Kos.
Flight from TLV
1h 41m
Best season
מאי–אוק
Avg temp
23°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
זהה לת״א ברוב השנה
Language
יוונית; אנגלית נפוצה באזורי התיירות
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לכללי הכניסה העדכניים
Safety
יעד בטוח ונוח למשפחות; יש להיזהר בנהיגה על טרקטורונים וקטנועים, בשמש חזקה ובים סוער
Overview
🇬🇷Kos
🇬🇷Greece
Kos is a relaxed, relatively flat Greek island made for a short summer escape filled with beaches, resort time and cycling. Israeli travelers gravitate toward the resorts of Psalidi, Lambi and Kardamena, then add clear-water swimming at Paradise Beach, a boat trip around Kefalos and a soak at Therma’s hot spring. Evenings unfold around Kos Town’s harbor and Old Town, followed by drinks on Diakon and Nafklirou streets. It is an easy, compact choice for couples, families and groups of friends who want maximum Greek-island pleasure with minimal travel time.
What are you looking for?
Everything for Kos, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Kos
Each area and who it suits best.
Kos Town
This is the most convenient base for travelers who want the harbor, restaurants, shopping, and bars within walking distance, from Eleftherias Square and the Old Town to Nafklirou and Bar Street. Hotels such as Kos Aktis and Albergo Gelsomino face the sea, while Lambi Beach is a short bike ride north. The trade-off is more nighttime noise, awkward parking, and higher rates along the waterfront.
Lambi
Lambi extends north from Kos Town along Akti Kountouriotou and the coast, with cycle paths, tavernas, and sunbeds around Mylos Beach Bar. Hotels such as Pelagos Suites and Aqua Blu attract families and couples seeking a resort without being cut off from town. Parts of the shore are pebbly and windy, and staying at the northern end means cycling, taking a bus, or using a taxi at night.
Psalidi
Psalidi lies east of town around Agios Fokas Road and Psalidi Beach, with resorts such as Mitsis Ramira and Grecotel LUXME Kos Imperial. The mood is calm and polished, with pebbly beaches, water-sports clubs, and views toward the Turkish coast. There is no real town center here, so restaurants, shopping, and nightlife usually require a bus or taxi to Kos Town.
Tigaki
Tigaki is built around the main road leading down to Tigaki Beach, a shallow sandy strip ideal for children, with tavernas, mini-markets, and hotels such as Utopia Blu. Alikes Salt Lake lies immediately west and works well for a sunset walk or bike ride. Evenings are family-oriented and quiet, but Kos Town is about 20 minutes away and the area can be exposed to northerly winds.
Marmari and Mastichari
Marmari offers sand, dunes, and spread-out resorts such as OKU Kos, while Mastichari is a small harbor village centered on Mastichari Beach and ferries to Kalymnos. Both provide attractive sunsets, local tavernas, and fewer crowds than Kos Town. Without a car, evening options are limited, while wind and the distance from eastern sights are important trade-offs.
Kardamena
Kardamena sits on the south coast around the harbor, Dimokratias Street, and Kardamena Beach, with bars, clubs, and boat departures to Nisyros. The center has inexpensive rooms and a youthful atmosphere, while large resorts such as Mitsis Selection Blue Domes sit outside town. The center is noisy on summer nights, and visiting Kos Town or the northern beaches requires a car and drives of 30 to 40 minutes.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Kos
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
16°
12°
Recommended
פבר
14°
10°
Cool
מרץ
18°
13°
Recommended
אפר
20°
15°
Recommended
מאי
23°
18°
Excellent
יונ
29°
22°
Excellent
יול
32°
25°
Hot
אוג
31°
25°
Excellent
ספט
28°
23°
Excellent
אוק
24°
20°
Excellent
נוב
21°
17°
Recommended
דצמ
17°
13°
Recommended
Most pleasant weather: מאי · יונ · אוג · ספט · אוק
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. July and August are the Israeli peak thanks to the school holiday, seasonal flights, warm water and lively nightlife. June and September offer the best balance of excellent weather, lighter crowds and better hotel rates, while Sukkot can also work when seasonal flights are still operating.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Kos · Open-Meteo
This week in Kos
Measured in Kos
24°
Sunny
Next 7 days
Tap a day for hourly detail
Seasonal averages · loading live forecast…
Things to do
Things to do in Kos
On the map
Kos on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Kos itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Kos Town by bicycle
Begin at Eleftherias Square, pass the covered market, and continue to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, the Ancient Agora, and Neratzia Castle, subject to opening hours. Rent bicycles and follow the harbor toward Lambi Beach and its promenade, stopping at a café facing the marina. Return in the afternoon for shopping in the Old Town lanes and along Kanari Street. Spend the evening watching sunset at the harbor and visiting bars around Nafklirou, or take a quieter family walk along Akti Miaouli.
