Here is my recommended top 10 things to do in Kos, Greece.
Kos, short for Kos Island, is a popular Greek island located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The island has a rich history, with traces of ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations evident in its architecture and archaeological sites. Kos is also famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and his tree, a legendary plane tree, still stands in the town square. The island attracts a diverse range of tourists, from beach enthusiasts and history buffs to partygoers seeking a lively atmosphere. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, Kos remains a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
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1. Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch
Number 1 on my top 10 things to do in kos – 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. Enjoy the music on board and have fun with us.
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, vegan and vegetarian options.
2. 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.
Next, 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.
3. Lido Water Park Entry Ticket and Optional Transfer
Number 3 on my top 10 things to do in kos – Enjoy a refreshing and fun-filled day at Lido Water Park with an entrance ticket. Dive into the pools, uncover a range of expertly designed slides, and discover other water activities with your friends or family.
After your arrival, you will have plenty of time to explore the facility. Show off your skills in the wave pool, glide down the giant slide, and race your friends or family down the multi-lane water slide. Next, experience an Adrenalin rush at the Kamikaze slide or on a ride in the Black Hole.
If you’re looking for something quieter, enjoy the calmer Lazy River or just relax and soak up the sun in the Jacuzzi. When you’re ready for a break, grab a snack at one of the cafés (at your own expense) or simply relax under the shade of an umbrella.
Ultimately, the Lido Water Park is great for kids. It features an Interactive Kids Area, a complex with slides, a rotating water bucket, 6 water pistols, and waterfalls.
4. Three-Island Wooden Ship Cruise with Lunch
On my top 10 things to do in kos, number 4 is a 3 island cruise – Climb aboard Captain Hook, an 85-foot wooden yacht that will astound you!
On board the Captain Hook, there are sundecks (with incredibly soft seats! ), covered areas to unwind, tables to enjoy a refreshment, and naturally, a fantastic bar to grab your drink. Enjoy the Greek sun while stopping to admire the Dodecanese’s beautiful blue sea. Watch the dolphins always happy to meet us, cliff jump into the rejuvenating sea, and more!
We will make three stops on this journey, in the islands of Platy, Kalymnos, and Pserimos. Each one provides a unique perspective on the Greek islands, and when combined, they will be the highlight of your Greek holiday. Be astounded by the various stunning beaches and cute little ports we will dock on.
While wandering about the little village of Vathy on Kalymnos, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and history and learn everything there is to know about the infamous sponges, the amazing honey, and the revitalizing local orange juice. Worry not! You’ll have plenty of time to buy mementos for friends and family who missed out on this fantastic adventure.
5. Nisyros Island Volcano and Panagia Spiliani
Half way through!! Number 5 on my top 10 things to do in kos – 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. Next, see the bubbling mud pools and steam geysers, and imagine that you have landed on the moon.
Next, 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.
Eventually 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.
6. Independent Day Trip to Bodrum
Number 6 on my list of the top 10 things to do in Kos, isnt in Kos – it’s a day trip to Bodrum in Turkey.
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.
A Journey Through Colors, Flavors, and Culture
Next, 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.
7. Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops
Number 7 on my top 10 things to do in kos – Go on a cruise on a glass-bottom boat in Kos Town and get acquainted with the underwater world. Enjoy views of Kos and Pserimos and soak in the Greek sun as you sail the seas. Enjoy a drink onboard, and take a peek at the sea life under the boat from the glass-bottom decks. Stop for a swim.
Begin your tour by meeting in Kos Town and boarding the boat. After setting off, enjoy the ride by grabbing yourself a drink from the bar (not included in the price) and sitting on the top deck and soaking up the sun. Wander over to the boat’s shaded area if the sun gets too much. Head to one of the boat’s two glass-bottom viewing areas.
Have fun looking down into the deep blue waters, and let the kids entertain themselves trying to spot different creatures. Pay special attention as you pass by an old shipwreck. Make a stop halfway through and go for a swim in the sea.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise
Finally number 10 on my top 10 things to do in kos –Arrive at the port of Kos, and board our Pirate boat, at 10am to go to Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati. Optional we offer pickup from hotels to the port of Kos, if you wish to add transfer to your reservation. Our cruise by the boat Pirates of Kos will start and around noon we will make the first stop to Pserimos Island. There we will stay for 1 hour and we will have time to to relax on the Golden Sandy Beach and swim in the crystal clear blue waters of Pserimos Island.
1st stop - Pserimos
Pserimos is a tiny island, one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese and covers a small area of only 15 square meters. As long as you are enjoying your time under the Greek sun, our crew will prepare for you a meal with souvlaki and Greek salad. After our first stop, our boat Pirates of Kos, will head to the second destination which is the island of Kalymnos.
2nd stop - Kalymnos
Kalymnos is an island of wild beauty. Most of the activities are connected to the sea and or climbing. The capital is the town of Kalymnos (or Pothia), is the main center and tourist attraction as well as the main port of the island. In Kalymnos you will also find impressive historical sights, but also many options for entertainment and local restaurants or cafes.
3rd stop - Plati
Last but not least is the third stop at the island of Plati. At Plati the party begins! With beautiful views of this island, spend time on the boat, sunbathe, try the best cocktails & drinks under the sun, test your diving skills and have a great fund and relaxing time! That beautiful day around tree different island, has come to an end. At 17:00 we will be back to the port of Kos.
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