Best Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece 2023

Why go to Kos island, Greece? Are you a beach person or a mountain person? Here are the things to do in Kos, Greece.

Are you planning a calm, relaxing holiday? Maybe you prefer one with exhilarating, fun-filled activities – from kitesurfing & windsurfing, paragliding to kayaking, and yoga – lined up for you?

No matter what your vacation fantasy is – this can be the holiday destination for you this year.

The ancient Keramiko gulf (Kerme Körfezi) or Kos gulf, the third largest island in the Dodecanese. It has a circumnavigation of around 60 miles.

A unique getaway, with beautiful beaches, historic medieval castles (i.e., the castle of Antimachia), scenic villages, volcanic mountains.

Kos, Greece, has an excellent climate and abundant vegetation, and is known as “the most temperate place in the world.”

This is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern western medicine.

There is a variety of exciting and intriguing things to do in Kos that would transform your vacation into one of the best you have ever had!

Check prices and accommodation options for Kos hotels from Booking.com and HotelsCombined.com. Are you planning to stay long? Check these guided tours too.

The island is close to Kalymnos (south of Kos), and that can be another excellent hopping destination.

Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece

Here’s a list of 13 must-try things to do in Kos comprising everything from smoky volcanoes to hot food joints to gorgeous, sandy beaches (like Paradise Beach, Agios Stefanos beach, and more).

Read and be thrilled!

Encounter the Active, Smoking Volcano of Nisyros

Nissyros, a volcanic island, is easily accessible via a boat and then a bus ride. The journey takes only around 20 minutes.

Once in Nissyros, you can treat yourself to the fantastic experience of seeing a live volcano.

The volcano has been inactive for around 16,000 years and hence is quite safe.

You can even walk on the crater floor and feel the force of boiling water rushing under the ground below your feet.

Steam can be seen coming out from small openings.

The ride up and down to see the volcano can be steep and windy, but the stunning views the trip offers makes all the trouble taken worth it ten times over!

Biking and Cycling Jaw-Dropping Kos Views

The island has a flat terrain and maintained bike trails, which makes it a cyclist’s paradise.

The island is small enough to cover in one nice long bike ride.

A few euros to spare and the most scenic roads of the island are all yours’ to pedal around.

A trip around the island on your bike, catching the breathtaking views of the nearby islands, is the perfect way to spend your day.

Kos island also has many guided bike tours for bike enthusiasts. There are also mountain bike trips, sunset/sunrise bike rides – all available for a very reasonable price.

Relax on Pristine Sandy Kos Beaches

Long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches await the travelers in their full glory.

Around 20 picturesque beaches are basking in sunny, balmy weather.

Soft, white sand and emerald waters make the Mastichari beach one of the most popular beaches in the vicinity.

The pebbled cove with hot water – Thermes – is yet another beach not to be missed on your vacation.

Tigaki, a sandy beach close to Kos town with crystal-clear, shallow water is ideal for swimming.

Lambi beaches in Kardamena beach and Kefalos, etc., are other famous and undeniably relaxing beaches there that demand a visit from all real beach-holiday buffs!

Bubble Beach in Kos island has natural wells that are rumored to have healing powers! Fountain of youth, anyone?

Make sure to visit Paradise Beach, too.

All the beaches are spotless and have sunbeds and umbrellas available.

So, why wait?

Relax, enjoy your favorite drink, and get that tan you had always longed for right in these exotic beaches.

Outdoor Activities in Kos, Greece

If it’s an adrenalin rush that you are after, this is your place to be!

Windsurfing, paragliding, parascending, ski boats, water scooters, water skiing, canoeing – you name any water or land-based sporting activity, and you can find it here.

The many licensed water sports centers have trained instructors and all the latest equipment in excellent conditions.

The water sports are strictly supervised and follow all safety instructions – so no worries there!

And if you are lucky enough, you can even catch a glimpse of the fantastic dolphins that make regular visits to Kefala every summer.

Horseback Riding in Kos, Greece

Yet another popular activity you would not want to miss on – is a ride on horseback on the picturesque beach, watching a gorgeous sunset.

