10+ Best Things to do in Kos, Greece

Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Lying in the heart of the Dodecanese cluster of islands, Kos is a haven of plush sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters and ancient ruins. The island is rich with culture and one of the most popular Greek islands of the Mediterranean to visit.

Easy to fall in love with, there’s so much to see and do, so to make things easier for you we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Kos while visiting.

If you’ve already decided tha Kos is the destination for you then also check out our 2 days in Kos itinerary you’ll want to steal, making planning your trip that bit easier.

What is Kos best known for?

This small but mighty island has over 5,000 years of history and has been influenced by many cultures such as the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Venetians, Ottomans and medieval Knights, all of which can be explored through its historical sites. It’s also the birthplace of the famed Greek physician Hippocrates!

Kos has become a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, thanks to its wide variety of beaches as well as intrigue in its history and culture, it really is an island that has it all!

How to get there

There are different ways to get to Kos, with a wider transport option during the high season (May-September), but the easiest and quickest way to reach Kos is by plane.

The island is home to an international airport (Hippocrates Airport) that receives direct flights from various European cities, including Athens and other major Greek airports. 

However, if you prefer a scenic journey or would like to experience the most authentic way to travel between the Greek islands, you can also take a ferry to Kos, departing from several ports in Greece and from Turkey.

When to go to Kos?

The most popular time for most to visit is during Summer, generally the months of July and August as you are guaranteed a hot climate and dry weather.

That being said, if you’re not too bothered about going in the peak of heat season then I would suggest May or June, this gives you warm weather and you can see the Greek flora in blossom, plus the island is quieter as it hasn’t reached full tourist season yet.

Obviously it’s down to personal preference, but during these months of May, June and even September, you can enjoy the island with a little peace and you won’t have to fight for a spot on the beach!

(For reference, the images in this article were taken at the very start of June)

Best things to do in Kos

Enjoy the beaches

Considered to be home to some of the most beautiful in all of the Dodecanese islands, Kos is abundant with both sandy and pebble textured beaches. Most of the soft sandy and more picturesque beaches are situated around the bay of Kefalos, so if you are staying in Kos town you can get to most of them by bus and a short walk.

Golden beach:

As the name suggests (known as Chryssi Akti in Greek), this gorgeous beach is a stretch of golden, plush sand. Located on the south coast of Kefalos bay, it stretches out as far as the eye can see!

Agios Stefanos beach:

Also located in the Bay of Kefalos, Agios Stefanos is one of the most picturesque and unique beaches of the island thanks to its ancient ruins of the Christian basilica. Overlooking views of Kastri Island, if you’re feeling adventurous you could swim out to explore the islet and its quaint blue and white church.

Lambi beach:

One of the closest beaches to Kos Town, its just a short walk from the main town and offers the most options for nearby restaurants and a wide variety of sun loungers (most of which are free, but you have to purchase a drink while there).

Paradise beach:

Another of Kefalos Bay’s beaches, this beach is described via its name. A dreamy stretch of golden hued sand and crystal clear waters, this haven is one of the most popular beaches of the island and it also has a wide variety of water sports to choose from.

Camel beach:

Close to Paradise beach, but slightly harder to get to, Camel beach is a hidden gem. Thanks to its blue clear waters, it makes for the perfect spot to go snorkelling, and it also goes deep quickly so it’s great for swimming!

Therma beacha:

Located nearby to Agios Fokas, the natural thermal springs of Kos, known as Therma. Boasting of incredible sweeping views towards the volcanic island of Nisyros, the sand is made up of volcanic-black pebbles and you can enjoy the warmth of the crystal clear waters as they lap up against the large surrounding rocks.

Psaldi beach:

Situated on the east coast of Kos, we travelled to this beach by bus and a short walk and then actually ended up walking back to Kos Town from there (and played mini golf on the way home). A gorgeous stretch of sand and small pebbles, this was the most windy beach and is definitely perfect for water sports!

