Things to do in Kos

Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros

If there's one must-visit while you're in Kos, it's the volcanic island of Nisyros. Greek legend says it was created from a stone thrown by the god Poseidon. And it's a scenic gem of an hour-long trip that takes you there. Visit Mandraki, Nikia, the Stefanos crater and more.

Kos sunset boat trip to Kefalos with swimming and beach barbecue

Captain Gianni and his crew invite you on board for a sunset cruise to the tip of Kos. There'll be plenty of swimming and aperitif sipping as well as a barbecue on a secluded beach. Watch the sun go down on the sand, then return with the stars above and the twinkling lights of coastal villages passing you by.

Pirates of Kos family boat trip with island swim stop

Ahoy there! Pirate Tim and his feathery first-mate, Calypso the Parrot, need your help to track down their lost treasure. But first, you need to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a TUI Pirate. Set sail from the port of Mastichari and cruise towards the enchanting Pserimos Island, just north of Kos. As our seasoned sea captain Markus likes to say, 'Pserimos is a little-known isle with hidden coves perfect for family fun in the sun. We'll anchor in a shallow bay that's ideal for swimming and splashing around'.You'll join our crew in search of the booty, and along the way, everyone will get into the pirate spirit with some help from the pirate team on the boat. There'll be lots of fun activities for everyone to join in with. Our lively pirates will ensure everyone gets into character with a free bandana, face painting and lots of exciting pirate-themed games. You'll learn all the swashbuckling techniques you need, from sword fighting to map reading. And don't forget, a sharp-eyed pirate is always on the lookout for clues, so stay alert for hints that lead to the hidden treasure.When we drop anchor at Pserimos, feel the cool sea breeze as you splash into the water for a swim, or join in more of the playful games and activities we have planned. With the sun shining, laughter ringing, and pirate flags waving, it's sure to be an adventure you and your family will treasure forever.

Kefalos and Zia tour including wine and honey tastings

This tour showcases the best of Kos in just one day. You'll see the archaeological site of Asclepeion and the pretty hilltop village of Zia. And if that wasn't enough, there'll be a chance to taste local wines and honey, too.

Guided tour of Kos Town, Asclepeion and Zia with wine-tasting

With some of the highlights of Kos wrapped up in one day out, this adults-only tour showcases the variety of the island. Together with your guide you'll explore Kos town, the Asclepeion ancient site and the village of Zia. A visit to a wine factory and a viewpoint round off the day. Sophia, one of our expert local guides, says "the Asclepeion of Kos was dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine, and it was known as a healing sanctuary in ancient times. The peaceful surroundings and the extensive gardens were soothing for patients."Start off with a guided visit to Kos town and its eye-catching harbour with bobbing boats lined up. Next, step back in time at ancient Asclepeion, which remains one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. Here, you'll have free time to explore and imagine Hippocrates, who was born on the island of Kos, undergoing his medical education at the Asclepeion. Among the attractions are the remains of the world's first hospital, where doctors learned about medicine from Hippocrates, and studied how to treat disease. You'll also visit the mountain village of Zia, which sprawls beneath Mount Dikaios and is best known for traditional architecture and wonderful views of the coast. After lunch in a typical restaurant, it's on to taste local wine at a wine factory, and honey in a honey factory. Then, at the end of the excursion, you have the chance to capture amazing photos at Kefalos village at the south part of the island.

Full-day tour of Kos Island with boat cruise and barbeque lunch

This tour offers different perspectives of Kos – as you'll discover its wealth of natural and cultural treasures both by land and sea. Among the top attractions are the Hippocrates Foundation, a visit to the village of Kefalos and a cruise.Gain a guided insight into one of the most important cultural sites on the island, the Hippocrates Foundation. This place is loaded with all the info you could possibly want to know about the iconic Greek physician, who's widely considered the father of modern medicine. Explore the museum's exhibits of ancient manuscripts and surgical equipment, before wandering around the well-kept botanical gardens here. Afterwarrds, we'll stop off at an Aloe Vera Farm to try an aloe vera soft drink.From here, ascend to the beautiful village of Kefalos, where you'll visit a traditional house and the old, restored, windmill. Soak up panoramic views of the island and Aegean below, as you wander the narrow streets. Then, it's down to the coast, to board your boat at Kamari. Let your skipper take you to a hidden, idyllic bay. Take a dip and then enjoy a souvlaki lunch on the beach.

Kaiki Boat Cruise from Mastichari

Wind in your hair, sun on your face, you can catch some rays on deck as you set sail from Mastihari. Aboard a traditional Kaiki boat, it's time to relax and unwind as your captain drops anchor at secluded bays and swim spots at the neighbouring islands of Nera and Kalymnos. Eleni, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kaiki are the colourful wooden boats that Greece is so famous for. We are a nation of boatbuilders and fishermen, and even though many Kaiki boats are now used for tourism, look out for them still being used for fishing.'Sun, sea and swimming – a trio of things that make being on holiday so special. Your journey will take you across to the tiny isle of Nera, home to a single house and a handful of deserted coves. Sailing onwards to Kalymnos island, you'll reach the shores around Vlyxadia where you'll be able to cool off in the Aegean and try your hand at snorkelling if you're in the mood. The waters here are calm and clear – and if you're lucky, you may be able to spot the dolphin and sea turtles that call the area home.You'll have free time to make the most of the great swimming spots, top up your tan on deck, or see what you can spot underwater. By lunchtime, you'll be ready for a freshly prepared lunch made with locally sourced ingredients. After tucking into local specialities and Greek favourites on-deck, there's more opportunities for swimming, before it's time for the return trip complete with great views over the water to the Kos coastline.

Zia by Night

Leave the beach behind and head for the hills to the mountain village of Zia for the evening. Sitting high in pine-forested Mount Dikaios, it's bagged itself gorgeous views of the island's North coast and across the Aegean to Turkey. And from up here, the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.

Family Day Trip to Paradise Beach

Kos has its fair share of great beaches but Paradise Beach in the south tops them all. With its crystal clear waters and fine golden sand it is easy to see how it earned its name. Spend a day relaxing under the sun, take a dip in the shallows or, if you're feeling brave, why not try your hand at one of the optional watersports.

Bodrum Day Trip with Transport

Why settle for just seeing Greece while you're here? Turkey's just a short distance away and this trip offers a great taste of its culture and sights. You'll take a guided tour of one of it's biggest resorts, Bodrum, as well as have some free time to shop and sightsee.

Kos Town by day

On this half-day outing, you'll explore Kos town under your own steam. As the island's capital, it offers up plenty of stuff to see and do. You'll be picked up from your hotel and dropped off in the centre, where the time's all yours to do as you wish.

Greek Night

Greece is renowned for its loud and lively nights out, and this one is no exception. You'll head to the village of Zia in the centre of Kos where a feast of meze, wine, dancing and music all awaits. Kids are welcome, too – the more the merrier.With its whitewashed buildings, blue-capped domes and views over the island, the village of Zia is an idyllic spot to spend the evening. And with hospitality as friendly as this, you'll not want to leave. You'll start off with a delicious meze of traditional Greek dishes to warm up your appetite and wash it down with unlimited wine.But the star turn is the dancing. Expect a whirlwind show as traditionally costumed dancers whip up the atmosphere to sweet bouzouki music. Before long, you'll be joining in, linking arms and whirling to the infectious tunes.