The Kos Island is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea not far from Turkey and is the third largest island of the Dodecanese group. It is also called the island of Hippocrates. The famous doctor and father of modern medicine was born in Kos and is the pride of the islanders.
In addition to ancient ruins and modern holiday resorts, there are kilometres of dream beaches on Kos. In addition, the island of Kos offers a very well-developed tourist infrastructure, which never overwhelms newcomers as well as old hands always offers variety.
In our digital Kos travel guide, we give you an overview of Kos Island. This article provides you with all the important information for your holiday on Kos:
- 1. Who is Kos Island suitable for?
- 2. Length of stay in Kos
- 3. Getting to Kos
- 4. Weather on the island of Kos
- 5. Important places of the island of Kos
- 6. Top sights in Kos
- 7. The most popular beaches of Kos
- 8. Do I need a rental car in Kos?
- 9. Hotels on the island of Kos
- 10. Kos travel guide for your holidays
- 11. Kos Island in Video
- FAQ about Kos Island
1. Who is Kos Island suitable for?
The island of Kos has a very well-developed tourist infrastructure, so that it is also possible to Greece newcomers on Kos feel comfortable. Here you will find everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires, within easy reach and without a long search. Away from the large hotel complexes, the mountain villages and cosy taverns in particular offer a pleasant introduction to the Greek islands.
Anyone who wants a Family holiday on Kos, will find great sandy beaches to build castles, childcare in the large all-inclusive and club complexes as well as beautiful animal and water parks on the island. Sports enthusiasts use the spring for extensive hikes and bike tours.
→ The 12 best excursions for a family holidays on the island of Kos we will tell you in our article: Kos Island with children
Water sports enthusiasts are in good hands on Kos. Due to the Meltemi, which blows from the north in the summer months, there are some very good surf spots on Kos. Last but not least, the island of Kos is suitable for anyone who wants to have a relaxing beach holiday and just want to have a good time.
For individualists and explorers, we recommend the surrounding Dodecanese Islands. These are still a bit more original and less crowded in the summer months, although Kos is also very easy to explore individually in the low season.
If you look for a all-round carefree holiday on Kos, you will find favorable offers at our partner Check24*:
➲ To offers for package holidays*
2. Length of stay in Kos
We recommend a minimum stay of 5 days for Kos to have seen at least part of the island. Ideal are 10 days holiday in Kos, you have the opportunity to visit the original neighboring islands Kalymnos and Nisyros on a day trip. In addition, with more vacation days, you can enjoy a successful mix of relaxed beach days and active days to explore the island.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
3. Getting to Kos
With a Direct flight from Germany to Kos you will arrive on the island in about three hours. In the season between May and October, the airlines Condor, Eurowings, TUI and Ryanair, among others, fly to the island of Kos several times a week.
In the low season, for example, there are round-trip flights to the island of Kos for less than 100 euros per person only with hand luggage. Click on the link to find suitable Kos flights on Skyscanner* to be displayed:
➲ To cheap flights to the island*
The Kos-Hippocrates Airport (KGS) is centrally located in the interior of the island and has been completely modernized in recent years. The transfer times by bus are quite short due to the size of the island and are max. 45 minutes. A pre-booked airport transfer makes it easy to get to the hotel, which can be conveniently booked via GetYourGuide*:
On Wednesday and Saturday, the main arrival days, it is quite turbulent on the Kos Airport to. Plan accordingly for your arrival and departure. Upon arrival in Kos, you will need to put your clock forward one hour. The transfer time from Kos Airport to the island’s capital is between 30 and 45 minutes.
→ By ferry to Kos? This article will provide you with all the information you need: Ferries in Greece
4. Weather on the island of Kos
The Mediterranean Mediterranean climate pampers you Kos with lots of sunshine, hot summers and mild winters. Omnipresent in summer is the Meltemi, a refreshing summer wind that is not only popular with water sports enthusiasts. At over 30 degrees, it is sometimes the only breeze that still blows when the air is actually outside.
The tourist season on Kos begins at the end of April. At this time, the island is still in full bloom and everything is wonderfully green. A perfect period for hikers and active sports enthusiasts who want to explore the island on their own and enjoy nature before the big rush. Every now and then there is a short shower. Nevertheless, temperatures will sometimes reach over 25 degrees.
In April and May is swimming on Kos only something for the hard-boiled holiday maker. The water temperatures are usually below 20 degrees. In June, temperatures rise on Kos and the island slowly fills up with tourists. Precipitation decreases and vegetation becomes more sparse. With the beginning of the holiday season, the last cloud in the sky has usually disappeared.
