Whether it’s hitting the Greek club scene, enjoying an outdoor pamper at Therma Beach or exploring the volcanic landscapes - you can do it all in Kos.
Destination highlights
Family-friendly holiday destinationOver 20 diverse beachesParty island hotspotWatersports havenJump to...
Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |
What are the best beaches in Kos?
Beach holidays in Kos feature endless sunshine, emerald waters, and your choice of non-stop activities or complete calm. These are the beaches you don’t want to miss out on:
Marmari Beach – the place for watersports and home to many private boats - that's if the white sands and clear blue waters aren't already enough to draw you in!Paradise Beach – one of the most popular beach spots, perfect for families with its golden sands and non-stop entertainment.Camel Beach – snorkelling fans will love the clear waters at this quiet, rocky coveAgios Stefanos Beach – a unique beach with golden sands and the scenic ruins of an ancient Christian Basilica.Kardamena Beach – if you’re looking for endless good times, this is the beach for you.Lami Beach – an idyllic, kilometre-long stretch of sand close to Kos Town.
What are the top hotels in Kos?
Whether it’s a family-friendly holiday in Kos or a party week with your pals, there's a hotel for everyone. Here are our top picks:
Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa - this five-star 24-hour resort is the land of luxury and entertainmentMitsis Family Village Beach Hotel - moments from the beach, it’s the go-to resort for All Inclusive holidays in Kos, located at the foot of Mount Dikeos.Dimitra Beach Hotel & Suites - step into paradise at this beachfront hotel with five-star facilities and jaw-droppingly good views of the sea.Pelagos Suites - for a taste of peace and quiet, this hotel serves as the secluded and relaxing stay you’ve been dreaming of.Lakitira Suites - if pure serenity is your holiday goal, then this boutique hotel has your name all over it.Titanic Palace and Aquapark Resort - a swimaholic’s paradise with easy access to the sea, 19(!) pools and an impressive waterparkGrecotel Kos Imperial - a firm five-star favourite with many holiday-goers, this hotel offers the island’s most enviable location.Click here to book your Kos beach break
What’s the food like in Kos?
The food in Kos has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh ingredients and punchy flavours. When in Kos, be sure to check out these dishes:
Kanelada - the traditional drink of Kos, made with cinnamon, clove and aromatic herbsPitaridia - a local pasta dish, cooked in beef broth for a meaty flavour, typically eaten with butter or a tomato and meat sauceLampropites - cheese pies that mark the beginning of Easter, made in a bowl shape and filled with unsalted mizithra cheeseKatimeria - a sweet pie filled with mizithra cheese, fried in a pan and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamonPasa makarouna - similar to the famous Greek Pastitsio, made of pasta, cheese, mince, and bechamel sauceLooking for the best restaurants in Kos? Check out these top dining spots:
Broadway - one of the most popular restaurants in Kos, known for its inviting atmosphere and range of freshly cooked dishesElia - the perfect family restaurant in the Old Town with a unique ambiance and Greek way of diningH20 - a seafront restaurant in Kardamena, offering traditional Greek food and romantic dinnersAegli - a restaurant in the main square of Kos, which not only serves up great food but is also run by women with no or low income, to help them support their familiesChe Guevara - an Argentinian place may seem like an odd choice, but this steakhouse is so fun and friendly we had to include it!
Where's the best nightlife in Kos?
The liveliest island in the Dodecanese, Kos is for all the party-lovers, whether you’re looking for a top club, pub, or live music venue. These nightlife spots are well worth a visit:
Sitar - the cocktail destination to be for a quieter and refined evening with a unique buzz in the air.West Club - one of the most popular clubs on Kos Bar Street, with an electric atmosphere, the best DJs, shots and cocktails - it's a party night you’ll never forget.Camel bar - a bar with a brilliant reputation as the 'place to be' in Kos, offering an iconic atmosphere where you’ll want to party the night away.Downtown Club Kos - the non-stop-entertainment nightclub with music until early hours, endless drinks, and a lively atmosphere that’ll leave you feeling buzzed.G-Plaza - the perfect place from day to night, turning into a dreamy cocktail bar in the evening, overlooking the harbour.What events can I go to in Kos?
