Guide to Marmari

"With its rural surroundings and to-die-for views across to Turkey, relaxation comes with the territory in the friendly little resort of Marmari."

Laid back and low-key are the most common phrases used to describe the peaceful, unspoilt resort of Marmari. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of coastline close to the salt marshes of Alyki, it's also a temporary holiday home to the hoards of migratory birds who land here, including flamingos. The resort's long sandy beach broadens to the west and is dotted with sand dunes. It's also more exposed to the elements there, hence the presence of a windsurfing school. Marmari is really little more than a main seaside street with a few small supermarkets and tourist shops, and a peppering of bars, restaurants and a disco. So, unless you're prepared to make the ten-mile trip to Kos Town every evening, it's not the place for party animals. There are, however, some friendly tavernas where you can get good quality Greek fare, including fresh fish and seafood and a glass of chilled ouzo or bottle of local wine. And the busier resort of Tingaki, just down the road, has quite a few more eateries if you fancy a change of scene. Inland, the gorgeous countryside is home to the collection of charming hamlets known as the Asfendhiou villages, nestling among the pines of the island's only natural forest. Pre-eminent in the charm department is Pyli, the 'modern' descendant of the island's Byzantine capital. There you'll find authentic Kos character and culture, not to mention the 'Tomb of Harmylos', probably the resting place of an ancient Hellenistic family, overlooked by the medieval chapel of Stavros.

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