With an east-west extension of only 42 km, the island of Kos can be explored wonderfully in a few days. Experienced individualists discover Kos on their own. For everyone else, it is worth taking one of the numerous organized excursions on Kos offered by local organizers.
“There is a wide range of excursions in Kos. After 15 years, we haven’t explored every corner of the island yet.”
Anyone who wants to guided tours in Kos you will learn more about the country and people of the Greek island with a local guide. So you can easily discover the idyllic neighboring islands of Kos by boat trip, even if you are not an organizational talent.
Many holidaymakers who visit the island usually only have a week or ten days to explore the sights of Kos. To help you make the most of your holiday, we give you recommendations which Kos tours are really worth it.
#1 Kos 3 Island Tour
Price for the Kos 3 Island Tour: approx. 30 € p.p. – bookable directly on GetYourGuide* ↓
One of the most popular Kos Day Trips is a boat trip to the three surrounding islands of Kos. The start is at 10 a.m. in the port of Kos Town. Several operators offer the so-called 3-island tour. With a pretty sailboat you will sail to the islands of Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos.
The first stop of the Kos 3 Islands Tour in the beautiful Esperidon Fjord of Vathi on Kalymnos invites you to swim and relax. In the small harbour town of Rina there are some taverns with delicious Greek dishes and cool drinks.
After Kalymnos, the next stop is at the rocky island of Plati. There is a beautiful bay with turquoise blue water here. Perfect for refreshing yourself in the cool water. By the way, lunch is included in the price and is served on board. Drinks are usually available for an extra charge on the tours.
The last stop is the small Neighboring island of Pserimos, just a few hundred meters opposite Kos. Here it is mostly tranquil, there is a harbor promenade with taverns and a beach for sunbathing. In the high season, it is quite crowded on the island during the day.
After almost 7.5 hours, the boat finds itself back in Kos Town. The Three Islands Tour remains in the best memories of many holidaymakers because of the fantastic bathing bays, the all-day all-round service and the good atmosphere on board.
→ Our partner GetYourGuide* offers more information about the 3-island tour and if needed you can book directly here: Day tour to 3 islands*
#2 Jeep safari in Kos
Price for the Kos jeep safari: approx. 95 € p.p. – bookable directly on GetYourGuide* ↓
➲ To the organized jeep safari*
For those who want a little more action and still want to explore the island off the beaten track, a guided Jeep safari on Kos is recommended.
This adventurous Kos tour lasts about 7 hours and you will be picked up directly from the hotel in most places on Kos. With an off-road vehicle we go to the original mountainous region of Kos.
A detour to the remote regions of the Dikeos Mountains is particularly appealing. Hardly any other holidaymakers get lost up here and you can enjoy the beautiful view of the island quite undisturbed.
In the Kos tour is lunch included, which usually takes place in a Greek tavern in the mountain village of Zia on Kos. Holidaymakers praise the friendly crew and the numerous information about the country and its people. The guides speak English and German and know how to entertain the guests well.
A off-road tour to the hinterland of Kos is definitely not for the faint-hearted and small children, because the driving style in the Land Rover/Jeep on the gravel roads is correspondingly bumpy and fast, and some serpentines have to be overcome.
→ More Information about the Kos jeep safariand the possibility to book can be found on GetYourGuide*: To the full-day jeep safari*
#3 Boat trip to the volcanic island of Nisyros
Price for the tour to Nisyros: from 30 € p.p. – bookable directly on GetYourGuide* ↓
The picturesque volcanic island of Nisyros is a must-see on any Kos Holidays and can also be explored individually. If you join a boat trip to the island of Nisyros then we can recommend the following excursion.
In the morning, you will be picked up by the bus at your hotel and driven to the port town of Kardamena in the south of Kos. The crossing by excursion boat takes about an hour from Kardamena to Nisyros.
From the port in Mandraki it goes by bus to the volcanic crater of Nisyros. There is even the possibility to go inside the crater, as long as you can stand the strong smell of sulfur. There is also a small snack bar and sanitary facilities on site. After visiting the volcano, you will return to Mandraki.
In the harbour town there is still time to explore the pretty alleys. Also visit the magnificent white Monastery of Panagia Spiliani on the outskirts of Mandraki. From up here you have a wonderful view of the town. In Mandraki there are numerous taverns and cafes to stop for and small shops and boutiques to shop.
For many Kos holidaymakers, the day trip to Nisyros Volcano, especially because of the English-speaking guide and the original beauty of the volcanic island, is one of the highlights of your holiday. The bus transfer to the volcano and the entrance fee to the volcano of Nisyros are extra.
→ More Information about the volcano tour on Nisyros and the possibility to book is available via our partner GetYourGuide*: Boat tour to the volcanic island*
Kos Excursions on your own
You don’t feel like bus tours and want to see the explore the island of Kos individually? Then we recommend a wheeled vehicle and off you go! The best way to get from A to B in Kos is with a rental car. There are countless car rental companies on the island that offer cars of all categories.