Castle of the Knights

The Castle of the Knights, which locals also call Neratzia Castle, owes its name to the Seville Orange trees that were planted all over Kos Island by the Knights.

Dating back to the 14th century when the Knights of St. John ruled over the island, the impressive castle was strategically built near the harbour to protect the town from pirate invasions. Initially the castle was built on a small island of its own, but it now remains entirely connected to the main land.

The imposing medieval ruins dominate the port entrance of Kos that lies below, easily walkable and free to wander around, the castle boasts of breathtaking panoramic views you have to see!

Taste traditional Greek cuisine at a taverna

Greek food is delicious! And what better way to experience the cuisine than in a traditional taverna?Scattered across Kos town and all over the island you’ll find charming tavernas covered in vines and flowers, usually with outdoor seating too, welcoming you in with the scent of delicious homemade food!

Our favourite place to dine was the authentic Greek taverna, Patriko. Hidden on a side street, this jewel of a restaurant stuck out to us as we walked past and definitely did not disappoint! Serving hearty dishes like dolmades, gigantes and mousakka, this restaurant also had a lot of great vegetarian options too.

Kos is plentiful with places to dine in, including some with an excellent sea view. We’ve put together just some of our top suggestions of where to eat in Kos:

• Agkyra Fish Restaurant, situated along the waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood with a sunset view
• Taverna Hirodion, a romantic spot hidden under vine covered verandas, tucked away in the back streets of Kos
• Angelica’s Beach Taverna, this beach taverna offers the perfect afternoon spot after working an appetite up from swimming, serving freshly cooked tasty Greek food
• Taverna Evdokia Mummy’s cooking, as the name suggests this taverna serves the most delicious cosy Greek comfort food, offering a memorable gastronomic experience
• Ampeli Tigaki, situated in a vineyard, you are sure to have accompanying great wine, because of its location this taverna his a hidden gem of Kos and absolutely worth making the trip to

See the Roman Odeon

Located in the heart of Kos Town lies the ancient Odeon of Kos, built by the Romans in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, this archaeological site was only discovered and excavated in 1929 by Italian archeologist, Luciano Laurenzi.

Today it stands as one of the most significant buildings of ancient Kos and is definitely worth a visit while visiting the island!

Wine tasting

Koios Enos, the wine of Kos, has played an important role in the history and culture of the island. Scattered with vineyards, Kos is abundant with wineries producing their delicious sun-kissed grapes into Greek wine.

We took a taxi to the Ktima Akrani Winery, nestled within the mountainous landscape this beautiful winery offers guided vine tours and informative wine and food pairings in a dreamy setting overlooking their stretch of vineyards.

Stroll around the Old Town and Kos Port

Wandering around the charming cobbled streets of Kos’ Old Town and port area, espeically in the evening when the temperature is a bit cooler, is one of the best places to grab a drink and experience the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

The Old Town area begins at Freedom Square and ends in Diagoras Square, it’s pretty easy to stumble across it and makes for a gorgeous spot to explore, lined with bars, restaurants and cute shops to buy souvenirs in!

Also walking along the waterfront at night and seeing various ferries come in to the port makes for a romantic stroll as the warm colour of lights bounce off of the waters surface.

Cats, cats, cats!

If you’ve previously travelled to Greece or its islands then you’ll be aware that they are inundated with stray or abandoned cats, all roaming the streets it’s almost impossible to go five minutes without seeing one!

(Of course, not everyone is a cat person so if you have allergies or hate cats, don’t worry, the majority of cats will only come close if you welcome them to).

Visit Kastri Island

Situated on the southern side of Kos, just across from the main beach of Kefalos town, lies the small islet of Kastri.

Only reachable by boat or a short swim, this iconic landmark is a rocky, barren formation with little vegetation, and has the remains of an old castle that used to guard the bay from enemies and pirates. On the other side sits a small blue and white chapel and a hidden beach.

