Sandy beaches surrounded by clear, blue-green water, ruins and castles that date back to the Bronze Age, and picturesque villages unlike anywhere else in the world – the island of Kos in Greece is every wanderlust’s dream come to life.
Located in the Aegean Sea about 16 miles off the coast of Turkey, Kos is part of the Dodecanese group of islands.
It is the second most populous island in the region and has a vibrant tourist scene that is primarily the driver of the island’s economy.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about Kos Island and its many beautiful beaches and attractions.
From accommodation options to modes of transportation to activities and things to do on the island, you’ll have everything you need to be able to plan a fun and exciting holiday. But first, how does one get to Kos?
Before You Go: Travel Insurance
When planning a trip to Greece and the Greek Islands your first priority should be to make sure you make a small investment towards your health and well being by considering an affordable travel insurance policy for your trip.
Not only will this budget friendly travel insurance policy cover you if your bags are lost/stolen and if your flight is delayed/cancelled, but you’ll also be covered for all medical and injury related issues as well.
Let’s face it. No parents, family or friends want to have to cover the cost of you getting medevaced home from Greece.
Unfortunate things do happen.
Especially when you least expect it.
Do yourself a favor and consider purchasing travel insurance coverage for your trip so you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of in the event of a serious emergency in Greece.
P.S. You won’t believe how reasonably priced this travel insurance is.
Why wait? Get a Travel Insurance Quote for your trip today.
How to Get to Kos
Kos is an island located about 280 miles from Athens and 625 miles from Thessaloniki. You only have two options on how to get to Kos: by air or by ferry.
By Air
The only airport on the island is Kos International Airport “Ippokratis” (Hippocrates).
It is located near the village of Antimachia, which is about a 30-minute drive from the principal town of the island.
By air, flights to Kos depart daily from the Athens International Airport via Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, and between July and August from the Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” via Astra Airlines.
Tip: Begin your flight search by using the Skyscanner engine embedded below.
By Ferry
Different Greek islands on the Aegean Sea have ferry services bound for the island’s main port in Kos Town.
For instance, ferries to Kos depart from Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Piraeus, and Rhodes daily.
There are also ferries from Santorini to Kos, but they’re only available about four times a week.
Check Ferry Schedules & Prices:
Where to Stay in Kos
Depending on your budget and how luxurious you want your vacation to be, there are three types of Kos accommodations that you can choose from: Airbnbs, hostels, and hotels.
Airbnb
For an affordable, private, and comfortable accommodation option, why not search for Airbnbs in Kos?
Rental homes give you the best value for price, have convenient (and often central) locations, and offer flexibility, personalized services, and a real local atmosphere.
Get a discount of up to $37 on your first Airbnb stay by clicking here.
Check out these Airbnbs in Kos:
- Rooftop Apartment – 1 Bedroom /1 Bath (Budget)
- Tramonto Villa – 2 Bedrooms/ 1.5 Baths (Mid-range)
- Seaview Villa w/Private Car – 2 Bedrooms/ 2 Baths (Mid-range)
- Glamping studio w/free Wifi & Breakfast – 1 Bedroom/1 Bath (Lux)
🔎 If this is your first time using Airbnb, we recommend you read our Insider’s Guide to Saving Money on Airbnb Apartments.
Hostels
While hostels are not as luxurious as hotels or as homey as Airbnbs, they are often the most affordable accommodation option. Staying at hostels also give you the opportunity to meet other travelers from around the world.
Here are the best hostels in Kos:
Hotels
Hotels provide amenities that Airbnbs and hostels may not have. Because this Greek island is a summer holiday destination, luxury hotels in Kos usually get fully booked during peak season.
If you’re traveling here during the summer months, make sure to book a room in advance in one of the best hotels in Kos:
- Denise Apartments ( Hotels Combined / Booking.com )
- Kosta Palace ( Hotels Combined / Booking.com )
- Continental Palace ( Hotels Combined / Booking.com )
Peridis Family Resort ( Hotels Combined / Booking.com )
Things to Do in Kos
Kos is a popular summer destination because of its gorgeous beaches. If you’re not much of a beach person, don’t fret.
There are plenty of other things to see and do on the island which don’t involve the beach.
For instance, Kos is rich in history, with buildings and ruins that date back to the early Byzantine and Roman times. Kos is also known for its ecotourism spots.
