Book Flights to Kos, Greece
Kos — a Greek Dodecanese island in the southeastern Aegean, just 4 km off the Turkish coast near Bodrum, birthplace of Hippocrates (c. 460 BC) — is one of the Mediterranean's finest destinations for combining ancient history and beach perfection. The island offers the Asklepion healing sanctuary, the Hippocrates Tree (Europe's oldest living plane tree), the spectacular medieval Castle of the Knights of St. John, extraordinary Roman mosaics (Casa Romana), natural volcanic hot springs at Bros Therma, and Paradise Beach — one of Greece's most celebrated stretches of golden sand. All this on an island flat enough to explore entirely by bicycle.
Kos Airport (KGS) is served by Aegean Airlines (Athens, year-round), easyJet (London Gatwick), Ryanair (London Stansted, Berlin), Jet2 (Manchester and UK regional airports), and Transavia (Amsterdam) in summer season. FareOptic compares all fares — direct and via Athens — to find the cheapest flights to Kos.
Cheap Flight Deals to Kos
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Why Visit Kos, Greece?
Hippocrates' birthplace, Asklepion sanctuary, Paradise Beach, Knight's Castle, Roman mosaics, volcanic hot springs, and the Aegean's most cycle-friendly island.
Hippocrates Tree and the Asklepion
The Birthplace of Medicine — Hippocrates' IslandKos is the birthplace of Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BC), the ancient Greek physician considered the father of Western medicine and the originator of the Hippocratic Oath (the foundational ethical code of medicine still sworn by physicians today). The Plane Tree of Hippocrates — a giant Oriental plane tree in Kos Town's central Plateia Platanou, claimed to be the very tree under which Hippocrates taught his students — is reportedly Europe's oldest living tree (approximately 2,400 years old). The Asklepion — a 3rd-century BC healing sanctuary and medical school 3 km from Kos Town, dedicated to Asclepius (the god of medicine) — is where Hippocrates' medical tradition was practised and taught.
The Hippocratic Oath
The Hippocratic Oath ('First, do no harm') — the foundational ethical document of Western medicine, attributed to Hippocrates or the Hippocratic school — has been administered to medical graduates in some form for 2,400 years. Modern medical schools use adapted versions that retain the core principles: beneficence, non-maleficence, confidentiality, and refusal to harm. Hippocrates' empirical approach — observing symptoms, recording clinical data, and treating disease as natural rather than supernatural — established the methodology of Western medicine
Kos Town and the Knight's Castle
Medieval Crusader Fortress and Ancient Agora — 3,000 Years of HistoryKos Town — the island's capital on the northeastern tip, population approximately 18,000 — is one of the most historically layered small cities in the Aegean: the massive Castle of the Knights of St. John (15th century, built from ancient marble blocks including from the Asklepion), the ancient Roman Agora (2nd century AD), the intact Defterdar Mosque (1786) and minaret reflecting the Ottoman period, and the elegant Italian-colonial architecture of the main seafront (the island was under Italian control 1912–1943). The Roman Odeon (amphitheatre, 2nd century AD) seats 750 and is still used for performances.
The Knights of St. John
The Knights Hospitaller (Order of St. John) occupied Kos from 1315 to 1523, using it as a key defensive position in the eastern Mediterranean. The Castle of the Knights — built from ancient marble (including columns and inscriptions from the sanctuary of Asclepius) — was the primary fortification for the island and was designed to defend against Ottoman naval attack. When Suleiman the Magnificent's fleet finally captured Kos in 1523, the Knights retreated to Malta, where their order continues today
Beaches of Kos
The Aegean's Best Sand — Exotic Beach, Paradise Beach, and Kefalos BayKos has some of the finest beaches in the Aegean: Exotic Beach (Psalidi, 4 km from Kos Town) — a natural hot spring that warms the sea to 27°C at its edges; Paradise Beach — 8 km of golden sand on the southern coast, consistently rated one of the best beaches in Greece; Kefalos Bay — a quieter southwestern beach with clear turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and tavernas; and Bros Therma — where natural volcanic hot springs flow directly into the sea, creating a naturally heated pool against the rocks. The island is flat and ideal for cycling between beaches.
