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Greece · Dodecanese

Kos travel guide

Sandy beaches, cycling and an easy hop to Turkey

Kos Town harbour. Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 45mflight from London
KGSnearest main airport
26° in Augwarmest month
14° in Jancoolest month

Kos is a flat, sunny island with long sandy beaches and a relaxed feel. Kos Town has a harbour castle, Roman ruins and the plane tree where Hippocrates is said to have taught.

It's a great all-inclusive and family destination, and it's easy to cycle. Ferries reach Bodrum in Turkey in under an hour.

Good forBeachesFamiliesCyclingValue

What Kos is known for

  • Sandy beaches

    Long stretches at Tigaki, Marmari and Kardamena.

  • Hippocrates

    The island of the father of medicine.

  • Cycling

    Flat roads and bike paths everywhere.

  • Island hopping

    Easy ferries to Kalymnos, Nisyros and Bodrum.

Top things to do in Kos

  1. 1

    The Asklepieion

    An ancient healing sanctuary above Kos Town.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Paradise Beach

    A beautiful sandy beach on the south coast.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Nisyros volcano

    A day trip to walk inside a volcanic crater.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Kos Town

    Castle, harbour, ruins and lively bars.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in Kos

Where to stay in Kos

Find a hotel in Kos

Best time to visit Kos

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. June and September: hot sun, warm sea and fewer crowds than August.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
13.5 C14°J13.6 C14°F14.8 C15°M16.6 C17°A19.8 C20°M23.5 C24°J25.4 C25°J26.1 C26°A24.1 C24°S21.2 C21°O18.2 C18°N15.1 C15°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Kos, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 45m from London to KGS, and flights from most UK airports.

Buses run to resorts, and bike hire is everywhere. A car helps for the south.

Find flights to Kos (KGS)

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Good to know

  • Bring a valid passport if you plan a day trip to Turkey.
  • The north coast can be windy.
  • Hire a bike for Kos Town and the coast path.
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Kos FAQ

Is Kos good for families?

Yes, with shallow sandy beaches and lots of all-inclusive hotels.

Can I visit Turkey from Kos?

Yes, ferries go to Bodrum in about 45 minutes.

More places in Greece

Back to the Greece travel guide + Add Kos to your bucket list