Kos

Ancient Ruins, Beaches and Bougainvillea

Kos is a Greek island in the Dodecanese chain, located in the Aegean Sea. It covers about 280 square kilometers and has around 30,000 residents. The main town, also called Kos, serves as the island’s center for shopping and dining. Ancient ruins and archaeological sites are common across Kos, reflecting its long history dating back to ancient Greece. Beaches with clear water attract visitors year-round, while local markets provide fresh produce and traditional dishes. The climate is warm most of the year, making outdoor activities possible in many seasons.

Add to list Map view

Island in Greece

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	7

Read details

5/5

English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. Most locals working in tourism are fluent, and signage is in English as well as Greek. Communication is easy for English speakers.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Kos Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Popular for beaches and ancient ruins. Cycle coastal roads, relax on sandy shores, visit archaeological sites and enjoy lively seaside nightlife.

Place score

7.7

Best at:

Islands

Sea

Sailing

Beaches

Historic sites

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

Greece – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings.

Easter (March/April)	Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services.
Assumption of Mary (August)	A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices.
Christmas (December)	Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber
Other:	Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Kos, Greece

🌬️

Jan

🌬️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

🔥

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

🌬️

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Most hotels, restaurants and beach bars close November to March, main season May to October

Meltemi winds blow strongest July to August, good for windsurfing and kitesurfing but rough for ferries

Ferries to Turkey (Bodrum) and neighbouring islands run less often outside May to October

Don't miss

🏛️ Visit the ancient Asklepion healing temple ruins
🏰 Climb the Castle of the Knights of Saint John
♨️ Relax at the natural hot springs of Therma Beach
🌳 Marvel at the Plane Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town
🌅 Watch sunset from the mountain village of Zia

You've been here?

Why travel to Kos?

Kos is a dream for anyone who loves a mix of history, beach life and easygoing Greek charm. You can wander through the ruins of the Asklepion, the birthplace of Hippocrates or snap a selfie under the legendary plane tree in Kos Town. The island has over 100 km of coastline, with everything from lively resort beaches to hidden coves. Nightlife is buzzing, especially in Kos Town and Kardamena, but there are also quiet villages and mountain trails if you want to escape the crowds. Kos is also famous for its cycling paths, so rent a bike and explore at your own pace. Just be aware: peak summer (July–August) is hot and busy and some popular beaches and sights get crowded. The island is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in busy areas and be careful on the roads, especially if renting a scooter.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Plane tree of Hippocrates
2 Palio Pyli Castle
3 Roman Odeon
4 Casa Romana
5 Zia

🎡Places for activities

1 Tigaki Beach
2 Archaeological Museum of Kos
3 Lido Water Park
4 Kos Marina

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Agios Stefanos Bay
2 Agios Stefanos Bay
3 Therma Beach
4 Mastichari Bay

🛍️Shopping

🎈Events

Hippocratia Festival (summer)
Wine and Honey Festivals
Religious feast days
Kos Carnival
Folk music concerts
Kos Marathon
Open-air cinema nights
Traditional dance evenings
Local food fairs
Art exhibitions in Kos Town

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Use KTEL buses for resorts; rent a car inland.
Reserve sunset dinner in Zia early; tables sell out quickly during high season evenings.
Bring water shoes for mixed sand-pebble beaches and rocky entries, especially around thermal spring areas.
Try Therma hot springs where warm water meets the sea; arrive early and watch bus times.

How to travel to Kos

Kos is accessible by direct flights from many European cities and by ferry from Athens (Piraeus) and other Dodecanese islands. In high season, ferries also run to Bodrum (Turkey). The airport is about 25 km from Kos Town, with buses, taxis and car rentals available.

Access summary

From Kos Airport (KGS): Bus or taxi to Kos Town, about 30–40 minutes.
From Athens (Piraeus): Overnight or daytime ferries, usually 9–12 hours.
From nearby Dodecanese islands (e.g., Rhodes): Regular ferries, typically 2–4 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Kos

Kos offers everything from luxury beach resorts and boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses and budget hostels. Most accommodations are in Kos Town, Kardamena, Tigaki and Kefalos. Book early for July–August. For a quieter stay, try a mountain village or the north coast.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Michelangelo Resort and Spa

