Refreshed July 21, 2025 – real tips from the VayCay Couple’s latest trip.
“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” — Hippocrates, who was born here almost 2 500 years ago.
Kos wears that legacy proudly. You can swim in water as clear as glass at Paradise Beach in the morning and stand among the marble columns of the Asklepion by noon, where the father of medicine once taught. Our Kos guide sticks to clear paragraphs and bullet‑point tips so you can plan fast and hit the sand sooner.
1. Snapshot
Detail | |
Country / Region | Greece / Dodecanese |
Airport code | KGS (Kos International) |
Size | 40 km long, 8 km wide |
Best months | May, June, late Sept |
High season temp | 30 °C daytime, 24 °C sea |
Kos is big enough for variety but small enough to cross in an hour. You can mix beach naps with ancient ruins on the same day.

2. Arriving
By air
- Direct summer flights from many European cities.
- The airport sits 23 km from Kos Town. Bus #10 runs every hour (50 min, €4). Taxis charge a fixed €45.
By ferry
- Blue Star Ferries connect Kos to Piraeus (9 h overnight) and Rhodes (2 h).
- Smaller catamarans hit Kalymnos, Nisyros and Bodrum (Turkey) daily in summer.
Real‑time schedules: www.gtp.gr (Greek Travel Pages).
3. Kos Town in one loop
- Neratzia Castle – 15‑century Knights of St John fortress guarding the harbour. Climb the walls for sunset.
- Plane Tree of Hippocrates – legend says the father of medicine taught here. The current tree is “only” 500 years old but the spot still feels special.
- Ancient Agora – free open‑air site with mosaic floors and marble columns.
- Market Street (Averof) – honey, sponges, herb shops. Try thyme honey tastings.

Allow three relaxed hours including a coffee stop.
4. Beyond the capital – quick guide to villages
Area | Why go | Stay vibe |
Kefalos (SW tip) | Quiet bays, ruins of Agios Stefanos basilica | Small studios, car needed |
Tigaki (north) | Long shallow beach, salt lake with flamingos in spring | Mid‑size resorts |
Mastichari (north‑west) | Fishing village, laid‑back tavernas, ferry to Kalymnos | Budget rooms |
Zia (mountain) | Best sunset on island, craft stalls | Guesthouses, no beach but cool nights |
Kardamena (south‑centre) | Family hotels, water park, nightlife strip | All‑inclusive & apartments |
5. Must‑see ruins
Asklepion
Kos’ headline site. It was a healing centre and medical school from 4th century BC. Three terraces of columns, patient baths and temple of Asclepius. Bus from Kos Town every 30 min in season (€1.80). Entry €8. Bring water; there’s little shade.
Casa Romana
Restored Roman villa with frescoes and a courtyard of mosaics—easy 10‑min walk from harbour. Entry €6.
Antimachia Castle
Venetian fort on a plateau near the airport; wide open so time it for late afternoon light.
6. Beach cheat‑sheet
Beach | Type | Facilities |
Paradise/Bubble | Soft sand, snorkel spots, natural gas bubbles | Beds €15, snack huts |
Agios Stefanos | Photo‑op basilica ruins right on the sand | Limited shade, bring umbrella |
Lambi | Walkable from Kos Town | Bars, water‑sports |
Polemi (Magic) | Clothing‑optional stretch backed by dunes | No services, pack lunch |

7. Simple eats
- Taverna Mike (Kos Town) – family recipes since 1968; try goat stifado.
- Avli (Pili village) – courtyard dining, home‑grown veggies (book ahead).
- H2O (Lambi) – beach bar for sunset cocktails.
Full island food map at www.tastykos.gr.
Approx prices: gyros €4, taverna main €12‑16, beer €3.50.
Full island food map at https://www.kos4all.com/interactive-map-of-kos-island/
8. Getting around
- Buses: KTEL orange coaches cover all main villages. Summer timetable posted on ktel-kos.gr.
- Scooter/ATV: from €25/day; helmet required by law.
- Bicycle: 15 km of dedicated cycle path along the north coast—rentals €10/day.
Roads are mostly flat but watch for wind gusts near Kefalos.
9. Money matters
Cash is king for small spends. ATMs in every resort; fees €2‑3. Card accepted in supermarkets and bigger restaurants. Budget travellers can get by on €50 per day if they self‑cater and use buses.
10. Five quick day trips
- Nisyros volcano – boat from Kardamena, walk inside the steaming caldera.
- Kalymnos climbing – ferry from Mastichari, rent gear in Massouri.
- Plaka Forest – eucalyptus woods near airport, home to peacocks and turtles.
- Therma Beach – hot spring pool right on the sea (free).
- Boat tour to Pserimos & Plati – swim stop, BBQ lunch, €30.
11. Simple 2‑day itinerary
Day 1 – Culture & Town Life
Morning: Asklepion > coffee in Old Town > Casa Romana.
Afternoon: Cycle to Lambi for a swim.
Evening: Dinner at Taverna Mike, drinks on the harbour.
Day 2 – West Coast Beaches
Bus to Kefalos > Agios Stefanos ruins & beach > late lunch at taverna on bay > sunset at Zia with honey‑lemon loukoumades.
Kos packs history, beaches and easy logistics into one neat island. Use this guide, grab your sunscreen, and start exploring.
FAQs
Yes. English widely spoken, reliable buses, and plenty of varied beaches.
The north gets Meltemi winds in July–Aug. Choose south‑west spots like Camel Beach if you want calmer water.
Usually yes. Drivers sell tickets on board; carry coins.
Much quieter than summer. Sea still 22 °C and hotels discount up to 30 %. Some bars in Kardamena close mid‑month.
Day boats to Bodrum take 25 min; passport required. Check visa rules if you are non‑EU.