Here is a list of interesting things you can do in Kos:
Visit Antimachia Castle
The Antimachia Castle is a Venetian Castle that was built by the Order of the Knights of St. John in the village of Antimachia.
Construction of the castle began during the early 14th century and was completed in the late 15th century.
Today, you can visit the Antimachia Castle to see the remaining structures and ruins inside its fortified walls, including the Agios Nikolaos Church that was built during the 16th century and the Agia Paraskevi Church that was built in the 18th century.
Visit Amallos Mill in Antimachia
Built in the early 19th century, the Amallos Mill in Antimachia has belonged to the Amallos family for four generations.
It had been out of order since the 1980s due to improper care that resulted
Now it can grind about 600 to 800 kilograms of wheat for eight hours a day given that the weather is good and the winds are strong.
The wheat flour that it produces is used to make biscuits and other baked goods that you can purchase onsite.
Visit Nerantzia Castle (aka Kos Castle)
The Nerantzia Castle, also known as the Kos Castle, was built by the Knights of St. John in Kos Town.
The construction began in 1380 and was completed in 1514.
Today, there is a museum inside the Nerantzia Castle where you can find several altars, sculptures, and inscriptions from centuries past.
The different architectural styles within the castle, which was a result of its long period of construction, will also pique your interest.
Visit the Roman Odeon
The Roman Odean of Kos (in English, the Roman Auditorium), is believed to have been one of the most important public buildings on the island.
It was designed originally to host musical competitions and performances, but it may have also been the meeting place of the local senate.
Built in the 2nd century, the Roman Odeon has fourteen rows of marble seats that have a capacity of 750 people.
In the area under the seats (which is called the
These porches led to a few rooms that were believed to be shops or workrooms during
Visit the Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora used to be the center of Kos Island and was the site of temples, baths, houses, and a marketplace.
However, only the ruins of these structures remain today. You can still see the ruins of Ancient Agora, including a shrine dedicated to Aphrodite, a small temple dedicated to Hercules, and a 5th-century Catholic chapel.
Visit Palio Pyli
Palio Pyli (in English, Old Pyli) was a settlement in ancient Greece that flourished during the Byzantine era.
In fact, you can still visit the Byzantine Castle of Palio Pyli that was sieged by the
Most of the structure is now ruined, but the site still offers a panoramic view of the island and the Aegean Sea.
From here, you will also have a view of nearby islands, such as Kalymnos and Pserimos, and the coast of Turkey.
Cycling in Kos
Kos is a scenic island that makes for a great cycling destination. In fact, some even call it the “island of bicycles” in Greece.
There are several routes you can take if you want to cycle around Kos, including:
- Mount Dikeos (via Asclepeion and Palio Pyli) – 39 kilometers with a 610-meter ascent and descent;
- Tour de Kos – 43 kilometers with a 610-meter ascent and descent;
- Kos Town to Marmari (via Asclepeion, Lampi, and Mastichari) – 62 kilometers with a 550-meter ascent and descent.
Visit Asomatos Village
A quiet mountainside settlement, Asomatos Village is practically untouched by Kos Island’s tourist industry.
Even though it’s not one of the island’s main tourist attractions, it’s still a gorgeous place to visit while you’re here.
It has a traditional layout with whitewashed houses and narrow paved alleys that are a signature of Greek architecture.
The surrounding environment consists of olive groves and vineyards. Tourists like to head to Asomatos to hike and be one with nature.
It’s surely one of the best ecotourism spots on the island.
Visit Kefalos
Kefalos can refer to two things: a town in the western coast of Kos or a municipal community consisting of the beach settlements of Kefalos, Kamari, Kampos, and Onia.
Either way, these parts of the island are known for their sandy beaches, hotel resorts, and bars and taverns.
There are several other attractions in Kefalos including the ruins of a castle from the medieval times, the Ayios Stefanos Basilica, and the Ayios Ioannis (Thimianos) Monastery.
For people who love to stay close to the sea and to party, Kefalos is the perfect spot on the island.
Watch the Sunset from Zia
At 2,775 feet, the peak of Mt. Dikeos (or Mt. Dikaios) is the highest point on the island of Kos. You can find the mountain in Zia, a small village located southeast of the principal town.
Tourists love to visit Zia to hike Mt. Dikeos and watch the sunset.
