Kos is the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates, and one of the most popular Greek islands. Located in the middle of the Dodecanese, Kos attracts thousands of foreign travelers due to its international airport. The island enjoys a fantastic climate, and most visitors spend time on its sandy beaches. However, the island’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for further exploring the region. Therefore, in this article, you’ll read about fantastic Kos day trips you can take right now.
Specifically, you’ll find the top day trips from Kos and guided tours around the island. While in Kos, you can visit a bunch of other Dodecanese islands, but you can also see another country. Moreover, after each Kos day trip in this article, you’ll also find its price and duration, plus how you can book. Finally, at the bottom of this post, you’ll read some frequently asked questions about the island’s tours and how to make the most of your time and budget.
So, let’s start with the best Kos day trips and the places you can visit.
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The best Kos day trips
Kos is surrounded by plenty of other islands, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that you can see half of the Dodecanese from there. Excluding the day trips in Kos itself, visiting the other islands is only possible on a boat trip. That said, while Kos has an international airport, you can’t fly to any nearby island. For more info, please see the Kos FAQ at the bottom of the article.
So, here’s my selection of Kos day trips you can take right now and their prices.
Three islands boat cruise from Kos, Greece
This is one of the most action-packed day trips from Kos. In this full-day boat trip, you will visit three nearby islands at a slow pace. Moreover, this wonderful cruise will give you plenty of time to explore little villages and swim in the crystal clear water of the Aegean Sea.
Specifically, you will first sail to Kalymnos, one of the hidden gems of Greece. Kalymnos is known as the “sponge-diving” island due to the long tradition of the locals in sponge production. The views from Vathi, a picturesque village, are unique, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore it and taste local specialties, like octopus meatballs. After returning to the boat, you’ll find a lunch buffet on board, with Greek salad, souvlaki, and other delicacies if you’re still hungry. The delicious Greek lunch is included in the price.
Afterward, the boat trip will take you to Plati, a tiny island with turquoise water. You can swim around the boat and enjoy cocktails on board (not free, but the prices are low). Finally, the boat trip will take you to Pserimos, a small inhabited island, where you’ll have enough free time to explore it. After visiting Pserimos, the boat returns to Kos early in the evening.
Overall, that’s one of the best things to do in Kos, and it will be a great memory from your Greek vacation.
Duration: ~7,5 hours.
Price: 30 euros per person.
How to book: Book here the three islands boat tour.
Tip
This boat trip from Kos tends to sell out fast. If you can’t find a place, you can also check a similar boat tour here; it is slightly more expensive (38 euros per person) but follows the same itinerary.
Visit the volcanic island Nisyros from Kos
Nisyros is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. The island is home to an active volcano, and what is fascinating is that you can walk in its crater! If it sounds like Santorini to you, well, I can assure you it’s even better. The reason is that in Nisyros, you won’t find the Santorini crowds, and the prices are reasonable. Honestly, if you can only go on a one-day tour from Kos, you should consider this boat trip.
The boat departs from the port of Kardamena (therefore, not from Kos town), and it takes approximately one hour to reach the volcanic island of Nisyros. A bus will wait for you at the port, and the drive to the volcano won’t take more than 20-30 minutes. While driving through the beautiful landscape, a guide will share facts about the island and the volcano. The entry ticket to the volcano is not included (3 euros), but after entering the premises, you can wander around the crater Stefanos and see hot water and steam beneath your feet. It feels like you just landed on the moon.
Afterward, the bus will take you to Mandraki, the island’s picturesque capital. Do not expect a big settlement: Nisyros has less than 1,000 inhabitants, most of whom live in Mandraki. On Mandraki’s top, you’ll see the stunning monastery of Panagia Spiliani, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Greece, together with Hozoviotissa in Amorgos and Kalamiotissa in Anafi. After spending some time in Mandraki, you’ll take the boat back to Kos.
Duration: 8 hours.
Price: from 29 euros per person.
How to book: Book here the boat trip to Nisyros island.
A day trip from Kos to Bodrum
If you’d like to visit another country during your stay in Kos, all it takes is a day trip to Bodrum. Bodrum is a beautiful Turkish city, visible from Kos town. Visiting Bodrum also means immersing for a day in a different culture: it’s not only another country but also another continent.
The boat trip from Kos to Bodrum is short and takes just 50 minutes. After passing passport control, you’ll have a full day to explore this ancient city. White houses, sailboats, and beautiful castles are the trademarks of Bodrum, and its architecture is stunning. For history lovers, a must-see is the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus and the ancient Greek theater. Then, enjoy a traditional cup of Turkish tea or coffee and try some local specialties like Kazan Dibi (caramelized milk pudding). Finally, enjoy some relaxing time at a Turkish bathhouse.
Duration: 8 hours.
Price: from 30 euros per person.
How to book: Book here the boat to Bodrum.
Kos day trip island tour: Jeep safari
Now, while the previous Kos day trips will take you out of the island, this one intends to show you its hidden spots. A 4×4 vehicle will pick you up from your hotel, and a professional driver will drive along off-road routes. Some of them are dirt roads, so this day trip within Kos is only for the ones enjoying the adventure.
Most places you’ll see are off-the-beaten-track, and you’ll enjoy splendid panoramic views. There will be stops every 30-40 minutes, so don’t worry that you’ll spend an entire day in a car. The Kos mainland is an area of extreme beauty and untamed nature, and after concluding the tour’s first part, you’ll stop for a coffee break. Then you will continue to Mount Dikaios, the tallest mountain on Kos.
Finally, you will reach Zia, a picturesque village where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and local wine in a traditional taverna. Afterward, and before heading back to Kos town, you’ll visit the Plaka Forest, a natural park known for its peacocks.
Duration: 7 hours.
Price: 110 euros.
