Your guide to Kos
Kos highlights
Hit the beach
The island’s extensive coastline is a dream come true for beach lovers. Soak in the hot, bubbling springs at Therma Beach or head to the Kefalos Peninsula for rugged cliffs, secluded coves and a string of picture-perfect beaches. Got the kids in tow? Tigaki Beach, with its calm, shallow waters, is a great option.
Explore the ruins
Kos has changed hands many times over the centuries, leaving behind a wealth of historic landmarks. In Kos Town, explore the medieval Castle of the Knights and a Roman theatre. A short drive away, the Asklepieion is where Hippocrates is traditionally believed to have taught medicine. Other highlights include Palio Pyli, an abandoned Byzantine settlement on the slopes of Mount Dikeos.
Get on your bike
Kos is one of the most cycle-friendly islands in Greece. Dedicated bike paths run along the coast and connect many of the island’s towns, beaches and attractions. Take an easy ride between Faros Beach and Psalidi Beach. Or tackle the climb to Zia, a mountain village known for its views across the island and the Aegean.
Kos: Know before you go
| Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Kos
Weather in Kos
March – May: Mornings and evenings can be cool, but afternoons are often warm and sunny. This is a good time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.
June – August: This is the hottest and driest time of the year, with long, sunny days perfect for the beach. The winds pick up in July and August, bringing some relief from the heat.
September – November: September still feels like summer, with warm days and comfortable swimming temperatures into October. Bring an umbrella, as rain showers are more likely in October and November.
December – February: You’ll experience rain, but temperatures are milder than most of Europe. And with fewer crowds, you’ll feel like you have the island all to yourself.
Events in Kos
Carnival (February or March): Kos gets into the party spirit with parades and dancing in the street. In some places, locals dress in colourful blankets and wear masks.
Easter (April or May): This week-long celebration welcomes people of all faiths, with candlelit processions, fireworks displays and churches decorated with flowers.
Hippocratia Festival (June to August): Locals and visitors alike come out for this summer-long celebration of Hippocrates, the island’s famous son. Events take place across Kos and include concerts, traditional dance performances and art exhibitions. Many are free to attend.
Mastichari Wine Festival (August): The seaside resort of Mastichari honours its winemaking tradition with free tastings, folk music and dancing.
The best neighbourhoods in Kos
Old Town
A pedestrianised neighbourhood of narrow streets lined with cafés, boutiques and tavernas, the Old Town sits at the heart of the capital. This is where to stay in Kos if you want to be in the thick of everything. Ancient ruins, the harbour and the island’s main shopping streets are on your doorstep, and the beaches are never far away.
Good for: Shopping, history, dining
Lambi
Lambi lies just north of the capital, with a long beach lined with tavernas, bars and a collection of hotels. If you can tear yourself away from your lounger, try water sports like jet skiing and kayaking. And if you like your evenings lively, join the party crowds in beach bars at the southern end close to Kos Town.
Good for: Water sports, nightlife, tavernas
Kefalos
Sit on the terrace of a hilltop taverna in Kefalos, and you’ll understand why people choose to live here. This traditional whitewashed village at the southwestern tip of the island overlooks Kamari Bay, with some of Kos' finest beaches just below. Wander through narrow streets, visit the folk museum and check out the old windmill above the village.
Good for: Sea views, beaches, terrace restaurants
Things to do in Kos
Family friendly
Beyond the beaches, Kos offers plenty to keep younger travellers entertained. Lido Waterpark near Mastichari and Aquatica Waterpark in Kardamena feature slides, pools and wave attractions for all ages. Boat trips are another popular option, including glass-bottom cruises that let you spot fish and other marine life beneath the surface.
Take in the culture
Some of the best museums in Kos explore the civilisations that shaped the island over thousands of years. Browse artefacts from antiquity to the Roman era at the Kos Archaeological Museum. Step inside Casa Romana, a restored second-century villa, or visit the Hippocrates Garden Cultural Center, where a reconstructed fifth-century BC settlement brings ancient Greece to life.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Kos range from waterfront seafood tavernas to traditional mountain village eateries. Look for grilled octopus, stuffed vegetables and ‘pitaridia’ (handmade pasta), one of the island’s signature dishes. Local honey, olive oil and wine all play a starring role, a nod to the agricultural traditions that have shaped Kos for centuries.
Nightlife
As the sun goes down, waterfront bars and tavernas fill with diners lingering over local wine and sea views. For a livelier night out, head to Kos Town, where cocktail bars, music venues and late-night clubs keep the streets busy well after midnight. Nearby Lambi and Psalidi also draw evening crowds, particularly during the summer months.
Shopping
Start around Eleftherias Square in Kos Town, where market stalls and speciality shops sell local honey, olive oil and wine. From there, wander the Old Town’s narrow streets in search of beachwear, ceramics and handmade gifts. For something more distinctive, browse the small shops and markets of mountain villages such as Zia, known for locally made souvenirs and crafts.
Beaches
Kos has options for every kind of beachgoer. Along the north coast, Mastichari and Marmari are popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers thanks to reliable summer winds. In Kefalos Bay, Paradise Beach is known for the volcanic gases that bubble up from the seabed. For calmer waters and a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Kardamena Beach or Agios Stefanos Beach.
Get ready for Kos
Budget
It’s easy to enjoy Kos on a budget. With free beaches, ancient ruins and affordable dining options, there’s no need to spend a fortune. You can sit down to an inexpensive meal at a local taverna for less than 15 euros (€) and round it off with a beer for around €4. Start your morning with a cappuccino for under €5.
Day trips from Kos
Nisyros is one of the most popular day trips from Kos. Around an hour away by ferry, the volcanic island is home to an active crater and the whitewashed village of Nikia, perched high above it. Or you can cross the Aegean to Bodrum, Turkey, in under 30 minutes to explore its medieval castle, harbour and lively waterfront. But remember to bring your passport.
Getting around Kos
Kos is easy to explore, with a range of transport options. Buses connect Kos Town with the airport and the island’s main resorts and many villages. You can also take a taxi or hire a car or scooter to get around on your own. Cycling is popular due to the relatively flat terrain and network of cycle paths.
FAQs about visiting Kos
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