Kos is a Greek island in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, it’s part of the Dodecanese island group and measures approximately 40km long by just 8km wide. Its northeast coast lies a minuscule 4km from Turkey which can easily be seen on a clear day, there’s boat trips available too if you fancy hopping over to Turkey for a look around.
Kos has a rich history with several historical sites, including the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre dedicated to the god Asclepius, as well as other sites like the Ancient Agora, the Castle of the Knights, and the Roman Odeon.
Kos is the second most popular Dodecanese island for tourists, Rhodes being first, but it still manages to maintain some beautiful unspoiled areas as well as catering for the needs of its many visitors.
Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Kos boasts natural beauty, including scenic landscapes, olive groves, and hills. Mount Dikeos, the highest peak on the island, offers panoramic views.
Visitors can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in Kos, including fresh seafood, moussaka, souvlaki, and a variety of local dishes. Tavernas and restaurants serve both Greek and international cuisine.
Kos is a great base if you are looking to do some island hopping in the Dodecanese as it has direct flights from the UK and makes it easy to get to other nearby islands like Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nissyros, Patmos, Leros, Lipsi, Simi, Tilos, Halki and many other of the smaller islands in the region too.
By Air:
International Flights: The most common way to reach Kos is by flying into Kos International Airport, also known as "Hippocrates" (IATA: KGS). This airport is well-connected to major European cities, especially during the tourist season.
Domestic Flights: You can also take a domestic flight from Eleftherios Venizelos international airport in Athens (IATA: ATH) to Kos.
By Ferry:
Kos is accessible by ferry from various Greek islands and the mainland. Ferries operate from the port of Piraeus in Athens, as well as from other nearby islands such as Rhodes and Crete. The journey time varies depending on the starting point.
By Cruise Ship:
Some cruise ships include Kos in their itineraries. If you are on a cruise that visits the Mediterranean, then check the ship's schedule to see if Kos is one of the ports of call.
This will depend on your personal preferences and our resort guide will help you to make that decision. The package holidays tend to be based in the villages on the north coast, Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari. the 18-30 party people will all be in Kardamena and those wanting the buzzing atmosphere of the harbour, bars and sights will obviously have to be in Kos Town.
Pretty much anyone, the best thing about Kos is that it has a wide variety of attractions to suit all tastes. There are some fantastic historical sites like the Ascelpeion where Hippocrates taught medicine as well as the ancient agora and Neratzia castle in Kos Town.
For the young ones there’s a good sized water park with one of the best wave machines ever! There’s also a ton of fantastic beaches, most of them sandy and organised but there’s a few hidden gems too. The weather is rarely anything other than hot and sunny. What more could you ask for?
Kos town is known for its lively and diverse nightlife, particularly in the peak summer season from June to August. Kos Town is renowned for its nightlife. It features numerous bars, tavernas, and clubs, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Kos is most popular in the normal summer months from late April to early October. This is when the weather is hottest and driest, particularly in the peak of summer where it will regularly get to over 30°c. If you prefer to go when it’s not as crowded then outside of the school holidays is a must. Early September is a good choice as the sea has had all summer to warm up, the beaches aren’t heaving with people and the temperature is still in the high 20s.