Major city · Greece
KosΚως
Give Kos 3–4 nights: one day for Kos Town's ruins and castle, one for the Asklipieio, one beach day, one for a Bodrum or Nisyros hop.
Kos is the Dodecanese's second-busiest island after Rhodes: flat, cycle-friendly, with a compact town of Greek and Roman ruins, a Knights' castle over the harbour, and long sandy beaches at Tigaki, Mastichari and Kefalos. It suits mixed groups — history in the morning, beach in the afternoon — and it is the easiest Greek island to combine with Turkey, since Bodrum is a 25-minute catamaran away. It is not a quiet island in July and August.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, peak prices)
- Airport
- KGS
- Nights
- 3–4
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kos112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kos, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetyKos is a low-risk island; the real issues are scooter accidents, summer heat and rip currents on windy beach days.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 100 police · 166 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKGS Kos International Airport (Kos Island, Ippokratis) (About 25 km (16 mi) southwest of Kos Town near Antimachia; KTEL bus to Kos Town via Mastichari…KGS Kos International Airport (Kos Island, Ippokratis) (About 16 mi (25 km) southwest of Kos Town near Antimachia; KTEL bus to Kos Town via Mastichari…
- Getting aroundKTEL Kos buses run from Kos Town to the airport, Mastichari, Tigaki, Kardamena and Kefalos on a limited timetable…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (freddo espresso, cappuccino)€2.50–4.50 (≈ US$3–6)
- Beerdraught / supermarket can€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketAsklipieio or museum entrycheck€4–8 (≈ US$5–10)
- Budget bedHostel or studio bed, a night, per person€20 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, hotel or apartment, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedDouble room, hotel or apartment, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €105 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KGS Kos International Airport (Kos Island, Ippokratis) (About 25 km (16 mi) southwest of Kos Town near Antimachia; KTEL bus to Kos Town via Mastichari, or taxi (airport taxis carry a minimum charge of at least €15).)KGS Kos International Airport (Kos Island, Ippokratis) (About 16 mi (25 km) southwest of Kos Town near Antimachia; KTEL bus to Kos Town via Mastichari, or taxi (airport taxis carry a minimum charge of at least €15).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best*
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Kos: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
KTEL Kos buses run from Kos Town to the airport, Mastichari, Tigaki, Kardamena and Kefalos on a limited timetable — check the current schedule before you plan a day. Scooters and cars rent widely (scooter from about €14/day in low season, 2026 estimate); roads are mostly asphalted and Kefalos is about 40 minutes from Kos Town by car. Taxis wait at the airport and in Kos Town; short airport hops carry a minimum charge of at least €15. Ferries from Mastichari to Kalymnos run several times a day, and Kardamena–Nisyros ferries run in high season.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bodrum, Turkey
goDoor to door: About 25 min crossing plus port formalities
Catamaran from Kos harbour, foot passengers only
Two sailings a day year-round on one operator, twice daily May–Oct on another; bring your passport and check the return time before you leave.
Nisyros
goDoor to door: About 1 h crossing
Ferry from Kardamena in high season
Volcanic caldera island; sailings are seasonal, so confirm the day you want.
Kalymnos
goDoor to door: About 30 min crossing
Ferry from Mastichari, roughly every two hours
Easy half-day or overnight; the main link for the island group.
Kefalos and Cape Krikelos
goDoor to door: About 40 min by car
KTEL bus or rental car from Kos Town
Quiet bays and the southwest end of the island; a car makes the small beaches reachable.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kos Town (centre and Lambi)
Walk to the ruins, castle, harbour and ferry quay; Lambi has the nearest beach strip, about 1 km (0.6 mi) north.Walk to the ruins, castle, harbour and ferry quay; Lambi has the nearest beach strip, about 0.6 mi (1 km) north.
Tigaki
Sandy beach and shallow water, about 11 km (6.8 mi) west of town; family hotels and tavernas, quieter at night.Sandy beach and shallow water, about 6.8 mi (11 km) west of town; family hotels and tavernas, quieter at night.
Mastichari
Northwest village with a sandy beach and the main ferry link to Kalymnos; good for wind and kite conditions.
Kardamena
South coast resort by the airport, with the summer ferry to Nisyros; bar-heavy nightlife.
Kefalos and Kamari
Quiet southwest end, 40 min by car from Kos Town; several bays and the road to Cape Krikelos.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–75 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–140 (≈ US$95–170) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, hotel or apartment1 × 4 nights × €90 | €360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × €105 | €840 |
| KTEL bus, Kos Town to Tigaki or the airport, one way2 × €3 | €6 |
| Scooter rental, one day2 × €14 | €28 |
| Bodrum catamaran return, foot passenger2 × €46 | €92 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €136 |
| Trip total≈ €187 per person per day, bed included | €1,492≈ US$1,800 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and ferry tickets excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pita gyros | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Taverna main (moussaka, grilled fish) | €8–16 (≈ US$10–19) |
| Coffee (freddo espresso, cappuccino) | €2.50–4.50 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Beer: draught / supermarket can | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Scooter rental, one dayLow season to high season; check insurance. | €14–25 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Taxi from the airport, minimum charge | €15 (≈ US$18)+ |
| Asklipieio or museum entrycheck | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Neratzia castle has been closed to visitors since the 2017 earthquake — check before you walk up.
- July–August heat and crowds: book beds and ferries ahead, and start sightseeing before 11:00.July–August heat and crowds: book beds and ferries ahead, and start sightseeing before 11:00 AM.
- Scooter and ATV rental: check the insurance and wear a helmet; island roads have gravel shoulders.
- Bodrum catamarans land at different points — one operator uses the cruise terminal several km south of the marina, so allow transfer time.
- The Bodrum car ferry has not been running in recent seasons — check before planning to take a vehicle.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
- Tourist police
- 1571
- Coast guard
- 108
Pocket card
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KosΚως
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Police100
- Ambulance166
- Tourist police1571
- Coast guard108
Embassy
No embassies on Kos; the US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Irish missions are in Athens. Consular help for the Dodecanese is handled from Athens or Rhodes — check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kos Town → Tigaki, KTEL bus: about €3 (≈ US$4), 20–25 min
- Kos Town → airport, KTEL bus: about €3–4 (≈ US$4–5), 30–40 min
- Kos → Bodrum catamaran, foot passenger: about €23 (≈ US$30) one way, 25 min
- Mastichari → Kalymnos ferry: about €6–8 (≈ US$7–10), 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Γεια σας — Hello (YAH sas)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (ef-kha-ree-STO)
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ — The bill, please (ton lo-gha-ria-SMO, pa-ra-ka-LO)
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it? (PO-so KA-nee)
- Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; — Can I pay by card? (bo-RO na plee-RO-so me KAR-ta)
- Πού είναι η παραλία; — Where is the beach? (poo EE-ne ee pa-ra-LEE-a)
Ferry and bus times change with the season; confirm the day before you travel.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kos. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, peak prices) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for KGS: KTEL timetable, taxi minimum charge, late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Kos Town ruins, harbour and castle, Lambi beach, Asklipieio.
- Place pages with verified hours (Asklipieio, Archaeological Museum, Neratzia) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry fixtures for Mastichari–Kalymnos, Kardamena–Nisyros and the Bodrum catamaran.