- 2
Day 2
Asklepieion, Platani, and Therma
Reach the Asklepieion before 09:00, ahead of the heat and tour groups, and climb through the terraces of the ancient healing center for island views. Continue to Platani, home to the local Muslim community, for a simple lunch based on salads, vegetables, and fish while addressing your own kosher requirements. In the afternoon, drive to Agios Fokas and then Therma, where a hot spring meets the sea inside a natural rock pool. Water shoes and a phone light are useful, and the visit is especially pleasant toward sunset as temperatures fall.
- 3
Day 3
Southern beaches and Kardamena
Leave early for Paradise Beach to secure parking and loungers before 10:00, and consider nearby Magic Beach if you prefer less music and fewer crowds. Families will appreciate the shallow water, while active travelers can book water sports on site. Continue to Kardamena in the afternoon, walk around the harbor and nearby ancient temple remains, and have an early meal at a taverna offering vegetarian or fish choices according to your kosher needs. Younger travelers can stay for the bars around Dimokratias Street, while others should drive back before the roads become dark.
- 4
Day 4
Volcanic Nisyros
Take a morning boat from Kardamena to Mandraki on Nisyros, favoring an early departure that leaves enough time on the island. From the port, continue by excursion bus or rental vehicle to Stefanos Crater, descending carefully onto the caldera floor in closed shoes because of heat and steam. Return to Mandraki for the whitewashed lanes, Ilikiomeni Square, and Panagia Spiliani Monastery above town; bring kosher food or choose simple sealed items for lunch. Return to Kos in the afternoon and avoid rigid evening plans because wind and sea conditions may affect the arrival time.
- 5
Day 5
Mountain villages and sunset in Zia
Drive through Pyli to Paleó Pyli and climb to the abandoned settlement and castle in the morning before the sun intensifies. Continue to Antimachia for its traditional windmill and folk house, or stop at a local winery only if the driver is not tasting. Reach Zia in the afternoon, browse shops selling honey, herbs, and ceramics, and climb to a viewpoint above the village. Reserve a sunset table in high season, though travelers avoiding crowds can watch from the road above Lagoudi and descend before the tour-bus traffic.
- 6
Day 6
Tigaki, the salt lake, and shopping
Start with an easy morning at Tigaki Beach, when the sea is often calmer and the shore less occupied, or choose Marmari for dunes and a less commercial setting. Walk or cycle partway around Alikes Salt Lake while keeping your distance from wildlife; flamingos are mainly a shoulder-season sight and are not guaranteed in summer. Return to Kos Town for final purchases of olive oil, honey, Greek cosmetics, and local brands in the Old Town rather than expecting a large mall, which the island does not have. Finish with an early dinner near the harbor and an illuminated walk between the Agora and Eleftherias Square.
Quick game
Not sure yet? Find your travel type
30 fun seconds, then personal picks of the best spots for you here.
Quick game
What's your Kos travel type?
Question 1 of 5
Your perfect vacation morning?
Budget
How much does Kos cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Tel Aviv return flight
₪700-1,500 (peak: ₪1,900+)
4–5-night package
₪2,200-4,500 per person
Mid-range hotel night
₪380-750 per couple
5★ hotel night
₪850-1,900 per couple
Restaurant meal
₪65-130 per person
Local beer
₪16-27
Coffee
₪10-18
Short taxi ride
₪35-65
Rental car per day
₪150-300 (before fuel)
Two beach loungers
₪35-90
Nisyros boat trip
₪110-210 per person
Daily budget
₪300-650 per person
Family, 5 nights
₪9,500-17,500 for four
Good to know
Good to know before Kos
Getting around
From the airport
From KGS Airport, a taxi to Kos Town takes roughly 30–35 minutes and usually costs ₪140-190; Kardamena takes 10–15 minutes at about ₪65-100, while Tigaki or Mastichari takes 15–25 minutes at around ₪90-145. Seasonal KTEL buses run to Kos Town, Kardamena, and Mastichari, cost about ₪12-20, and take 20–45 minutes, but evening frequency is limited. A pre-booked shared shuttle through a hotel or transfer provider generally costs ₪45-100 per person, while a private transfer costs about ₪160-300 per vehicle depending on destination. There is no train, and booking apps are not a dependable replacement for rank taxis as they are in Israel.
Need a car?
A car is unnecessary in Kos Town or Lambi because bicycles, buses, and taxis cover the town, beach, and Asklepieion. For a family at a resort, a couple wanting to move between Paradise Beach, Zia, Therma, and the villages, or anyone staying in Marmari or Mastichari, a car for two or three days saves considerable time. Young travelers remaining in Kardamena or central Kos can skip it, particularly if drinking at night, and it is not needed for a Nisyros boat day.
