The best things to do in Kos include amazing historical sites, the bluest waters, amazing locals, sun-kissed beaches, and authentic Greek charm. Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, this enchanting island beckons travelers with its diverse attractions and cultural riches. Whether you visit for a day or a month, you will not be bored. From exploring the remnants of ancient civilizations at archaeological sites to indulging in the Mediterranean flavors of local cuisine, Kos promises an unforgettable experience for every adventurer.
This blog delves into the best-kept secrets and best things to do in Kos, inspiring you to visit this alluring Greek island. From ancient hiking routes to stunning beaches, you will find the perfect way to spend your time in Greece with these travel tips. To help you plan the ultimate holiday, add these 13 best places to your itinerary. No matter how many days you have in Kos, thanks to the island’s size, you will have no problem exploring them.
Why Kos is definitely worth visiting
Kos, the enchanting Greek island, offers an idyllic escape for those seeking relaxation away from the bustling tourist crowds. Its tranquil ambiance and warm, friendly locals make it an inviting destination for travelers.
Kos is a great spot to visit if you want to take in some sun and clear blue waters. With beautiful beaches, breathtaking coastlines and lovely views, it’s easy to understand why this island has become so popular. It’s also home to a lot of medieval ruins and historical sites that reveal its rich past.
Exploring the island is a breeze, especially with the convenience of renting a car. It will allow you to uncover hidden gems, from the rugged coastlines to the lush forests and charming villages. Embrace the true essence of Greek hospitality as you immerse yourself in the island’s welcoming embrace. A visit to Kos promises an unforgettable journey where tranquility, natural beauty, and cultural heritage come together harmoniously.
Visiting the beautiful Greek island of Kos is an experience you definitely won’t forget. With amazing food, stunning beaches and plenty of activities to choose from, it’s no wonder why travellers keep flocking back year after year. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic getaway, Kos is sure to deliver!
Best time to visit Kos
Kos is a delightful destination with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal place to visit throughout most of the year. The period from mid-April to mid-October offers the best weather, allowing travelers to bask in pleasant temperatures. During this time, the average temperature can soar up to 29 degrees Celsius, and it rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable days.
For sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts, the peak tourist season from June to August is undeniably the best time to visit Kos. During these months, the island basks in its prime summer glory, with clear skies, scorching temperatures, and refreshing sea breezes. The island’s numerous sandy beaches, such as Agios Stefanos and Paradise Beach, beckon visitors with their warm waters, inviting sunbeds, and a plethora of water sports and beachside activities.
The warmest months are accompanied by refreshing winds that provide a pleasant respite from the heat. However, during the early and late hours of the day, particularly in the shoulder seasons, the breeze might make the poolside or beachside experience a bit on the cooler side.
Traveling in the shoulder season offers a more tranquil experience while still enjoying pleasant weather. If you prefer mild temperatures and wish to avoid the peak crowds, the months of April-May and September-October are the best options. The summer crowds have thinned, making it easier to explore popular attractions. The weather remains pleasant, ideal for hiking or cycling adventures to uncover the island’s attractions.
On the other hand, winter on the island can be a quieter period, with many facilities, restaurants, and accommodations closed. Therefore, it might not be the best time to visit for those seeking a bustling and lively atmosphere. The winter months are cooler, wetter, and cloudier, making Kos less suitable for a winter sun getaway. The island receives the majority of its rainfall between November and March, with the chances of rain decreasing significantly from April onwards. Snow is an extremely rare occurrence on the island.
Where to stay in Kos
For a vibrant and exciting place to stay in Kos, it’s highly recommended to book accommodation in and around Kos Town. As the largest and most touristy destination on the island, Kos Town offers a lively atmosphere with an abundance of restaurants, charming shopping streets, a bustling harbor, and the popular Lambi beach. Choosing a stay in Kos Town puts you right in the heart of the island’s attractions. The center of Kos Town is delightful, boasting numerous delightful restaurants, bars, and shops. You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the harbor, passing countless terraces, and exploring the old town is a delightful way to spend your time.
Alternatively, excellent options for accommodation include Psalidi and Lambi. These neighboring villages are just a quick 15-minute bike ride away from Kos Town. Psalidi, situated to the south, seamlessly blends into Kos Town, while Lambi, located to the north, also offers close proximity to the city.
If you prefer a more lively beach experience, consider Kardamena, a vibrant resort town on the south coast of Kos. Popular among young travelers and watersport enthusiasts, Kardamena boasts numerous clubs and a wide range of watersports activities.
