When the 9-to-5 life is grinding you down, and home is a blur of dirty dishes and electrical bills, there’s no better way to recharge than with a week or so with the old boys. A healthy dose of sports, sun, and socialising never did anyone any harm – so why wait?
The island of Kos is a little slice of paradise in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey. With its year-round warm climate, rugged terrain, and spotless beaches, Kos is the perfect playground for a group of guys looking for adventure.
Things to Do
Mountain Bike Tours
With its mountainous terrain, rocky coasts, and dense forests, Kos is practically made for mountain biking. Rent a few bikes and spend the afternoon joyriding around the island. Prices for the most basic models start at €20 for one day but increase if you want a bike with more bells and whistles. You’re sure to be spent by the end of the day, so make sure you’ve got a big dinner sorted when you get back to base.
Asklepion Ruins
Even if ancient history is all Greek to you, it’s still worth a visit to the ruins of Asklepion. If you had visited here 2,500 years ago you would have found a school, several temples, and thermal baths, although today only the foundations and columns remain. Just think – if you had only been in Kos a couple millennia sooner, you could have participated in a real toga party…
Boating
You can’t come to Kos and miss a chance to cruise in the turquoise Aegean Sea. Luckily, boat rentals abound in the Kos Town harbour. Head down to the harbour and take your pick of boat rides – a high-velocity afternoon cresting the waves on a speedboat, or a slightly slower cruise on a catamaran. Take the chance to explore the other islands in the Dodecanese chain, stopping off at a few along your way.
Kos Port and Castle of Knights of Saint John
While you’re down by the harbour area, you can’t fail to miss the huge stone fortress that dominates the eastern edge of the port. This is the Castle of the Knights of Saint John (also called Neratzia Castle). Though its day of defending the island are over, these stony ruins still make a great backdrop for a group selfie.
Kardamena Beach
This long and pristine beach is one of the best on the island. There are plenty of waterside bars and restaurants to keep you fed and watered during the day, as well as a number of water sports rental companies where you can hire small boat to take out in the bay. Don’t forget your sun cream – or you’ll be wincing the rest of the holiday.
Aquatica Waterpark
Cool off from the Grecian sun at this Kardamena waterpark that will satisfy even the most hard-core adrenaline junkie in your group. Speed down the Kamikaze or Free Fall slides, or get competitive on the multi-track. Try to keep your wits about you on the Kite Slide, which will have you plunging back and forth on the slippery half-pipe.
Kardamena 85302, Greece
Tel: +30 2242 091217
Hours: 10:30am-7:30pm
Prices: €14
Rafael Trail Riding
If you and your mates want to horse around, book yourselves a session with Rafael Trail Riding. This team of English-trained professional riders runs horse-riding trips along the beach or into the mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or earned your riding stripes in the English countryside long ago, the staff at Rafael’s can saddle you up.
Kardamena, Kos 85302 Dodecanese, Greece
Tel: +(30) 6 940 818 822
Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00am-8:30pm
How to Get to Kos
Luckily for you and your wallet, nonstop flights from London to Kos are available with budget airlines like Ryanair – so you can have a grand time in Greece with your mates without taking out a second mortgage. There are a number of one-stop flights as well with airlines such as British Airways, Olympic, and Swiss, but these will significant add to your total travel time. Better to stick with nonstop options – at just under 4 hours, the flight time is just long enough for catching up on a few episodes of your favourite show.
To get a jump on the holiday fun, arrange for a Shuttle Direct airport transfer to Kardamena to be waiting for you at arrivals. With reasonable rates on group transfers, you and the lads can be at the door of your hotel in under 15 minutes without breaking the bank.
Where to Stay:
Americana Hotel – Just spitting distance from the beach, Americana Hotel couldn’t be better located for a day out in the surf and sand. Make sure you take full advantage of the generous breakfast buffet – you’re going to need it for an action-packed day on the island.
Ilios and Irene – Reasonably priced and comfortable, Ilios and Irene apartments are the perfect pad for you and your mates. You’ll be greeted with a welcome platter full of local delicacies – and there’s an onsite restaurant too, if you’re still hungry. Chill out on the terrace or in the pool with a cold beer while you soak up the Grecian sun.
Argiri Hotel and Apartments – For amenities galore, Argiri Hotel and Apartments is the place to be. The well-stocked games room includes billiard tables perfect for friendly competition among the boys. Outside on the spacious sun deck, take advantage of the hotel-provided barbecue facilities to grill up a few steaks.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is the number one provider of private and shared transfers in Europe and North Africa. With its simple booking system, courteous and efficient drivers, and deep regional knowledge, Shuttle Direct is a valuable resource to the modern-day international traveller. Whether you need transportation to the cruise port or to the door or your hotel, Shuttle Direct can arrange a transfer to suit your needs.
