving sweetness to islanders since 1918 and its cakes and pastries are second-to-none.

Local dishes to try in Marmari

The traditional food of Kos is called Koan cuisine, and many of the island’s tavernas serve up classic dishes.

• Cheese pies are one of the best things to try in Marmari. Made with the posa cheese wrapped in filo pastry, these are a favourite of locals around Easter time.
• Pligouri is another Koan staple, otherwise known as bulgur wheat. Simmered in a pork broth until soft, it’s then mixed with roasted pork and chickpeas.
• Pasta isn’t just the preserve of the Italians. On Kos, pitaridia is a popular dish in which the handmade pasta is cooked in meat broth for flavouring, then served with butter and grated cheese or with a meat and tomato sauce.
• Sweet-toothed travellers will love kourabiedes, a cookie with almonds baked with rose water for fragrant flavour.
• Kids will be delighted by lazarakia – small loaves of bread traditionally made on Lazarus Saturday. They’re sculpted into the shape of a child and handed out to church goers during the celebrations.

Family holidays

• Families will love a day out at the Aquatica Water Park. Climb to the top of its towering slides for great views of the surrounding Dodecanese Islands, before launching yourself down the thrilling flumes.
• Be sure to book into a family-friendly resort, such as the Summer Village Hotel, an excellent base for exploring Kos
• Lido Water Park is another fantastic family attraction. This huge resort has multiple pools, twisting slides and a brilliant splash pool for little ones.
• If you plan to spend some time on the beach but want to make sure you can keep the kids entertained, head to Kefalos in the south of the island. The town behind the bay has a couple of playgrounds perfect for kids.
• If you’ve got teens, rent bikes from Kos town and get out and about on two wheels with the whole family. Cycle along the coast, or hit some of the mountain trails.

Couples holidays

With its gorgeous white-sand beach and laid-back vibes, Marmari is a gorgeous option for a romantic couples holiday.

• What could be more romantic than sunset cocktails by the sea? Find yourselves a beach bar in Marmari and watch the sky turn all shades of orange as you sip on a fine Greek wine.
• Want total seclusion? Kos island has hundreds of secluded coves. Seek out one of the many little beaches that see fewer visitors.
• A sunset horse trek along the seafront is a romantic way to end your day on holiday in Marmari.
• Spend a day exploring Kos island on a motorbike or moped. Hire one from the outfitters in Marmari and hit the mountain roads and coastal byways, stopping off to snap pictures and make memories.
• Go sailing on the Aegean with your loved one. There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time together than on a rented yacht or catamaran.

Popular beaches in Marmari

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or fun-filled days, holidays to Marmari will likely centre around the gorgeous white-sand beaches on Kos.

• Marmari Beach is the main seaside attraction in this resort. A long stretch of fine white sand fringed by gorgeous azure ocean makes this a gorgeous place to while away your Marmari holidays. Watersports and beach bars offer good facilities, too.
• Pythos Beach, also known as Golden Beach, sits just east of Marmari and offers peace and quiet on its white sand. Backed by grassy dunes with no facilities, this is escapism at its finest.
• For a quiet day by the sea, Aghios Fokas Beach is a great bet. With dark pebbles instead of sand, it’s far less popular but just as serene, with great views over the Turkish mainland.
• Troulos Beach is a romantic option for couples. Near the little village of Mastichari, it’s a small stretch with spaced out sunbeds and parasols and a small car park.
• Backed by some dramatic cliffs, Protokaravos Beach is one of Kos’ most picturesque. Bring your own picnic and plenty of water – there are no facilities here.

Family beaches in Marmari

There are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Marmari, which means many of Kos’ beaches also cater for kids.

• Ideal for families, Tigkaki beach has showers, toilets and plenty of beach bars to keep the kids fed and watered. There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols, and there’s a lifeguard on duty throughout peak season.
• Lambi Beach, sitting on the coast between Kos Town and Marmari, has all the facilities a family could need. Beach bars serve up lunches and ice creams, and sunbeds with parasols offer respite from the sun.
• Head south to Mastichari Beach for a mix of sand dunes and shady trees, perfect for sheltering from the summer sun. The waters here are clear and warm, so the swimming is wonderful.
• On the west coast of Kardamena is a lovely sandy beach with plenty of beach bars, sun loungers and even a small platform for jumping into the clear ocean.
• Teach the kids a little geology at Camel Beach, where unusual rock formations characterise the landscape. The beach has good facilities, too, with beach bars and loungers for hire.