Cycling on Kos
Kos is the most cycle-friendly Greek island: almost perfectly flat, with dedicated cycle paths connecting Kos Town to the main beaches and inland villages. Bicycle rental is inexpensive (€5–10 per day) and widely available throughout the island. The cycle path from Kos Town to Paradise Beach (8 km, through salt flats and past ancient ruins) is one of the finest cycling routes in the Greek islands
Ancient Ruins — Roman Agora and Casa Romana
Roman Kos — A Provincial Capital's Archaeological LegacyRoman Kos (Kos was a prosperous Roman provincial city from 130 BC to the 3rd century AD) left remarkable archaeological traces: the Central Archaeological Site adjacent to the Castle of the Knights contains the ruins of the 2nd-century AD Roman Agora, temples, a gymnasium, and the Roman Odeon (amphitheatre). Casa Romana — a restored 3rd-century AD Roman villa with extraordinarily well-preserved mosaic floors depicting mythological scenes — provides a vivid picture of elite Roman life in the eastern Mediterranean. The Western Archaeological Site contains the Xystos (Roman gymnasium colonnades) and the Roman Agora's Stoa.
Kos Mosaics
Casa Romana's mosaic floors — depicting Heracles fighting the Nemean lion, Europa and the Bull, tigers, panthers, sea creatures, and geometric patterns — are among the finest surviving Roman mosaic ensembles in the Aegean. The villa's reconstruction (completed 1940 under Italian archaeological supervision) preserves the floor layouts, courtyard garden, and painted wall plaster of the original 14-room residence. The mosaics are comparable in quality to those found at Pompeii
Zia Village and Mount Dikeos
Traditional Kos — Sunset Views Over the Aegean and Turkish CoastlineZia — a traditional hillside village on the slopes of Mount Dikeos (846 metres, Kos's highest peak), 16 km from Kos Town — is famous for arguably the best sunset views in the Dodecanese: from Zia's taverna terraces, the sun sets directly over the silhouette of the Turkish coast (Bodrum is just 4 km across the water), the Aegean turns gold and rose, and Kos's flat interior and beach coastline spread out below. The village is a short drive from the Asclepion and makes an excellent combination day trip.
Bodrum and the Turkey Day Trip
Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of Herodotus) is just 4 km from Kos across the Kos Strait — ferries run multiple times daily in summer (45-minute crossing). Bodrum offers the remarkable Bodrum Castle (St. Peter's Castle, built 1402 by the Knights of St. John using blocks from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and Bodrum's extraordinary nightlife and beach club scene
How to Find Cheap Flights to Kos
Book UK Direct Flights (easyJet/Jet2) for Summer — No Athens Connection Needed
The cheapest and fastest way to reach Kos from the UK is a direct summer charter or scheduled flight via easyJet (Gatwick), Ryanair (Stansted), Jet2 (Manchester and regional), or TUI. These seasonal direct flights (May–October) avoid the Athens connection and typically cost £80–180 return in shoulder season. Book 4–6 months ahead for July–August peak fares.
Fly via Athens (Aegean) for Year-Round Access and More Flexibility
For travel outside the May–October season (or for flexible date/routing options), fly to Athens (ATH) with any European carrier and connect via Aegean Airlines to Kos. Athens is served by dozens of European airlines year-round. The ATH–KGS segment is typically €60–120 booked with Aegean. This route also gives you the option of a night in Athens.
May, June, and September–October for Best Value — Avoid August Peak
June and September offer ideal Kos conditions: 28–32°C, calm seas, all tavernas and beaches open, and fares 30–50% lower than the August peak. May is excellent for walkers and history enthusiasts (uncrowded ruins, wildflowers). The island is near-deserted October–April; most beach facilities and tourist accommodation close.
Combine Kos with a Bodrum Day Trip by Ferry
Bodrum (Turkey) is just 45 minutes by ferry from Kos Harbour — the ferry runs multiple times daily in summer. Bodrum's Castle (built by the same Knights of St. John who built Kos Castle), Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and legendary nightlife are well worth a day trip. Bring your passport — you're crossing an international border. EU and UK citizens need a visa or e-Visa for Turkey.
Airlines Flying to Kos (KGS)
Aegean Airlines
Athens to Kos — Year-Round Greek Domestic ServiceAegean Airlines operates Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Kos (KGS) year-round with multiple daily flights in peak season, providing the primary domestic Greek connection and the main hub for international connections. Athens is Aegean's hub and is served by dozens of European and international airlines, making it the most practical gateway to Kos from outside Greece. Aegean is a member of the Star Alliance.
