KOS Greece Travel Itinerary: How to Plan a Perfect 5-days Trip to KOS (Kos Travel Guide)
In this post, I will take you through a perfect itinerary to explore all the hidden gems and must-visit attractions this Greek paradise has to offer. From historical sites like the Asklepion and the Castle of the Knights to stunning beaches and delicious local cuisine. We would even be able to visit neighboring Islands and visit the remotest beach of Kos. Let’s set out on this adventure together!
Note that Kos has minimal bus service with operating times only thrice or four times daily. If you want to cover the Island with public transport you are better off just staying in Kos town. A rental car is your best bet to explore Kos Island.
Disclaimer: I am what you would call a slow traveler and I prefer to take my time to explore places. If however, you prefer fast traveling and sticking to a plan, you can do most of the mentioned things in 3 days.
5- Day Kos Itinerary
Day 1:Â Kos town and ancient sites and dinner at Kos Marina
Day 2: Exploring neighboring Islands of Kos by a Cruise
Day 3: Relaxed day at the resort town of Mastihari and Sunset Horse riding at the beach
Day 4: Explore Kardamena, Antimachia, and experience the most amazing SunsetÂ
Day 5: Visit the Town of Kefalos and spend the Sunset at Paradise Beach
DAY 1: Explore Kos City and have Dinner at Kos Marina
Assuming that you stay in Kos town, it is easiest to start with exploring Kos Town. Pro Tip: The temperature in Kos stays sunny and can sometimes reach 25 Celsius even in November with little to no clouds so always pack sufficient water and a hat with you (I made the mistake of not doing it and suffered greatly LOL!).Â
Start with a must-visit while in Kos, the Asklepion an ancient healing center dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios. It is believed to be one of the first holistic health centers in the world. The entrance Ticket is 8€ at the time of this post. From there, visit Roman Odeon a well-preserved ancient amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD. Right in front of the Odeon is another Ancient ruin site which you can choose to visit or skip depending on how you feel. Plan 3-4 hrs for these attractions especially if you’re going to walk the whole town. Stop by the cute Cafe just behind Asklepion to appreciate this place and relax.
From there explore the old town of KOS and you will come across many colorful little restaurants and cobblestone alleyways. You will also find a picturesque Tavern where you can have lunch and move further towards Ancient Agora, a bustling marketplace and civic center in ancient times, where merchants, politicians, and citizens gathered to trade goods, discuss politics, and socialize. A must-visit attraction that you absolutely cannot miss is The Plane Tree of Hippocrates in Kos and it is believed to be where the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates taught his students. This historic tree is estimated to be over 2,400 years old and is a popular attraction for visitors interested in the history of medicine and ancient Greek culture.
Day 2: Exploring neighboring Islands of Kos by a Cruise
Kos is surrounded by wonderful neighboring Islands which are indeed worth visiting. I would suggest dedicating at least one day to exploring the Islands like Pserimos, Kalymnos, Plati, and Nisyros. Each Island has its unique qualities. Nisyros for example is an active volcano where you would not only visit and appreciate its beauty but also learn about its history on the tour. We booked this 3-Island tour for just 30€ and it included not only 8 hours of Island hopping and stopping over to swim in the open sea and do snorkeling but also had an amazing Greek lunch with happy hour drinks throughout. The best part was seeing many dolphins swimming along with our boats. Honestly, I cannot recommend this tour enough. Plan an entire day for a boat tour, though; booking them online in advance gets you cheaper deals. After getting free from the tour, you can have a romantic and relaxing dinner at Kos harbor.
Day 3: Relaxed day at the Resort Town of Mastihari
Mastihari is a beautiful coastal village located on Kos in Greece. It is known for its picturesque sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming traditional tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine. The village offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Aegean Sea. With its stunning sunsets and friendly local community, Mastihari is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers looking for a tranquil retreat in Greece. I would recommend spending at least half a day here to explore all the beaches and one exhilarating activity should you wish to do so. It is horse riding on the Island of Mastihari as you watch the Sunset. This is a lifelong memorable experience. Most horse riding experiences are mainly offered at Mastihari Island so it is a good idea to reach here by yourself to avoid the pickup and drop-off costs. Directly booking this experience from the Island of Mastihari saves you €€€! If however, you do not enjoy this activity then you can book any of the wine tours with a sunset experience or just watch the sunset at the beach.
Day 4: Explore Kardamena, Antimachia, and Experience the most Amazing Sunset
Antimachia is a traditional village located on the Greek island of Kos. It is known for its picturesque streets, ancient ruins, and charming atmosphere. Visit historical sites such as the medieval castle and the 5th-century Church of Agios Nikolaos and appreciate the local feel of the village. The village also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a great place to experience authentic Greek culture and hospitality.
Kardamena is a popular resort town located on the Greek island of Kos. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque harbor, Kardamena offers visitors a mix of relaxation and entertainment. After exploring these places, head on straight to the mountain town of Zia. It is known for its charming white-washed buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea, but what makes Zia worth visiting is its breathtaking sunset. It was without a doubt a highlight of the trip! You can book many wine-tasting experiences in the village of Zia along with watching the sunset but it is absolutely not to be missed!
Day 5: Visit the Town of Kefalos and spend the Sunset at Paradise Beach
If you are visiting Kos just for a few days and have time for only a few things, I suggest doing Kos main city and Kefalos. But Kefalos is absolutely a must-visit in Kos. Pristine beaches, narrow streets, visiting historical sites like the ruins of the Basilica of Agios Stefanos, and exploring Kefalo’s old castle are reason enough to visit it. It is also not overcrowded so you experience the most authentic Greek visit here. If you still want to explore more, drive to Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach in Kos is a stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, making it a haven for beach lovers who crave untouched natural beaches. The difficulty of driving washes off as soon as you set feet in the waters and discover a beach where very few people go.
This Post was about the 5- days Travel itinerary / 5-days travel guide of Kos Greece.Â