Island hopping in the Dodecanese - Kos, Leros, Lipsi and Patmos

Kos, along with Rhodes, is a hub island for the Dodecanese group and a ‘jumping off’ point for the smaller islands nearby with ferries running from here to Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi and Patmos (amongst others). However Kos is a large historic island and worthy of a few days exploration in its own right. The Kosta Palace could not be better located or more suitable, whether for a few days before heading to the smaller islands or for an overnight stay.

The location is perfect, on the harbour front with panoramic views from the harbour view rooms or the rooftop swimming pool towards the harbour and across to the Venetian fort. You can stroll into the old town, visit tavernas and restaurants or just sit on the harbour front, either at the hotel’s own terrace or at the cafes surrounding the port. Needless to say it is perfectly located for easy access to the ferries and a 15 minute walk to the nearest beach.

This four star, modern hotel, freshly decorated in contemporary colours offers a variety or room types from standard, superior, harbour view and one bedroom apartments to suit all tastes and family groups.

Facilities

• American and Greek buffet breakfast using fresh produce from local farmers, local recipes, on site bakery and fruits in season.
• Spacious lounge
• Rooftop swimming pool (seasonal)
• Rooftop Bar with drinks and snacks (seasonal)
• Lobby Bar
• Harbour view terrace
• Spa Gazebo (seasonal)

Designed in harmony with the local architecture, the Leros Nefeli Hotel enjoys a quiet location in the little village of Krithoni, 60 metres from the long sand/shingle beach.

There are 24 units here, contained within two-storey blocks split between studios and apartments. All are spacious inside, with studios comprising built-in twin beds, open-plan kitchen area (electric rings, fridge) with a built-in sofa bed for a child, and shower room. The 1-bedroom apartments are open-plan and have an additional living/kitchen area with two built-in sofa-beds for children. The pair of 2-bedroom apartments (one ground floor, one first floor) have a separate living room with full kitchen. The Executive Suite on the first floor comprises a bedroom, spacious living room with a small kitchen and a balcony with fine sea views.

All units possess air-conditioning, TV and balcony or garden terrace with some on the top floor offering sea views.

There are beautiful gardens of palm trees and bougainvillea where breakfast is served and there is bar service during the day. Tavernas can be found within a 10-15 minute stroll, or a wider choice within the picturesque port of Ayia Marina 15 minutes walk away.
 

Please note breakfast is included in the price for stays during period 1st June to 30th September. Outside this period breakfast is not provided and the price is reduced accordingly - all rooms have kitchen facilities and local cafes offer breakfast.

The Aphroditi possesses the perfect location, standing at the edge of Lipsi village just behind sandy Lientou beach (20m) and 300m to the harbour.
 
Its 28 studios and apartments are housed in three 2-storey buildings - one to the front and two behind up a number of steps - and are spacious and nicely furnished in an attractive traditional style. All possess twin beds (usually pushed together), kitchenette with hotplates and a small fridge, air conditioning, TV, shower room and balcony or terrace with sea views (some over/through trees and flowering shrubs). Studios are open plan, apartments comprise a bedroom and living room.
 
Although equipped for light self catering, breakfast is available at a local charge at the hotel's cafe (seasonal) on the ground floor, where free WiFi is also available. 

You could not be better placed to enjoy the crystalline waters which surround this tranquil island. A five minute walk over the headland brings you to the main part of the village and the harbour, which has an array of tavernas, cafes and small shops, as well as being the departure point for boat trips to other bays and offshore islets.

The very charming Asteri Hotel is quietly situated in pretty gardens overlooking the sea a 12-minute walk (850m) from the harbour and the bustle of Skala. Long established and family run, this is a traditional small Greek hotel where you will receive a very warm welcome. Many hotel guests have been coming here for years.

The 37 clean comfortable rooms are ground or first floor and simply furnished in an older style. They possess twin or double beds (triples are available) and all have AC, WiFi, TV, a shower room, hairdryer and balcony or terrace with garden views (some have sea views on request).

There is a ground floor lounge, bar and breakfast area, which can be taken on the terrace. The lawned garden below is lush, with palms, shrubs and flowers - sun beds are available here.

The small pebble cove of Kato Merikas is just a minute’s walk away, and you will find three taverna restaurants a 4-to-7-minute walk (300m - 500m) in the direction of the port, which has a very wide choice of its own.

The brothers who run the hotel, Yiannis and Stefanos, cannot do enough for their guests and are a mine of information about the island.