How to book: Book here the Jeep Safari.
Full-day scuba diving adventure
Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and clear waters. However, if you’re up for a unique experience, you might consider going on a scuba diving adventure. A boat will sail at 10:00 from Kos Harbor and take you close to Pserimos Island.
Even if it’s your first scuba dive, you’ll get thorough instructions on how to use the equipment: the goal is to be safe and enjoy the time as much as possible. Together with two instructors, the small group (up to 4 people) will start the adventure. Wet suit—check; mask—check. It’s time to start swimming on a small beach and practicing breathing techniques.
After concluding the first part, you’ll take a break. Then, the second session of scuba diving will start. However, the second dive is more prolonged and deeper -an utterly different experience. Alternatively, if one dive is enough for you, you can enjoy some time at the beach or snorkel at your own pace.
Duration: 7 hours.
Price: 85 euros per person.
How to book: Book here the scuba dive tour.
Kos day trips FAQ
In this section, you’ll find replies to some frequently asked questions about day trips from Kos. If you don’t find an answer to your question, please submit it in the comments, and I’ll make sure to reply to it.
Are the boat trips from Kos safe?
Yes, the boats are in mint condition, and the crew is professional. There’s nothing to worry about. Also, if the sea is rough, the crew will cancel the trip: no one wants to risk the passengers’ safety.
Can I go on a day trip from Kos to Santorini?
There is currently only one ferry per week connecting Kos and Santorini. Therefore, a day trip from Kos to Santorini is not possible: you’ll have to stay at least seven days in Santorini before returning to Kos.
However, you can travel one way between Kos and Santorini. The ferry runs every Monday, and you can book your ticket here.
Can I go on a day trip from Kos to Patmos?
While you can travel between Kos and Patmos by ferry, a day trip is impossible. You will have to spend a night in Patmos before returning to Kos the next day.
Can I go on a day trip from Kos to Rhodes?
Technically, it is possible to go on a day trip from Kos to Rhodes. However, it doesn’t make much sense: you’ll need 3 hours to reach Rhodes and another 3 hours to return. Moreover, Rhodes is a big island (much bigger than Kos), and you won’t see much.
If you want to see Rhodos, you should consider staying there for some days.
How many days do you need on Kos Island if you want to take day trips?
Kos is a relatively big island, and you’ll need at least three days to explore it. Therefore, if you want to book some day trips from Kos, you should consider staying at least four to five days. Ideally, try to spend a week in Kos for a more relaxed vacation.
If I can only take one boat trip from Kos, which one should I choose?
If you can only book one boat trip from Kos, then you should go to Nisyros. Walking in the crater of a volcano is a unique experience. Plus, the island’s nature is stunning, and Mandraki is beautiful.
What is the best hotel in Kos Town?
The best hotel in Kos Town is -in my opinion- Orpheus Studios. It’s centrally located, has a terrific sea view, and is close to the starting point of most Kos excursions. Plus, it’s reasonably priced and clean.
The best Kos day trips: conclusion
While Kos has plenty of things to keep you occupied for days, it’s always a good idea to go on a day trip. As you’ve read earlier, Kos enjoys a great location in the Dodecanese, and it’s a pity not to visit a couple of more beautiful islands. Furthermore, the tour operators are professional, and everyone speaks English; therefore, there won’t be a language barrier.
Additionally, the wide variety of tours guarantees a unique experience: choose between a volcanic island tour, a three-island tour, or a safari around Kos and enjoy an unforgettable Greek vacation.
More Greek guides: Greek islands on a budget, Santorini facts & tours, Greek ferries guide, Aegean Airlines Pass, Telendos guide
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Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos
George, these are great day trips from Kos. I’d like to know a bit more about Nisyros. Can you walk anywhere in the volcano area, or were there places that were strictly off limits due to toxic gases or strong heat? Also, when you say hot water and streams beneath your feet, can you get your feet and legs wet for fun, or is the water too hot? How deep was the water? It looks like a very dry place in photos. Did they mention the volcano at Nisyros as the filming location for the movie Moonraker? I’m a big fan of James Bond. The price for the volcano tour seems to be excellent value for money. Visiting Kos sounds like a great idea if you can easily do this tour as well. How long would you stay in Nisyros if you had a chance to stay longer?
Hey John!
A Nisyros guide will follow shortly. I just posted a short YouTube video from the volcano (you can watch it here), so you can probably get an initial impression. In general, I found Nisyros to be Anafi-level for my taste. If possible, I’d easily spend 3-4 weeks there, especially early in the summer when the island is not so crowded.
Regarding the volcano, you can even walk in the crater. You enter at your own risk, but it’s pretty safe. Some parts are off-limits due to how hot the water is, but most of it is accessible. I think getting your feet wet won’t be that fun; the water’s temperature is pretty high, as you can imagine. However, you can touch the ground with your hand and feel the warmth. The smell is really strong, so you have to cope with it, but I guess you get used to it after a while. You will never forget that smell. Yes, there was also a mention regarding a James Bond movie, but since I’m not the biggest fan, I missed the info -I kept shooting photos while being there.
Kos is beautiful as well. Despite being a big island, I find it less stressful than Santorini. It has beautiful sandy beaches and an easy-going vibe. Plus, it is the most bike-friendly island in Greece. I’d love to return there for a few more days, especially off-season. Kos is an excellent base for exploring the Dodecanese, and there are plenty of day trips from Kos. You can honestly see 6-7 islands from Kos plus Bodrum, of course.
Great video. It looks like you had the whole volcano to yourself. 🙂
Thanks, John! I tried to visit the volcano when most daytrippers from Kos were in Mandraki. It was off-season anyway, so finding a timeframe wasn’t hard. I revisited the volcano a few days later but didn’t shoot extra material.