Horse riding excursions are offering visitors an exclusive opportunity to have the experience of horse riding on gorgeous beaches.

Experienced instructors and well-trained horses make your ride a breeze, even for nervous beginners.

Horse rides for both adults and children are available with a focus on proper safety procedures.

Wine Tasting

In the heart of the fertile plains of the Kos island, Greece, thrive some of the most beautiful vineyards of the world.

These family-run wineries offer many varieties of red and white grape wines like “Malagouzia” and “Asyritiko.”

The volcanic soil of the island is ideal for growing grapes, and the winemaking heritage of Kos traces back to 500 B.C.

One of the prominent names amongst these local wineries is Triantafyllopoulos Winery, which boasts of 50 acres of vineyard.

What can be a more exciting experience than sipping an exotic wine, feeling the warm breeze on your face, and watching the sun slip back into the emerald blue sea?

Peacocks and Tortoises in Plaka Village

Just two minutes’ drive from the airport is the lush green pine Plaka forest.

A gorge surrounds the, stretching down to the sea. It is home to hundreds of peacocks and tortoises.

Shaded picnic areas exist throughout the forests, and this is the ideal place to spend a lazy, fun summer afternoon with the family.

Kids are going to love watching the majestic peacocks strutting and the tortoises crawling around.

Adorable!

Salt Lake Stables, Horse Riding Kos Island Greece

Ever thought that the island of Kos island has some great horse riding facilities? If so, then check what we found out. Seems people there know how to have a great time.

Since 1992, Yannis Daoulas and Gina von Stackelberg have been dedicated to giving holiday horse riders an unforgettable experience.

Salt Lake Stables is part of a small sheep and horse breeding operation run by Yannis, Gina and their three sons. They are located on the beach between the seaside villages of Tigaki and Marmari, next to Salt Lake.

This beautiful secluded location is perfect for horse riding with quiet beaches and vast, wide-open spaces with soft sandy footing and no paved streets.

Make your dream of horse riding on the beach come true! Choose from 30 minutes, one hour or two-hour rides on the beach and around the salt lake. Children of all ages can take a pony ride down the beach.

They say that any view is more beautiful when seen through the ears of a horse. Imagine what a Greek sunset would look like! Don’t forget your camera!

A relaxing ride to a deserted beach and a cooling swim for you and your horse. Bring your swimwear!

Yannis and his team of horses for beginners have been working together for many years. They have developed a special relationship and form of communication that will make first-time riders feel safe and taken care of- by their guide and their horse.

Children of all riding abilities will find a small horse or pony that suits them perfectly. Children riding for the first time can join the group accompanied by a guide holding a lead rein, and kids who ride at home will love the easy handling of the ponies, even if they have only ridden in a closed arena.

Thank you Salt Lakes for the beautiful photos and information.

Kos Greece Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Kos in the Southern Aegean Dodecanese Islands of Greece is surrounded by 112 kilometers of clean, beautiful beaches and the deep blue Aegean Sea.

The waves of Psalidi beach 3 kilometers outside of Kos are easily accessible.

Safely learn the thrill of kitesurfing or windsurfing with a fun and a relaxed team of professionals who love to share their aquatic passions with you.

Watch for adrenaline-filled camps from pro instructors Yoli de Brendt and Tom Brendt, too!

Each season Big Blue Surf Center also has a cutting edge, new equipment from North Sails and Fanatic so your hardware won’t let you down.

The white lighthouse of Kipriotis village in Psalidi is the background of our kitesurfing adventures. Uniquely positioned for maximum wind, you can learn to kitesurf on the beach for faster success in the water.

With your feet in loops on the board and a body harness and lines to manage the kite, the rush of speed, controlled flying, jumps, board grabs, and other kiteboarding stunts are within your reach, with professional training from Big Blue Surf Center.

Learn to surf the sky!

Thank you Big Blue Surf Center for this great experience.

Relive History and the Greek Myths in Kos Island

Kos Island has its share of folklore and mythology. It has found explicitly mentioned in Greek mythology.

As mentioned previously, the island is the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates.

The Castle of the Knights of Saint John is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kos, mostly because of the Tree of Hippocrates that stands by it.

