Dodecanese
Kos
Ancient ruins, long sandy beaches, and a flat island perfect for cycling.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Kos
Kos is one of the most accessible Greek islands for first-time visitors — reliably sunny, well connected, with good beaches and an easygoing pace. What elevates it above the typical package destination is the unusually rich ancient history: the Asklepion, a sanctuary and medical school associated with Hippocrates (considered the father of Western medicine), sits on a hillside above the town with sweeping views across to Turkey. Hippocrates himself reportedly taught medicine under a vast plane tree in the main square — the current tree is only 500 years old, but the myth is better than the botany. The island is almost completely flat with a network of cycle paths running past ancient ruins and beach resorts, making it the most genuinely bikeable island in Greece. The old town's Turkish and Italian architectural layers are worth exploring beyond the beach.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
"Bar Street" in Kos Town is extremely loud and tourist-heavy. Package-holiday infrastructure dominates the west coast.
Hidden gem
The hot springs at Therma — natural seawater pools heated by volcanic vents, free, magical at sunset.
Where it sits
Dodecanese, Greece
Kos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Kos? +
- The best months to visit Kos are May to October. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is crowded in July and August.
- How do you get to Kos from Athens? +
- Kos has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry.
- Is Kos good for couples? +
- Kos is more about scenery than swoon — better for active or family trips than honeymoons.
- Is Kos good for families with kids? +
- Kos is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Kos expensive? +
- Kos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Kos? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Kos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Kos? +
- "Bar Street" in Kos Town is extremely loud and tourist-heavy. Package-holiday infrastructure dominates the west coast.