Add dates

Things to do in Kos

This quintessential Greek island is peppered with ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation.

Our most recommended things to do in Kos

From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands

1. From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands

Explore three islands on a full-day boat trip from Kos. Enjoy lunch on board and explore the islands of Kalymnos, Plati, and Pserimos with plenty of time to swim in the paradisical water. First, arrive at Vathi, a beautiful village on the island of Kalymnos. Enjoy the magnificent views of a natural fjord and take pictures of the surrounding gulfs and caves. Get 1 hour to explore its peaceful streets and try local specialties. Return to the boat for a buffet lunch with pork or chicken souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, and bread. There is also a vegetarian option with beans and dolmades instead of meat. After lunch, visit the fish farms nearby and look out for wild dolphins. Continue to Plati islet to jump in the turquoise waters and swim around the boat. Enjoy happy hour on board with refreshing cocktails at low prices. Finally, arrive at Pserimos island. Have 1 hour to explore the island at your own pace before returning to Kos in the evening.

From Kos: Nisyros Island Volcano and Panagia Spiliani

2. From Kos: Nisyros Island Volcano and Panagia Spiliani

Depart from the port of Kardamena in Kos and take a 1-hour cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros. Upon arrival, transfer to a waiting bus that’ll take you on a short drive to the volcano. Listen to an informative guide along the way. Get information about the volcano and the history of the island. Then, feel the force of the lava rumbling deep beneath your feet as you enter the volcanic crater. See the bubbling mud pools and steam geysers, and imagine that you have landed on the moon. Return to the port and get the chance to wander around the town of Mandraki. After a short walk through the narrow streets of blue and white painted houses, visit the monastery of Panagia Spiliani, considered one of the most beautiful monasteries of the Greek Islands. Make your way back to town for some free time for lunch (own expense) or do some shopping before boarding the boat back to Kos at 4:00 PM.

From Kos: Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch

3. From Kos: Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch

Embark on a 3-island cruise on a pirate-style boat from the port of Kos. Visit the 3 beautiful islands of Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati and enjoy a traditional Greek BBQ lunch. While you visit the islands you can relax on board, or on the beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or use the snorkeling equipment to explore the vibrant marine life in the sea. On some days, you may be lucky to see curious dolphins swim next to the boat. Savor traditional Greek cuisine cooked freshly on board with a delicious BBQ lunch. Choose between chicken, pork, or fish, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum

4. From Kos: Independent Day Trip to Bodrum

After being picked up from the port in Kos, take a stunning boat cruise across the Aegean Sea to Bodrum. Once you have passed through passport control and customs, enjoy a full day to explore this incredible ancient city on your own.  When you arrive in the port, gaze in awe at the beautiful white houses built amphitheatrically on the hillside, dozens of sailboats and yachts, plus one of the most imposing castles in the world. Take a walk along the picturesque streets and admire the architecture. Take in the historical sights and ancient ruins, including the Castle and the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus, the Windmilles, and the ancient Greek Theatre with 13,000 seats. If you are not a history lover, take a stroll through the small streets and get to know the local cuisine instead. Enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea at a traditional coffee shop, or try 'kebab' and other traditional 'mezedes' and sweet 'kazandibi' - some of the most popular Turkish specialties. After that, head into the really big bazaar for a chance to practice your bargaining skills. Shop for all kinds of souvenirs, folk art, crafts, and clothing. Soak up the incredible lively atmosphere and enjoy the aromas of the spices and local produce. Many stallholders accept euros and almost everyone speaks Greek or English. For a truly Turkish experience, visit a Turkish bath for a little relaxation. Discover how Turkish bathhouses have held a special place in the Turkish culture for hundreds of years. Relax in the steam roam while a highly skilled masseur works away the stresses and strains that have built up in your body during the year. At the end of your incredible day trip, take the boat back to Kos Port in time for your onward journey. 

Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming

5. Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming

Come aboard Santa Maria; an 80-foot wooden boat ready to amaze you! Here, you will find sundecks (with super comfy cushions!), shaded area to relax, tables to enjoy a refresher and of course an amazing and up-to-date bar! Work on your tanning and soak in the Greek sun, while taking stops to admire the pure blue of the Dodecanese, watch the dolphins that are eager to meet us, cliff jump into the refreshing water and more! During this trip, we will make three different stops at the islands of Platy, Kalymnos and Pserimos. Each one offers a different view of the Greek islands and combined, they will form the highlight of your vacation in Greece! Be amazed by the different picturesque beaches and ports we will visit, immerse yourselves in the local culture and history simply by walking around the small town of Vathy in Kalymnos and find out everything there is to know about the notorious sponges, the unbeatable honey and the rejuvenating local orange juice! Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to purchase souvenirs for the friends and family who didn’t make it on this top-rated voyage!

Scuba Dive Adventure off Kos Island

6. Scuba Dive Adventure off Kos Island

Climb aboard for a scuba dive adventure in the Aegean Sea and complete all the required formalities. Fill out a medical statement, and then set sail from Kos Harbour at 10:00. Head for the small island of Pserimos, and journey between 2 countries as you explore the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. Get an in-depth briefing about your dive, including how to use the equipment to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. Then, dive with 2 instructors in a small group of just 4 people for maximum attention. Put on your wet suit, mask, and fins before getting help from your guide to put on the scuba diving equipment. Get into the water and swim with your group to a small beach where the sea is waist deep. Practice breathing techniques in complete safety, before getting help to breathe underwater with one of your Instructors.  Stay within the confines of the protected bay for gentle dives at a location where the water is never more than 5-6 meters deep. Benefit from the services of guides who are always on hand in the unlikely event that you need any assistance. Kokina Bay is perfect for beginner divers, with clear warm water and lots of marine life to see. Take a break to relax after your dive, and then opt to take a 2nd dive or participate in a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program. Alternatively, relax on the sundeck and top up your tan, or go for some gentle snorkeling and swimming adventures. If you opt for a 2nd dive, learn more advanced techniques to explore and see more of the marine life of the Eastern Mediterranean. Go for a longer and deeper dive that will allow you to experience the sensation of feeling weightless in the water. Dive without stops to get a real connection with nature. 

