Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the opposite side of Grigoriou is the impressive 2nd-century
odeion
. It was ini-
tially a venue for the senate and musical competitions and was restored during the Italian
occupation when it was discovered, filled with sculptures (many now in the Archaeolo-
gical Museum).
Beaches
BEACH
On the east side of town,
Kos Town Beach
has a thin strip of sand and deep water for
swimming. It tends to be dominated by the restaurants and hotels along this stretch. West
of town,
Kritika Beach
is a long sandy stretch that's polka-dotted with umbrellas in the
summer. It gets crowded but is within easy walking distance from the town centre.
Sleeping
Hotel Afendoulis
HOTEL $
( 22420 25321;
www.afendoulishotel.com
;
Evripilou 1; s/d €30/50; Mar-Nov; )
Peaceful Afendoulis has unfailingly friendly staff and sparkling rooms with adobe white
walls, small balconies, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and spotless en suite. Downstairs there's
an open breafast room and flowery terrace with wrought iron tables and chairs. Breakfast
is a feast of homemade jams and marmalades.
Like stepping into the pages of a Durrell novel, once you've visited you'll be a return-
ing character. There may be more modern, plusher hotels in Kos but none with the spe-
cial soul of this fine, family-run establishment.
Hotel Sonia
HOTEL $$$
( 22420 28798;
www.hotelsonia.gr
; Irodotou 9; s/d/tr €45/60/75; )
On a peaceful
street, this pension has sparkling rooms with parquet floors, flat-screen TVs, fridges, chic
bathrooms and an extra bed if you need it. There's a relaxing communal verandah with
wrought-iron chairs, spacious private balconies, and a decent library. Room 4 has the
best sea view.
Kosta Palace
HOTEL $$$
( 22420 22855;
www.kosta-palace.com
;
cnr Akti Kountourioti & Averof; s/d/apt €65/85/110;
year-round;
)
This swanky portside edifice facing the Castle of St John has 160
