About Kos
Why Kos?
Kos is the third-largest island of the Dodecanese, known as the birthplace of Hippocrates (the father of medicine) and unique for its cycling infrastructure - the long coastline is flatter and more navigable than most Greek islands, with a developed network of cycling paths. A Kos holiday in 2026 is for travellers who want an active holiday with ancient heritage and developed family tourism.
The character is relaxed and family-oriented. Kos has around 33,000 permanent residents, with the main town of Kos on the northeast coast. It differs from Rhodes in smaller size (290 km² vs Rhodes's 1,400 km²) but has similarly strong tourist infrastructure per km².
Position: 4 km from the Turkish coast (Bodrum), 350 km southeast of Athens.
Beaches and the sea
Kos has over 100 km of coastline with sandy beaches characterised by shallow water entries - ideal for families.
Top beaches:
- Lambi and Tigaki (northwest) - long sandy beaches near the main town, organised
- Paradise beach (southwest) - sandy with volcanic bubbles in one section, a strange geological phenomenon
- Kefalos bay - coves with various beaches (Banana, Magic, Camel)
- Plaka beach - sandy, wild, with peacocks behind
- Mastichari beach - family-oriented, organised, with pines
The Aegean water is clean and warm, with the shallow entry characteristic of all of Kos.
Where to stay
Kos town - urban hotels and apartments with access to historic sites. Pedestrian zone, marina.
Tigaki and Marmari (15 km west) - family all-inclusive packages.
Kardamena (south, 25 km) - a popular British resort, sandy beaches.
Kefalos (southwest, 45 km) - quieter spots, more authentic.
Mastichari (northwest, 25 km) - family sandy beaches, near the Kalymnos ferry.
Browse all current Kos listings.
Getting there
Kos airport (KGS):
-
Flight from Belgrade - seasonal direct flights (Wizz Air, charters), 2 hours 30 minutes.
-
Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) - 9 to 12 hours overnight.
-
Ferry from Bodrum (Turkey) - 30 minutes, day trips.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C.
July–August - peak, sea 24–26 °C, land 30–34 °C.
September - excellent.
Things to see and do
Hippocrates' Plane Tree - an ancient plane tree in the centre of Kos town, where according to legend Hippocrates taught.
Asklepion - the sacred temple of medicine, the island's most significant archaeological site.
Ancient agora and odeion - in the centre of Kos town.
Cycling - developed paths, particularly popular from Kos to Lambi/Tigaki.
Volcanic islet - Nisyros day trip by boat (1-hour crossing) to an active volcanic island with crater walks.
Old town Bodrum - a day trip to Turkey (passport required).
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 50 to 110 € per night in shoulder, 75 to 160 € at peak. Four-star hotels with half-board 80 to 130 € per person.
Weekly cost per person: 360 to 560 € shoulder, 540 to 780 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 9 to 15 €, fresh fish 14 to 22 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €.
Bike rental: 8 to 15 € per day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kos better for families than Rhodes? Yes, slightly. Kos is smaller and easier to navigate, with shorter transfers and flatter terrain. Rhodes is more varied but requires more travel.
Is going to Turkey from Kos worthwhile? Yes, if you have a passport. Bodrum is 30 minutes by boat, a nice day trip.
Is Kos suitable for cycling? Absolutely - one of the few Greek islands with developed cycling infrastructure. Flatter terrain than most.
Is renting a car worth it? Yes, but less essential than on Rhodes (smaller island, flatter geography). Scooter or bike are practical alternatives.
Are there direct flights from Belgrade? Seasonally. Wizz Air and charters operate the route.