Cheap holiday Kos

When is the best time to go?

May, June and September to October are ideal: 24 to 29 degrees, a warm sea and far fewer crowds than in peak season. In June it is already full summer while hotels still sit below peak prices.

July and August are hot (regularly above 32 degrees), though the meltemi wind keeps the north coast just pleasant. The sea is warmest in August and September, around 25 degrees. Direct flights from the Netherlands run from late April to the end of October.

The best places in Kos

• Kos Town A lively harbour town with the Neratzia knights' castle, Roman excavations right in the centre and a palm-lined boulevard full of terraces. Flat and full of bike paths: almost everyone gets around by bicycle here. Insider: on Tuesdays the castle, the Ancient Agora and the Odeon are closed, so plan your town day for another day of the week.
• Tigaki & Marmari Wide, shallow sandy beaches 11 to 15 kilometres from town, ideal with children. At the Alikes salt lake between them you can spot flamingos from November to April.
• Mastichari A fishing village on the north coast with budget-friendly tavernas on the beach and small boats to the neighbouring island of Kalymnos.
• Kardamena The island's liveliest resort, with a long beach promenade and plenty of nightlife. Excursion boats leave from here for the volcano of Nisyros.
• Kefalos & the southwest The most beautiful bays of Kos: Paradise Beach, Camel Beach and Agios Stefanos beach, with the islet of Kastri just offshore that you can swim out to.

Top 5 things to do in Kos

• Asklepieion The most famous healing sanctuary of antiquity, built on three terraces against a hillside with views all the way to the Turkish coast. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, worked here. Entry €15 (2026); half an hour by bike from Kos Town.
• Embros Therma A natural hot spring that flows into the sea: in the boulder-ringed pool, hot spring water mixes with seawater to around 40 degrees. Free, 12 kilometres southeast of town and most beautiful around sunset.
• Neratzia Castle and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates The Knights Hospitaller fort guards the harbour of Kos Town; next to it stands the plane tree under which Hippocrates is said to have taught. The castle is free to visit (Wednesday to Monday until 3:30pm).
• Sunset in Zia A mountain village on the slopes of Mount Dikeos with the whole island and the sea at your feet. Come in the late afternoon and stay for dinner in a taverna with a view.
• Cycling the north coast Kos is the flattest and most bike-friendly island in Greece: from Kos Town you ride quiet paths to Tigaki or along the coast to Lambi. Rental bikes cost €5 to 10 per day.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

From Eindhoven you fly direct to Kos (KGS) in about 3 hours 20 with Transavia and TUI fly; from Schiphol, Corendon and TUI fly also operate direct flights. The airport sits near Antimachia in the middle of the island, 24 kilometres from Kos Town. KTEL buses run from the airport to Kos Town, Mastichari, Kardamena and Kefalos; rides cost €1.90 to 5 and you pay the driver.

In Kos Town the blue DEAS city bus serves Lambi and the Embros Therma, among others. A rental car via DiscoverCars costs from about €30 per day, handy for Kefalos, the Asklepieion and the southern beaches; a bike €5 to 10.

What does a trip to Kos cost?

A room or studio costs from €25, mid-range hotels €60 to 100 per night. Food is affordable: a gyros €4, a taverna meal €12 to 16. Budget from €400 per person for a week including a direct flight, which makes Kos one of the cheapest Greek islands. Tip: in June you get summer weather for near low-season prices.

Cycling on Kos: the best routes

Kos is the flattest and most bike-friendly island in Greece. All the roads to the best beaches are easy to cycle, and rental bikes cost just €5 to 10 per day. The most popular route runs along the north coast from Kos Town to Tigaki (11 km), past Lake Alikes with its flamingos, on to Marmari (15 km).

For culture: cycle the 5-kilometre bike path to the Asklepieion (uphill but not steep). More adventure: the route along the west coast to Kefalos (43 km) winds through the hills with stunning sea views.

Kos Town has dedicated bike paths and bike racks near the harbour, the castle and the market. Note: motorcycles and cars also use the roads, but the cycling infrastructure is by far the best of all Greek islands. A rental car for longer trips costs from €30 per day.

Eating on Kos: local tavernas by name

Kos is one of the more affordable Greek islands for food. A taverna meal typically costs €12 to 18 per person without drinks. Here are specific places praised by travellers:

• Mummy's Cooking (Kos Town) A traditional Greek taverna with family recipes. Known for affordable portions: moussaka around €7, stuffed peppers and dolmades in true Greek home style. Right in the centre, easy to reach on foot.
• Ampeli (Kos Town) A traditional Greek taverna in the heart of Kos Town. Popular with locals for grilled meat and fresh fish. Reservations recommended in high season.
• The Watermill of Zia (Zia, mountain village) A taverna on the slopes of Mount Dikeos in Zia with a view over the entire bay. Perfect to combine with the sunset in this mountain village.
• Local gyros (central Kos Town) A stuffed pita with gyros costs €4 to 5, fresh off the grill. The best spots are around Eleftherias Square and the old market hall.
• Kos Town market hall In the covered market hall (next to the Odeon) you can buy fresh fruit, local olives, honey and herbs at low prices. Also Kos-specific products such as pasteli (sesame-honey bars).

Historic sights in Kos Town

Kos Town is one of the most historically rich island towns in Greece: ancient Greek, Roman and medieval layers literally lie side by side in the streets. Most sites are within walking distance of the harbour and are free or inexpensive to visit.

• Ancient Agora An impressively vast Hellenistic marketplace, partly excavated right in the centre of town. Columns, temple foundations and mosaic floors lie open to the air. Free entry. Note: closed on Tuesdays.
• Odeon (Roman Theatre) A well-preserved Roman theatre with marble seating rows, located next to the Agora. Originally used for music and drama; summer evening events are sometimes held here. Free entry (or combined ticket with the Asklepieion, depending on season).
• Casa Romana A restored Greek villa spanning Hellenistic and Roman periods, featuring decorative mosaic floors and frescoes. Located behind the Odeon. Opening times and admission: check the official site; usually €4 to 6.
• House of Europa An archaeological site with a famous mosaic floor depicting Europa riding the bull. Part of the excavations in the town centre. Free entry or combined ticket.
• Archaeological Museum An Italian-style building from 1936, renovated in 2016, housing statues, ceramics and reliefs from all periods of the island's history. Opening times: summer 08:00-20:00, winter 08:30-15:30 (closed Tuesdays). Combined ticket with the Asklepieion available.

Insider tip: plan your town day on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. On Tuesdays the Odeon, the Agora and the castle are closed. On Sundays and public holidays opening hours differ.