Looking for the ultimate off the beaten track places Kos has?
I have been visiting Greece for more than 20 years and Kos is absolutely one of my favourite places.
Not only is there loads to do but you don’t have to search far until you find the most unique experiences that you will not find anywhere else.
But I’m sure you are super busy with other things so let me walk you through the best hidden gems you should add to your Kos itinerary.
No matter if you are looking for the most romantic things to do in Kos or the best spots for families, this guide has something for everyone!
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problem!
The best experience in Kos for unique and non-touristy sites is THE UNCHARTED ESCAPES EXPERIENCE.
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The Best Tours On Kos Island
I love booking a tour when visiting Greece, it just makes life so much easier and being shown around by a local is always the way!
For you to have the most authentic and brilliant Kos trip, these are the top tours you should consider booking:
THE UNCHARTED ESCAPES EXPERIENCE
✔️ Explore remote destinations
✔️ Traditional lunch included
✔️Round trip transport
✔️ Set in a traditional house & gardens
✔️ Traditional lunch included
✔️ Can request hotel pick-up
Make sure you grab your free essential information Guide for your Kos adventure ⬇️
Before we jump into the ultimate activities to do in Kos, are you getting there by ferry?
🌊 For those who are arriving to/ from Kos by Ferry or want to do some Island Hopping, check out this guide. It includes everything you may need to know including Ferry times and how to purchase your tickets.
The 11 Best Unique Things To Do In Kos:
1. Try Homemade Lemonade With The Best Views In Kos
For a taste of rustic Greece with the most incredible views, stop at the Oria Taverna by Pyli Castle.
This was without a doubt, one of my favourite Kos secret spots that was recommended to me by a local!
Not many people know about this taverna and it is so surprising because it’s just amazing. The rustic setting overlooking the rugged landscapes of ancient Pyli gives you the ultimate taste of Kos Island.
When looking for Tavernas in the Pyli area, this taverna isn’t normally found on tourist sites. It’s usually full of locals or walkers who have stumbled upon it so it’s pretty chilled.
Try the Homemade Lemonade here as you admire the views and you will easily see why this is the most amazing place to stop.
🏺Where is the Oria Taverna?
When visiting the Castle in Pyli there is a path that forks off. If you pick left you go to the Castle, If you go right you will find the Taverna.
2. Tuck Into Some Tzatziki And Watch The Sun Set
You are probably thinking “I can get Tzatziki anywhere in Greece”. And you are right.
But there is no better way to catch the best sunset over Kos than from the hidden cafe in Zia.
The Mountain town of Zia is 16 KM from Kos town and is full of charm, tavernas, crafts and is a great place to visit for all.
Many tours and visitors flock to the town of Zia for one reason, to catch the best views of the sunset. This is easily the best place in the whole of Kos to watch the sunset, so be warned, it gets super busy.
As you walk into the town you will notice the first few restaurants and viewing points are incredibly busy.
So if you want the best restaurant in Zia, Kos for sunset, visit The Watermill of Zia.
The Watermill Cafe offers the best dips with a view. For 5 Euros you can get so much bread and Tzatziki to watch the sunset. This is the ultimate way to avoid crowds and get the best snaps of the sun setting over Kos.
To find the Watermill Cafe just stroll through the cobbled main street of Zia and head up the steps.
This colourful Cafe is hard to miss and I was so glad I stumbled upon one of the best Kos hidden gems!
Be warned, Zia gets super busy at Sunset so getting a bus transfer here is a great option.
Not only will you be guaranteed to see the sunset, but you also don’t have to worry about parking or driving in Greece (spaces fill up pretty quickly!)
If you want to enjoy Zia on your terms but want a convenient bus pickup service to and from your Hotel, the get your guide service is the one for you!
👆 This service is fantastic as your driver will check what time the sun is setting that day and base your pick-up time on that.
🤩 Book Your Zia Trip Before It Sells Out Here!
3. Stroll Through the Grape Vines At Kos Island’s Vineyards
For the ultimate things to do in Kos Greece, take a stroll through Kos Island’s Vineyards.
You can arrange to visit the Vineyards through tours but if you want to save money and have a more bespoke, intimate visit, arrange it yourself.
There is no Uber in Kos so make sure you book your transport in advance!
In most of the vineyards, you can just turn up and pay for a tour or wine tasting. If you have ever wanted to visit a vineyard, visiting them on a trip to Kos is the best way to do it!
4. Visit The Byzantine Castle Of Old Pyli
Kos Island, the home of Hippocrates is oozing with History. When many people visit the Island they stop by the plane tree of Hippocrates or Asklepieion, the World’s first hospital.
But if you want to do one of the best activities in Kos full of History and incredible views, stop by the Byzantine Castle.
Old Pyli or Paleo Pyli is where you will find the hilltop ruins of the 11th-12th century fortress.
The walk up to the fortress is rugged but the views are worth it. Just make sure you are wearing good footwear.
I found there to be plenty of shade here but if you are visiting during the Summer season, stop here in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. It is a little bit out of the way so to get here stress-free, you should consider hiring a car!
5. Go Souvenir Shopping In Kardamena
No trip to Kos is complete without checking out the local crafts and products created here. For the most unique gifts, stop by Kardamena.
As Greece is famous for its olives, get the best souvenir at the Olive Shop. This shop is full of everything and anything you can think of made from local, organic olives.
Kardamena is a great town to stroll through, check out the local products and grab a bite to eat. If you are looking for a change of pace from Kos Town, this is the spot for you.
Even though it was once known as a party location, the vibe has changed. The person I visited with actually did a trip there 10 years ago and showed me how much it had changed!
