18 Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece – 2024 Guide

Kos is one of the most popular islands of the Dodecanese. It has golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, archaeological sites, and activities for the whole family. If you are looking for nightlife, you can head to Kardamena, and if you are looking for a family vacation, Tigaki is a good choice. There are many things to do in Kos, and in this post, you will find my suggestions.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Travel Guide: Kos Island, Greece

Kos Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Kos? Find here everything you need:

Looking for ferry tickets? Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.

Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Kos:

– From the Port of Kos: Full-Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands

– Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise

– From Kos: Nisyros Island Volcano

– Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch

– Island Tour to Asklepieion and Zia

Where to stay in Kos: Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso (luxury), Jonathan Studio Apartments (self-catering)

Where is Kos

Kos is an island in the Dodecanese archipelago in the east of Greece. It is nestled between the islands of Nisyros, Kalymnos, and Astypalea, with Tilos, Rhodes, Leros, and Symi not far away. It is also located close to the Turkish mainland, with the tourist town of Bodrum being less than 25km away from the island’s capital.

The best time to visit Kos

The best time to visit Kos is during the summer season, which runs from around May until October. Flights do sometimes start a little earlier than this (mid/end of April), but the sea and evenings are still quite cold at this time.

The spring months are best if you want mild temperatures, low prices, fewer crowds, and would like to see the wildflowers in bloom, while the latter months of September and October are best if you want to enjoy the luscious warm water.

The peak months in Kos are July and August, when temperatures are well in the 30s (sometimes 40s), prices are higher, and hotels are much busier. This is still a great option if you’re a family and need to travel in the summer holidays, but the shoulder months are preferable if you have the choice.

18 Interesting Things To Do in Kos, Greece

1. A visit to Asklepion

Located just 4 km to the southeast side of Kos town, Asklepion is reputably the most visited tourist destination in Kos. This archaeological site was built in honor of Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician who cured people and taught the art of healing to his students.

Asklepieion is located just a few meters from natural springs and has the remains of the temples of Asclepius and Apollo that were initially destroyed by an earthquake.

This sanctuary is rumored as the world’s first hospital.  While on the top of the terrace, you can have a great view of the town below, which is an amazing experience. Tickets: Full: €8, Reduced: €4

More information and opening hours.

You might be interested in this Island Tour to Asklepieion and Zia.

2. Hippocrates tree

Located in the center of Kos town and just outside the Castle of Knights, the Hippocrates tree is one that you don’t want to miss on your visit to this beautiful Island. Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, used to teach his students under this plane tree.

Although the current one is only 500 years old, there is a possibility of being a descendant of the original tree that stood there 2400 years ago.

3. Visit the castle of knights – Neratzia Castle

Located at the entrance of Kos harbor, this piece of architecture was built by the Knights in an attempt to protect the island from the Ottomans. In 1945 this piece of construction was damaged by an earthquake. However, not everything was damaged. On your visit to Kos town, spare some time and tour this place and see the remains of this castle.

4. Archaeological Museum

Although the Kos Archaeological Museum is small, it houses a collection of sculptures dating from the Hellenistic to late Roman and Venetian periods. Located in the Plateia Eleftherias, the neoclassical building was constructed in 1935.

Among its more notable treasures are beautiful mosaics, statues, and pottery from the Asklepion site and a statue of Hippocrates. Anyone interested in archeology, art, or the history of the island would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to see the museum’s unique artifacts.

5. Roman Odeon

Kos’ famous theater, the Roman Odeon, dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century. The once grandiose theatre served as a venue for concerts, music competitions, and theatre performances and could seat up to 750 people. The site has undergone a great deal of restoration, but many of the front rows of the Odeon are intact.

The first nine rows were cut from marble and were designated for royalty and members of the upper echelon of ancient society. The remaining rows, those intended for the lower classes, were carved out of granite. The Roman Odeon is located near the ruins of Casa Romana. The Odeon is open to visitors daily, and it is free to enter.

6. Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora was once the main marketplace of Kos. Exposed by an earthquake in 1933, today, the area is filled with archaeological findings, including remnants of mosaics, columns, temples, houses, and baths. There is also evidence of a shrine to Aphrodite, a small temple that is connected to Hercules, and a Christian Basilica dating to the 5th century.

The Agora’s location next to the harbor made it the perfect meeting place and a prime location for the movement and trading of goods brought into the harbor. Admission to the Agora is free, and the site is open to visitors daily.

7. Casa Romana

Casa Romana, a Roman house built in the 3rd century AD, is a must-see when exploring Kos Town. The villa has 36 rooms, three atriums (open spaces), beautiful frescoes, and mosaics that you can admire, although the originals can be found at the Archaeological Museum.

