Colorful houses and blooming bushes on the street of Kos Island, Greece

Things to do in  Kos

Party like it’s 460 BC

Buzzing with energy for both the young and the young at heart, Kos is a lively destination in the heart of the Aegean. Yes, this island is a hub for nocturnal excitement in vibrant Kos Town, but it also boasts serene beaches and significant archeological sites. Visitors can explore ancient wonders such as Ancient Agora and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, tracing Hippocrates' steps. Beyond history and nightlife, the best things to do in Kos range from relaxing on its famous beaches to snorkeling, sailing, and kitesurfing.

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Top 4 attractions in Kos

#1

Paradise Beach

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By day, Paradise Beach is a water sports hot spot, with swimsuit-clad revelers enjoying banana boat rides, Jet Ski jaunts, and scuba diving excursions. Come late afternoon, its legendary party scene gets going as fun-seekers flock to the beach bars and clubs for music, dancing, drinking, and fun.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Limnionas Beach

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With its white sand, turquoise waters, and refreshing lack of tourists, Limnionas Beach is where you can plop yourself directly into one of the postcard seascapes for which Greece is famous. Set in a cove along Limnionas Bay, the beach is protected from strong winds and rough seas, making it a haven for boat excursions and snorkeling.More
Tours & Tickets
#3
Lambi Beach

Lambi Beach

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Stretching about half a mile (1 kilometer) along the northeast corner of Kos, Lambi Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot near the island’s main town and port. Lined with sand and pebbles, the beach offers chairs and umbrellas for rent, water sports, restaurants and snack bars, and views facing the Turkish coastline.More
#4
Lido Waterpark

Lido Waterpark

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One of the largest water parks in Greece, Lido Waterpark offers upwards of 18 acres (7 hectares of wet and wild fun. Cool off while you zoom down water slides, splash in the wave pool, float along the lazy river, and relax in the hot tub. Smaller tots have a dedicated interactive area with gentle wading pools and waterfalls.More

Explore Kos by interest

Top activities in Kos

Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup

Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup

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372
From
$32.76
Private Sunset Cruise Including Meals And Drinks

Private Sunset Cruise Including Meals And Drinks

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4
From
$1,637.95
per group
From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum

From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum

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98
From
$32.76
Kos - Airport Private Transfer

Kos - Airport Private Transfer

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143
From
$54.60
per group
Kos Safari
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Kos Safari

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16
From
$125.58
Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach

Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach

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15
From
$23.55
Nissyros Boat trip from Kos

Nissyros Boat trip from Kos

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4
From
$40.40
Sunset Safari in Kos

Sunset Safari in Kos

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21
From
$97.18
Kalymnos and Pserimos Day Cruise from Kos
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Kalymnos and Pserimos Day Cruise from Kos

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4
From
$48.57
Kos Island tour

Kos Island tour

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10
From
$52.41
Lets Go Diving with pickup from hotel

Lets Go Diving with pickup from hotel

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40
From
$240.23
Independent Day trip to Bodrum, Kos
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Independent Day trip to Bodrum, Kos

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4
From
$51.32
Private Tour: Kos Island Villages and Wine Tasting

Private Tour: Kos Island Villages and Wine Tasting

From
$509.19
Private Tour: Kos Island Highlights Including Zia, Asklepieion and Tree of Hippocrates

Private Tour: Kos Island Highlights Including Zia, Asklepieion and Tree of Hippocrates

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4
From
$467.99
Departure transfer to Kos Airport

Departure transfer to Kos Airport

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2
From
$67.70
per group
Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island

Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island

From
$84.45
per group
One Way Private Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Faliraki

One Way Private Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Faliraki

From
$36.03
Arrival transfer from Kos Airport

Arrival transfer from Kos Airport

From
$67.70
per group
Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport

Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport

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6
From
$60.06
Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

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7
From
$6.55
See all Kos tours

All about Kos

When to visit

The best time to visit Kos is between June and September, when you can fully appreciate its outdoor wonders and beautiful sunshine. Peak season is typically July through August, when you should expect peak crowds. If you like wine, head to the Mastichari village, which typically hosts a wine festival in early August. The Hippokratia Festival (usually June through October) is known for its art and cultural events.

Getting around

Kos’ flat terrain makes walking and cycling popular choices in Kos Town, and bike rentals are readily available. Additionally, public KTEL buses connect many of the city’s major sights, and there's a hop-on, hop-off tourist train. For more flexibility and to explore the remote parts of the island, some travelers hire a car or scooter. Alternatively, there are boat tours available from the harbor.

Traveler tips

When it comes to coffee on the island of Kos, quality at the local tavernas can be hit or miss. If you’re craving specialty coffee at a barista-led venue, go to The Cup on Vasileos Pavlou. This charming spot offers a selection of different brewing methods, such as pour-over and AeroPress coffee, with pancakes, toasts, and cakes to tempt you, too.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

What are the top attractions in Kos?

Many travelers flock to visit Kos’ beaches—Tigaki and Agios Stefano beaches are popular choices. History lovers visit the Asclepion—one of the island’s most famous archeological sites and an ancient medicine center. Other popular sites include Ancient Agora and the Castle of the Knights of St. John.

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How do I get to Kos from Athens?

You can reach Kos from Athens by taking a short flight from Athens International Airport or catching a ferry from the Port of Piraeus. Flights are quick, while ferry rides offer a scenic journey through the Aegean Sea. Travel times depend on the type of ferry.

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Where are the best beaches in Kos?

Kos boasts many beautiful beaches to suit different travelers' needs. Popular choices include Tigaki Beach, with its long stretch of golden sand; Agios Stefanos Beach, for snorkeling opportunities; and Kardamena Beach, for stand-up paddleboarding. Paradise Beach is an excellent choice for families, with plenty of restaurants nearby.

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What are the must-try Greek dishes in Kos?

When in Kos, don’t miss trying wine cheese (krasotyri)—a special white cheese made of sheep or goat milk matured for at least a month in wine. Other specialties include pitaridia, handmade pasta cooked in beef broth, and pasa makarouna, made with pasta, cheese, and minced meat.

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Is Kos a family-friendly destination?

Yes, Kos is a family-friendly destination with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The island has family-oriented resorts and calm and shallow beaches ideal for children. You'll also find water parks with slides, pools, and inflatables, as well as boat trips to suit all ages.

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What are the best activities for water sports enthusiasts in Kos?

For water sports enthusiasts, Kos offers a range of exciting activities. Mastichari Beach is a great pick for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Kardamena provides options such as jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and pedalos (pedal boating). Alternatively, scuba diving fans can find great launch spots near Therma Beach.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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