In the months of July and August, it can be very hot on Kos, sometimes over 37 degrees in the sun, and even at night it usually does not cool below 25 degrees. The beaches are full, the accommodation prices are correspondingly high and the small island is bursting at the seams.
→ Our personal 10 Highlights of Kos we will tell you in this article: Kos Highlights
Weather on the island of Kos in autumn
If you come to Kos in mid-September, you will experience how the island slowly begins to rest. But the sea is still wonderfully warm for swimming and the air temperatures are usually around 28 degrees. One ideal time to visit the island of Kos and to soak up a few rays of sunshine. Only the landscape seems a bit gray and dried.
At the beginning of October, the season is coming to an end and for hikers it is now getting really nice again. The water temperature in Kos but it is still pleasantly warm, but it can get a bit chilly on the beach lounger due to northerly winds. At the beginning of November, most hotels on Kos close.
→ More information about the weather on the island of Kos can be found in our article: Best time to visit Greece
5. Important places of the island of Kos
Mastichari
Mastichari is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the north of the island. There are many package hotels here and the region is especially preferred by families with children. Mastichari is a harbour town with taverns and shops. From here, the ferries go to the neighboring island of Kalymnos. Ideal for a Greece Island Hopping .
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🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Marmari and Tigaki
Through the Kos Resorts of Marmari and Tigaki there is a long mile of souvenir shops, restaurants, car rental companies and tour operators, with Tigaki probably still exuding the most charm. The transfer time from the airport by bus is between 15 – 25 minutes. Around the towns, numerous hotels have settled on the local dream beaches.
Kos Town
The island’s capital, too Kos Town with its seaside resorts is located in the east of the island. The beaches near the town are made of gravel or coarse sand. There are a few resorts around the town, including Lambi in the north and Psalidi in the south. The individual villages of the island of Kos are well connected to the capital by buses.
→ All information about the Capital of the island of Kos can be found in our article: Kos Town
Kardamena
The seaside resort Kardamena is located in the south of the island of Kos and is home to numerous hotel complexes. The place is especially popular with Englishmen. There is a small shopping mile and many taverns and cafés. From Kardamena, the excursion boats also go to the neighboring island of Nisyros. The transfer from the airport to Kardamena takes between 10-20 minutes.
Kefalos
The peninsula and the town of the same name Kefalos are located in the far west of the island of Kos and are considered the quietest part of the island. There are some family-run hotels, as well as smaller guesthouses and holiday apartments. In recent years, exclusive hotel complexes have also settled. The journey time to Kefalos peninsula from Kos Town is about 40 minutes.
💡 Help with the Kos Holiday Planning: You don’t know where to start and how to go about planning your Kos vacation? No problem, benefit from our years of experience with traveling to Greece and let us help you. We advise you on all your questions and concerns, even via video chat. You can book your consultation here: Travel Advice Greece
Antimachia
The small town Antimachia is located in the center of the island of Kos. Here is the airport of Kos, some small restaurants, two gas stations and mini markets are available in the center of the village. A beautiful reconstructed windmill adorns the village centre. Antimachia does not play a major role in tourism.
Not far from Antimachia is the so-called Plaka Forest, which Peacock Forest of Kos. Here, numerous colorful peacocks cavort in a spacious pine forest. The Peacock Forest is a popular destination for families with children.
→ All information about the peacock forest of the island of Kos can be found in our article: Plaka Kos
Dikeos Villages
Accommodation for individualists is mainly available in the mountain villages of Kos, such as Asfendiou, Zia, Lagoudi and Pyli. Near the village of Pyli is the refugee camp of Kos (information here: Refugees in Greece). You can explore the lush green region around the Dikeos Mountains by jeep safari. Click on the link to check prices and availability of the GetYourGuide* tour:
➲ To the organized jeep safari*
6. Top sights in Kos
During your holiday you can enjoy many different sights on Kos. The most flexible way is to rent a car on the island of Kos, so you can also reach the somewhat remote corners. Kos is not big with an extension of 42 kilometers and you can explore many beautiful corners on your own during your stay.
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
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Aklepieion of Kos
That Asklepieion of Kos is the biggest attraction on the island. It was a large spa center in ancient Greece, which applied the practices of the famous physician Hippocrates to patients. The scholar even lived on the island of Kos himself, but the sanctuary was not built until after his death.
→ All information about the Kos Asklepieion can be found in our article: Asklepieion of Kos
Mountain village of Zia
A very popular destination on the island of Kos is the lively village Zia, where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset in the evening. The rush in the high season is extreme, the small mountain village is integrated into almost every Kos bus tour. You can book the tour through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the island tour incl. Zia*
→ More tips for the mountain village of Zia can be found in our article: Zia Kos
Kastri Island near Kefalos
The Kefalos peninsula with its dream beaches is a must on every visit to Kos. The upstream tiny island Kastri in the bay of Kefalos is a popular photo motif. On the Agios Stefanos beach in front of Kastri there are still the old remains of an early Christian basilica.
