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Rhodes vs Kos: which Greek island will you choose?

Rhodes: knights' city

Kos: beach & nature

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?

Updated: 3 August 2026

Quick answer

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.

OPTION A

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. 100 to 200 euros return

See Rhodes →

OPTION B

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. 100 to 180 euros return

See Kos →

Rhodes vs Kos at a glance

	Rhodes	Kos
Return flight from NL	approx. 100-200 euros	approx. 100-180 euros
Flight time from Eindhoven	approx. 3h45	approx. 3h30
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
Price level	€€€	€€
Best months	May, June, September, October	May, June, September, October
Ideal duration	7-10 days	7 days

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 flies direct from Rotterdam and Eindhoven to Rhodes (RHO) in approx. 3h45. KLM and TUI fly from Amsterdam. Approx. 100 to 200 euros return in the low season.

Kos

Transavia, TUI and easyJet fly direct from Eindhoven, Rotterdam or Amsterdam to Kos (KGS) in approx. 3h30. Approx. 100 to 180 euros return outside the peak season.

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

Travel to Rhodes

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Travel to Kos

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Frequently asked questions: Rhodes or Kos

Is Rhodes or Kos cheaper?

Kos is slightly cheaper than Rhodes. Hotels and restaurants on Kos average 10 to 15 percent lower in price. Flights from the Netherlands cost comparably for both islands, around 100 to 200 euros return.

Which island is more family-friendly: Rhodes or Kos?

Kos is more family-friendly thanks to its flat beach resorts, cycling opportunities and calmer character. Rhodes has more culture for children (historic city, Knights' Castle), but is busier.

When is the best time to visit Rhodes or Kos?

May-June and September-October are ideal for both islands: 24 to 28 degrees, fewer crowds than July-August and better prices. July and August are the busiest and hottest (30 to 35 degrees).

How do I get to Rhodes or Kos from the Netherlands?

Transavia and TUI fly direct from Eindhoven, Rotterdam and Amsterdam to Rhodes (RHO) in approx. 3h45. To Kos (KGS) there is a direct flight from Amsterdam in approx. 3h30. Both are popular summer destinations.

Rhodes Old Town or Kardamena (Kos): which is better for a cultural trip?

Rhodes Old Town wins hands down as a cultural destination: the UNESCO-listed walled city is one of the finest medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Kardamena on Kos is more of a beach resort for young travellers.

Discover these destinations

See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.

Rhodes Kos Santorini Mykonos All destinations All comparisons

Useful travel guides

☀️Best time to visit by destination 🎟️When to book flights for the best price 🧘Hand luggage tips KLM, Transavia, Ryanair

🗺️ Find accommodation on Rhodes or Kos

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