Exploring Greece: Sun, History, and Island Drives

Welcome to our Greece travel page!  Of all the Mediterranean destinations we’ve visited, Greece holds a special place in our hearts for its turquoise waters, incredible hospitality, and that unmistakable scent of wild oregano in the air.

Our most recent Greek adventure took us to the beautiful island of Kos.  As usual we combined the effortless luxury of an all inclusive resort with the rugged adventure of a car rental road trip. Here is how we explored this Dodecanese gem.

The Best of Kos: Our All-Inclusive Experience

When you’re traveling as a family, sometimes you just want to drop the bags and head straight for the pool.  We spent part of our trip enjoying one of Kos’s best all inclusive resorts, Blue Lagoon Village.

  • Stress Free Dining: Why all inclusive was the right choice for our family.
  • Resort Life: Our review of the facilities, from the private beaches to the evening' entertainment.
  • Finding the Balance: How to enjoy the perks of a resort without feeling like you’ve missed out on the "real" Greece.

Island Road Trip: Kos by Car

While the resort was amazing, we believe the best way to see Greece is behind the wheel!  We hired a car and set off to find the hidden corners of Kos that most tourists miss.

Must Visit Stops on a Kos Road Trip:

  • Zia Village: A drive up into the Dikeos mountains to the village of Zia.  It’s famous for its sunsets, and we’ve got the photos to prove it’s worth the winding roads!
  • Kos Town: We parked up and spent hours getting lost in the capital.  From the ancient Tree of Hippocrates to the medieval Neratzia Castle, the mix of Italian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture is stunning.
  • Kefalos & Agios Stefanos: We share why the ruins of a 5th-century basilica sitting right on the beach make this our favorite photo spot on the island.

Top Tip: If you're driving to Zia for the sunset, arrive at least an hour early! The best taverna seats fill up fast, and you’ll want a cold drink in hand when the sun dips below the horizon.

A Day of Discovery: Exploring Kos by Car

Kos is a charming Greek island that offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. One of the best ways to truly experience all that Kos has to offer is by hiring a car and embarking on a day trip to explore it's hidden gems.

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Oromedon Restaurant: A Taste of Heaven in Kos

Nestled in the picturesque village of Zia, high above the island of Kos, Oromedon Restaurant offers a truly unforgettable dining experience.  With it's stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and it's authentic Greek cuisine, Oromedon has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants on the island.

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Why Kos Should Be Your Next Greek Island Destination

If you are looking for a destination that combines stunning natural scenery, fascinating cultural heritage, and endless entertainment options, then Kos might be the perfect choice for you.  Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese, after Rhodes and Karpathos, and it lies in the south eastern Aegean Sea, just 4km away from the Turkish coast.  

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Travel Tips for Kos & Beyond

Planning a trip to the Greek Islands?  We’ve rounded up our top advice to help you plan your own odyssey.

  • Driving in Greece: Our honest experience with Greek roads (spoiler: they’re better than you think, but watch out for the goats!).
  • Best Time to Visit: Why we recommend the shoulder seasons (May/June or September) for the perfect balance of heat and smaller crowds.
  • Packing Essentials: Beyond the swimwear, what you actually need for a day of exploring dusty ruins and mountain villages.

Why Greece is a Family Favorite

Whether we were sipping mythos by the pool or getting lost in the backstreets of a mountain village, Greece delivered.  It’s a country that manages to be both exciting and incredibly relaxing at the same time.  We hope our stories from Kos inspire you to book that flight!

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