Admire Hippocrates Tree

In the historic district lies the Tree of Hippocrates or Plane Tree of Hippocrates, a famous landmark in Kos. According to a local legend, this tree could be the descendant of the original tree under which Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, and father of medicine, taught his students.

This enormous plane tree, an iconic symbol of the island, stands in the central square of Kos, Plateia Platanou, close to the Castle of the Knights. While the original tree has withered over time, the current tree remains a symbol of knowledge, healing, and the island’s connection to the roots of medicine.

Explore the ancient ruins

An island rich with ancient heritage, it almost feels as though everywhere you go there’s another archaeological site to visit! Here are some of the top spots you won’t want to miss:

• The Asklipeion, the most famous site of Kos this archaeological site is dedicated to Asklipeios, the father of modern medicine and is the medical site where Hippocrates once studied! Located in the centre of the island, just a short walk from the main town
• Casa Romana, this restored Roman mansion is the perfect example of Hellenistic architecture, giving a real feel for how people once lived, it’s situated just by the Roman Odeon
• The ancient Agora, the marketplace of Kos, these ancient ruins include the temple of Aphrodite, the temple of Hercules, and a basilica

The majority of ancient ruins are free to wander about, all of which are well labelled with informative signs to give you further insight into what you are visiting.

Archaeological Museum of Kos

In Kos’ archaeological museum visitors can discover some of Greece’s most historical treasures, boasting of a rich collection of well preserved archaeological finds this is a must-see museum!

Located on the central square of Kos Town, the museum is within a beautiful neoclassical building. You visit for a small fee of €6, and its fine to purchase your ticket on arrival.

Watch the sunset

One of the most calming and relaxing things to do while visiting Kos is to watch the sunset. Whether its sipping on Greek wine, eating traditional cuisine with a view or simply lying by the beach with your toes dipped in water, there’s nothing more magical than watching the candy colour hues melt in the sky!

We found that the best place for sunset was along the shoreline of Kos Town, with a wine in hand! That being said, an amazing ay to experience the sunset while also viewing Kos island from afar is from the water. Book your sunset boar tour here.

Book a boat trip and go fishing

Truly a unique experience and absolutely worth while when visitng Kos is to take a boat tour and fishing trip for half the day. We took the Capitain Tasos half day fishing trip and it was amazing!

Taking a bus from Kos town, we got on the boat at Kefalos Bay with a group size of about 12 people, we were taken around Kastri Island, then to deeper waters ideal for fishing. After a demonstration and trying out line fishing for ourselves, we were taken around to a hidden beach, then had a BBQ (although you don’t eat the fish you catch as they put them back in the water…if you catch any at all that is).

I would definitely recommend this as you get to visit parts of the island that are only accessible by boat and it’s definitely an unforgettable experience, with the opportunity to meet people too! Find the best fishing boat trips and tours here.

Take a day trip to Bodrum, Turkey

Because of the islands close proximity, if you have time and feel like venturing out further you could visit another country and take a day trip to the city of Bodrum in Turkey.

Bodrum boasts of beautiful beaches, a medieval castle and great shopping, making for the perfect destination to explore and giving yourself a slightly different experience.

The ferry over only lasts around 25 minutes, but be aware as you are going into another country so will be subject to going through customs, be sure to have your passport at the ready.

Where to stay in Kos?

Kos Town: This is the island’s capital as well as a bustling and lively area with a mix of ancient history, modern amenities, and interesting things to do at night as well.  Staying in Kos Town gives you easy access to the town’s historic attraction. Suggested hotel: Kosea Boutique Hotel

Kardamena: Situated on the southern coast of Kos, Kardamena is a lively resort with beautiful sandy beaches and nightlife activities. Kardamena is the place to go for a fun-filled beach holiday with plenty of entertainment. Suggested hotel: Hotel Agrelli

Tigaki: Another popular tourist spot is Tigaki, on the northern coast of Kos. It features a long sandy beach and calm waters, making it a great family destination on the island, with easy access to amenities, plenty of accommodations, and traditional local tavernas. Suggested hotel: Tigaki

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