Our recommendation for car hire on Kos is Costas Car Rental – a friendly family business that we have known and appreciated personally for years. Well-maintained cars, uncomplicated service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, everything is there. Click here for the desired vehicle for Kos:
Beautiful places and hikes on Kos
The most beautiful sunset of Kos
In the far west of Kos on the Kefalos peninsula, the landscape is wild and beautiful. You can enjoy the lonely bays on the rugged coast almost all to yourself. In the evening you will experience in Agios Theologos Restaurant for many holidaymakers probably the most beautiful sunset on Kos right by the sea.
Excursion to the Dikeos Mountains
In the mountains of Kos, between dense coniferous forests, there are small sleepy villages and numerous hiking trails. The hike on the Dikeos, the highest mountain on Kos (864 m).
On the flanks of the Dikeos Mountains, you can walk from Amaniou via the mountain villages of Lagoudi, Zia, Asfendiou and into the ghost village of Agios Dimitrios drive. You will be accompanied by a beautiful island panorama and find a little relaxation and peace far away from the tourist hustle and bustle. The residentCafé Chaichoutes is only open in the evening.
If hiking is not your thing and you are looking for a little more action, we recommend a quad bike tour through the mountainous hinterland of Kos. Or you can drive an off-road vehicle over lonely gravel roads to the remote mountain regions of the island.
→ Everything you need to know for visiting Zia you will learn in this article: Zia Kos
At lunchtime, it is worth taking a break visit to the mountain village of Zia (Tip: Magic Mountain) before continuing to the Paleo Pyli fortress in the late afternoon. For the long discovery tour, you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramas of the island. If that’s too much planning for you, you can take part in an organized jeep safari: Jeep Safari with Lunch
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Hike to Aspri Petra Cave
On the Kefalos peninsula in the far west of Kos you will reach the Aspri Petra Cave, which is hidden on the slope of Mount Zini. Here the oldest traces of human life on Kos were found. From the rock window above the cave you have a beautiful view of the western tip of Kos and the Aegean Sea.
Cape Krikelos: Loneliness in the southwest
The area in the southwest around Cape Krikelos on Kefalos is particularly scenic and completely lonely. The most remote sights, such as the blue and white chapel of Agios Mamas, can only be reached by off-road vehicle.
The tasty thyme honey is also extracted in this region. Here you can enjoy the silence far away from the tourist hustle and bustle. For the adventurous, a drive to Kavo Paradiso, the most beautiful beach of Kos, which is located at the end of the bumpy gravel road.
→ All information about the best Kos beaches can be found in this article: Kos Beaches
Peacock Forest Plaka
In the interior of the island, it is worth taking a trip to Plaka Forest, a cool pine forest with colorful wildlife. Hundreds of peacocks have their home here. As soon as you arrive, you will hear the shrill sounds from everywhere.
Many cats live in Plaka and are cared for by a local animal welfare association. In a small wetland biotope, turtles and frogs swim. The Peacock Forest Plaka is located about 4 km south of the airport in the direction of Kefalos.
→ More information about the Peacock Forest of Kos can be found in our article: Plaka Kos
Psalidi Wetlands
In the east of Kos, near Cape Psalidi, there is a small biotope. In winter, the lagoons are filled with water and are home to migratory birds and Flamingos on Kos. A footpath leads through the lonely grounds, which are numerous overgrown with reeds.
There are two observation cabins from which you can watch birds until spring. In summer, the lagoons have dried up. Nevertheless, a detour to this untouched spot of nature is worthwhile. You can walk down the path to the beach and enjoy the peace and quiet on site.
→ The 12 best excursions with children in Kos we will tell you in our article: Kos Island with children
Alikes Salt Lake
On the north coast of Kos near Tigaki is the Kos Salt Lake. The Greeks also call him Alikes. This small nature reserve is home to numerous bird species. In spring, the lake still has water and you can watch some flamingos.
Until the 90s, salt was still mined here. After the salt works were closed, nature reclaimed the region around the salt lake. In summer, the Lake Alikes usually dried up and the smell of the brackish water lake does not invite you to stay here for long.
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Embros Thermal Baths Kos
Lovers of hot thermal springs should check out the Embros Thermal Baths on Kos to watch. Due to the volcanic origin of the island of Kos, thermal water flows into the sea below the cliffs. The natural bathtub, which can reach temperatures of up to 50 degrees, is freely accessible and is a worthwhile destination, especially in the early hours of the morning.
