Mixing a touch of the ancient world with a dash of medieval charm and a great big splash of modern life, the pretty Greek island of Kos is a veritable cocktail to be enjoyed at your leisure.

Lying at the heart of the Dodecanese islands and surrounded by the crystal waters of the Aegean sea, Kos offers sandy beaches, whitewashed churches, verdant landscape, mountain villages and enough nightlife to party your way to oblivion.

The island's capital Kos Town marked its place on the map in 366 BC and since has been pushed, pulled and shaped by various invading forces to leave it with a mish-mash of Ottoman, Italian and Greek architecture. Now the town is firmly established in the tourist trade with bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and clubs all vying for your attention.

But Kos also has its historical side on show for those who want to veer beyond the immediate attractions of the town. The Church of Ipapandi in the village of Pyli is particularly eye-catching, set within the ruins of a Byzantine fortress and offering spectacular views over the nearby islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos. The idyllic setting of the Monastery of Agios Ioannis near Kefalos also warrants a visit.

If you're around for the feast days doted throughout the year, watch the pilgrims descend en masse to pay their respects, eat, drink and be merry. Those looking for a gentle entry into life in Hellenistic and Roman can head to the archaeological museum in Kos Town.

Head up into the villages of Asfendiou, Pyli, Kefalos and Antimachia to wander around narrow cobbled alleys and admire the whitewashed stone houses with their bright shutters and doors.

One of the island's main draws is its sun drenched sandy beaches, perfect for holidaymakers looking to sling down a towel for a few hours of blissful dozing – once you block out the noise of your fellow rowdy beach companions that is.

Kefalos beach has coldish crystalline waters and well-trodden sand complete with sun beds for hire and water sports for those who need to stay active. Behind the rows of umbrellas, many a taverna will be only too happy to feed you up on fresh fish and perhaps a quick drink or two.

Mastichari beach near Antimachia and Marmari outside of Pyli are also popular destinations for those looking for a bustling day of sun, sea, sand and sport. Lambi and Tigaki beaches are the two closest to Kos Town with a plethora of facilities on hand to cater for all your basic or extravagant needs. But for something a little different, head to Therma in Greek with its warm waters from its nearby hot springs and black sandy beaches.

Summer visitors can join in the cultural celebrations of the month-long Hippocrateia festival which runs from July in Kos Town. Greek artists flood in to perform ancient and contemporary plays and dances as well as put on various art exhibitions.

The Winter Festival is also held for ten days in March as performers once again take to the stage to entertain the crowds.

Kos has a reputation as one of the liveliest islands in the Dodecanese once the sun goes down and with many tavernas plugging cheap drinks, it's easy to see why. The two main streets of Kos Town, Diakon and Nafklirou are lined with bars staying open until the small hours of the morning when it's time to head on to clubs such as Heaven, Kalua, and the Fashion Club.

Kos is touristy without being too trashy although cheap alcohol prices could mean your liver is in for a rough ride. But if you're looking for a place to let loose, chill out and still have everything you need for a short break on your doorstep then Kos is as good as it gets.