8. Castle of Antimachia

This impressive medieval fortress is located in the center of the island, to the southeast of the village of Antimachia. The Venetians began in the 14th century, and the inscription above the gate denotes that the Venetian Castle was built even more in 1494 by the Knights of Saint John, like Neratzi Castle.

However, Antimachia is rumored to have been used as a prison for condemned knights. Despite the numerous attacks over many years, the outside fortifications of the castle still stand strong.

The castle’s only entrance can be found in the double gates on the north side of the fortress. Inside the church, not much remains, but you can see the two Venetian churches built in the 16th and 18th centuries.

Although the churches aren’t as old as the original structure, they do still hold services. Views from the top of the battlements include the Kardamena coast and the island of Nisyros. The Castle of Antimachia is free to visitors and open daily.

9. Souvenir shopping In Kos town

The town has a handful of shops scattered all over the town selling souvenirs, all at pocket-friendly and affordable prices. Also, there is a public market just before entering the town where you can shop for mementos and souvenirs at affordable prices

10. View the Sunset at Zia village

This is a mountainous village located 10 miles from Kos Town. This village has a rich landscape, and your visit to the island will not be complete if you don’t get to see the amazing view of the sun setting while in Zia village. There are also some nice restaurants serving traditional food in the village. Watching this picturesque sunset is one of the best things to do in Kos.

Click here to book a Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner.

11. Wineries and wine tours

Greece is reputable for wine-making; this history ranges back to 500 BC. High-quality wine brands are made, and this is evidenced by the fact that a number of local wine brands have won international awards.

Kos lives up to this reputation, and there are several wineries that you can visit. Triantafylloupus Vineyard is the winery to visit if you are seeking a wine tour with high-quality wine brands. What is even more interesting about this place is that the tour costs only 3 euros, and there is not much pressure to purchase a bottle of wine, which makes it one of the best things to do in Kos for wine lovers. Click here for more information and to book a winery tour.

Another place to visit if you are looking for a wine tour is the Hatziemmanouli winery which was completed in 2004. This winery accepts tours and offers quality wine. See here for more information.

12. Nightlife and food in Kos

Instead of Kos going dull at night, this Island rather gets to life at night. The numerous trendy restaurants and bars will ensure that you stay entertained. There is cool pop music being played around making the experience one not to miss on your visit.

Different towns and cities in Greece have different signature meals. In Kos, you will find Krasotyri which is a unique spicy cheese that contains wine. Another traditional local delicacy that you have to try is the tomato spoon dessert. One of the best things to do in Kos is to eat the local food.

13. Beaches in Kos

Greece has some of the best beaches in the world. Kos also does not disappoint in this. With most of them being sandy beaches and having crystal blue waters, they offer those who visit plenty of activities to ensure they stay entertained. There are more than 20 beaches on Kos Island, but here are the four major ones:

Mastichari Beach

This is the most famous beach on the Island. Located 20 km on the southwest side of Kos town, Mastichari is an exotic sandy beach that ensures the visitors stay entertained. There are umbrellas and basking beds too. The major water sports are kite surfing and windsurfing.

Lambi

Just 3 km to the north of Kos town, Lambi is a popular beach barely a stone’s throw away. Just like Mastichari, Lambi also is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, which are just a perfect recipe for a good time with your family. The major water sports activities are waterskiing and surfing.

Tigaki

Tigaki Beach is another sandy beach 10 km long awarded with a blue flag. It is just 11 km away from Kos town and is great for families and sports lovers.

Psalidi

Just 3 kilometers from Kos town, this beach has both sand and pebbles. It is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports. It also has many seaside restaurants in case you get hungry.

Thermes

Located 12 kilometers to the south of Kos town, Thermes is a black pebbled beach with hot water. There is no water sport, but this beach offers a secluded, private, and cool place to spend time with your spouse.

14. A day trip to Nisyros Island

Nisyros is famously known as the Island of the Volcano. It is here you get to see a crater volcano and feel lava rumbling beneath your feet at only 19.5 Euros. There are daily boat trips to Nisyros from Kos, ensuring that you visit the Island and return on the same day.

The tour also includes a visit to the monastery of Panagia Spiliani and free time to explore the town of Mandraki with the white and blue houses.

For more information and to book a day trip to Nisyros, click here.

15. Lido Water Park

Can you believe that this tiny island is home to one of the largest waterparks in all of Greece? Lido Water Park is located 25 kilometers outside of Kos town and occupies over 75,000 square meters. Race friends and family down their multi-lane waterslide, or for a real rush, opt for a ride down the Kamikaze slide or in the Black Hole.