From traditional festivals to music events, the island of Kos always has something going on, and these events are worth checking out on your trip:
Winter Festival (March) - jam-packed with live performances, art exhibitions, and film projections to celebrate the quieter monthsEaster (April) - one of the biggest celebrations in Greece (more than Christmas), with religious processions, live music, traditional parades and all the good food you can eat.Name day of Agios Georgios (April) - locals celebrate the name day of Agios Georgios in the Pyli village, with horse races in Afendiou and lots of food (of course)Hippocratia Festival (June–October) - the most important cultural event on the calendar for the locals of Kos, featuring cultural traditions across the summer season with concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions and live traditional musicWine festival in Mastichari (August) - a time to celebrate the local wines - look out for free samples! Fish festival in Kefalos (August) - the annual fish festival held in Kefalos, a part of the greater Hippocratia festivitiesThe Honey Festival in Antimachia (August) - following the Feast of the Assumption, the festival involves handing out honey-based sweets to visitors and locals, plus dance performances from adults and childrenInternational Day of Tourism (September) - celebrated in Kos in the village of Kefalos on 27th September with live musicPresentation of the Virgin celebration - on the 21st of November, the village of Kefalos celebrates the religious festival of the Presentation of the VirginChristmas (December) - the weeks leading up to Christmas are full of religious processions, local traditions, and lights across the town to show the festive loveThings to do in Kos
Learn about the Asklepieion
Known as the birthplace of medicine and dating back to around 400 BC, Asklepieion is a legendary medical centre to visit near the main town of Kos. There’s plenty to see including temples, a museum, and Roman baths.
Jet off
Kos is renowned for its gorgeous beach scene and crystal-clear waters. Rent a jet ski and see the coastline in style, either with your partner, pal, or ride solo! It’s an adrenalin-packed way to experience the best parts of Kos.
Dive in
There’s as much to explore underwater as there is on land in Kos. Scuba diving is a water activity that all the family can get involved with. Witness the wonders that lie beneath the surface of beautiful Kos.
Treat yourself to an outdoor pamper
In Kos, there’s no need to head inside to experience a spa when you can go to Therma Beach instead! The beach has many natural hot springs which are known to have healing powers, making this a unique experience in Kos.
Venture up a volcano
Nisyros is a volcanic island and if you’re looking for something that’s off-the-beaten-path, this is the excursion for you. You can drive up to the volcano and experience the best views of the sea and neighbouring islands.

What's the weather like in Kos?
Kos has a warm, Mediterranean climate, making it the perfect choice for summer holidays. August is blessed with the highest temperatures, but you can still soak up some sun and enjoy a dip in the sea later in the year.
Month | Average temp. | Sea temp. | Hours of sunshine per day |
Jan | 11 °c | 21 °c | 5 h |
Feb | 10 °c | 17 °c | 6 h |
Mar | 12 °c | 16 °c | 6 h |
Apr | 15 °c | 17 °c | 7 h |
May | 20 °c | 19 °c | 9 h |
Jun | 23 °c | 22 °c | 10 h |
Jul | 25 °c | 24 °c | 10 h |
Aug | 26 °c | 26 °c | 10 h |
Sep | 23 °c | 25 °c | 8 h |
Oct | 19 °c | 23 °c | 7 h |
Nov | 15 °c | 20 °c | 6 h |
Dec | 12 °c | 20 °c | 4 h |
Click here to book your Kos beach break »
How long does it take to fly to Kos?
It takes about four hours to fly to Kos from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Kos?
The local time in Kos is two hours ahead of the UK.
What currency do they use in Kos?
The official currency used in Kos is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Kos?
The official language spoken in Kos is Greek.
Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Kos?
We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to the Greece on the FCDO website.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Kos?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kos?
British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Kos. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.
Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...
- Mykonos
- Skiathos
- Halkidiki
- Kefalonia
- Zante
- Santorini
Customer reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Kos for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
Lisa Lowe:
Cheap holidays. Easy to find what you want and excellent availability. I’ll book again once my April holiday is over with. Thank you On the Beach.
Nicola:
This site was very straight forward to use and 2yrs in a row we've got a great price for our family holiday. The holiday was exactly as it was advertised and we booked up again as soon as we got home.
Julie B:
Easy to book and good prices.