Kos Island

Where is Kos island?

Kos is a Dodecanese island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. It is the third-largest island of the Dodecanese island complex, after Rhodes and Karpathos, and belongs to the Kos regional unit.

How to get to Kos island

You can get to Kos by plane or ferry from mainland Greece or another island of the Aegean Sea.

Getting to Kos by plane

There are regular flights to Kos Airport ‘Hippocrates’ from Athens throughout the year and frequent flights to Kos from Heraklion, Astypalea, Rhodes, and other Dodecanese islands during the summer.

In peak season (May to September), Kos also receives international flights from several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland.

The flight duration from Athens to Kos is about one hour, while the duration of flights from other Greek islands to Kos is even less.

Getting to Kos by ferry

If you prefer traveling by sea, you can get to Kos by ferry from Piraeus port in Athens or other islands in the Aegean Sea, including Patmos, Nisyros, Rhodes, Leros, and Kalymnos. You can also get to Kos by ferry from Bodrum in Turkey.

The ferry journey from Athens to Kos lasts about 9.5-14 hours, while from Patmos (the closest island to Kos) it takes 2-3 hours.

In peak season, there is usually at least one daily ferry to Kos from Athens and the islands.

When is the best time to visit Kos?

The best time to visit Kos is from May to October when the weather is mild and the sea’s water temperature is pleasant for swimming. The island’s busiest months are July and August, while May and October are usually the least crowded.

If you want to enjoy the beaches and soak up the Aegean sun on this beautiful Greek island, June to September is the best time to visit Kos. But, if you want to avoid the crowds and explore the island at your own pace, spring and fall are better options.

How many days you should stay in Kos

If you want to enjoy everything the island offers and immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend staying in Kos for at least 5 days.

However, it’s possible to see the island’s main points of interest, including Kos City, the Archaeological Museum, the Asklipieion, and the best beaches in 2 to 3 days.

Regardless of how many days you’re spending in Kos, here are the best things to do on the island:

• Savor local delicacies, including stuffed zucchini flowers, dolmades, krasotyri (wine cheese), pork with bulgur, and lampropites (Easter cheese pies)
• Visit the Ottoman mosques, Hippocrates Plane Tree, the Castle of Neratzia, and the Roman Odeon
• Go swimming at Tigaki, Kardamena, Agios Stefanos, Mastichari, and Kefalos beaches
• Explore Zia village
• Go snorkeling at Limnionas and Camel beaches
• Have a taste of the island’s nightlife
• Explore Kos Town and the Ancient Agora
• Visit the Asklepieion Archaeological Site and the Archaeological Museum of Kos

The history of Kos island

Kos’ rich history begins in prehistoric times, as the island has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. However, the first inhabited settlement was built around 2300-2000 BC in the area where Kos Town lies today. Minoans inhabited the island around the 14th century BC, while the Archaeans and the Dorians followed in the following centuries.

Many centuries later, particularly in 460 BC, Hippocrates, known as the ‘father of medicine’, founded the first school of medicine on the island. After his death, Asklepieion Hospital, one of the most famous healing centers of the ancient world, was built in his honor and run by doctors who applied Hippocrates’ method. Today, Asklepieion is one of the island’s most important archaeological sites!

During its history, Kos was occupied by the Romans, the Venetians, and the Turks, each of which left their mark on the island’s culture. A significant chapter of the island’s modern history was the German occupation in 1943. The Germans ruled the island until 1945 when it came under British rule, which lasted until 1948, when Kos was eventually united with Greece.

The best attractions in Kos

There are many must-see attractions in Kos you should visit during your stay, including:

• The Castle of the Knights
• Hippocrates Plane Tree
• Asklepieion
• Kos Old Town
• The Temple of Hercules
• Casa Romana
• Hippocratic Botanic Garden
• Tigaki Beach
• The Ancient Agora (it was located in the heart of the ancient city and today includes the remains of the ancient town of Kos)
• The Shrine of Aphrodite
• The Archaeological Museum
• The traditional house of Kefalos
• The Basilicas of Saint Stephen in southern Kos
• Mastichari Beach
• Plaka Forest
• Antimachia Castle, built by the Knights of Saint John
• The hot springs at Agios Fokas beach
• Paradise Beach
• Kefalos seaside village
• The Temple of Dionysos
• The Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha
• Kardamena beach

How to get around Kos Island

There are several ways to get around Kos, from public transport to private transportation.

Public transport

Public buses are the cheapest way to get around Kos. The island has a public transport network that comprises public buses, which you can use to get around the city and other areas. The smaller public buses serve routes only in Kos Town, while the bigger KTEL buses serve routes throughout the island.

So, if you want to visit the island’s villages, beaches, and attractions beyond the town, you should use the latter.

Taxis

Another way to get around Kos is by private taxis, which are faster and more convenient than public transport, but more expensive.

You can find available taxis at many spots throughout the island, including Kos Town, the port, and the airport. Otherwise, you can call a cab to pick you up from wherever you want.

Private transfers in Kos

Opting for private transfers in Kos is the best way to get around at your own pace in a vehicle that matches your needs, from minivans to shuttle buses. To ensure you get around Kos safely and fast, choose a legitimate car hire company with experienced professional drivers, like Ride & Hire!

FAQs

When is the peak season in Kos?

The peak season in Kos lasts from June to September with numerous local and international tourists visiting the island to enjoy its beaches and many archaeological sites. Summer is also the warmest season in Kos, with temperatures hovering around 23-31°C.

How far is Kos from Athens?

Kos is about 366 km away from Athens. A ferry ride from Athens to Kos lasts 9.5-14 hours, while a flight takes 1 hour.

Does Kos have an airport?

Kos has an airport, Kos International Airport ‘Hippokrates’, located near Antimachia village 24 km from Kos Town.

How do you get a taxi in Kos?

You can find available taxis at the airport, the port, and many other areas throughout the island. But, if you want to be picked up from your hotel or another spot and can’t find a taxi, you can call one.

What is the cost of a taxi transfer in Kos, and how is it calculated?

Like everywhere in Greece, the cost of taxi transfers in Kos depends on the distance between your departure location and destination. But some taxi drivers may overcharge you, so it would be better to opt for a private transfer company with fixed prices, like Ride & Hire!

What tours can you take in Kos?

Taking tours in Kos is a great way to explore the island and discover its hidden gems, ensuring you won’t miss anything. Depending on the places you want to visit and your taste, you can choose from a wide range of tours, including boat cruises, day trips to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and other Dodecanese islands, wine tours, fishing trips, road trips to Mount Zia, snorkeling cruises, and more!

How can I book a private transfer in Kos?

Booking a private transfer in Kos is easy! All you have to do is visit the Ride & Hire website, choose from a wide selection of vehicles, from private cars to shuttle buses, and book your desired vehicle. To book a transfer in Kos with Ride & Hire, fill out the booking form with all the necessary information and choose a vehicle type. Then enter your personal information and flight number (for Kos airport transfers), and pay online. After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation email with all the information regarding your booking!

Can I book a transfer in Kos for a specific time or date in advance?

You can book a transfer in Kos for whatever time and date you want. Just add the date and time you prefer to the booking form on our website.

Do Kos transfer services include meet-and-greet options at the airport or other pickup locations?

Yes, our transfer services include meet-and-greet. One of our professional drivers will be waiting for you at your specified location on your requested day and time. For airport pick-ups, the driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.