→ All information for a tour to Kos Thermal Springs can be found in this article: Embros Thermal Baths
Excursions to historical sights in Kos
Asklepieion of Kos
That Asklepieion of Kos is an ancient sanctuary and the most important archaeological site on the island. In the years before Christ, the Asklepieion Kos was a kind of spa clinic and medical therapy center. It was named after Asclepius, the god of healing. In its time, it was considered the largest sanatorium in ancient Greece.
→ All the details for your excursion to the Asklepieion can be found in our article: Asklepieion of Kos
Today, the Asklepieion is the most famous attraction of Kos and attracts numerous visitors every year. Especially from the top level of the complex you have a wonderful view over Kos Town and Asia Minor. The Asclepieion of Kos will also be presented as part of the interesting Kos Island Tour viewed, bookable at GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the organized island tour*
Agora in Kos Town
The Agora is the largest archaeological site in Kos Town and was the centre of public life in ancient times. In the ruin garden there are some marble columns of ancient temples as well as information boards that explain the composition of the complex. One visit to the Agora of Kos is particularly worthwhile for holidaymakers interested in history.
Paleo Pyli Fortress
Paleo Pyli is a former village with a Byzantine fortress built to protect against pirate attacks. Only ruins remain of the complex, but the laborious ascent to Paleo Pyli Well worth it just for the fantastic view of the coastal plain of Kos. Undemanding individualists then return to the rustic Tavern Oria opposite.
Castle of Antimachia
The mighty fortress is located outside the village of Antimachia on a hill above the bay of Kardamena. The thick foundation walls are still well preserved. The Antimachia Castle as an important defensive structure in the 13th century. After an earthquake around 1493, in which a large part of the complex was destroyed, the fort was rebuilt in the following years.
The interior of the complex is now overgrown by nature. Two small chapels, Agios Nikolaos and Agia Paraskevi, as well as a cistern are still preserved. From the southern tip you have a magnificent view over the Kardamena below, as well as the neighboring island of Nisyros. Especially at sunset it is worth a trip to Antimachia Castle.
Neratzia Castle
The former Knights of St. John Fortress in Kos Town served primarily for defence and is still home to cannons, ancient statues, coats of arms, columns and an open-air theatre where events took place from time to time. The facility has been allowed to enter again since 2021 and offers a magnificent panorama of the Mandraki port of Kos Town.
Roman Odeon
The small Amphitheatre in Kos Town can be visited free of charge. It was probably built in the 2nd century and was used for events and meetings. Below the steps, there is an underground tour in a vault where more information about the Odeon is exhibited.
Kos City Tour
You have the opportunity to take a round trip with the classic Hop-On Hop-Off Bus on Kos or you can explore part of the city with the tourist train, ELMA-KOS Families with children in particular get a first insight into the island. More information is available at the port of Kos Town or at your hotel.
Excursions to the neighboring islands of Kos
Excursion to the volcanic island of Nisyros
The neighboring island of Nisyros basically consists of only one volcano on which beautiful white villages are spread. The impressive volcanic island next to Kos you can visit on your own and even descend into the crater with its sulphur fumaroles. In short: A trip to Nisyros should not be missed on a holiday in Kos.
→ Numerous tips for a excursion to Nisyros you will get in our article: Nisyros Highlights
The slopes of the island are green and terraced. On the edge of the volcano are the two picturesque mountain villages of Nikia and Emporios, where time seems to have stood still. Those who are traveling individually can stay in the villages for as long as they like. Everyone else is satisfied with the classic short day trip: Volcano Island Tour
At the foot is the port town of Mandraki, where the ferries from Kos dock. The best starting point for a ferry crossing is Kardamena on Kos. You can explore Nisyros on your own, an overnight stay in a Nisyros Hotel is a good idea.
Excursion to the island of Kalymnos
The sponge diver and climbing island is located just 35 minutes north of Kos, which Kalymnos an ideal day trip destination power. The best way to reach Kalymnos is from Mastichari in the north of Kos. You can get a brief taste of the island on a 3-island tour by sailboat from Kos Town. You can find out more information here: Day tour to 3 islands
→ Numerous tips for a excursion to Kalymnos you will get in our article: Kalymnos Highlights
Excursion to the island of Pserimos
In about an hour, you can cross from Kos Town to the small island with its 40 inhabitants. Pserimos is barren and there is not much to see. There is hustle and bustle on the small island when the tour boats from Kos to Pserimos come. Afterwards, however, peace returns and those who spend the night here can enjoy the idyll and seclusion of this spot extensively.
On Pserimos you will not find cars and paved roads. There is a beautiful sandy beach right in the only village Avlakia and some tavernas to linger. You can get a good impression of Pserimos during a short sailing trip around Kos or on a 3 Islands Tour from Kos Town. More information can be found here: Day tour to 3 islands
There is more in the following articles tips for excursions in Kos:
- Our highlights on Kos
- Kos Island – Travel guide
- Kos Beaches
- Kos Resorts – All holiday resorts at a glance
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