Hello fellow readers.  I have lived in Greece from 1978 to 1980 as a musician and teacher and have travelled around many of the islands.  I have visited Kos several times since 1988, and often play my violin in Kos town.  I have always chosen to stay in Kefalos since it seems to have a timeless quality and, as the Greeks say, it has "eesichia" - it is peaceful!

Since 2005 I have enjoyed staying at the Pantheon:  the hospitality is par excellence, as are the views.  I always cry whenever I leave and, believe me, I have made many friends on this island over the years.  I can recommend Manolis at the Fast Food Specialist in Kefalos old Town, as a good friend and cook, for example.

It somewhat saddens me to read the occasional, derogatory review with the usual nit-picking about this or that, when most of my fellow British citizens know full well that they would not obtain such a holiday, at such a price, in our own land, or with the amazing blue sky, sea and starry nights with their associated philosophical effects on the soul and, indeed, body!  The people in Kefalos are, simply, great:  my Greek is not perfect, but they love you for trying! 

Having digested some of these reviews, it would seem that some people go to Greece for the wrong reasons.  Kos, for example, like all the islands, possesses its own charm and idiosyncratic character, as well as the historical ruins etc.  Kefallinia, for example, is the complete antithesis of this island in all kinds of ways!  Kos is fantastic, Kefalos is one of the most beautiful places and has, contrary to some reviewers, some fantastic beaches - but dare I not tell you all where they are!

Last but not least, Janet and Panos, Maria and Babis, and the cleaning staff are fantastic, too.  Like all of us, we are only human!  As Shakespeare said:  "Life is not a walk through a garden of roses."  However, whenever I go to, or come back from Kos, I feel totally invigorated and replenished and good to be alive!  So do my two offspring, too!

Phillip Morgan

I am so looking forward to returning to the Pantheon, Kefalos, Platia Elefteria and Kartoulis Fast Food Specialist, Magic Beach, Nissiros and a day trip to Turkey.  Oops, almost forgot the peacocks at Plaka.  And the sponges in Kalymnos!

Having just experienced the sad fires of Attiki on the mainland, and the mad island of Myconos, I feel rather more comfortable on Kos.  Sure, you will get fined for not wearing a helmet or seatbelt here, but at least the Police care!  On Myconos, it is total anarchia!

Those views from the Pantheon have spiked my heart and memory:  only Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland has a similar effect.  Viva the Pantheon and inhabitants.  See you soon, but not in Sounion!

Phillip, Will, Helen and Mick - not from Mick Ornos:  get it?  Ornos is a town on Myconos!  Never again.  Only the Pelican loved my music!  I am joking, somewhat. 

O Kos, why do I love you so much?
Because you are such!

Phillip Morgan

Hello Kate and Neil

Just got back (again).  Try:  janets@otenet.gr

This is the direct e-mail address.  They now seem to have settled with Thomas Cook, Via Mare  and Easy Jet for block bookings.  From what I gather, it will be more difficult to book separately and privately, though just contact Janet direct and ask.

Also, if you just google cheap holidays to Kos or last minute holidays to Kos, info should appear.  I have stayed at the Pantheon since 2005 so please do not hesitate to mention my name as we are friends.

Some people also rely upon cancellations, as a few did whom I met last week.

Phillip Morgan

Hello Nick

Directions to Pantheon.

1.  As you drive out of the airport, there is a petrol station on your right.  Immediately turn left - you pass the Carrefour/Marinopoulos supermarket on your right but steer on the left as you do so!  This is a two-way road.

2.  At the immediate junction, turn left towards Kefalos.  Mind the bends.

3.  After about 8 kilometres, the road straightens and you go past the famous beaches on your left - Paradise beach and Camel beaches being the last.

4.  There is a petrol station on your right as you go up a slight hill:  immediately you will see a sign for "Trust" cars.  Turn right straight away just after the sign and continue on this slip road to the Pantheon apartments, bearing left as you approach them.  Take care of the small crossroads.

The main road has now been developed and Carrefour have taken over Dia at the airport.  Kalo taxidi!  Still the best place to stay, in my opinion.

Phillip Morgan

When are you there?  I am coming on the 20th for a week.

Regards

Phillip

This place is amazing.  24 hours/non-stop/literally!  Been coming here since 2005.  This July, got into Kos airport at 2 a.m. - guess who was still open.  We left at 5 a.m..  Sorry, Manos.  See you on the 20th of October and regards to Kyria Sacchari, too.  You do the most unique gyros - with cabbage!

Yassou

Phillip

Sorry, Tim, we get in at 9.10 p.m.!  Perhaps at the airport!  Lucky to be going there actually with the strike and all!  Only finally confirmed this afternoon our flight is leaving on 20th!

I trust you had a good holiday, as usual, at the Pantheon.  After our heatwave a few weeks ago, be assured tis cold 'ere at the moment.  Just to get you in the mood to book the next one!

Just come back.  Always the same service, quality and sheer warmth of atmosphere.  Kefalos, itself, was absolutely quiet at the end of season as was most of Kos.

The weather was fantastic, as was Kyria Saccharo, who gave me a free frappe as we said goodbye.  See you next year and enjoy your well-earned rest to everyone at Manos.

YASSOU!

The old town of Kefalos now only has one cafeneion, just beyond the school.  Triantafillou or Thirty Friends.  Maria is fantastic as are the prices!  One euro for a Greek coffee and 2 euros for a large portion of brandy or whatever!  Plus free food (mezes) even though you decline beforehand after the first visit.  The olives, in particular, are really nice - not salty like most Greek olives and made by the owner.  The seating is adorned by Greek basil.  And aqua blue paintwork.

Here is the place to watch the world go round or buy some fresh fish from Dimitris from the back of his motorcycle.  Just point to what you would like and he will give you the lot for a song!

I fully recommend Kartoulis Fast Food in Old Kefalos, just at the top of the hill on the left.  You will be met by two imposing mannequins dressed in Greek attire and  the smiling owner, Manolis, who will invite you into his world of Greek cuisine, aided and supported by Pavlina, his assistant.

Over the last couple of years he has adorned his outside areas with plants and various nauticalia for his walls.  While his chicken and meat specials remain of the same high standard as ever,  in my opinion, his Greek salads are the best:  they are full of the usual salad ingredients plus generous helpings of Kos lettuce, parsley and feta cheese.

If you are lucky enough, a fantastic lyre player often frequents this place and provides live entertainment of the highest quality, singing and playing island songs.  Viva, Theodossou!