6. Take A Dip In The Thermal Waters
Did you know you don’t have to fly to Iceland to enjoy a hot spring? That’s right, there is a spot in Kos!
This is one of the top hidden gems in Kos and a great way to spend a few hours. Swapping the sandy beaches and crowded waves for these pools will give you an experience that not many other Greek destinations can.
The Therma Hot Springs and Beach can be found 10 km away from Kos Town. Here you will find a pool area where the hot springs appear by the sea.
If you want a private pool, you can easily dig one like many of the locals do.
For the best experience, arrive before 8 am. You are more than likely to have the thermal waters all to yourself for a few hours.
When I visited it was busier around 10:30 am and I felt it was slightly less relaxing then.
Just make sure you bring some good flip-flops or sturdy shoes too as there are rocks in the area.
7. Bite Into The Oldest Biscuits On Kos Island
This is one of the most unique things to do in Kos and somewhere many people don’t add to their itinerary, but they should!
The Traditional Windmill Of Antimachia not only make the most amazing biscuits but are made actually at the Mill.
It is not only the oldest but the only one in use on Kos Island today!
It costs roughly €3.00 for a ticket and this includes a tour of the mill, tasters of the bread and biscuits made here and photos taken of you.
There is also a gift shop where you can buy some goods to bring home with you. I ended up buying the lemon biscuits and tomato breadsticks because they were seriously addictive.
8. Dine At Avli
This is one of the best restaurants near Kos town and I ate there twice on my last trip!
Avli Traditional restaurant is found in Kardamenia and has the most beautiful setting. It is a huge courtyard filled with greenery and surrounds a historic traditional building.
The menu has a seriously good selection and covers pretty much every requirement you could need if you are eating out as a group.
No matter what you order, make sure you order the homemade bread with dips, I still think about it now because it was that good.
However, if you want to stay central, these are the best restaurants in Kos town you should consider booking a table at:
8. Stroll Through Plaka Forest
Exploring the Plaka forest stands out as one of the best activities in Kos as it is seriously enchanting.
As you meander through the lush greenery, you will find the most friendly peacocks and cats that want to interact with you.
I am terrified of birds so was worried about this experience but I honestly loved it!
It is also free to enter which is great for anyone who wants a cheap day out during their getaway.
However, you need to exercise caution, especially regarding charity donations. Make sure you only donate money or any cat items to the officials wearing charity t-shirts.
Unfortunately, there is an old man who will try and get money out of you but he has nothing to do with the charity.
9. Go Volcano Hunting At Nisyros
Embarking on a day trip to Nisyros emerges as one of the most extraordinary activities in Kos.
The 1 hour and 30 minutes (ish) journey transports you to this volcanic marvel, unveiling magnificent views of the sea and neighbouring islands along the way.
The main attraction lies in the visit to the volcano and its crater, accessible for €3. For those less inclined to walk, an €8 bus option from the port to the volcano is available.
However, this experience is made so much better and easier by opting for a guided tour.
It not only covers transportation to and from the island but also includes the boat trip and a knowledgeable guide, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable exploration of Nisyros and its awe-inspiring natural wonders.
10. Take In The Views From Mount Dikaios
Okay, I will be the first to admit, I am a sucker for a good view so had to include this stop!
Places like Zia offer amazing views but those from Mount Dikaios are much better. It’s the highest point on the Island and offers amazing views of the rugged landscape rolling down to the sea.
This probably isn’t the easiest spot to reach on the island so having a car or private transfer will make it easier. You can even rent an ATV or quad for a few hours if you don’t want to be stuck in a car all day.
11. Visit The Cave of Aspri Petra
The Cave of Aspri Petra in Kos beckons as one of the most captivating off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Located in Keflos, the white stone cave is a spot many tourists usually miss. Not only is it slightly hidden but not the easiest spot to notice from the road.
This is another one of the hidden gems where having a car will make it a lot easier to visit.
The walk to the cave is around 15-20 minutes and like anywhere in Greece, avoid walking during the peak sunshine times.
I walked this route in just flip-flops with no problems but it’s probably a good idea to have more suitable footwear on (especially if you are driving)
Off The Beaten Track Kos FAQs
I’m sure you have a few more questions about how to spend your time in Kos. To help you out, these are the most commonly asked questions visitors have:
For an enchanting sunset experience in Kos, head to Zia.
This charming village, nestled on the slopes of Mount Dikeos, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The combination of vibrant hues painting the sky and the serene landscape makes Zia an idyllic spot to witness the mesmerizing sunset.
Zia and Mount Dikaios are a must-visit for unparalleled views in Kos. Both locations include the ultimate panoramic views across the Island including both mountain and sea.
Kardamena in Kos is known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere, particularly during the tourist season.
However, it does not have the reputation it used to and is far more inviting to families and couples.
Off The Beaten Track Kos Final Thoughts
So there we have it, the best ways to spend your time when visiting one of my favourite Greek Islands!
Even though it is not one of the most popular Greek destinations, it offers visitors the ultimate taste of Greece without the huge price tag of Santorini or the crowds of Mykonos.
Many of the hidden gems dotted around the Island are not only close together so are easy to visit in 1-2 days but are also free.
If you want to make life even easier for you, it’s a good idea to base yourself in Kos Town when you want to explore. Not only is it easy to get to the airport from here but other parts of the Island!
More relevant articles to help you make the most of your trip to Greece:
What Should I Know Before Renting A Car In Greece?
Can You Drink The Water In Greece?
The Best EasyJet Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
The Best Luggage For All Types Of European Travel
Are you planning a trip to Europe? Make sure you click below to pick up your Free Key Phrase Guide⬇️
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
