Kos Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Kos tours and things to do on this sun-soaked Dodecanese island: cruise to three neighbouring islands with swim stops, sail to the smouldering volcano of Nisyros, watch the sunset from the mountain village of Zia, and enjoy a traditional Greek night of music and food. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Kos by interest
Whatever brings you to Kos — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
3-island cruise
Swim stops galore.
ExploreNisyros volcano
Walk into a crater.
ExploreZia sunset
Mountain village.
ExploreBeaches & boats
Turquoise coves.
ExploreGreek night
Music & dancing.
ExploreSymi day trip
Pastel harbour.
ExploreBodrum day trip
A hop to Turkey.
ExploreKos highlights
Cruises & volcano.
ExploreTop attractions in Kos
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
3-Island Cruise
Swim stops.
Nisyros Volcano
Steaming crater.
Zia Village
Sunset views.
Kos Beaches
Turquoise coves.
Greek Night
Music & dancing.
Symi
Pastel harbour.
Bodrum
Castle & bazaar.
Kos
Dodecanese island.
By boat away3-Island Cruise
Swim stops.
By boat awayNisyros Volcano
Steaming crater.
Mountains awayZia Village
Sunset views.
Coast awayBeaches
Turquoise coves.
By boat awaySymi
Pastel harbour.
By ferry awayBodrum
Castle & bazaar.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Kos visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and sunny — peak beach and cruise season.
Peak
July and August are busiest and warmest.
Spring (Apr–May)
Warm, green and quieter.
For the sea
June to September for warm swimming.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm sea and fewer crowds.
Best overall
June and September for warm, calmer days.
One day
A three-island cruise and Zia sunset.
Two days
Add the Nisyros volcano.
Three+ days
Add Symi and Bodrum.
For the sea
Cruises and beach boat trips.
For adventure
The Nisyros volcano.
For day trips
Symi and Bodrum.
By bike
Flat Kos is famously good for cycling.
By boat
Cruises and ferries reach the islands.
By bus & tour
Buses and tours reach Zia and the beaches.
On foot
Kos town and its castle are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay in Kos town or near Tigaki beach.
Euro
Greece uses the euro; cards are widely accepted.
3-island cruise
Book a boat that includes lunch and swim stops.
Nisyros
Wear sturdy shoes for the crater floor.
Zia
Arrive before sunset to get a good spot.
Bodrum
Carry your passport for the ferry to Turkey.
Symi
The harbour is stunning — allow time to wander.
Combos
Some cruises pair islands with a beach stop.
Island cruises
Summer sailings fill up — book ahead.
Nisyros trips
Volcano day trips fill up — reserve early.
Symi trips
Day boats fill up — book ahead.
Bodrum ferries
Ferry seats fill up — reserve early.
Greek nights
Popular evenings fill up — book ahead.
Summer peak
July and August are busiest — book far ahead.
3-island cruise
From about €35 for a full-day cruise.
Nisyros volcano
Around €35 for a volcano day trip.
Zia sunset
From €24 for a sunset tour.
Symi day trip
About €54 for a Symi boat trip.
Greek night
Around €70 for dinner and a show.
How to save
Join group cruises and combine islands in one full-day trip.
Kos through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Green & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
- Best for
- Beach season.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
- Best for
- Warm sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Very quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.