Kardamena Holidays 2025/2026

Kos’ party capital, Kardamena lives up to its reputation with a thriving nightlife scene and clubs and bars open all night long. But there’s much more than late night parties here, like Kardamena’s white sandy beach and family waterpark – both of which make it a popular choice for Greece package holidays.

More than party central

Busy days at the beach

Kardamena beach is a three kilometre stretch of sandy expanse, leading down to pebbles where the water laps onto the shore. You can rent both sunbeds and parasols here for a small fee, and there are plenty to go around.

Watersports are huge on Kardamena beach and there are a lot to choose from including paragliding, pedalos and banana boats. All of the equipment is available for hire down at the coast. If you’re spending the whole day on the beach there are restaurants and bars lining the sands, offering delicious seafood menus and cold drinks.

24-hour nightlife scene

If you’re looking for a wild night out on the town, Kardamena is the place to be. Known as Kos’ party central city, the selection is wide when it comes to pubs, clubs and cocktail bars.

Bar Street is where most of the action starts off, and when bars wind down, visitors can make their way to the clubs along the harbour that are open till the wee hours of the morning. Holidaymakers from all over Kos come to Kardamena to join in with the evening festivities and to dance to tracks spun by some of the world’s top DJs.

Explore the waters

One of the best ways to explore the surrounding area is by boat tour. Several boating companies are docked in Kardamena’s harbour that offer tours on their sailing ships or motorboats. You can hop aboard and venture out into the seas, discovering the islands around Kos and stopping to snorkel in the clear waters. Many boat tours include a barbecued lunch meal and drinks throughout the day.

Family attractions

Just 15 minutes out of Kardamena is the Aquatica Water Park – a favourite with families looking for some adventure during cheap holidays to Kos. With wild rides and tons of attractions, both young and old will love this park. You can cool down from the hot sun by going on some of the tube rides, kamikazes and swimming in the wave pool. There’s a smaller children’s splash zone for little ones and an attached restaurant serving pizzas and ice cream for when you get peckish.

Shop til you drop

Kardamena has a great selection of stores and caters for all your shopping needs. The two supermarkets in town sell everyday essentials as well as groceries and snacks on the go. Most of the shops are located in the main square and it’s here that you’ll find designer clothes, locally produced goods and souvenirs for back home. Make sure to pick up some of that famous Cretan drink Soumada before you leave.

Feast your eyes on this

You won’t go hungry in Kardamena. This city is full of mouth-watering restaurants like traditional Greek taverns, British pubs and Chinese restaurants. The best place to dine is by the harbour, where you’ll find the biggest variety of eateries, most with an outdoor seating area and views over the Aegean Sea. This area is popular for its seafood, with many of the restaurants serving up the fresh, local catch of the day.

Nearby neighbours

A short 10-minute drive will lead you to the heart of the island where you’ll find the Antimachia Castle. This spectacular fortress was built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century. The fortress stands guard over the city of Kardamena, and if you’re up for the challenge there are cycle trails through the forest and canyon that lead you to the castle.

You can also take a leisurely walk around the grounds, but make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty to drink. In the castle itself you can walk through the passages and see where the houses and stores used to be built, as well as explore the two historical churches on site.