DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Kos is one of the Greek islands of the Dodecanese and the second largest in the archipelago after Rhodes. It’s located just across from the eastern coast of Turkey, which is easily reachable with day trips by boat to Bodrum.
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Get a 10% discount for my readers here!When is the best time to visit Kos?
Kos was one of those places I visited without many expectations and ended up loving. I believe a big part of that was due to choosing the right time to go (late June, when there were still few tourists).
The weather was perfect, hot during the day and cool in the evenings, and exploring the island was a pleasure thanks to the quiet roads, no parking issues, and plenty of space on the beaches and in restaurants.
To get around, I rented a car with Discovercars, which I picked up right outside the airport—it was super convenient.
I imagine high season is quite different, so if you can, visit in late spring (early May to late June) or early autumn (September–October).
Need a rental car for your trip?
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Why choose a vacation in Kos?
I loved Kos for its rustic vibe, not glossy or fancy, and at times even slightly abandoned—but with that real, raw Greek feeling.
I know, I have a nostalgic soul, but places like this move me deeply.
Besides the many beautiful beaches (I’ve written here about the 10 best beaches in Kos), there’s a lot to see: ancient ruins, scenic villages, small towns, and nearby islands. In this article, I’ll share what to see in Kos in 2025, from main attractions to charming villages, must-see beaches, and tips on where to stay.
Top Attractions in Kos
Kos Town, the island’s main city
Besides beaches, towns are often my favorite places to visit wherever I go. On islands especially, I’m always curious to see what city life looks like.
Kos Town is lively and the island’s main hub. It offers a mix of history, culture, shops, and nightlife. If you’re into Kos’s party scene, this is one of the top places to be, with restaurants, bars, clubs, and discos.
There are several interesting sights in Kos Town: the Castle of the Knights, the Plane tree of Hippocrates, and the Ancient agora.
The cobbled streets of the center are mostly pedestrian and offer lovely Greek-style glimpses with boutiques, shops, and taverns.
Kos Town also hosts the island’s main port, from which you can catch a ferry to visit nearby Bodrum in Turkey.
Asklepieion, Kos’s most famous archaeological site
Just a few kilometers from Kos Town lies the island’s most famous archaeological site: the Asklepieion. This ancient sanctuary was dedicated to the god of medicine and is spread over a green hill with a panoramic view of the Turkish coast.
Since it’s completely outdoors, it can get very hot during the day, so visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon (the site is open daily from 8:30 am to 8 pm).
You can buy entrance tickets on the official website HERE, but I recommend booking a guided tour. It’s a bit more expensive, but it will help you actually understand what you’re looking at instead of just seeing a pile of rocks that might seem meaningless otherwise.
BOOK YOUR ENTRY TICKET WITH AUDIOGUIDE HERE
Zia, for the most beautiful sunset in Kos
One of the most charming villages in Kos is Zia, perched on Mount Dikeos. To reach it, you’ll drive through country roads and a few hairpin turns, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Go a bit before sunset so you have time to stroll through the little center filled with white houses, shops, and panoramic terraces. If you’re into souvenirs, you’ll find every kind of Greek souvenir here.
For the sunset, I recommend stopping at a restaurant with a view and enjoying traditional greek food.
Where to eat in Zia: I went to Taverna Avli and the sunset from there was absolutely stunning (the food wasn’t bad either!) PS: Ask for a table on the upper terrace for the best view!
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Pyli, a traditional village
Another cute inland village in Kos is Pyli. Less touristy than Zia and quieter, its center is made up of stone houses arranged around a central square, with several typical taverns and cafés.
Pyli is also known for the ruins of a Byzantine castle, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the island and the nearby Turkish coast.
Also worth seeing are the “House of Pyli,” a fresh water spring with six fountains, and the Harmylio, a Hellenistic-era tomb.
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Alikes Salt Lake
Not a must-see if you’re short on time in summer, but since it’s near Tigaki Beach, which you’ll probably visit anyway, it’s worth a quick stop.
Alikes Salt Lake is a white stretch of water and salt that hosts flamingos in winter. In summer, it’s more of a unique landscape, perfect for taking photos, though not much more.
I also spotted and photographed several wading birds there.To reach it, you’ll have to drive on a dirt and somewhat muddy road, go slowly to avoid getting stuck (and because most rental companies don’t cover off-road driving!).
Agios Stefanos, a beach with seaside ruins
I’ve seen some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but never one with ancient ruins right by the sea. It’s a really cool sight.
Next to this long sandy beach with clear blue water, you’ll find the remains of a Paleochristian basilica, free to visit, even in your swimsuit.
Also charming is Kastri islet, just offshore. You can reach it by swimming (or using a paddle boat or kayak) and there you’ll find a tiny white and blue chapel (so classically greek!) and a bell. Legend has it that if you make a wish while ringing it, your wish will come true. Worth a try, right?
Where to eat in Agios Stefanos: Behind the beach, there’s a nice panoramic taverna called Kompologaki, with views of the sea and Kastri islet.
Boat Trip to Nisyros Island
One of the best things to do during a trip to Kos is a visit to nearby Nisyros, a lesser-known and less touristy island. It’s a volcanic island where you can walk inside the crater and visit the picturesque village of Mandraki, home to the island’s port.