→ More information about Agios Stefanos Beach in Kefalos can be found here: Agios Stefanos Beach
Embros Thermal Baths
Since the island is of volcanic origin, you can even find hot thermal springs in Kos. The Embros Thermal Baths are a popular destination and we recommend a swim in the early morning hours in the up to 50 degrees warm water. In season, it is very crowded around lunchtime.
→ All information about the Thermal Springs of Kos Island can be found in our article: Embros Thermal Baths Kos
7. The most popular beaches of Kos
The beaches of Kefalos in the far west of Kos are among the most beautiful on the island. Directly at the entrance to the peninsula, six paradisiacal beaches branch off to the left. All of them have fine sandy beaches, most of which slope gently into the crystal clear sea. Also ideal for families with children.
→ We have the most popular tours on the island of Kos that should not be missing on any Kos holiday: Kos Excursions & Tours
Magic Beach
The on-site operators rent umbrellas and sunbeds for about 10 euros per day. On some beaches there is also a small tavern for the physical well-being. Our personal favorite is the Magic Beach right at the beginning of the long beach mile. Even in the high season, things are a little quieter here than at Paradise Beach.
Agios Theologos Coves
You will find lonely bays mainly around Agios Theologos in Kefalos. These are usually somewhat hidden behind the rocky cliffs and have no operator. But you can spend a day at the beach here undisturbed. In some bays, nudist fans also make themselves comfortable.
Kavo Paradiso Beach
The most beautiful gem of Kos is located at the far western end of Kefalos and can only be reached via a bumpy gravel road – Kavo Paradiso, the name says it all. Dreamlike bay with golden sand and turquoise blue waters. Due to the arduous journey, the beach is not crowded even in the high season. There is a small beach bar and loungers for rent.
Marmari Beaches
In the north, you can expect around Marmari very beautiful beaches with white dunes. Here, too, the entrance to the sea is shallow and you will meet many families with children.
Next door in Tigaki it gets very crowded, especially in the high season, and the beach section is paved with umbrellas. If it’s too much hustle and bustle here, then just walk a little further towards the salt lake in Tigaki, the beach is just as beautiful, just a little quieter.
Lambi Beach
The Lambi Beach is located in the east of the island of Kos, very close to the capital. The sand pebble beach with its many beach bars is well visited in midsummer. Unfortunately, ship traffic washes up more seaweed in some corners, so some sections are not so nice for swimming. Further east at Cape Psalidi and Agios Fokas, the beach becomes even rockier and there is often a strong wind here.
Blue Beach
The south of the island of Kos offers beautiful sandy beaches. Around Kardamena it gets very crowded on the beach in the season. A little further west at Cape Helona you will find quite lonely sections with wonderful turquoise blue water. Our favorite is the Blue Beach close to the Robinson Club. You can only reach it on foot or with an off-road vehicle.
→ The most beautiful Beaches of the island of Kos can be found in our separate article: Kos Beaches
8. Do I need a rental car in Kos?
We recommend that you discover Kos Island with a rental car. Rental stations with cars, quads and scooters can be found in every major town on Kos. Quads are ideal off-road and on the gravel roads of the Kefalos Peninsula.
Most roads on Kos however, are paved and in moderate condition. The infrastructure is well developed, there is an island highway from west to east that is busier. On all other side roads, there is less traffic on the island of Kos.
We have been working with the provider in a spirit of trust for many years Costas Car Rental – a local family business on Kos, run by Tanya and Kostas, whom we know personally and appreciate very much.
Their Kos rental cars are top in good shape, the service is friendly and uncomplicated – exactly as you want it on holiday. The very good Google reviews speak for themselves!
Whether it’s a compact speedster or a spacious family car, you’re guaranteed to find the right vehicle here – including child seats if you’re travelling with little explorers. Through our partner you can easily book a hire car for Kos:
Exploring Kos by bus
By bus you can explore Kos quite well. The buses of KTEL Kos connect the main towns. They run regularly and head for some of the well-known sights such as the Asklepieion of Kos, the mountain village of Zia and the Embros Thermal Baths.
There are no buses to the remote corners of the island of Kos, e.g. some beaches on Kefalos. In this case, a rental car for off-road use is recommended. The current bus timetable from Kos can be found at: KTEL Kos
9. Hotels on the island of Kos
On the island of Kos there are numerous package hotels, all-inclusive and club resorts. They are mainly found on the north coast in Marmari and Tigaki, in the east around Kos Town, and in the south in Kardamena. Many hotels have short transfer times, offer direct beach locations, large pool landscapes and good childcare.
