Kos

Kos

Kos is the third-largest Dodecanese island, 290 square kilometres of flat, fertile plains in the north and mountainous spine in the south, sitting just off the Turkish Bodrum peninsula. It has been inhabited for 5,000 years and was the birthplace of Hippocrates, so its capital Kos Town is a layered museum of ancient agora, Roman mosaics, Venetian castle of the Knights, and Ottoman mosques, all under palm trees, with bikes everywhere — the island is famously flat and bike-friendly.

With long sandy beaches like Tigaki, Mastichari, Kardamena and Kefalos, big resorts, thermal springs at Embros, and easy day trips to Nisyros volcano and Patmos, Kos is one of Greece’s most popular islands, balancing archaeology, beach life and nightlife. It’s green, well-watered, packed with vineyards and olive groves, and feels more cosmopolitan than its neighbours — an island you go to for both history and a classic Greek beach holiday.

Great if you want variety, history and easy beach life

Kos is Dodecanese big hitter — 112km coastline, dozens of beachfront areas, something for everyone. Whether you wish to be pampered on comfortable sun beds or live adventure exploring most secluded.

Paradise beach is one of most popular, sits middle of Kefalos bay 35km from Kos town, convenient facilities large canteen restaurant cafe bar several water sports bustling packed daily hundreds fellow beachgoers enjoy heavenly waters hassle-free. Marmari about 14km from Kos town organised beaches umbrellas sun lounges water sports plus secluded spots unwind breathe cool Aegean breeze. Kochilari north side Kefalos 37km houses most popular wind & kite surf clubs. Kardamena 30km serene waveless sheltered beachfront piece of Greece to everyone. Karnagio just before Tigaki 6km from town serene coast silhouette nearby island Pserimos warm shallow waters emerald blue ideal families friends couples seek refuge daily routine. Lambi most popular beach destinations Nautical Club swimming sailing lessons. Agios Fokas 8km popular among those who seek tranquility scenic drive Psalidi plus natural hot thermal springs Therma 3km away.

Best-kept secrets like Cavo Paradiso westernmost tip after Kefalos village dusty road to Agios Mamas handcrafted signs heaven on earth wind quite often no land horizon nearest island Astypalaia. Perfect mix culture, history — Hippocrates — plus bike-friendly flat north.

How to get there

You can fly to Kos from Athens International Airport or take ferry from Piraeus. Island connected with Athens throughout year itineraries increasing high season.

Sky Express and Aegean Airlines fly Athens to Kos every 4 hours, about 1h2m flight average €60-75. Blue Star Ferries operates ferry from Port of Piraeus to Port of Kos once daily to twice daily, departure 6pm arrival 3:35am about 9h35 to 11h40, average €63-78. Cheapest ferry €80-190 takes 14h, fastest fly 2h52m €90-190 total journey.

Kos may receive flights from Rhodes occasionally though most prefer ferry. Also ferries to Kalymnos etc. Very easy island to combine.

Sources

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Last Updated on August 29, 2026 by admin