
Kardamena is the second most important tourist resort on Kos, located along the southern coast of the island. What was once a quiet fishing village has transformed over the years into a lively seaside destination that is the beating heart of the island’s nightlife, while retaining the authentic charm of traditional Greece.
The resort stands on the remains of ancient Alasarna, an important trading centre that prospered until the 5th-6th century AD, maintaining active relations with other important cities such as Athens and Corinth. Today, Kardamena is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and for being frequented mainly by British and northern European tourists, who have contributed to creating a lively and dynamic international environment.
The town offers everything you need for a complete holiday: from the long sandy beach that stretches for several kilometres, to the numerous bars, restaurants, shops and nightclubs that enliven its streets. Kardamena’s strategic location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the wonders of southern Kos and the island’s most beautiful beaches, with daily excursions departing directly from its picturesque marina.

The main beach of Kardamena is a beautiful stretch of fine golden sand that stretches uninterrupted for several kilometres along the southern coastline. Characterised by its crystal-clear emerald waters and gently sloping seabed, it is one of the most popular beaches on the island of Kos, particularly appreciated by families with children for its safety and accessibility.
The stretch of beach directly in front of the town is fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas available at fair prices (about 10 euro per umbrella and two chairs), as well as numerous seafront taverns where one can enjoy fresh fish dishes and Greek specialities. The presence of some rocks and reefs makes this area particularly interesting for snorkelling, allowing one to observe a rich marine fauna.
The eastern stretch of the beach, located towards the eastern end of the village, is considered the most beautiful according to many visitors. Here the sand is finer and the water takes on particularly striking turquoise hues, while the ambience is slightly quieter than in the centre.
For those seeking more privacy, it is possible to move along the coast to the north or south of the town centre, where less crowded but equally well-equipped stretches of beach can be found. Many resorts manage their own private areas, but access is always allowed to non-customers. Banana Beach, located not far from the centre and surrounded by sand dunes, offers a more relaxing alternative for those who prefer to avoid the crowds.
The marina of Kardamena is the beating heart of the resort’s activities, from where numerous boat excursions depart daily. The most popular excursion takes you to the volcanic island of Nisyros, an hour’s boat ride away, where you can explore still active craters, traditional villages and moonscapes unique to the Mediterranean.
Excursions to the three southern bays, on the other hand, lead to the most spectacular beaches in the area: Paradise Beach (with its famous natural bubble phenomenon), Kamari and Agios Stefanos Beach, the latter characterised by the evocative remains of a 5th century basilica located directly on the sea and the islet of Kastri with the small church of Agios Nikolaos.
Excursions also depart from the harbour to Agia Irini, a small cove that can only be reached by sea and is famous for its natural thermal springs that mix with the sea water, creating natural pools with temperatures ideal for relaxation even in the cooler months.
In the heart of the resort, one can visit the archaeological remains of ancient Alasarna, including the Temple of Apollo, early Christian basilicas and an ancient theatre. These sites testify to the historical importance of the place and offer a cultural break between a day at the beach and an evening of entertainment, enriching the experience of those who want to discover what to see on Kos besides the beaches.
The nightlife of Kardamena is famous throughout the Dodecanese: the streets of the centre come alive after sunset with a myriad of bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs offering entertainment until the early hours of dawn. The harbour area is particularly lively, with numerous clubs offering live music, karaoke and theme nights.
During the summer, the town hosts the Alasarna Festival, a series of cultural events that includes concerts, theatre performances, traditional dances and events where entertainment and Greek tradition merge. On 29 August, the festival of Agios Ioannis is celebrated with music, traditional dances and local gastronomy.
Kardamena offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every type of traveller and budget, from budget accommodation for young backpackers to luxury beachfront hotels. The resort has developed intensively in terms of tourism, now offering some of the best accommodation on the whole island of Kos. For those looking for comprehensive information on the best areas to sleep in Kos, Kardamena is one of the most versatile options.
The best area to stay is slightly outside the centre, preferably towards the sea, where one can enjoy the tranquillity while remaining within easy reach of amenities and nightlife.
We offer a selection of hotels at Kardamena to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Kardamena, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Kardamena. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Kardamena are in high demand.
Kardamena is easily reached by following the scenic road that crosses the interior of the island, offering spectacular views of small canyons formed during geological eras and breathtaking panoramas of the vast Aegean Sea along the way. The route from Kos town is particularly scenic and well signposted.
Kardamena is connected to the island’s main seaside resorts by an efficient public transport network. Regular buses connect it with Kos town, the airport and other tourist destinations, making it possible to explore the island even without a hire car.
Its central location to the attractions of the south of the island makes it an ideal base for exploring the beautiful beaches of the Kefalos peninsula, only 8 kilometres away, where Paradise Beach, Exotic Beach and Agios Stefanos Beach are located. Excursions to the picturesque mountain village of Zia to watch the sunset are also easily organised from Kardamena.
Kardamena is conveniently located on the south-eastern coast of Kos, 28 kilometres from Kos Town (approximately 30 minutes by car and 35 minutes by public transport) and only 6 kilometres from Hippocrates International Airport (less than 10 minutes by car or bus). This proximity to the airport makes it extremely convenient for those arriving by flight, minimising transfer times.