Kos is a very popular Greek Island, famous for its buzzing nightlife scene. Still, visitors can find authentic villages, quiet beaches and beautiful natural areas.
On the island, there are many facilities for active and wellness holidays and also an abundance of well-preserved historic sites.
Kos has regular ferry connections with the port of Piraeus, various Aegean Islands and also Bodrum in Turkey.
The international airport of Kos hosts flights from Athens and other cities in Greece and Europe. If you wish to tour around the Dodecanese, you can fly in (or out) of Kos and do the rest of your trip by ferry.
The closest islands to Kos are Kalymnos, Pserimos, Leros, Nisyros and Tilos.
How to get from Kalymnos to Kos Island
The port of Kalymnos is located about 34km (or 18.5 nautical miles) from the main port of Kos. During the summer, there are around 3 ferry connections every day, while winter itineraries usually offer 1 daily ferry.
Ferry from Kalymnos to Kos
Different types of ferries run the route from Kalymnos to Kos (main port), including large vessels and high-speed catamarans. Most of them are for passengers and vehicles.
Boat companies on this itinerary are Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, ANEK Lines and sometimes SAOS Ferries.
How many ports are there in Kos?
Kos has 3 ports: Chora, Mastichari and Kardamena.
The port of Chora is the main port of Kos, located on the east end of the island. From here, you can take the ferry to the port of Piraeus, the other islands of the Dodecanese, some islands in the Cyclades, like Syros and Amorgos, and also Turkey.
Mastichari port on the northwest, has ferries that travel to the north islands of the Dodecanese, like Kalymons, Patmos and Lipsi.
From the small port of Kardamena in the southwest, you can take a ferry to Nisyros and sometimes also Tilos.
Things to do in Kos
Kos has 11 villages, some located by the sea while others are inland, on the hills and countryside. Most of the villages have numerous tourist facilities, but some retain their traditional character and authentic lifestyle.
Nightlife in Kos
Many visitors come to Kos for its rocking nightlife. The island has all kinds of bars and small clubs to suit every taste. The best places to enjoy a wild night out are Kos Town, where everyone gathers on 2 main streets: Bar Street and the Harbor Promenade.
Walking along the sounds of electronic music, rock, jazz, pop and more, you can see and get seen, make new holiday friends, or grab a cocktail with your friends.
Another famous nightlife area of Kos is Kardamena, about 27km away from the capital. Here, party lovers can enjoy all-night fun, with venues closing early in the morning.
On the beaches of Lambi and Tigaki, you can enjoy late-night drinks by the sea and some wild parties with famous DJs and live bands.
Beaches in Kos
Most beaches in Kos offer some type of facilities, like sun loungers and umbrellas, and the majority have at least one beach bar for drinks and snacks. There are also a few windsurfing centers and a couple of nudism-friendly places.
The most popular beaches in Kos are the Town Beach and Kardamena as well as Lambi and Tigaki. Here, you can find a wide variety of facilities and activities, like jet skis, sups, etc.
Windsurfers and kite surfers hang out at the long beaches of Psalidi, Marmari and beautiful Kochilari, a serene beach with emerald waters and fine sand.
If you are looking for a secluded beach, visit Cavo Paradiso. A long stretch of sand, with a few coves and an imposing landscape. Tripit Beach is great for long hours of relaxation, with white sand, turquoise waters and views of magical sunsets.
Where I get the ferry from Kalymnos to Kos?
The ferry from Kalymnos to Kos leaves from the main port at Pothia. Because it is the capital of the island, Pothia is well connected to the rest of Kalymnos Island by municipal buses and private taxis.
How long is the ferry ride to Kos from Kalymnos?
The ferry to Kos from Kalymnos usually takes less than 1 hour, and most high-speed vessels need about 40 minutes.
How much is the cost to travel to Kos from Kalymnos?
Ferry tickets to the main port of Kos from Kalymnos cost between €7 and €22 (standard fare). Most vessels on this route can also transfer vehicles. The ticket for a medium-sized car costs from €20 to €44.
Kalymnos to Mastichari ferries
If you are looking for a fast and easy way to travel between the 2 islands, check out Kalymnos to Mastichari ferries.
Local boat companies run about 10 daily routes in the summer, starting from early in the morning, 6am, until late in the evening, 9:15pm.
This is a short 30-40min. trip, with cheap ferry tickets that cost €8-€10 for passengers and just €17 for cars.
Things to do in Mastichari
On top of swimming on its beautiful beach, Mastichari is a paradise for advanced windsurfers thanks to its strong winds.
If you are looking for some stretching and wellness, visit the local yoga center and its open-air shala. Just outside the village, Kos Water Park promises endless hours of family fun.
History enthusiasts can visit the ruins of a 5th-century AD basilica dedicated to St. John, with a well-preserved mosaic floor. Also, the Hippocrates Cultural Center, a replica of an ancient Greek settlement of the 5th century BC.
Useful tips for ferry travel to Kos from Kalymnos
- There are many ferry itineraries to Kos from Kalymnos, still, it’s advisable to book your ferry ticket online in advance, especially if you travel in August and need to catch a flight from Kos.
- Most of the Kalymnos-Kos ferries are high-speed vessels that arrive and depart quite fast. So make sure you arrive at the designated port gate at least half an hour earlier, especially in high season.
- If you spend your holidays in Kalymnos, you can easily visit Kos for the day and get a taste of this famous island.
For any ferry information, contact our travel agency myferry.gr