For a tranquil beach getaway, Tigaki is an ideal choice. As one of the most beautiful and best-visited coastal villages in Kos, Tigaki is approximately 11 kilometers from Kos Town. It boasts a stunning sandy beach, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. Next to Tigaki lies the charming seaside town of Marmari, boasting one of the most gorgeous beaches on the entire island.
For a more authentic and picturesque experience, you might consider staying in the colorful mountain village of Zia. Located about a half-hour drive from Kos Town, Zia offers an enchanting taste of traditional Greece. Here, you’ll find charming souvenir shops, cozy tavernas, and delightful art galleries, making your stay in Zia truly memorable and unique.
The best hotels in Kos:
#1 KoSea Boutique Hotel (Kos Town) is an exquisite boutique hotel nestled right across from the beach. With a seasonal outdoor pool adorned with inviting sunbeds and parasols, this hotel promises a rejuvenating stay. The rooms boast balconies that offer stunning vistas of the city, large comfortable beds, and contemporary decor with a palette of light colors.
#2 Peridis Family Resort (Kos Town) boasts an unbeatable location, conveniently situated within walking distance from both the beach and the town center. With not one, but two swimming pools, this resort ensures ample relaxation opportunities. Guests are accommodated in cozy studios and apartments equipped with their own kitchen or kitchenette. Families are in for a treat with an on-site playground and a spacious indoor play area for the kids.
#3 NISSEA Boutique Hotel (Kardamena) is a chic boutique gem situated right on the beachfront of Kos. The terrace offers direct access to the sandy shores, making it a beach lover’s paradise. Rave reviews highlight the private beach, the welcoming staff, and the delectable breakfast. The hotel interior is a feast for the eyes, and the luxurious hotel rooms come complete with rainfall showers and, in some cases, even a standalone bathtub.
#4 Jonathan Studio Apartments (Tigaki) is the ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Found along the shores of Tigaki, this hotel provides rooms featuring convenient kitchenettes. The appealing swimming pool, complete with comfortable loungers and parasols, is a great spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
#5 Forest View Villas 1 and Forest View Villas 2 (Zia) offer unparalleled accommodations with awe-inspiring sea views, a terrace, and a balcony. These contemporary villas are spacious and well-appointed, catering to your every need. The vistas from nearly every window are nothing short of breathtaking. Each villa is equipped with air conditioning, two bedrooms, a living area, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, and even a hot tub.
The best Kos attractions on the map
The best things to do in Kos: the 13 best Kos attractions
Just like any destination it can be hard to decide what to do on your trip, especially if you have limited time. For an unforgettable holiday in Kos, here are the best places to add to your itinerary:
#1 Antimachia Castle
Visiting the ruins of Antimachia Castle is an absolute must-do activity for anyone visiting Kos! Located on a small hill overlooking the village on Antimachia, it offers stunning sea views no matter what time of day. On a clear and sunny day, these views are breathtaking. But even if it’s a bit cloudy and the views are restricted, the castle still makes for a wonderful day out.
The castle dates back to the 14th century and is free of charge for visitors. It’s also easy to find, with plenty of signage in the area that will help guide you to it. You should spend at least 1 hour here to wander around the site and take some epic photos.
When exploring the ruins, it’s best to wear sturdy footwear as the ground is a bit uneven and loose in places – and if you’re visiting on a hot and sunny day, don’t forget to bring a hat and pack sunscreen!
As you only need a few hours here, most travellers combine seeing the Castle with visiting Antimachia Traditional Windmill and Plaka forest on the same day.
#2 Antimachia Traditional Windmill
One of the island’s hidden gems is Antimachia Traditional Windmill – the oldest working windmill on the island!
Located in the village of Antimachia, this wonderful old windmill is looked after by a local family. Visiting the windmill is a great way to learn about the history of this windmill, the local area and its importance for the island. You’ll be welcomed warmly by the family, who will offer you some samples of biscuits and tasty breadsticks made from the flour produced by the mill – with special mention for their delicious lemon biscuits! The tour of the windmill is unique because the family have so much knowledge, and you’ll even get to turn the roof.
Entry is free but they do ask for a small donation of €3.00 in exchange for a bag of biscuits or breadsticks.
Don’t forget to say hi to the really lovely donkey there too – he’s very friendly! The family also offers an amazing photography service where they take some wonderful photos of you outside the windmill.
If you are visiting in the summer months or when it’s busy, make sure you protect yourself from the sun. There is not a lot of shade around the Windmill apart from inside it or the gift shop.
