Rhodes vs Kos: which Greek island will you choose?
Rhodes and Kos are the two most popular large islands in the Greek Dodecanese archipelago. Rhodes has a UNESCO Old Town and rich medieval history. Kos is flatter, more relaxed and more family-friendly. Both are directly reachable from the Netherlands. But which one suits you?
Plan your trip to Rhodes: flight, hotel and total price in one go
Updated: 5 October 2026
Choose Rhodes for culture, the stunning medieval Old Town and a mix of beach and sightseeing. Choose Kos for a relaxed beach holiday, cycling and family-friendly resorts. Both islands are directly reachable from Eindhoven, Rotterdam and Amsterdam in 3 to 4 hours.
Rhodes
Rhodes has one of the finest medieval cities in the Mediterranean (UNESCO). Beautiful beaches like Lindos and Tsambika plus a rich history of the Knights Hospitaller.
Flight from NL: from approx. 130 euros return (EIN, Transavia/TUI)
See Rhodes →Kos
Kos is flatter and more cycling-friendly. The Hippocrates tree, lively harbour and relaxed resorts. Ideal for families and those wanting to unwind without too much sightseeing.
Flight from NL: from approx. 150 euros return (EIN, Ryanair/Transavia)
See Kos →Rhodes vs Kos at a glance
| Rhodes | Kos | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | from 130 euros return (EIN) | from 150 euros return (EIN) |
| Flight time from Eindhoven | approx. 3h50 | approx. 3h20 |
| UNESCO World Heritage | Yes (Old Town) | No |
| Best beaches | Lindos, Prasonisi, Tsambika | Tigaki, Paradise, Kefalos |
| Cycling-friendly | Limited (hilly) | Excellent (flat) |
| Family-friendly | Good | Excellent |
| Culture / sightseeing | Excellent | Limited |
| Nightlife | Relaxed (terraces, tavernas) | Lively (Kos Town, Kardamena) |
| Price level | €€€ | €€ |
| Best months | May, June, September, October | May, June, September, October |
| Ideal duration | 7-10 days | 7 days |
| Return flight from AMS (low season) | from 120-150 euros (May/Oct) | from 160-200 euros (May/Oct) |
| Return flight from AMS (peak season) | 150-230 euros (Jul/Aug) | 200-250 euros (Jul/Aug) |
| Direct flight from Eindhoven | Yes (Transavia/TUI, 6x/week summer) | Not confirmed |
| Flight time from Amsterdam | approx. 3h45 | approx. 3h45 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 70-120 euros (low), 130-200 euros (summer) | 60-100 euros (low), 110-180 euros (summer) |
| Daily budget (food + transport) | 50-80 euros per person | 40-70 euros per person |
Best time to visit compared
Rhodes
May and June are ideal: 24 to 28 degrees, quiet and affordable. September and October are also excellent for combining beach and culture. July and August are the hottest (32 to 35 degrees) and busiest.
Kos
May and June are the most pleasant: 22 to 27 degrees, few tourists. September is perfect for families after the peak season. July and August: good beaches but crowded and pricey.
Flights from the Netherlands
Rhodes
Transavia and TUI fly direct from Eindhoven to Rhodes (RHO) in approx. 3h50. KLM flies from Amsterdam. Return from 130 euros in the low season; in July-August prices quickly exceed 250 euros.
Kos
Ryanair, Transavia and TUI fly direct from Eindhoven to Kos (KGS) in approx. 3h20. Return from 150 euros outside the peak season; the flight is slightly shorter than to Rhodes.
Best beaches compared
Rhodes
- Tsambika: wide golden sand beach, shallow water, ideal for families.
- Faliraki: long beach with water sports; the liveliest beach on the island.
- Anthony Quinn Bay: sheltered pebble cove named after the filming location of "The Guns of Navarone".
- Vlycha (near Lindos): quiet combination of swimming and views of the Lindos Acropolis.
- Prasonisi: the southern tip where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet; a kitesurfing and windsurfing hotspot.
Kos
- Tigaki: 11 km long sandy beach, 8 km from Kos Town, family-friendly and popular with windsurfers.
- Paradise Beach (Kefalos): quieter bay with crystal-clear water on the west coast.
- Mastichari: beautiful pebble cove, departure point for the ferry to Kalymnos.
- Agios Stefanos: sandy beach with views of the nearby islet of Kastri, with Byzantine ruins.
Want to see both islands? Kos and Rhodes are connected by a fast ferry in 50 to 70 minutes (summer: daily connections).
Costs compared
Rhodes
Rhodes Town is slightly pricier. City-centre hotels 80 to 150 euros, all-inclusive resorts 100 to 200 euros per person per night. Dining in the Old Town 15 to 25 euros for a main course.
Kos
Kos is slightly more affordable, especially outside the tourist centre. Hotels 60 to 130 euros. Harbour dining 12 to 20 euros. All-inclusive resorts are popular and offer good value for families.
Who is each island for?
Choose Rhodes if you...
Are interested in culture and history (Knights Hospitaller, Byzantium), want to combine beautiful beaches with walking the UNESCO Old Town, or seek an active mix of sightseeing and sun.
Choose Kos if you...
Want to relax on the beach, are travelling with children, want a cycling holiday, or simply seek sun and sea without the hassle.
Our verdict
Rhodes is the better choice for those wanting to combine culture and beach. Kos suits families and those who just want to relax. For a first time in Greece: Rhodes has slightly more to offer. But Kos is cheaper and friendlier for unwinding. Compare current prices yourself.
Plan your trip
Book your trip to Rhodes
Compare hotels in RhodesPackage holiday to RhodesCar hire in RhodesFrequently asked questions: Rhodes or Kos
Is Rhodes or Kos cheaper?
Which island is more family-friendly: Rhodes or Kos?
When is the best time to visit Rhodes or Kos?
How do I get to Rhodes or Kos from the Netherlands?
Rhodes Old Town or Kardamena (Kos): which is better for a cultural trip?
Can I do a day trip from Rhodes to Kos (or vice versa)?
Which island is better for water sports?
How much budget do I need for a week in Rhodes or Kos?
Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.