→ The best hotels on the island of Kos We have summarized for you here: Best hotels in Kos
Family-run hotels on Kos are a cheaper alternative to the large hotel complexes. They are usually not quite so anonymous, offer breakfast or half board and are often located near the beach. The service is not so extensive, but it is usually a bit quieter and you can use the evening to eat in a tavern the typical Greek cuisine.
If you like it a little quieter, you will find on Kos also holiday homes, guesthouses, studios and apartments. These are mostly located in the hinterland of the island of Kos, but you get more in touch with the locals and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the crowds. It is also worth taking a look at Airbnb . We have booked almost all of our Kos apartments and studios through Booking.com*:
➲ To beautiful apartments & studios*
10. Kos travel guide for your holidays
Kos Island Guide – 10 Day Tours
Our Guide to the island of Kos describes 10 individual day tours that you can do on your own with a rental car. Including maps with POIs, as well as numerous tips on sights, beaches, taverns and much more: To the Kos travel guide
Travel Guide Kos plus (ADAC)
We were allowed to accompany the ADAC travel guide Kos as authors. In addition to basic information, it includes our highlights on Kos as well as an island tour including a map to depart: View on Amazon*
Kos travel guide (MICHAEL MÜLLER)
Very detailed Kos travel guide with a total of 240 pages. Extensive travel tips on the topics: excursions, accommodation and restaurants: View on Amazon*
11. Kos Island in Video
At the latest after this great Video about the island of Kos by filmmaker Robert Polasek, you will spend the days leading up to your Kos Holidays count. The beautiful film footage of Kos awakens wanderlust and anticipation of the Greek island. Perfect for a cozy evening in front of the TV! Best enjoyed with a good glass of wine 😉
FAQ about Kos Island
How many days should you plan for Kos?
7–10 days are ideal for exploring Kos at a leisurely pace. This gives you enough time to visit the most beautiful beaches (Agios Stefanos, Tigaki, Magic Beach), sights (Asklepieion, Kos Town), and take trips to the mountain village of Zia or even to the neighboring island of Nisyros. For a pure beach vacation, 5–7 days are sufficient.
What are the must-see sights on Kos?
Our top 5 highlights: Agios Stefanos Beach with Kastri Island (great photo spot), the Asklepieion (an ancient healing center), Kos Town with the Fortress of St. John, the mountain village of Zia at sunset, and the Embros Thermal Springs (hot springs by the sea). For active travelers, we recommend a day trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros. You can easily do all of this in one week. In the second week, you can then relax on the beach.
Which beaches on Kos are the most beautiful?
Our top 3: Agios Stefanos Beach (postcard view with chapel), Tigaki Beach (kilometers of white sand), and Paradise Beach (secluded south coast). Marmari and Mastichari are ideal for families with their shallow waters. For windsurfers: Kohilari Beach. The north has the best sandy beaches!
Is Kos a party island?
No, but the resort of Kardamena in the south is known for its bars and clubs, making it perfect for young people. Kos Town has a lively bar scene, but it is much more relaxed. The rest of the island (Tigaki, Mastichari, Kefalos) is quiet and family-friendly. Kos is more diverse than Malia on Crete!
When is the best time to visit Kos Island?
May/June and September/October are our favorite times: it’s 25–30°C warm, the sea is 22–24°C, and there are fewer tourists. July and August are very hot, with temperatures of 35 to 40°C, but the meltemi wind makes it bearable. This is when windsurfers in particular get their money’s worth. April and November are good for cultural excursions and hiking, but many taverns are closed.
Do i need a rental car on Kos Island?
Recommended, but not essential! Kos is relatively small, measuring 45 km in length, and has a good bus network between Kos Town, Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena, and Kefalos. However, a rental car gives you more flexibility to visit secluded beaches (such as Paradise Beach) and mountain villages (such as Zia and Pyli) and make spontaneous stops. Car rental prices on Kos start at €25 per day, depending on the season and availability.
Which resort on Kos is best for staying overnight?
Kos Town for culture, nightlife, and short airport transfers. Tigaki/Marmari for families with top sandy beaches and tranquility. Kardamena for young people and parties. Kefalos for individualists, beautiful nature, and sunsets. We recommend Tigaki or Marmari—the perfect balance of beach, infrastructure, and relaxation. Those who like it quiet and authentic and don’t mind being a little further from the sea should look for a vacation home in the hinterland or in the mountains.
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