Tips
Book taxis through the hotel reception or Kos Taxi; in July and August, reserve airport trips in advance because the driver pool is limited. Kos Town has one-way streets and scarce parking near the harbor, so leave the car in lots around the edge of the center and continue on foot. The island is flat and bike-friendly around Kos Town, Lambi, and Psalidi, but cycling between villages after dark is unwise; for ferries from Mastichari to Kalymnos or Kardamena to Nisyros, recheck schedules that morning because wind can cause changes.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Chabad of Kos operates during the tourist season in the Kos Town area, close to the accommodation zones favored by Israelis, and publishes its current location and opening details each season. It generally offers prayers, pre-booked Shabbat and holiday meals, and sometimes assistance with kosher food. Operations are seasonal and may change, so contact it directly before booking accommodation, particularly outside June through September.
Kosher food
Kos does not have a large, permanent network of certified kosher restaurants, and an Israeli-oriented venue is not kosher unless it carries explicit certification. In season, Chabad is the safest address for pre-ordered kosher meals, while larger AB Vassilopoulos and Lidl supermarkets may carry packaged products with kosher symbols, tuna, crackers, pasta, fruit, and vegetables. Kosher-observant Israelis commonly choose an apartment with a kitchenette, bring essentials from Israel, and ask the hotel in advance about disposable utensils and sealed breakfast items.
Verified suppliers
Verified suppliers in Kos
Experiences, insurance, eSIM, photography — every supplier verified by VAYULOR
Are you a supplier? Join us
Learn moreTravel insurance
Travel insurance for Kos 🇬🇷
A hospital day in Kos can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Kos 🇬🇷
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לכללי הכניסה העדכניים
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Kos
- 💳Cards are widely accepted in Kos Town and at hotels, but keep €50 to €100 in cash for small tavernas, parking and KTEL buses, and avoid private ATMs offering costly currency conversion.
- 🚗Families and couples planning to visit Kefalos, Agios Theologos and Palio Pyli should rent a car for at least two days, as KTEL buses work for main routes but become sparse in the evening and around remote beaches.
- 🛏️Choose Kos Town or Lambi for restaurants, cycling and walkable evenings, Tigaki for a family holiday on a sandy beach, and Kardamena only when youthful nightlife matters more than quiet.
- ⏰Reach the Asklepieion at opening time, usually around 8:00 a.m., because shade is scarce and both the heat and organized groups significantly diminish the experience between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
- ⛴️Book the Kos Town to Nisyros excursion two to three days ahead in July and August, and choose an itinerary allowing real time at Stefanos crater rather than only a brief stop in Mandraki harbor.
- 🍸On Nafklirou, commonly called Bar Street, the atmosphere picks up only after 11:30 p.m., while Kardamena clubs are best approached in neat summer clothing rather than swimwear or wet beach flip-flops.
- ✡️Kosher-observant travelers should confirm Chabad Kos's operating schedule for their travel season and reserve Shabbat meals early, while stocking up on sealed products at AB Vassilopoulos or Lidl and choosing accommodation with a kitchenette.
- 🌬️At the northern beaches of Tigaki and Marmari, the Meltemi wind can strengthen on July and August afternoons, so families with small children should swim in the morning or use the more sheltered bays around Kefalos.
- 📱Israeli mobile plans do not benefit from EU roaming rules, so install an eSIM before departure or buy a COSMOTE SIM in Kos Town, especially if you will be navigating by car to the island's western beaches.
- 🧾At Kos restaurants and bars, rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is customary, but first check whether a service charge has already been added to avoid tipping twice.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Kos is the kind of Greek island that is remarkably easy to fall for: compact, flat and convenient, yet varied enough in beaches, villages and nightlife to make every day feel different. I love starting the morning cycling along the Kos Town waterfront, stopping by the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, and escaping at midday to the clear water of Agios Stefanos opposite Kastri islet. Israelis quickly connect with the mix of polished resorts, approachable prices and a relaxed atmosphere, especially when the evening ends with sunset above Palio Pyli Castle or a drink on Nafklirou Street. It is an island that asks very little of you, provided you choose the right base and do not try to squeeze everything into two days."
Loves
The local experience I always recommend to Israelis is Embros Therme, but only at around 7:30 a.m., before the tour buses arrive and the heat becomes intense. Step into the natural pool where the hot spring meets the sea, then return to Kos Town for coffee and breakfast.
Skip
The most common mistake is driving into Zia exactly at sunset and getting trapped in traffic while searching for parking around the main street. If you want Zia, arrive at least two hours early; for a quieter experience, choose the viewpoint at Palio Pyli.
