Kos City Guide

Local dishes include souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, and seafood. There are many international restaurants in Kos Town. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing.

Nightlife centers in Kos Town with bars, clubs, and beach bars. Bar Street is popular for late-night fun.

Strong Greek coffee culture with many cafes serving traditional drinks. Specialty coffee is not widespread.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Usual is 5-10% in restaurants or rounding up fares.

Buy SIM cards in Kos Town at Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind stores. ID is needed to register. eSIMs are becoming more common.

Kos Town and tourist spots are kept clean with regular waste services and some recycling.

24/7 services are limited mainly to peak season. Some mini-marts and food places stay open late in Kos Town.

Larger supermarkets stock local and international products. Smaller markets and mini-marts are also available. Open mostly 8 AM to 9 PM weekdays and Saturdays, limited hours Sundays.

Cards work in most shops, restaurants, and hotels in tourist areas, but keep some cash for markets and remote spots.

ATMs are common in Kos Town and tourist spots. Use ATMs from big banks like National Bank of Greece to reduce fees.

No notable international schools on Kos. Most options with English instruction are in larger Greek cities.

The digital nomad community is small. Remote workers connect online or through local cafes with Wi-Fi in Kos Town.

The Municipal Garden and natural areas provide green space and coastal paths for walking or running.

Running routes include Kos Town promenade and beaches. Routes are generally safe and air quality is good.

There are a few gyms in Kos Town and some hotels have fitness facilities.

Tennis courts are at hotels and sports clubs, with varying availability and rental options.

Padel courts are not common on Kos.

Yoga studios and wellness retreats exist, especially during tourist season, often with English-speaking instructors.

Limited martial arts facilities; some gyms may have group classes.

No skiing or snow sports on Kos.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are popular. Rentals and tours are common in tourist areas.

Wave surfing options are limited, but windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular, especially on Mastichari and Marmari beaches.

Good diving spots with clear water, reefs, wrecks, and marine life. Dive centers and rentals available.

Kos has a main public hospital and private clinics mostly in Kos Town. English-speaking staff are common in private places. Pharmacies are numerous and well distributed.

Tap water in Kos Town and main resorts is treated and usually safe to drink, though some prefer bottled water.

Kos is family-friendly with playgrounds, kid-friendly hotels, and attractions like waterparks and beaches.

Kos is generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, especially in tourist areas. There's low discrimination risk.

Pet policies vary; veterinary and supplies are available. Open spaces exist but no dedicated parks.