You only need to spend 2 hours here, so most people visit it on the way to Plaka Forest or heading towards some of the beaches on the south of the island.
#3 Plaka Forest
If you’re looking for something to do for half a day when visiting Kos, the Plaka Forest is an absolute must-see! It’s located not far from Antimachia on the route towards Kefalos and it’s free to enter and park up.
Once inside, the beautiful pine forest provides a great escape from the harsh Mediterranean sun. You can explore the area, take in the fresh air and enjoy some peace away from the hustle and bustle of Kos town.
Plus there are plenty of picnic tables so you can stop for a bite to eat or even just use them as a spot to relax and read a book while taking in your beautiful surroundings.
But be warned – there are free-roaming peacocks that are perfectly confident to approach you and try to steal your food so it’s not the best place if you’re not a fan of birds. However, they can be quite fascinating to observe if you take the time to watch them for a while.
#4 Plane Tree Of Hippocrates
One experience not to be missed is the Plane Tree of Hippocrates in the old town – an iconic tree steeped in history and symbolism.
Located in the old town, this tree has long been associated with Hippocrates of Kos – often referred to as the father of medicine – who was said to have taught his pupils beneath its branches. Although you can’t sit under the tree due to a fence that has been installed around it to protect it, it’s still a really cool and unique experience. The best part – it’s free to visit! All you need is a few moments of your time.
As you do not need much time to admire this famous tree, you can easily combine this stop with other attractions like Exploring Kos Town.
The Plane Tree of Hippocrates also doesn’t tend to get very crowded as it’s just in the street. But if you’re looking for a moment of quiet contemplation or would like to take some photos without being surrounded by other tourists, then it’s best to go early in the morning.
#5 Kos Old Town
Make sure to take some time out of your itinerary for a visit to the cosy old town. Located on the east coast of the island, this old port town is full of charm and history.
Whether you’re an avid history buff or just looking for a romantic evening stroll, there are plenty of things to do here. One of the highlights is Kos’s old town castle. This ancient fortress stands tall, with views overlooking the town and harbour.
There are also some lovely boutique shops to explore, as well as a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and bars. For amazing tasting Gyros, make sure you stop by Lefteris Grill House! Even though the bars and cocktail spots are great to visit during the day, stopping by at night is a completely different atmosphere. During the evenings you will find live music and an amazing atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else.
Kos old town is also one of the most popular stops for island hopping tours. You may be worried about missing your next ferry but don’t be! You can already get a true taste of Kos just by visiting Kos Old Town for an hour or two.
It’s also a really popular place to stay because you can easily access other parts of the island, Greece or even Turkey from here. Many of the most popular sites like Casa Romana, the Tree of Hippocrates and Ancient Agora are very close to Kos old town so you can easily visit them all in one day.
It’s recommended to spend at least 4 or more hours here so you can sample what the city has to offer. The dress code here is very relaxed but if you are visiting any churches places you need to be respectful, you will be asked to cover up.
#6 Roman Odeon Of Kos
Built around the 2nd and 3rd centuries, this small yet interesting site is conveniently located at one end of the Roman archaeological zone (southwest of the Old Town). Its small size compared with many others makes it a more intimate and personal experience when exploring.
Once you’re inside you can read the several information boards located in the tunnel which provide detailed information about the history of the site, all available in both Greek and English.
And that’s not all – you don’t need to spend too much time here either as it typically takes around an hour to explore. That way, you can combine it with other activities such as exploring Kos Old Town or visiting the Tree of Hippocrates and Ancient Agora.
Plus, best of all, it’s free to enter!
#7 Asklepieion Kos
This ancient medical centre is located just 4 km southeast of the main town, and if you’re coming from Marmari it’s a great stop before heading into town.
With opening hours of 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon during the summer months. The entrance fee is €8.00 for adults and kids under 13 get in for free!
Not only does Asklipieio Kos offer a unique insight into an ancient healing centre, but the views around the site are amazing. Be sure to bring your camera along so you can take pictures of all the scenery. There are also small shops around the site where you can buy gifts, water and even ice cream to cool off in the summer heat.
#8 Embrós Hot Springs
For an out-of-the-ordinary experience when visiting Kos, Embrós Hot Springs is the perfect place to visit. Known locally as Therma Beach, it offers a chance to take a dip in natural mineral hot springs – and it doesn’t cost anything!
The springs are located at the base of a steep hill, and there are two car parks. To make things easier, your best bet is to park in the top car park right on the road – it has a tiny café for snacks and refreshments. Here is also where the local bus services drop off visitors. There are a few local transport routes that come past here but the most popular is probably the Kos-Zia bus.
