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 the cycling island of Greece — almost completely flat, with a network of bike paths running past ancient ruins, beaches, and fields. It's a good-value, easygoing destination with a lively but not extreme nightlife scene. The old town has interesting Turkish and Italian architecture layered over ancient Greek foundations. Family-friendly without being boring.
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.