The large, old palm tree is rumored to be the descendant of the tree, under which Hippocrates taught his students 2500 years ago.

The tree has played an essential role in the history of Kos and seeds from this tree have been planted in various places of academic significance around the world.

Don’t neglect to visit and walk through the Ancient Agora. That is an excavation area where you will see a good number of temples, baths &  houses.

Some come with remaining mosaics, columns, and other pieces from several different periods.

Do visit Casa Romana (Roman House).

In that, you can see the architectural style on the island in the Hellenistic and the Roman Times.

Casa Romana is a beautiful mansion whose style reminds the one of Pompeii. 

Be it the Asklepieion or Roman Odeon or the castles; Kos village proudly flaunts monuments with great historical significance.

The Roman Odeon constructed around the 2nd century B.C. has an architectural structure similar to the Colosseum of Ancient Rome.

People used to gather here to watch fights between prisoners.

Asklepieion is an ancient medical center built to honor Asklepios, the Greek God of health and medicine.

It is a place with great archaeological significance. It is rumored to have housed a medical school.

A visit to these ancient monuments is sure to be one of the most cherished experiences of your fun, Greek vacation.

Escape into Serenity: Villages of Kos Island

The real charm of the Kos island lies in the numerous picturesque villages that lie scattered along its coast.

A visit to the Kos island is hence never complete without experiencing the rich culture and simple lifestyle of these villages.

Kos Town, the capital of the island, is the main port and is built around an area with rich green vegetation.

The sightseeing experiences in Kos town will surely take you back into the past.

Zia is a mountainous village in the center of the island and offers one of the best views of the panorama. It also is the best sunset view on the island.

Lush green forests and running waters make this island the favorite spot of the tourists visiting Kos Island.

The former capital of the island, Kefala, is yet another popular spot.

Nightlife at Kos island, Greece

A night in Kos town is all you can ask for and more!

A plethora of fun nightclubs and swanky bars line the main pedestrian area of Kos town and transform the place into a lively hub after the sunset.

Head on to the Bar Street, which sparkles in neon lights and vibrates in good, ole’ pop music in the summer nights, for some nighttime fun.

There are many quiet, rustic cafes and elegant, chic restaurants with great ambiances, near the town square for excellent dinners and myriad cuisines, including authentic Greek fare.

Mouthwatering Local Food

An experience in Kos island is incomplete without dining in one of the local tavernas.

Enjoy the exotic Greek cuisine in its full glory in a relaxed, luxe ambiance.

Most of the restaurants are in Kos town, but in quaint villages and on the sunny beaches, you can find little tavernas that offer fantastic food – and that too at low prices.

One thing you must not miss is the local delicacy called ‘Red Cheese’ which is cheese baked in red wine.

Several international cuisines are also available along with the local flavors in various Kos town restaurants and eating hubs.

Where to Stay in Kos Island?

Here is a list of hotels you need to check prior booking for your vacations on the island.

• Kos Aktis Art Hotel (In Kos Town)
• Jonathan Studio Apartments (In Tigaki)
• Aqua Blu Hotel & Spa Adults Only Hotel (1.5 km from Kos town)
• Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso (Kos Town)
• Triton Hotel (Kos Town)
• Astir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa (In Tigaki)

The island is an excellent camping destination. These tents will suit you just fine.

• Coleman Sundome Tent
• CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
• Dome Tent with Screen Room | Evanston Camping Tent with Screened-In Porch

Shop Souvenirs from Greece

Like most popular beach destinations, Kos island, Greece is a haven for shoppers.

Seashells, jewelry, ceramics, leather items, paintings, local wine, pure, local honey, artworks, etc. can be picked up at very reasonable prices.

The public market just before the entrance of the archaeological site is an affordable and fun place to shop for mementos and souvenirs. As a result, there are numerous must-visit, Mom-&-Pop shops around Kos town area selling exotic souvenirs for low prices.

That is just a shortlist of the exciting possibilities on your vacation to Greece.

There is much more to do and much more fun you can have once you touch base with this gorgeous, not-very-touristy Greek island.

Following that, pack your bags and get set for the best time of your life on your fun Greek vacation with all the things you can do in Kos, Greece.