Kos, Greece Travel Guide
City Island city in South Aegean, Greece
On the Dodecanese shore, Kos mixes Roman ruins, the plane tree of Hippocrates and sun-creased beaches; boat charters, windsurf slalom spots and tavernas serving grilled octopus draw active travelers and history-minded strollers.
Why Visit Kos, Greece? #
An Aegean island that mixes sun-soaked beaches with classical history, Kos appeals to those who want both relaxation and culture. Stroll Kos Town around the Plane Tree of Hippocrates and Neratzia Castle, then sample island souvlaki and fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas. Cyclists and history lovers alike appreciate the compact ruins of the Asklepion alongside lively beach neighborhoods such as Kardamena.
Top Things to Do in Kos, Greece
All Attractions ›
- Asklepieion of Kos - Ancient healing center on a hill offering archaeological ruins and sweeping island views.
- Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights) - Venetian-era fortress beside the harbour with battlements and maritime museum displays.
- Archaeological Museum of Kos - Compact museum housing sculptures, inscriptions, and finds from island excavations.
- Zia Village - Traditional mountain village with sunset terraces, handicraft stalls, and tavernas selling local dishes.
- Antimachia Castle - Fortified medieval castle inland with stone ramparts and panoramic countryside perspectives.
- Therma Hot Springs (Agios Fokas area) - Coastal hot springs offering warm seawater pools and a peaceful bathing experience.
- Nisyros Island (volcanic caldera) - Short ferry brings you to an active volcanic caldera with fumaroles and crater walks.
- Kalymnos - Island known for sponge diving, dramatic climbing routes, and lively harbour tavernas.
Best Time to Visit Kos, Greece #
Best visited from May to October when Kos offers hot, sunny weather for beaches, swimming and nightlife. Winters are mild and wetter, better for quiet visits and lower prices.
Best Time to Visit Kos, Greece #
Kos, Greece's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Moderate rainfall (719 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Kos, Greece
Kos is best reached by flying into Kos International Airport (KGS) and then using short bus or taxi rides to Kos Town or the harbour. On the island, buses and taxis handle inter-town travel; ferries connect to nearby islands.
Kos International Airport “Hippocrates” (KGS): The airport is on the outskirts of Kos Town (about 3-4 km). From arrivals there is a regular public bus to Kos Town (10-15 minutes) and taxis outside the terminal; taxis typically take 10 minutes and buses take 15-20 minutes depending on stops. In high season there are frequent flights from European cities.
Other: Rhodes (RHO) / Leros / Kalymnos (charter connections): Depending on itinerary some visitors fly into nearby islands and take ferries to Kos; transfer times depend on schedules and are generally longer than flying direct to KGS.
Train: There is no train service on Kos; the island has no rail network.
Bus & Ferry: Public buses run between Kos Airport, Kos Town and other settlements (KTM-operated). From Kos Town the island’s main harbor runs frequent ferries to nearby islands (Nisyros, Kalymnos, Pserimos) and the Turkish coast; ferries are timed seasonally-check the local harbor schedules for fares and durations.
How to Get Around Kos, Greece #
Kos Town is very walkable, especially the Old Town and harbor area, where most sights cluster. Bicycles and scooters are widely available for hire and are a popular way to explore the island; public buses link Kos Town with beaches and other villages, while taxis and car rentals offer more flexibility. Expect single-bus fares to be a few euros and scooter rentals to vary by season.
Where to Stay in Kos, Greece #
- Budget guesthouses in Kos Town - Simple family-run rooms close to centre
- Hostels and cheap guesthouses - Dorms and budget private rooms
- Homerion Hotel - Central hotel near quay and main sights
- Platanista Hotel - Comfortable boutique option in town
- Many mid-range hotels (search) - Great selection across the island
- Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa - Large resort on the coast with amenities
- Aqua Blue Palace (luxury resorts region) - Upscale beachfront resort options
Where to Eat in Kos, Greece #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kos, Greece's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Kos, Greece #
Kos has one of the livelier night scenes in the Dodecanese-Old Town bars and waterfront tavernas suit relaxed evenings, while holidaymakers head to Kardamena for larger clubs and late-night parties. Activity peaks in summer; outside the season evenings are much quieter.
- Kardamena - Nearby resort town famous for late-night clubs and lively summer crowds.
- Eleftherias Square (Kos Town) - Central square with bars and waterfront tavernas, popular at night.
Shopping in Kos, Greece #
Kos offers a mix of tourist-oriented shops in the Old Town and small boutiques by the harbor selling jewelry, leather goods and local souvenirs. There are also everyday supermarkets and occasional street markets; for a bigger shopping selection you’ll find more options around the island’s larger resorts.
- Kos Old Town - Harbourfront and narrow streets filled with souvenir shops and boutiques.
