Discover the best Kos tours and things to do on this sun-soaked Dodecanese island: cruise to three neighbouring islands with swim stops, sail to the smouldering volcano of Nisyros, watch the sunset from the mountain village of Zia, and enjoy a traditional Greek night of music and food. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.



Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Whatever brings you to Kos — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Swim stops galore.
ExploreWalk into a crater.
ExploreMountain village.
ExploreTurquoise coves.
ExploreMusic & dancing.
ExplorePastel harbour.
ExploreA hop to Turkey.
ExploreCruises & volcano.
ExploreThe landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.

Swim stops.

Steaming crater.

Sunset views.

Turquoise coves.

Music & dancing.

Pastel harbour.

Castle & bazaar.

Dodecanese island.
By boat awaySwim stops.
By boat awaySteaming crater.
Mountains awaySunset views.
Coast awayTurquoise coves.
By boat awayPastel harbour.
By ferry awayCastle & bazaar.
Short, straight answers to the questions every Kos visitor asks before booking.
Hot and sunny — peak beach and cruise season.
July and August are busiest and warmest.
Warm, green and quieter.
June to September for warm swimming.
Warm sea and fewer crowds.
June and September for warm, calmer days.
A three-island cruise and Zia sunset.
Add the Nisyros volcano.
Add Symi and Bodrum.
Cruises and beach boat trips.
The Nisyros volcano.
Symi and Bodrum.
Flat Kos is famously good for cycling.
Cruises and ferries reach the islands.
Buses and tours reach Zia and the beaches.
Kos town and its castle are walkable.
Stay in Kos town or near Tigaki beach.
Greece uses the euro; cards are widely accepted.
Book a boat that includes lunch and swim stops.
Wear sturdy shoes for the crater floor.
Arrive before sunset to get a good spot.
Carry your passport for the ferry to Turkey.
The harbour is stunning — allow time to wander.
Some cruises pair islands with a beach stop.
Summer sailings fill up — book ahead.
Volcano day trips fill up — reserve early.
Day boats fill up — book ahead.
Ferry seats fill up — reserve early.
Popular evenings fill up — book ahead.
July and August are busiest — book far ahead.
From about €35 for a full-day cruise.
Around €35 for a volcano day trip.
From €24 for a sunset tour.
About €54 for a Symi boat trip.
Around €70 for dinner and a show.
Join group cruises and combine islands in one full-day trip.
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.