KOS FAQ'S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The Kos Hippocrates Airport is located sixteen miles southwest of Kos town. The bus to town costs about 8€. Expect to pay about 30€ for a taxi to town and most beach resorts.

How do I get from the port to my hotel?

Kos is a transportation hub of the Dodecanese with a full range of options including passenger ferries, hydrofoils, excursion boats and caiques. Most schedules and routes are subject to change depending on the weather. Currently, the only ports linked to Kos with year-round, nonstop, daily ferry services are Piraeus, Rhodes, Kalimnos and Bodrum, Turkey. Be sure to check current schedules with the Municipal Tourism Office. There are bus and taxi services available from the port.

When do the hydrofoils operate between the islands?

Boat travel in Greece is common and relatively inexpensive. Timetables change according to seasonal demand and boats may be delayed by weather conditions, so your plans should be flexible. That being said,ferries and hydrofoils for the Greek Islands only operate between May and September due to annual weather changes including rough seas and high winds. For travel beyond these months, your itinerary will include transportation by flight between the islands.

Note: The Athens airport authority advises you to allow a minimum of 45 minutes to make a flight connection; which should be adequate if you arrive and depart from the main terminal and do not have to clear Customs. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes if you have to clear Customs or if you arrive or depart from the satellite terminal. At present, many charter flights use the satellite terminal.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The island of Kos has an adequate roadway system making it easy to get around by public bus, taxi, rental car, moped or bike. Kos town (DEAS) buses offer service within about 4 miles of the town center, while the Kos island (KTEL) buses will get you almost everywhere else. For the most current schedules, consult the town bus office, on the harbor at 7 Akti Kountourioti (tel. 22420/26-276), or the island bus station, at 7 Kleopatras (tel. 22420/22-292). The majority of DEAS town buses leave from the central bus stop on the south side of the harbor.

Where can I rent a bicycle in Kos?

One of the most popular means of getting around the island is by moped or bicycle. Kos is a great island for cyclists as much of it is quite flat. Bike trails extend well beyond Kos town, but don't expect to pedal one-way and then catch a ride back by bus, because that is not allowed. Rentals are available from 10€ to 25€ per day throughout Kos town or can be arranged through your hotel.

And it's easy to rent a moped through your hotel, or you can walk toward the harbor and look for an agency. Rentals range from 25€ to 40€ per day. It's a good idea to check the brakes and steering before you ride off. Greek law now requires wearing a helmet, but not all agents supply one. Also, be sure to get full insurance and get a phone number, in case of breakdown.

Warning: Beware of the heat (sunstroke) and take plenty of water with you!

How do I call/hail a taxi?

In Kos, the harbor taxi stand is located beneath the minaret across from the castle. You can stop by or call (tel. 22420/23-333 or 22420/27-777). All Kos drivers are 'required' to know English, but don't expect this to always be true.

Should I rent a car on Kos?

Hiring a car is an option to get around Kos as it will provide the most freedom and comfort for travel. A car makes it easy to skirt the coast and make stops at the numerous beaches (resorts are serviced by bus); however, it's unlikely that you will need to rent a car for more than one or two days, even if you want to see it all. Car rentals are available at the airport and in town. Expect to pay as much as 95€ per day, including insurance and fuel. Gas stations are open Monday through Saturday from 7am to 7pm; there are also several stations open (on rotation) in Kos town on Sunday.

Please Note: If you park in a no-parking area, the police will remove your license plates, and you, not the car rental office, will have to pay a hefty fine to get them back!

Warning: Drive with caution, especially at night, when you will undoubtedly be sharing the roads with motorists returning from an evening of drinking.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Greece is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Bank hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Greece by clicking here.

I don't speak Greek. Will many people speak English?

English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. Greeks do have great regard for those that try to speak Greek so it is a good idea to learn a few phrases. We suggest you get a good English-Greek guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

What is Greek food like? What is the standard for tipping?

Greek food comes in many shapes, forms and varieties to keep even the most demanding traveler satisfied! Kos has its own culinary specilaties and food products. Don't be afraid to sample the best each island has to offer.

A service charge of 15 percent is usually included in the bill, but if service is good, then it is customary to leave 10 percent.

Where can I buy necessities like bottled water and toiletries?

Most villages have small markets where you can buy water and food and other household items. Greek pharmacies are usually excellent with a qualified doctor or medic on staff (who usually speaks some English), but medicines can be more expensive than at home.

What are the best beaches in Kos?

Kos enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The main summer season is from April to September when the weather is hot and sunny with very little rain. It is the island with the longest length of coastline and beaches compared with the total length of its coastline. There is no other place like Kos with such easy access to the sea and its pristine beaches, small or large, quiet and secluded, or fully organized with amenities such as resorts, taverns, bars and watersports. Some of the best beaches can be found in the immediate area of Kos town, including Agios Fokas, proud holder of the 'Blue Flag' award as well as in the area of Kefalos. Please visit our dedicated page on Kos' beaches for more information.

Please note: It is common for women to go topless on beaches. And while public nudity is illegal in Greece, every island has at least one beach where nudity is allowed.

What are the most popular clubs in Kos? Where are they located?

Kos' nightlife is not difficult to find - just follow the noise down to the harbor. Although names change, the scene remains the same. Bar Street, which is self-explanatory, is where you will find a lot of the action, and there are plenty of options for live Greek music, laser and light shows, discos, or even an old-fashioned outdoor movie theater, Open Cine Orfeas. End the night (or early morning) at the portside cafes, opposite the excursion boats.

What else is there to do on Kos?

There is more to Kos than its nightlife and beaches! Today, Kos is not only known for, but also nearly consumed by tourism. Almost 75% of the island's working class is directly employed in tourism, which really says something about its beauty and attractions. The principal attractions of Kos are its antiquities, most notably the Asklepion, and of course its beaches (as noted above). With its rich history (the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, has always been an important bragging point for the islanders), traditional villages and interesting museums, there is plenty to keep you busy! Kos also offers a wide variety of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and windsurfing as well as opportunities for sailing, cycling, horseback riding and bird watching.

What are the best areas for shopping?

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities on Kos! The island offers a proud heritage of traditional Greek products along with the normal souvenirs that you will find at popular tourist destinations. Kos town is compact and a stroll through the old town offers you everything from olive oil soap and a jar of locally produced honey to the latest game consoles for kids. This is also a great place to shop for jewelry, ceramics, leather, sandals, textiles, embroideries, copies of ancient artworks, icons, local wine and produce, and much, much more. The more traditional artwork and craft items are also widely available throughout the island. A nice place to visit is the public market just before the entrance to the archaeological site.