If you want to relax, spend some time floating down the Lazy River or kick your feet up in the Jacuzzi. Families will love the kids’ area with pint-sized slides, waterfalls, and a rotating water bucket. You’ll definitely work up an appetite having all that fun, and when you do, Lido Water Parks is full of restaurants, snack bars, and coffee bars. There is something for everyone and enough to make this a full-day attraction.

Click here for more information and to book Your Day at Lido Water Park.

16. Kos Island Jeep Safari

For a great way to see the island, hop on a Jeep safari! This 7-hour tour in a 4×4 Land Rover will take you off-road to some of Kos’ most beautiful hidden gems. After you make your way through the dense vegetation, you will get to stop at a traditional coffee shop.

Then, you’ll continue on to the peak of Mount Dikaios, where you’ll experience some of the best views on the island. Your guide will then bring you to a tavern in Zia village, where you will get to indulge in a traditional Greek lunch with delicious local wine. After lunch, you’ll stop by the peacock park before the tour comes to an end.

Click here for more information and to book your Full Day Jeep Safari with Lunch.

17. Scuba Diving Day Trip

One of the best ways to experience the Aegean Sea is to be in it! You’re going to spend plenty of time swimming on Kos’ beaches, but another way to enjoy the water is by scuba diving. Even if you’ve never been scuba diving before, don’t worry! The excursion starts with an in-depth briefing on safety and how to use your equipment properly.

You will have two dive instructors with you every step of the way as you swim between 2 different countries and explore the gorgeous underwater world of the Eastern Mediterranean. You can choose to take a second dive or spend your remaining time on the boat soaking up some sun, or grab some snorkeling gear and take it easy in the water for more incredible marine life encounters. If you’re adventurous this is one of the best things to do in Kos.

Click here for more information and to book your Scuba Diving Day Trip.

18. Take a Boat Cruise to Kalymnos, Plati, and Pserimos

This all-day boat cruise is a great way to get out and see some of the other islands surrounding Kos. The cruise’s first stop is in the beautiful village of Pothia on the island of Kalymnos. The scenery as you pull up to Pothia is breathtaking, and the village itself is picturesque. Once you return to the boat, a souvlaki buffet lunch is served.

After lunch, you might get to spot some dolphins looking for their own lunch as you pass the nearby fish farms. The cruise will then stop at the Plati islet, where you can swim in the turquoise-blue water.

The last stop of the cruise is the island of Pserimos. Take a step back in time as you explore the island with no streets. Brimming with pristine natural beauty and charming panoramas, Pserimos is a true escape!

Click here for more information and to book Your Day Cruise.

Where to stay in Kos, Greece

Here are my picks for the best accommodations:

In Kos town:

Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso is ideally located close to Kos Town; this luxury resort offers a private sandy beach, a spa centre, gourmet dining, and beautiful gardens. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony and satellite TV. It also has three swimming pools with waterfalls and rivers, and a swimming pool only for children. Although the hotel is near the town it is situated in a quiet location.

Check out the latest prices and more details here. 

Triton Hotel is located in front of the beach and within walking distance from Kos town. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Check out the latest prices and more details here.

In Tigaki:

Jonathan Studio Apartments offers self-catering rooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool and 2 minute walk from the beach. Outside the hotel, there is a bus stop. It takes the bus 15 minutes to get to Kos town.

Check out the latest prices and more details here.

Astir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa is a 5-star hotel located on the waterfront. It has 5 swimming pools, a spa, sports facilities,  kid’s activities and a variety of restaurants.

Check out the latest prices and more details here.

How to get to Kos, Greece

By Plane:

Kos has an international airport with direct flights from Athens (1 hour) and many European cities.

A great way to get from the airport to your hotel is by private transfer. Welcome Pickups is a company I have used a lot around Europe, they charge the same as a taxi, but there is an English-speaking driver waiting for you at the arrival with your name on a piece of paper, a bottle of water and many tips to share about the island.

Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.

By Ferry:

Ferries to Kos run almost daily during the summer from Piraeus port in Athens  (prices are around 20 € one way), and the journey takes at least 10 hours depending on the island it stops on the way. Prices and journey times depend on the ferry company.

Kos is also connected with other islands like Patmos, Leros, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Lipsi, Astypalea, Tilos, Symi, Karpathos, and Kastelorizo.

For more details about the ferry schedule and to book your tickets, you can check here.

Kos is an island with many things to do that will ensure you have a great vacation.

Have you been to Kos? What did you like the most?

Sharing is caring!