You can get there by ferry from Kardamena (departing daily at various times) or join a guided tour like this one on Get Your Guide.
BUY YOUR GUIDED TOUR TO NISYROS HERE
Kardamena, the favorite spot for young travelers
This seaside town is the second most populated on the island and especially popular among young people. Thanks to its vibrant nightlife, it’s one of the top places to go out in the evening.
During the day, you can explore its many shops, boutiques, taverns, and beach bars. It’s very touristy but still charming.
It stretches along a long beach that’s a mix of rock, pebbles, and sand, with various beach clubs where you can rent umbrellas and loungers, almost all of them have bars or restaurants behind.
The water is crystal-clear and blue, though in late June it was still quite cold.
Antimachia Castle
Just 10 minutes from Kos Airport, in the island’s inland area, are the ruins of the Venetian castle of Antimachia, which also houses the remains of two Byzantine churches.
The castle overlooks a valley and offers a lovely view. I recommend saving it as a final stop before heading to the airport.
Kefalos and its stunning sea views
Kefalos is where I stayed during my 5 days in Kos. The area is split into a seaside part (where I had my apartment and where the beaches are) and a hilltop part with the old village.
The village itself isn’t anything special, but it offers beautiful panoramic sea views. There are also ruins of an old castle, not in great condition to be honest, but still scenic.
Best beaches in Kos
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Paradise Beach – The island’s most famous beach, with fine golden sand and clear water. Suitable for everyone, with full services and water sports.
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Limnionas Beach – A quiet bay surrounded by hills, crystal-clear water, and a taverna with sea views. Perfect for a peaceful day.
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Lambi Beach – Great if you’re staying in Kos Town. Golden sand, calm sea, and plenty of beach clubs to enjoy the sunset.
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Therma Beach – A beach with natural hot springs flowing into the sea. Best in cooler months; often crowded in summer.
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Tigaki – Long beach with soft sand and shallow water. Ideal for families with kids.
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Marmari – Next to Tigaki, windier and loved by kitesurfers. Clean sea and plenty of space.
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Agios Stefanos – Unique for the nearby ruins. Also good for snorkeling.
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Agios Theologos – Wild and remote, with cliffs and open sea. Great for nature lovers and sunset chasers.
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Camel Beach – A small sheltered cove with golden sand, rarely crowded.
Where to stay in Kos: best areas
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Kos Town – Ideal if you want everything close by: nightlife, restaurants, and public transport.
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Kardamena – Perfect for young travelers and nightlife lovers.
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Tigaki and Marmari – Great for families, thanks to wide beaches and services. Also suitable for water sports fans.
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Kefalos – Quieter and more budget-friendly, close to Kos’s top beaches. Only 20 minutes from the airport.
Recommended hotels in Kos
LUXURY BUDGET
KOIA All – Suite Well Being Resort – Adults Only – Agios Fokas – Elegant 5-star adults-only hotel with sea-view suites.
Cabana Blu Hotel & Suites – Kardamena – 5-star beachfront hotel featuring a pool, fitness center, and garden.
MEDIUM BUDGET
Blue Lagoon City Hotel – Kos Town – 4-star hotel in the heart of Kos Town with a swimming pool, wellness center, and gym.
Palladium Hotel – Marmari – Hotel near Marmari Beach with a seasonal pool and free private parking.
LOW BUDGET
Kos Cozy Apartments – Kos Town – Comfortable self-catering apartments with great value for money, right in the center of Kos Town.
Ipanema Hotel – Tigaki – Simple yet clean hotel, just 400 meters from Flamingo Beach, with free private parking.
->>> To find more accommodation deals in Kos, take a look directly at the hotel map below!
AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE FOR SOLO TRAVELERS!
Want to stay where I did during my trip to Kos? I chose a beachfront apartment in Kefalos, right in front of the sea (waking up to the sunrise over the water was truly magical!).
The apartment was simple and basic, but perfect for my needs. It had a bedroom, a kitchen, a terrace, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. The owners are a lovely elderly couple who live in the house next door.
CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICES HERE
Recommended restaurants in Kos
Taverna Perasma – Kos
Avli – Zia
Kompologaki – Agios Stefanos
Restaurant Limionas – Limionas Beach
Taverna Krista’s – Kardamena
FAQ
How to get around Kos?
The island is served by local buses that connect the main destinations. You can check routes and schedules on the official website.
To explore Kos freely, it’s recommended to rent a car or a scooter. I personally suggest renting a car, as the distances between different parts of the island can be quite long and uncomfortable on a scooter (for example, it takes about 50 minutes to drive from Kefalos to Kos Town).
To compare the best car rental deals in Kos, I recommend using Discovercars: it’s the website I personally use for all my trips.
SEARCH FOR CAR RENTAL DEALS IN KOS HERE
Is Kos safe?
Absolutely. It’s a peaceful and safe island, just like many other Greek islands—great even for solo travelers.
How much does dinner cost in Kos?
In a local tavern, you can have dinner for about €15–20 per person, drinks included. In more touristy spots, prices can be higher. Personally, I never spent more than €25 for a meal including two dishes and house white wine.
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