Zouboulia Studios - (Accommodation in Kardamena)

Orla            

Overall I thought Zouboulia was fine. It was basic but functional and from what I heard that's the description of most places. It was clean enough but our shower head looked like it had put out a fire or something and the towels and sheets had seen better days but they were certainly clean which is the main thing! The church bells didn't really bother me although we were on the far side of the block but we did have very noisy neighbours on both sides who were fond of singing 'Eff the French g'wan the Greeks' (Euro 2004)in the small hours. Pool was fine and the bar attached is good and the staff were friendly. I would recommend the apartments if you get it cheap in a late deal like us but I think if I'd paid the brochure price I wouldn't be that impressed. Location is excellent. Greek food is lovely don't be put off by the weird names. The restaurant I would recommend is Posidonia, it's over the bridge and down a side street off the main road on the left hand side.

Kardamena Beach - (Beaches on Kos)

Orla            

Beaches in Kardamena are only ok. Water gets very deep very quickly
so before you know it you can be out of your depth and I didn't see any sign of lifeguards anywhere on the island. €3 for sunlounger for whole day is good if you use it. Some people just buy lie-lows and lie on those instead. Kardamena has a constant wind which is good because it keeps you cool but the problem is you then don't realise how hot it actually is plus there's the wind burn factor. I got badly burn my first day because I wasn't using a high enough factor, so you've been warned! I though Paradise beach was much better (we only went to those two beaches) and you can get there using the local bus for just 2 euros.

Greek Night - (Kos Excursions)

Orla            

I thought the Greek night in Zia was excellent. We went with Harriet Travel from Kardamena (who were excellent and when I was ill during another trip we booked with them were very kind and helpful) cost €27 which is much cheaper than with our reps. Food was fine, a good way to sample a bit of everything, wine was ok. The performances of Dancing and singing were excellent but I think to get the most of out of it you need to join in when they get the auidence involved in the dancing. They are easy steps and the majority of people join in so don't be afraid! The place was only about 2 thirds full so wasn't packed at all like some others were syaing in their comments. The sunsets are spectacular from Zia. It was one of our best nights out in Kos!

Trip to Kos Town - (Kos Excursions)

Orla            

We used the local bus service from Kardamena which is only €2 and much better than forking out to a travel company or your reps. Someone said to us that the service isn't that reliabel but we had no problems. The buses aren't that frequent and are punctual so make sure you're early so you don't miss it! Kos town has much more than Kardamena - shops, sites to see etc. Turkey is very close you can see it clearly from Kos Town Harbour. We had a good day there and it's certainly worth a visit.

Kardamena Resort - (Resorts on Kos)

Orla            

Kardamena was good enough. We didn't go mad on the nightlife side of things so I can't really comment there. The beach was only ok. Water gets very deep very quickly so before you know it you can be out of your depth and I didn't see any sign of lifeguards anywhere on the island. €3 for sunlounger for whole day. Kardamena has a constant wind which is good because it keeps you cool but the problem is you then don't realise how hot it actually is plus there's the wind burn factor. I got badly burn my first day because I wasn't using a high enough factor, so be warned! I thought Paradise beach (bubble beach)was much better. We stayed in Zoubolia apts. which were average. I think if I was to come to Kos again I would book to stay in Kos Town and it seems to have more to offer. Greek food is really lovely - don't be put off by the weird names, steer clear of pizzas, it's not Italy! Most places you would get 2 glasses wine and main course for €10 or less. The restaurant I would recommend most is Posidonia, it's over the bridge and down a side street off the main road on the left hand side. Fantastic food right beside the sea edge in the moonlight. We booked trips with a local place called Harriet Travel who were excellent and when I was ill during a trip we booked with them they were very kind and helpful. Don't book with your reps, if you look around there are much better offers or just use the local bus for trips to Kos Town or Paradise beach - only €2!We used the local bus service from Kardamena which is only €2 and much better than forking out to a travel company or your reps. Someone said to us that the service isn't that reliabel but we had no problems. The buses aren't that frequent and are punctual so make sure you're early so you don't miss it! Kos town has much more than Kardamena - shops, sites to see etc. Turkey is very close you can see it clearly from Kos Town Harbour. We had a good day there and it's certainly worth a visit.

Trip to Bubble Beach - (Kos Excursions)

Orla            

Paradise beach is a long beach and has bubble beach within it (we got confused as to which was which) Paradise beach is the best one on the island - there's plenty sand, quiet areas with no sun loungers and the water doesn't get deep too quickly (unlike Kardamena where it's over your head in a couple of yards). We used a local travel company (Harriet travel, very good in Kardamena)and got a bus there for €6 but found out after the local bus goes there for €4 return. The bubbles are caused by volcanic activity in the afternoon and we happened to be on a peddleboat at that time and saw them. It's just weird seeing these little streams of bubbles appearing from no where! You can also see similar bubbles and a hot spring at the Therms, but I think you need a car to get there. There is only one cafe and one resturant so I would advise to bring food etc with you. It's worth a visit if not for the bubbles, for the beach.

Bubble Beach - (Beaches on Kos)

Orla            

Paradise beach is a long beach and has bubble beach within it (we got confused as to which was which) there's plenty sand, quiet areas with no sun loungers and the water doesn't get deep too quickly (unlike Kardamena where it's over your head too quickly). We used a local travel company (Harriet travel, very good in Kardamena)and got a bus there for €6 but found out after the local bus goes there for €4 return. The bubbles are caused by volcanic activity in the afternoon and we happened to be on a peddle boat at that time and saw them. It's just weird seeing these little streams of bubbles appearing from no where! You can also see similar bubbles and a hot spring at the Therms, but I think you need a car to get there. There is only one cafe and one restaurant so I would advise to bring food etc with you. It's worth a visit if not for the bubbles, for the beach.

Paradise Beach - (Beaches on Kos)

Orla            

Paradise beach is a long beach and has bubble beach within it (we got confused as to which was which) there's plenty sand, quiet areas with no sun loungers and the water doesn't get deep too quickly (unlike Kardamena where it's over your head too quickly). We used a local travel company (Harriet travel, very good in Kardamena)and got a bus there for €6 but found out after the local bus does go there also for €4 return. The bubbles are caused by volcanic activity in the afternoon and we happened to be on a peddle boat at that time and saw them. It's just weird seeing these little streams of bubbles appearing from no where! You can also see similar bubbles and a hot spring at the Therms, but I think you need a car to get there. There is only one cafe and one restaurant so I would advise to bring food etc with you. It's worth a visit, best beach we came across.