8.6

Mitsis Summer Palace

9.0

E-Geo Easy Living Resort

8.3

Atlantis Hotel

8.1

Mitsis Family Village

8.6

Grand Blue Beach Hotel

8.3

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Kos

Kos is easy to explore by car, scooter or bicycle. The island has a well-developed network of cycling paths, especially around Kos Town and the coast. Local buses connect main towns, beaches and villages, but schedules may be limited in the off-season. Taxis are available, but can be scarce in high season. The main port and bus station are in Kos Town.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-47 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 47% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Bodrum, Turkey - 27 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£35	£79	£216
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£15	£38	£90
🍝 Food per day	£16	£36	£108
🚕 Transportation per day	£4	£5	£18

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£15
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£6
🍟 Fast food combo	£6
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.90
☕ Cappuccino	£1.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.95
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£11
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.95

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£5.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£16
🤧 Cold medication	£1.50
💇 Basic haircut	£3.70

Safety information overview

General safety

Kos is generally very safe, with low violent crime. Watch for pickpockets in busy areas and be careful on the roads, especially if renting a scooter or cycling. Beaches can get crowded in summer; keep an eye on your belongings.

Health & Medical

Good medical care is available, with clinics and pharmacies in main towns. Bring any prescription meds. Tap water is safe but may taste salty in some areas. Sunburn and dehydration are the main risks in summer.

Accessibility

Most main sights, beaches and hotels are accessible, but some ancient ruins and old town streets have uneven ground or steps. Public transport is accessible and many hotels offer adapted rooms — check ahead for specific needs.

Tap water

Tap water is generally safe, but may taste salty in some places. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for drinking. Public fountains are rare; refill your bottle at your hotel or café.

Packing recommendations for Kos

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

👕

Light, breathable clothing

summer

👛

Cash in small denominations

for markets

🩴

Flip-flops

📕

Guidebook with offline map

Quick-dry travel towel

📱

Travel eSIM

🔌

Universal travel adaptor

Type C/F

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Nearby recommended places

Rhodes

Bodrum

Marmaris

Muğla

Patmos

Kalymnos

Looking for inspiration?

Discover

For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…

Discover

Europe is one of the more manageable continents for allergy conscious travelers, thanks to strict food labeling rules that apply across the entire European Union. Restaurants…

Discover

Europe's island destinations range from the sun-drenched Mediterranean archipelagos and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Atlantic to the remote northern island groups where…

Discover

Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…

Discover

Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…

Discover

Southern Europe's islands and Atlantic coastlines have both built strong yoga retreat scenes around Mediterranean light, often pairing practice with locally grown food and a…

Discover

Boating travel encompasses an enormous range of experiences from river cruising and canal boating to motor yacht charter, liveaboard diving and the growing circuit of destinations…

Discover

Europe offers remote workers a level of infrastructure that is hard to beat, along with enough cultural variety to keep even a long stay interesting. City based nomads can hop…

Discover

Europe is where most people start, and for good reason. The trains connect cities across borders, the hostels have been running for decades, and the distances between completely…

Discover

Travelling alone sounds like a bigger deal than it is. The first day feels strange – eating dinner by yourself, navigating without someone to double-check the map with, making…

Discover

Working from anywhere in the world sounds simple until you actually try it and the best digital nomad destinations look different depending on what kind of remote worker you are.…

Discover

Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…

Discover

Europe has been the backdrop for love stories for centuries, and for couples it remains one of the easiest continents to feel romantic in without even trying. The choice of…

Discover

Europe's boating offer is anchored by the continent's extensive canal and river networks, sheltered coastal motor cruising grounds and liveaboard diving circuits that together…

Discover

A first trip abroad works best somewhere that eases you in, rather than throwing every possible culture shock and logistical headache at you at once. Some first-time travellers…

Was this page helpful?

Summary:	Cool and rainy, quiet island
Temperature:	11 – 14 °C
Water temp.:	18 °C
Rain:	81 mm (Moderate rainy days)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy

Summary:	Coolest month, rainy and windy
Temperature:	12 – 14 °C
Water temp.:	17 °C
Rain:	40 mm (Frequent light drizzle)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy

Summary:	Mild and changeable, wildflowers blooming
Temperature:	13 – 16 °C
Water temp.:	17 °C
Rain:	32 mm (On-and-off light rain)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy

Summary:	Mild and sunny, good for sightseeing
Temperature:	15 – 18 °C
Water temp.:	17 °C
Rain:	18 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Few tourists

Summary:	Warm and sunny, sea still cool
Temperature:	18 – 22 °C
Water temp.:	19 °C
Rain:	11 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Few tourists