Kos: Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing

7. Kos: Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing

This trip is designed to give you all the freedom you wish to discover Zia on your own terms. Your bus will pick you up from your hotel and after a short scenic drive, will transport you to the city centre of Zia. Enjoy discovering the village by yourself, at your own pace, and without a guide. Zia is an enchanting little village that lies at the base of Mount Dikeos, the highest mountain of Kos island, that culminates at 846m above sea level. The village has kept its traditional feel and has become one of the major tourist attractions of the island. Here you will find many little shops selling local products, arts and crafts. The atmosphere is very relaxed and you will get to sip your drink or dine on a romantic terrace while admiring the most beautiful sunset on Kos. As an extra service, your guide can also reserve you a table at the restaurant of your choice, ensuring your whole evening runs smoothly. You will have approximately 2.5 hours of free time. At the prearranged meeting time, the bus will pick you up from the same place it dropped you off to take you back to your hotel.

Kos: Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch

8. Kos: Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch

Explore the real Kos on a 7-hour tour in a 4X4 vehicle driven by an expert local escort. Drive along unpaved, off-road routes. Continue through dense vegetation, visit places off the tourist track and take in unique panoramic views. After exploring the inland area of Kos, you’ll stop at a traditional coffee shop, where you’ll have a break and enjoy a cup of coffee. The road trip continues to the peak of Mount Dikaios, where you’ll take in some amazing views. Head to a tavern in Zia village and feast on Greek mezedes for lunch, accompanied by local wine. After lunch the tour continues to the peacock park before heading back to the starting point.

From Kos: Roundtrip Ferry Ticket to Bodrum

9. From Kos: Roundtrip Ferry Ticket to Bodrum

In only 30 minutes from the port of Kos, you have the chance to visit another country, another continent. Bodrum is ancient Halicarnassus, one of the most important cities of antiquity. Here is where Herodotus, the Father of History, was born. The first image of the port will steal your heart. White houses built amphitheatrically, dozens of sailboats and yachts, plus one of the most imposing castles in the world compose your first impression. After ID or passport control at the customs, you are free to get to know the city, as you choose, until departure time (16:30). You can visit the famous Castle that was built by the Knights of St. John and walk through the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus. Bodrum offers significant and marvelling sights, such as the Windmills and the ancient Greek Theatre of 13000 seats. The Castle is worth visiting and you should spend time in the Museum of Underwater Antiquities there, where you can find the biggest collection of amphorae in the world and impressive shipwrecks. Do not miss any of the four Castle Towers, German, English, French and Gatineau, each has something unique to offer you apart from the magnificent view. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is also worth visiting. You will only see ruins but you can take pride in witnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the World. If you are not antiquity lovers, take a stroll through the city “sokaks” (small streets), get to know the local cuisine, have a Turkish coffee or tea at a traditional coffee shop, try “kebab” and other traditional “mezedes” and if you have a sweet tooth, Kazandibi, one of the most popular Turkish delights, will excite you. A really big bazaar awaits you if you like walking, crowds and bargaining for a better price. You can find anything imaginable there, from all kinds of souvenirs, folk art and crafts to clothing and food. Experience intense scents and images at the stalls with flavorings and spices. You will find it hard to resist buying something but beware of clothing brands, as they may seem cheap but are not necessarily genuine. Many stallholders accept euros and almost everyone speaks Greek or English. After all this intense wandering around the city, you will need some relaxation. If you have the time, an authentic oriental Hamam bath, near the bus station, awaits you for a full package of relaxation, wellness and fun which includes sauna, scrub, hamam and body massage among other services. As the heat in Bodrum can be insufferable in summer, do not forget a bottle of water and wear a hat and comfortable walking shoes.

Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer

10. Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer

Embark on a full-day boat tour around the islands north of Kos. Relax on the shores of pristine beaches, explore the islands, soak up the views from the boat, and enjoy lunch prepared by the crew. Choose from a tour with or without hotel pickup from select locations in Kos. Depart from Kos Harbor in the morning for a full-day sailing tour north of Kos Island. Relax on board the boat as you travel to Pserimos, a small island with only 60 inhabitants. Spend over an hour in Pserimos enjoying the sun, water, and lovely views on the sandy beach. Hang out in one of the local taverns located directly on the beach. Later, leave Pserimos and make your way toward the small island of Plati. Anchor near the coast of the island to enjoy some free time to swim while the crew prepares lunch. Savor a lunch of traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and fruit. head to Vathy, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in the Dodecanese. Vathy looks like a fiord and lots of people go for a swim in the clear water of Rina. Join the locals in jumping off a cliff diving platform. If you like, treat yourself to a mouth-watering traditional seafood meal in one of the local taverns before heading back to your starting point.

Top activities

Other Sightseeing Options in Kos

Want to discover all there is to do in Kos? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kos

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 5,060 reviews

We were a group of 7 attending this activity . The weather on the day was really sunny with no wind making the experience excellent. The trip, the transfer and overall experience was pretty good . We enjoyed the day visiting the abandoned village and the volcano. Highly recommended this trip and is a must when visiting Kos

Loved it, amazing way to see the other islands and great value for money. Really worth it.

100% recommend had a great time on our boat trip was the best day of our holiday

amazing trip! get there early to get a space on the top deck. staff were fab!

Cheap efficient, on time but was a longer journey than expected.