Once you hit the beach, it’s time for some fun!
The hot springs make the sea surprisingly warm and comfortable, so bring your swimming gear and enjoy a relaxing dip. Just be sure to bring some beach shoes with you as the sand is pebbly and the water can get a bit murky due to all the minerals in it. Plus, there are no toilets at the beach so plan ahead if you need them.
#9 Neratzia Castle
Neratzia Castle, also known as the Castle of the Knights, is a great way to spend an hour when visiting Kos town. It’s at the entrance of Kos Harbor, so it’s super easy to get to if you’re taking a ferry to or from the island. Best of all, visiting is free, so it’s a great way to add some history and culture to your trip.
If you’re interested in the history of the castle, be sure to do some research before you go as there isn’t much information available once you arrive. But even without any historical context, wandering around the remains of the castle is still a really cool experience. There are no barriers holding you back, so you can get close up to the castle walls and really take it all in – just be respectful of your surroundings.
The views from the castle are particularly wonderful. You can see the sea and parts of Kos town so It’s a great spot to take some photos or just take in the peace and quiet.
#10 Ancient Agora
This ancient market site is an interesting attraction to add to your itinerary when visiting Kos Town. It is also open all day and completely free to explore.
The ruins of temples, baths, and houses that you can explore date back as far as the 3rd century BC. The altar of Dionysus is definitely worth the few minutes walk and you’ll be amazed at how well-preserved it is.
This historical site is located right in the middle of Kos town which means you can conveniently have your lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants while gazing at Ancient Agora.
Exploring Ancient Agora isn’t easy as some parts of it can be overgrown, so make sure to bring supportive shoes if you want to explore more. Also, don’t forget to bring water with you as it can get quite hot in the summer months!
#11 Casa Romana
One of the best things to do when visiting Kos is visit Casa Romana. This stunning mansion dates back to the 2nd century and is based on the ruins of an ancient Roman house – meaning you can get a glimpse into what it was like to live in that time period.
The mansion is beautifully restored, with a style similar to the buildings found in Pompeii, making it an interesting and captivating activity that you will not forget soon.
Upon entry, visitors are provided with clear explanations in English about the house, so even if you don’t have any prior knowledge of its history you can still enjoy the experience.
At just €6.00 for admission, Casa Romana is a great value for money and there are also discounts available for children, students and pensioners. The house is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM so you can take your time exploring the place without feeling rushed.
#12 Agios Stefanos Beach
This stunning stretch of white sand and crystal blue waters is considered one of the best beaches in Kos, with plenty of things to do and explore.
Once you soak up the sun and take a dip in the gorgeous water, why not explore some of the ancient ruins nearby? The ruins are within walking distance of the beach, so you can spend 10 minutes or so taking a look around.
If you’re feeling adventurous, bring your mask and snorkel (or rent one) to check out the amazing fish and sea life that lives near this beach. You can even swim out to a nearby island called Kastri, where you’ll see the stunning views from the other side of the beach. The waters are also shark free across Greece so you can explore the waters trouble-free!
At low tide, you can also enjoy walking out far into the shallow waters. This makes this beach even more enjoyable in that you don’t need to fully jump in to cool off!
Just be aware that there is no toilet on the beach. But there is a small cafe at Agios Stefanos Beach to grab a cold beer, some snacks, and of course, lots of water.
#13 Zia
Located 16 km southeast of Kos town, its picturesque location on the mountainside makes it a popular spot for tourists to enjoy some breathtaking sunsets.
Crowds often gather at the start of the village in the hope of catching a glimpse of this stunning spectacle, but by booking a table in one of the restaurants, you can watch the sun go down without being amongst the hustle and bustle.
If you’re pressed for time, it’s also worth considering booking a tour that will take you directly to Zia to watch the sunset – they do all the hard work so you don’t have to worry about transport and can sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine or two.
Not only is Zia great for watching the sunset, but it’s also a wonderful spot for mountain walks and strolling around the cobbled streets – not to mention some great shopping opportunities too!
There are multiple places around Kos where you can buy souvenirs to remind you of your trip, but Zia is the best place to get them. Here you will find your usual products like olive oil, soap and Ouzo but then there are endless homemade and unique products here you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
Due to Zia’s location, there is a lot of uphill walking. So do not wear shoes with a heel here and avoid visiting in the mid-day sun during the summer months, it makes exploring here uncomfortable.
Save this pin for later:
