Kos Travel Guide

Over the years I’ve visited Kos for such a reasonable price, 7 nights in a 5 star hotel with flights for under £450. It really is the perfect chilled beach holiday. There’s plenty to keep you busy if you want to explore, but it never feels overwhelming or like you have to rush around. You can properly relax here.

I’ve been to Kos more times than I can count. We usually stay in Kardamena, which is only 10 minutes from the airport, but you honestly wouldn’t know it as I’ve never really noticed the planes. I just find Kos so relaxing. It’s one of those places where I can completely switch off.

It used to be quite a popular nightclubbing island, but not so much now and that’s absolutely fine with me. It still has a nice atmosphere without being over the top.

Kos Town is definitely worth a visit for the beautiful streets, little markets selling herbs, oils and spices, and the ancient ruins. I’d recommend Kos if you’re travelling with children as the beaches are shallow, there are water parks to visit, and it’s easy to find family friendly hotels. I don’t have kids and travel as a couple and we still love it though, it has a really good balance in my opinion.

Kos is one of the larger islands in the Dodecanese, right down in the south of Greece, and temperatures can go over 40 degrees in the height of summer. I’d definitely suggest travelling out of season if you can. You’ll still get lovely sunny weather but without the extreme heat and high prices.

How long to stay

I would recommend staying in Kos for 7 days if you wanted a typical ‘package” style holiday (so flights and hotels included, and only visiting one island), rather than a Greek island hopping trip. If you are visiting Kos as part of an island hopping trip, I would recommend 5 nights, or 3-4 if you arent renting a car. I usually visit for 7 days at a time, and have never visited as part of a Greek island hopping trip.

Getting to Kos

Kos Airport (KGS) is well connected, with plenty of direct flights operating between May and October, especially from the UK.

UK departure airports include:
London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff and East Midlands.

Other European airports with direct seasonal flights include:
Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Brussels, Vienna, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.

Flight time from the UK is usually around 4 hours.

If you’re flying from Athens, the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, ferries from Athens (Piraeus port) take around 12 hours, with overnight sailings available.

If you’re island hopping or considering adding another island to your itinerary as a day trip, Kos ferry port has connections to some stunning nearby islands, including:

I’ve personally visited Symi, Nisyros and Rhodes which are all stunningly beautiful islands. Nisyros is the closest to Kos, which makes it the easiest and most convenient choice for a day trip in my experience.

Getting Around

Public Buses

You’ll often see day trips to Kos Town advertised by tour companies, but in my experience, it’s just as easy, and much cheaper, to use the public bus, especially if you’re heading into Kos Town.

I’ve always found the public buses to be reliable and on time. However, I’d avoid travelling on Sundays, as services are less frequent and some routes may not run at all. Also, be aware that buses can get quite busy, and you might have to stand.

There are bus stops outside most busy hotels and main areas, and we never had to walk far to find one. A single journey from our hotel to Kardamena town was 1.80 euro.

If you’re travelling to Kos Town, make a mental note of where you’re dropped off, and ask the driver or an attendant where you’ll be picked up for the return journey. You’re usually dropped at a fairly busy bus terminal, which can feel a bit chaotic, but there are staff around who can point you in the right direction.

For timetables and routes:
https://ktel-kos.gr

Taxis

In my experience, taxis can be difficult to flag down or book by phone. It’s definitely possible, but I wouldn’t rely on being able to flag one late at night in places like Kardamena (Kos Town may be different).

For short trips — such as from Kardamena to your hotel (around 5–10 minutes), taxis are reasonably priced. However, for longer distances they can be expensive. For example, a taxi from Kardamena can cost up to €53 one way, which makes for a pricey day trip. That’s why I usually opt for the public bus instead.

Accommodation

Tui Blue Belvedere, Kardamena, Kos

We’ve stayed at TUI Blue Belvedere twice, first in August 2020 and again in October 2023, and we absolutely loved it both times.

The hotel is adults-only, which gives it such a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The interiors are stylish with a definite Moorish vibe, and the views from the balconies, infinity pool, and lounge areas are magical. The sunsets are especially beautiful, the prettiest shades of pink every evening.

We booked half board, with breakfast and evening meals included. I don’t believe all-inclusive is available here. The main buffet restaurant had plenty of choice, and there’s also an à la carte restaurant. Each guest receives one complimentary meal there, including starter, main and dessert. I’d recommend booking that on your first day as it fills up quickly.

You can also book the Greek taverna at the sister hotel next door. The hotel arranges a golf buggy to take you over, and the setting is beautifully decorated with amazing traditional Greek cuisine. Definitely worth doing.

On your first day, download the TUI Blue app and book any free activities you’re interested in, such as cooking classes or sunset yoga, as the slots fill up fast. We also attended a private beach party for hotel guests with a DJ and fireworks, which was such a fun surprise. (This sounds like an AD but it isnt, just liked that little perk, and they don't necessarily advertise it at the hotel, so good it know.)

There are private sunbeds for hotel guests which are super comfortable, and the main pool is an infinity pool. Pool towels are provided, so no need to pack them. There’s also the option of rooms with private pools, which looked incredible, although slightly out of our budget.

When we arrived late at night, we were welcomed with sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and even red wine, which was such a lovely touch.

The location is quite remote, which might not appeal to everyone. It didn’t bother us at all, as Kardamena town is only about a 10-minute taxi ride away or 15 to 20 minutes by public bus.

Price paid:
August 2020: £525 per person, based on 2 people, including flights, food, transfers and accommodation
October 2023: £485 per person, based on 2 people, including flights, food, transfers and accommodation

Tui Blue Atlantica, Kardamena, Kos

This was the sister hotel to TUI Blue Belvedere, but it is family-friendly, whereas the Belvedere is adults-only. We visited for a meal here, and the grounds were beautiful. It offered the same kind of lovely food options as the Belvedere. This would be a great choice if you want a touch of luxury but also need a family-friendly environment.

Lagas Aegean Village, Kardamena, Kos

We stayed here for seven days in 2022. It is around a ten to fifteen minute walk into Kardamena, which we found perfect as you are close enough to walk in easily but still feel a bit removed from the busy part of town.
It is not as luxurious as the Belvedere Hotel and is definitely more of a budget option, although sometimes out of season there really is not much difference in price between the two, so it is always worth checking both before booking. Once again we visited in October and the weather was perfect. Warm sunny days but not too hot, which is exactly how I like it.
We paid around £450 per person and that included accommodation, transfers, flights, and a half board stay with breakfast and evening meal included. The rooms are decorated quite simply but they are pretty and clean, which is the main thing I care about. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful, and I really recommend walking up to the church style building at the top of the hill. We walked up there at sunset and the views were honestly breathtaking.
There is a really large pool, as well as games like ping pong and pool, and it felt very family friendly with children staying there too. The hotel is located right across from the beach, although there are no hotel sunbeds on the beach itself, only around the pool. We never struggled to find a sunbed, but we were visiting in October so that is worth bearing in mind. There is also a bar open in the evenings and we always found both breakfast and evening meals to be really lovely and tasty.
I think this is a great option to look at if you are on a budget but still want somewhere nice without feeling like you are compromising.

Links to accommodation here 

Prices

Prices in Kos are honestly one of the reasons (among many others) I keep going back. Compared to a lot of other Greek islands, it still feels really reasonable, especially if you book a package deal. I’ve paid anywhere between £450–£525 per person for 7 nights in a 4 or 5 star hotel including flights, transfers and half board, which I think is amazing value, and the weather is still sunny and warm. If you’re booking hotel only, you can find lovely mid range hotels from around £70–£120 per night depending on the season, and luxury options will obviously climb higher in July and August.

Food is also very fairly priced. In places like Kardamena and Kos Town, you can expect to pay around €12–€15 for dishes like souvlaki or pasta, €16–€25 for grilled meats or fresh fish, and around €3–€5 for a gyros or quick lunch. A meze spread to share between two might cost €25–€40 depending on what you order. Cocktails are usually €8–€12, beers around €4–€6, and a glass of wine can be as little as €4–€7. Of course, if you’re eating somewhere more elevated in Kos Town harbour, prices will creep up slightly, but nothing that feels shocking.

For spending money, it really depends on your board basis. When we stay half board and only pay for lunches, drinks and the occasional taxi or excursion, I’d comfortably budget around €40–€60 per person per day. If you’re staying self catering and eating out for all meals, I’d increase that to around €60–€90 per day depending on how many cocktails and boat trips you plan on squeezing in. Boat excursions are usually €25–€50, taxis for short journeys are reasonable, but longer trips can jump to €40–€50 one way, which is why I often use the bus.

Overall, Kos is one of those destinations where you can absolutely do it on a budget, but you can also lean into a bit of luxury without it spiralling out of control. It’s very easy to find a balance, which I think is part of its charm.

Restaurants & Bars

Avili Restaurant
This is honestly one of my favourite restaurants in Greece and that is not an exaggeration. My birthday is in October and whenever we visit at that time of year we always eat here for my birthday, even if we are staying half board at the hotel. That is how much I love it.
We usually order their homemade bread with a melted pepper cheese dip to start and it is absolutely out of this world. Then we normally share a mixed grill which includes sausages, chicken, and beef burgers, served with tzatziki and pita bread. It is always more than enough for two people. It is tucked away down a little alley just off the main square in Kardamena.
I recommended it to a friend who visited Kos last year and she ended up eating there twice, so I was very glad she loved it as much as I do.

Stone Roses Bar
Please do not be put off by the name. I know it sounds like it might be a typical Brits abroad bar, and normally I would avoid those completely, but this place actually has lots of charm and a really nice atmosphere.
I love sitting on the comfy chairs under the twinkly fairy lights and just people watching in the main square. The cocktails are amazing, my favourites being the piña coladas and mango daiquiris. Whenever we have visited in October it has always felt really relaxed and the people working there have been lovely.

Kapari Meze Restaurant
We ate here for lunch while visiting Kos Town and it was such a good find. They serve traditional homemade Greek meze and everything tasted fresh and authentic.
We ordered a meze platter with grilled fish, halloumi, falafel, feta, tzatziki, pita, and olives and it was perfect for sharing. Prices were really reasonable too, around €12.50 for pork souvlaki and €16 for a mixed grilled meat platter, which felt very fair for the quality.

Places of Interest

Day Trip to Nisyros
You can easily get the ferry from Kos to Nisyros, and it takes around an hour. We chose to do an organised excursion which took us to different parts of the island. It was well organised, but if I’m honest, I would have preferred more time exploring the villages and less time at the volcano. Me and volcanoes just don’t get on. They smell awful and I didn’t personally enjoy that part, although I know a lot of people would find it fascinating.

The villages, though, were absolutely beautiful. Mandraki is the main port and village, and I loved wandering through the quiet streets and stopping at little tavernas. Nikia sits right at the top of the mountains and the views out to sea from the churches and the main square are incredible. The square has pebble mosaic floors, brightly painted shutters, and every little winding alley feels completely picture perfect.

If you’d rather explore at your own pace, ferries run regularly from Kos, so you don’t have to book a guided tour.

Kos Town

Kos Town is the main town on the island and great for shopping, restaurants, and history. It’s a lovely harbour town and somewhere I’ve visited countless times, there are even photos of me there in 2004. We usually get the bus into Kos Town in the morning and head back to Kardamena in the afternoon. It’s such an easy day out.

Kos Old Town (Shopping)

A few people have asked how to find the main shopping streets. I’d say head towards Diagoras Square, which has a large olive tree in the centre and sits opposite Zorbas Eat Greek, a really popular restaurant. From there, you can wander through the main old streets, which is where I love buying real leather Greek sandals.

I always buy two pairs when I’m in Kos Town because I wear them so much, it keeps me going until the next visit. There are lots of sandal shops selling similar styles, but my favourite is Lefos Handmade Greek Leather Sandals, which is close to the square. They’re the sturdiest I’ve found and have lasted the longest.

Another favourite shopping stop is the Municipal Market of Kos, located in Eleftherias Square. We can easily spend an hour here buying spices, dried herbs, olive oil, and honey. It’s not huge, but there’s plenty to browse. I’m sure locals shop elsewhere, and it does feel quite tourist focused, but it’s still worth a visit.

Hippocrates Plane Tree

Try visiting Hippocrates Plane Tree, located in Platía Platanou in the centre of Kos Town. The tree is around 700 years old and is said to be a descendant of the original tree that stood there 2,400 years ago. It’s now supported by scaffolding because of its age.

I remember visiting in 2004 and being completely bored, I was about 13 so everything was boring. Now, when I visit, I appreciate it so much more. The age and history of it genuinely blow my mind.

Ancient History

Kos Town is packed with history, and you’ll often just stumble across ruins as you wander around. The Ancient Agora of Kos is one of the highlights, ancient ruins dating back to the 4th century, and entry is free. Another standout is the Castle of the Knights of Kos, a fortress overlooking the harbour. You cross an arched bridge to reach it, which is one of the most photographed spots in town.

Bar Street

If you’re looking for a late night drink or a bit of clubbing, Bar Street in Kos Town is the place to go. Lots of people ask whether Kardamena is still the party town. It definitely used to be, but not anymore. If you wander off the main strip in Kardamena, you’ll see quite a few closed down nightclubs from the early 2000s. Now, Kos Town, especially Bar Street, is where you’ll find the livelier nightlife. That’s not to say Kos Town is seedy, it’s quite the opposite and has so much more than just bars to offer.

3 Island Boat Trip

One of the most popular excursions is the 3 Island Boat Trip. These usually leave Kos Town harbour daily and stop at Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos, with swimming stops along the way. I did this cruise years ago and would absolutely do it again. There are lots of different companies offering it, so definitely compare reviews and prices before booking. It’s such a lovely way to spend the day, especially if you just want to relax, swim, and see more of the surrounding islands.

Areas to Stay

Kos Town
Kos Town is probably the most well rounded place to stay. You’ve got history everywhere you turn, from the Ancient Agora of Kos to the Castle of the Knights of Kos overlooking the harbour. There are loads of restaurants, rooftop bars, shops, and little streets to wander, so you’re never short of something to do in the evenings.

The beaches here are mostly a mix of sand and pebbles, and some are within walking distance of the centre, which is really convenient. It’s a great base if you like being in the middle of everything and want easy access to boat trips and excursions. I’d say Kos Town is perfect for couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a mix of beach, history and nightlife without it feeling too wild.

Kardamena
Kardamena used to have a big party reputation in the early 2000s, and you can still see hints of that if you wander around. These days though, it feels much more relaxed. The beach here is long, sandy, and shallow in parts, which makes it great for swimming. There’s a harbour with boat trips heading out daily, plus lots of bars and restaurants along the waterfront.

I’ve stayed near Kardamena and always found it easy and laid back. It’s a good option for families because of the sandy beach and calmer feel, but there are still enough bars for couples or small groups who want drinks in the evening without heading into Kos Town.

Tigaki
Tigaki is known for having one of the best sandy beaches on the island. The sand is soft, the water is shallow for quite a long stretch, and it’s very calm, which makes it ideal for families with younger children. The area itself is quieter, with a small selection of tavernas, bars and shops, but nothing over the top.

If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful where the days revolve around the beach and relaxed dinners, Tigaki is a lovely choice. It’s especially good for families and couples who don’t need busy nightlife.

Marmari
Marmari has a slightly more natural, untouched feel. The beaches are long, sandy and often a bit windier, which actually makes it popular for watersports. It feels more low key and spread out, with fewer big hotel clusters compared to other areas.

I’d say Marmari suits couples or families who want space, quiet, and beautiful beaches without lots of noise. It’s not somewhere you stay if you want buzzing nightlife, but it’s perfect if you want proper switch off mode.

Kefalos
Kefalos is on the quieter, more traditional side of Kos. The village itself sits on a hill with lovely views, and below it you’ve got Kamari Bay with sandy beaches and clear water. It feels less developed and more authentic compared to the busier resort areas.

This is a great option for couples or anyone wanting a slower pace and more of a Greek village feel. It’s also good if you like exploring hidden coves and don’t mind being a little further from the main towns.

Overall, if it’s your first time in Kos and you’re unsure, I’d say Kos Town is the safest all round choice. If you’re travelling with young children, Tigaki is probably the easiest. If you want relaxed beach days but still a bit of atmosphere, Kardamena works well. And if peace and quiet is your main priority, Marmari or Kefalos will be more your vibe.