Kos Airport Mini Guide
Tell me why I should visit Kos?
It’ a great place for a relaxing holiday. There’s not much to do there apart from sunbathe, shop and enjoy the variety of great food in the beach and harbour side restaurants. For those that want a little more action, most beaches have a good range of water sports and there are numerous little stalls selling souvenirs and beachwear in all the resorts. A favourite trip of many is to catch the ferry or hydrofoil over to the Turkish mainland where, in anticipation of your arrival, local traders set up stalls selling Turkish products including honey, spices and clothing.
How do I get to Kos?
Kos receives thousands of flights from dozens of European destinations each year. Most of them are seasonal chartered flights but Ryanair and easyJet both fly year round from
UK airports including some regional ones. It’s fifteen miles from Kos Town so a little bit of a trek, although taxis, buses and car hire is available. No matter where you
hire a car in Greece you can rest assured that you'll receive the same great service and standard of rental car you are accustomed to from the leading car hire companies like Budget, Hertz and Thrifty.
What’s the airport Like?
It’s modern, spacious and well organised. Originally built in the sixties, it has been upgraded many times since in response to growing tourist numbers. Facilities are good for an island airport.
What should I do when I arrive?
After disembarking and passing through passport control, collect your luggage and head for the arrivals hall. If you need any information about the airport’s facilities there’s a help desk in the middle of the arrivals hall and a tourist information bureau to the side. This can help you organise your onward travel as well as arranging accommodation if necessary. The car hire desks are quick to find and you don’t have far to walk to collect them once the paperwork is finalised. Taxis operate from the airport but for the cheaper option of a bus into Kos Town you’ll have to walk to the roundabout at the end of the airport access road. There’s a medical centre at the airport should you need it and the airport is fully capable of giving access to all public areas and helping people with reduced mobility. There are no banking facilities apart from an ATM near the exit door.
What about my departure?
Once you’ve checked in, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the facilities whilst you wait to be called to your gate. There’s a restaurant offering hot and cold meals together with light snacks. The range is typically Greek with some fast food style offerings. Once you’ve had a meal you can shop at the kiosk selling newspapers, confectionery and drinks or head through to the departure lounge and shop at the well-stocked duty free outlet which sells a range of Greek spirits and wine together with international brands, tobacco and a selection of perfumes. As it is mainly a holiday airport there are no Wi-Fi or business facilities here.
Kos is the island birthplace of Hippocrates and you can visit his famous plane tree on the island, now home to a dream temple. The island has many pretty villages including Kardamena and Kefalos but the main town of Kos itself is also worthwhile exploring.
With a hire car you’ll be able to get up into the old town to visit the 14th century fortress built by the crusader knights and also drive down to the ferry which will take you over to
Turkey and the party resort of Bodrum.