A Greek Paradise
As the ferry pulled away from Bodrum and the Turkish coastline slowly disappeared behind us, we knew our Greek island adventure was finally beginning. Whitewashed houses, blue shutters, fluttering Greek flags and swaying palm trees welcomed us the moment we arrived. The weather was fantastic and the relaxed pace of life instantly put us in vacation mode. After the journey, we were ready for breakfast, so we stopped at a charming local café, Active The Baguette Shop. Fresh baguettes, delicious coffee and a refreshing frappé were the perfect way to start first day on the island. We spent the rest of the morning wandering through the streets of Kos town, walking along the waterfront, exploring local shops and tasting regional products and traditional sweets. One of our unexpected discoveries was a beautiful church that added even more charm to the island’s scenery.
In the afternoon, we traveled by bus to Tigaki, where our hotel Aspro Spiti was located. The ticket cost €2.50 and the journey offered a chance to see more of the island. Surrounded by traditional white cottages, the hotel had a welcoming atmosphere, complete with a swimming pool and a beach bar. After checking in, it was time for a refreshing swim followed by a relaxing afternoon on sun loungers with snacks and cold drinks.
Later that afternoon, we discovered a stunning beach near Tigaki. The water was so clear that we could see the sandy bottom several metres from the shore. With the tourist season not yet in full swing, the beach felt wonderfully peaceful. As the sun began to set, golden reflections danced across the water, creating one of those travel moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
At Phevos Athena, we shared generous portions of souvlaki, gyros and tzatziki while watching the evening settle over Tigaki. For dessert greek yogurt drizzled with local honey, a simple yet perfect ending to an unforgettable day. If this was only the beginning, we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the island had in store for us.
Our second day on Kos began at a much slower pace. With no early plans or long journeys ahead, the morning was all about relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. After spending some time by the pool, we sat down for breakfast, which included a scrambled eggs, bacon, hummus, olives and plenty of coffee to start the day right.
As the afternoon approached, it was time to head to Tigaki Beach. The soft golden sand and crystal-clear water made it impossible to resist another visit. Several hours were spent swimming in the refreshing sea, soaking up the warm sunshine and enjoying the calm surroundings. On the way back from the beach, a stop at one of our favourite local restaurants was a must. This time, we treated ourselves to a delicious gyros, which quickly became one of our favourite meals during the trip.
Later in the evening, we joined an organised excursion to Zia, a charming mountain village known for its spectacular sunsets. Located high in the hills, the village offers stunning views across Kos and the Aegean Sea. Upon arrival, we wandered through the narrow streets lined with small shops, sampled local liqueurs and browsed handmade souvenirs inspired by Greek culture and mythology.
As sunset approached, more and more visitors gathered to admire the view. The wait was well worth it. Slowly, the sun disappeared behind the distant mountains, painting the sky in beautiful shades of orange, pink, and gold. It was easy to understand why Zia is considered one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset. To make the evening even more special, dinner was served at Sunset Balcony 1981. Moussaka accompanied by local wine, tasted even better with the breathtaking scenery stretching out below us.
Before returning to the hotel, we spent some time chatting with new friends from the United Kingdom and sharing stories from our travels. It was a lovely way to end another memorable day on Kos. Looking back, the day offered the perfect mix of relaxation, local culture, delicious food, and unforgettable views. From a peaceful morning by the pool to the famous sunset in Zia.
Our final day on Kos started earlier than expected. The evening before, we had set our alarms hoping to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, we misunderstood the time shown in the weather app and missed the exact moment when the sun appeared above the horizon. Despite that, the early start turned out to be well worth it. Wrapped in blankets, we made our way to the beach and watched the island slowly wake up. The peaceful atmosphere, the gentle sound of the waves, and the first morning light created a calm and memorable start to our last day in Greece.
With no rush and nowhere specific to be, the morning was all about enjoying our final hours on the island. Some time was spent relaxing on the balcony with a few local favourites, including feta olives and Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. Later, we headed to the pool, soaking up the sunshine and making the most of the beautiful weather.
Before leaving Tigaki, we picked up a few souvenirs and then took the bus to Kos Town. The next few hours were spent wandering through the town’s narrow streets, browsing local shops, and exploring the local market. A stop at Lemon Cafe provided the perfect break before lunch. Later, we enjoyed what turned out to be the best meal of our entire trip, with an incredible gyros and one of the tastiest burgers we have ever had at Street Food Kantina.
In the afternoon, it was time to board the ferry back to Turkey. As the coastline of Kos slowly disappeared into the distance, we reflected on the wonderful memories we had made over the past few days. From beautiful beaches and delicious food to stunning sunsets and friendly people, the island gave us an unforgettable experience. Although it was time to leave, we hoped that one day we would return and discover even more of Greece.
Until next time, Greece!