Aside from hiking, you will also find shops, cafés, and attractions here.
If you’re staying in Kos Town during your vacation, Zia is just a 25-minute drive from there.
Visit the Asklepion
According to Greek mythology, Asclepius was the demigod of healing who was so skilled as a doctor, he had the ability to bring people back to life.
The Asklepion (or Asclepeion) temples were built in different parts of Greece in his honor, and one of these temples can be found in the principal town of the island of Kos.
Here, ancient Greeks brought their sick to seek healing, both spiritually and physically.
But today, tourists love to visit the Asklepion temples for their historical and mythological significance.
Best Beaches in Kos
As mentioned earlier, Kos is a popular summer holiday destination in Greece because of its beautiful sandy beaches that open up to the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best beaches in Kos:
- Agios Stefanos Beach – Agios Stefanos is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Kos. Many people go here to swim and sunbathe, but they also go here to see Kastri, a castle-island that stands on its own off the coast of Kos.
- Agios Theologos Beach – Serene and private, Agios Theologos Beach is an ecotourism spot in Kos where people go to enjoy the nature. The beach was named after the churches that you’ll find in the vicinity that you can also visit if you’re spending a day at Agios Theologos Beach.
- Camel Beach – is not as touristy as some of the beaches on this list, so accommodation options are more limited comparatively. However, you will surely have a lot of peace and quiet when you go here. It is the best place to go if you just want to unwind and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
- Agios Fokas Beach – With rows of sunbeds dotting the sandy pebble coastline, Agios Fokas Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kos. Tourists go here to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, surf, and play beach volleyball and water sports. It is also close to Thermes, a spot on the island where you will find natural hot water springs that are perfect for rest and relaxation.
- Kardamena – Known for its fine white sand, Kardamena Beach is a prime spot for tourists who love to spend time at the beach. Therefore, it can get pretty crowded during peak season.
- Marmari Beach – is the best destination for those who love water sports such as windsurfing and paddle boarding. It also has soft, white sand that people who want to spend their vacations by simply relaxing in the sun.
- Tigaki – Surrounded by a selection of bars and restaurants, Tigaki is one of the quieter beaches in Kos. It is also known as a spot for watersports, although it’s not as busy as some of the more popular beaches on the island.
- Xerokambos Beach is located in Kefalos, Kos. It is also called Exotic Beach because it is not as developed as some of the other beaches on the island. It’s quiet and relaxed here, which is perfect if you want a real getaway with very minimal distractions.
Getting Around Kos
When you arrive in Kos, Greece, you have three main modes of transportation. You can rent a bike, rent a car, or get around by taxi.
Bicycle Rentals
Most tourists like to rent bikes while vacationing on the island because it gives them the freedom to explore different areas and regions of Kos that may not be accessible by car.
There are several bicycle rental places on the island including:
- Ideal Rentals (ATVs and scooters also available);
- KosMotoGP Rentals (quads and scooters also available);
- Safe Wheels Rental Kos.
Car Rentals
If you want to cover more land while in Kos, renting a car may be the best option for you.
It gives you more freedom and flexibility than waiting for a taxi to take you places.
Taxis
Finally, taxis are also a convenient way to get around Kos during your vacation.
From the airport, you will find taxis that can transfer you to your hotel. There are also taxis around the island when you want to explore.
Best Time to Visit Kos
Now that we’ve covered the best accommodations, attractions, and beaches on the island, let’s talk about the best time to visit Kos.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know when it comes to deciding when to visit Kos:
Weather
The average Kos weather depends on which month you decide to visit. Usually, the weather is warm and sunny between May to July.
The hottest month on the island is August, when the average temperature reaches 89.6°F during the day and 75°F at night.
Peak Season
The busiest months of the year in Kos are between late May and July due to the summer peak season.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit Kos before the season begins in late April/May to early June.
April is usually the least crowded month in Kos, although the weather may not be ideal if swimming and sunbathing is your reason for traveling.
Conclusion
Kos is a gorgeous Greek island in the Aegean Sea that’s full of natural beauty and historical significance.
With its beaches, ruins, temples, attractions, and activities, you will surely never feel bored while visiting this island.
At the same time, it is also an idyllic spot for those who just want to have a refreshing and relaxing vacation by the sea.
Interested in visiting the Greek islands? If so, be sure to check out my full collection of Greek Island Travel Guides.
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