Key Routes
Athens ATH to Kos KGS (multiple daily in season); Athens hub connections to all major European cities
easyJet & Ryanair
Budget Direct Flights from UK and Europe to KoseasyJet operates London Gatwick (LGW) to Kos (KGS) directly in the summer season (typically May–October), offering among the lowest fares on the UK–Kos route. Ryanair connects Berlin Brandenburg (BER) and London Stansted (STN) to Kos with seasonal service. Both carriers offer no-frills direct flights without the need to connect via Athens — the most time-efficient option for UK and Northern European travellers heading to Kos.
Key Routes
London LGW via easyJet (May–Oct); London STN via Ryanair; Berlin BER via Ryanair — seasonal summer service
Jet2, Transavia & British Airways
Package Holiday and Full-Service Connections to KosJet2 operates Manchester (MAN), Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, and other UK regional airports to Kos with package holiday and flight-only fares — one of the most popular UK carriers for Kos holidays, consistently offering competitive inclusive-package pricing. Transavia (KLM's low-cost subsidiary) connects Amsterdam (AMS) to Kos in summer. British Airways operates London Heathrow (LHR) to Kos seasonally for premium travellers.
Key Routes
Manchester MAN and 8 UK regional airports via Jet2; Amsterdam AMS via Transavia; London LHR via British Airways (seasonal)
Things to Do in and around Kos, Greece
Important Information Before You Fly to Kos
Currency
Euro (€) — 1 USD ≈ 0.92 € approx.
Language
Greek; English widely spoken in tourist areas
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Country Code
+30 (Greece)
Airport Code
KGS — Kos Island Intl 'Hippocrates' (25 km from Kos Town)
US Entry
No visa required for US citizens (90 days Schengen)
Power Plugs
Type C/F — 230V / 50Hz (adaptor needed for US devices)
Emergency Number
112 (general) / 100 (Police) / 166 (Ambulance)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Kos
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Kos, Greece
What airport serves Kos, Greece?
Kos Island International Airport 'Hippocrates' (KGS) is located 25 km southwest of Kos Town. It is served in summer by Aegean Airlines (from Athens year-round), easyJet (London Gatwick), Ryanair (London Stansted, Berlin), Jet2 (Manchester and UK regional airports), Transavia (Amsterdam), and British Airways (London LHR). Most direct UK and European services operate May–October only.
How do I get from Kos Airport to Kos Town?
Kos Airport (KGS) is 25 km from Kos Town. Taxis cost approximately €30–40 and take 25–35 minutes. Public buses connect the airport to Kos Town (€3, approximately 45 minutes, limited frequency — check schedules). Car rental is available at the airport and is recommended for exploring the island independently. The airport road passes close to Kefalos beach area — convenient if you're staying in the south.
What is the best time to visit Kos?
June and September for the best value combination of warm sea (26–28°C), full tourist services, uncrowded beaches, and fares 30–50% lower than August. July–August is the hottest (32–35°C), most crowded, and most expensive. May is excellent for uncrowded ancient sites and wildflowers; the sea is cooler (21–23°C). The island largely shuts down November–April.
Do US citizens need a visa for Greece?
No — US citizens do not need a visa to visit Greece (EU/Schengen) for stays up to 90 days within 180 days. A valid US passport is required. Greece uses the Euro (€). ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to be required for US citizens in the near future — check current requirements before travel. Emergency number: 112.
What is Kos famous for?
Kos (population approximately 33,000) is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates (father of Western medicine, c. 460 BC), the Asklepion healing sanctuary, the Hippocrates Tree (Europe's oldest living plane tree), the Castle of the Knights of St. John, Paradise Beach (one of Greece's best), natural hot springs at Bros Therma, and its proximity to Bodrum, Turkey (4 km across the water). Kos consistently ranks among the top Greek islands for beaches and historical heritage.
Can I take a day trip to Turkey from Kos?
Yes — Bodrum (Turkey) is 4 km from Kos across the Kos Strait, with ferries running multiple times daily in summer (45-minute crossing, approximately €20–35 return). Bring your passport — it's an international border crossing. UK citizens require a Turkish e-Visa (£17, obtained at evisa.gov.tr). EU citizens have visa-free access to Turkey for up to 90 days. US citizens require a Turkish e-Visa ($50, obtained at evisa.gov.tr).
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