Kos offers much more than a taste of adult freedom for 18-year-olds, as these island tours and day trips prove.
Kos Town (Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
The second-largest of the Dodecanese islands, Kos offers a myriad of travel experiences for curious travellers. From Roman ruins and medieval castles to lush valleys and endless sandy beaches, there’s a staggering amount to explore. If you’re short on time but would like to venture beyond the resort, a day trip or tour is an excellent way to go. Cheaper than private transfers and more efficient than public transport, these trips are usually run by friendly locals who can provide a fresh and authentic perspective on local culture, customs and history. We’ve picked five of the best Kos island tours and day trips available online based on price, itinerary and customer reviews.
Self-guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour
For those who like to explore in their own time but prefer some structure in their ambling, this self-guided highlights tour is perfect. Simply download the game onto your mobile device and gain immediate access to a fun and informative scavenger hunt-style tour that will have you solving riddles and unlocking interesting facts about the city’s most impressive sights. Stops include the Odeon of Kos, the Castle of the Nights and the Kos Folklore Museum. You can pause, stop and start the game in your own time too. From £6.45 per person.
Full-day boat cruise to three islands
An idyllic boat cruise in the Aegean (Photo:Get Your Guide)
This full-day trip whisks passengers away from the mainland to explore three tiny islands. The first stop is Vathi, an enchanting village on Kalymnos island, where passengers can disembark and spend an hour pottering around its peaceful streets. Back on board the boat, a buffet spread of pork and chicken souvlaki, beans and dolamades await. After lunch, the boat speeds off to Plati islet, where travellers can take a dip in the clear waters and look out for playful dolphins. The final stop is Psmerimos, which is home to just two people. From £25.79 per person
Island Tour to Asklepieion and Zia
This full-day trip includes stops at idyllic mountain villages and white sandy beaches. The tour begins in Asklepieion, which sits on a pine-covered hill high about Kos Town. Widely considered to be one of the islands’ most fascinating sites, it’s home to a religious sanctuary built in the 3rd century BC and devoted to Asclepius, the god of healing. From here, it’s a short car journey to Antimachia, a tiny village famed for its old windmill and traditional farmhouse. Kamari Bay and its beautiful beaches are the next stop, and a trip to Dikeos mountain rounds off the action-packed day. From £31.81 per person.
Small-group half-day exploring Kos with lunch
This half-day safari invites travellers to get off the beaten track (Photo: Viator)
This small-group safari-style tour is an excellent way to explore the island. Numbers are capped at six people to ensure an intimate and sociable experience, with minimal hanging around. The day starts early with a trip to Dikeos Mountain, which boasts sparkling views of tiny villages, white sandy beaches and the twinkling Aegean Sea. Stops along the way include the tiny villages of Kardamaina, Mastichari, Marmari, Tigkaki, Lambi, Kos, Psalidi and Agios Fokas. Lunch is a generous platter spread of local dishes and soft drinks. From £85.84 per person.
Kos Island Villages and Wine Tasting
This lovely, laid-back tour offers a slice of quintessential island life, complete with wine tastings, beaches and local tavernas. The first stop is Zia, a picture-perfect village famed for its deep green fruit trees and a well-preserved traditional centre. Then, it’s off to a family-run winery for a wine-tasting session, followed by a trip to the ancient village of Pyli. Given that it is a private tour, customers can shape the day and choose to linger longer in their favourite places. From £408.47 for two people.