Boutique pick
I begin at 8:00 a.m. with a bicycle ride around the harbor and the Roman sites of Kos Town, then drive at 10:30 to Agios Stefanos for a swim facing Kastri and a light lunch around Kefalos. In the afternoon, we stop at Antimachia village or its traditional windmill, before heading up to Palio Pyli at 6:30 p.m. for sunset without Zia's crowds. The night ends with a cocktail by the harbor or on Nafklirou Street, at the easy pace that suits the island perfectly.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Kos
"We started the day in the warm water at Therma Beach and ended with an almost unreal sunset in Zia. Kos gave us exactly the mix we wanted: scooter rides, quiet coves, and romantic evenings."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 5 nights · June
"The kids refused to leave Lido Waterpark, and the next day we spent hours in the clear water at Paradise Beach. Kos was wonderfully easy as a family, with short drives and enough action to keep everyone entertained."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 6 nights · August
"We took the three-island cruise to Pserimos, Plati, and Kalymnos, then headed to Mylos Beach Bar for drinks that evening. Kos was perfect for a friends’ getaway: sea by day, music at night, and everything within easy reach."
Roy, Daniel and Shahar, Rishon LeZion
Friends · 4 nights · July
"We devoted an entire morning to Asklepion and cycled along the Kos Town waterfront to Lambi. We loved how relaxed and accessible the island felt, though next time we would visit in September for fewer crowds."
Dalia and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 5 nights · August
FAQ
Common questions about Kos
Do Israelis need a visa for Kos?
Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for a short holiday in Kos, as the island is part of Greece and the Schengen Area, with stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Before flying, check whether the European ETIAS travel authorization has taken effect and ensure your passport meets the validity requirements.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Kos, and how long is the flight?
During the tourist season, usually from late spring through October, direct flights operate from Tel Aviv to Kos and take around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. Outside the season, travel usually involves a connection in Athens, so check the layover time carefully.
When is the best time to visit Kos, and when is peak season?
Peak season in Kos is July and August, with warm water, busy nightlife, and higher prices; couples often prefer June or September, while Israeli families enjoy the school-holiday period when resorts and Lido Waterpark operate at full capacity. In summer, pack sunscreen, a hat, beach shoes, and a light layer for breezy evenings.
How many days do you need in Kos, and what can the island be combined with?
Four to five nights in Kos are enough for the beaches, Old Town, Asklepion, Zia, and an island cruise, while a full week suits a slower resort holiday. Kos can be combined with Kalymnos or Nisyros by ferry; nearby Bodrum is another option, but Israeli travelers should separately verify Turkey’s current entry requirements.
How do you get around Kos, and is it worth renting a car?
Kos Town is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, but a rental car for one or two days is the best way to reach Zia, Agios Stefanos, Paradise Beach, and the hot springs at Therma. Families often choose resorts around Psalidi or Marmari with a car, while couples and younger travelers appreciate the convenience and evening scene in Kos Town or Kardamena.
How much does a holiday in Kos from Israel cost?
A four-night Kos holiday with a direct flight and a good hotel typically costs about ₪2,500–₪4,500 per person sharing a double room, while a high-end resort in July or August can raise the price to ₪5,000–₪7,000 per person. A casual meal generally costs ₪45–₪80 per person, a rental car ₪180–₪320 per day, and a day cruise around ₪120–₪220.
Is Kos safe for Israeli travelers?
Kos is generally considered a safe tourist island, but Israelis should follow current travel advisories, avoid displaying prominent Israeli symbols during periods of tension, and watch their belongings in crowded nightlife areas. Take particular care around scooters and ATVs on Kos roads, and never leave phones or bags unattended on the beach.
What are the must-do attractions in Kos?
On a first visit to Kos, see the ancient healing sanctuary of Asklepion, walk around the Plane Tree of Hippocrates and the castle in Kos Town, and head to Zia for sunset. Add a swim at the Therma Beach hot springs or a day cruise from Kos Town to Kalymnos, Plati, and Pserimos.
Where is the nightlife in Kos, and does the island have a casino?
Kos nightlife centers on the bars around Nafklirou Street in Kos Town, the clubs of Kardamena, and venues such as Mylos Beach Bar near Lambi, with the liveliest atmosphere in July and August. Kos has no legal casino, so travelers interested in gambling should choose another destination rather than plan for a casino night on the island.
Is kosher food or a Chabad house available in Kos?
Kos does not have the permanent range of kosher restaurants found in larger destinations, and Jewish or Chabad services may be seasonal and can change from year to year, so arrangements should be confirmed directly in advance. Kos visitors who keep kosher commonly book an apartment with a kitchenette, bring sealed products from Israel, and shop at larger supermarkets around Kos Town.