With an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and 11 hours of daily sunshine, Kos is the best greek island to visit in May.

May, as well as September and October, are considered shoulder season when visiting Greece.

The months of July and August instead are considered high season to travel to Greece, so there are tourists everywhere and the prices go up.

If you are looking for heat, the southerly island of Kos is the place to go.

It is right in the heart of the Dodecanese islands and the month of May is a good time of the year to go.

The daytimes will certainly be warm and also in the evenings it will remain above 15ºC, ideal for night strolls along the island’s sandy beaches.

In May, there will be very little rain and also humidity ought to be reduced, enabling visitors to discover Kos’ medieval castle and also old ruins without overheating.

The Cycladic islands Mykonos and Santorini, or Mykonos Naxos, or even an island hopping tour Santorini Crete is also a great choice for your May holiday, but I like Kos more.

It is more authentic and has some amazing landscapes, not to mention the great price-quality ratio for restaurants and hotels.

How to get to Kos, the best greek island to visit in May

Kos is a very popular destination from the Dodecanese islands group so getting here is very easy and simple.

You have two options:

• By plane
• By ferry

Getting to Kos by plane

The international airport “Hippocrates” is open for domestic flights all year round and the flight time is about 1 hour.

Athens is the main city with direct connections to this airport, but during shoulder and peak seasons you can find direct flight also from Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Astypalea and Heraklion.

Especially during the summer season, the airport also receives direct flights, charter flights from some European countries as well.

The airport is located 24 kilometres from Kos Town so renting a car or getting a taxi are the best ways to get from the airport to the hotel.

I personally recommend renting a car, as Kos, the best Greek island to visit in May has amazing sceneries and it is a pity to travel to this island and not explore it.

A car is the best way to move around as it gives you mobility and freedom so needed and the renting prices are also really convenient.

Get the best price for your car rental today

If you are a fan of public transport, then you should know that the closest public bus stop which travels between the airport and Kos town is located 50 metres away from the airport entrance.

Getting to Kos by ferry

If you have more time and want to travel around Greece in the traditional way, then ferries are the best transportation method for you.

There are direct ferries from Piraeus port in Athens 4 times per week and the trip lasts for about 11 hours.

Stay safe while you travel

The good news is that the island of Kos is linked with some other greek islands by ferry.

An island-hopping trip might be a great idea for those of you who want to visit more places in a single trip.

There are direct ferries from Rhodes, Patmos, Kalymnos and Leros and from some Turkish destinations, like Bodrum.

The closest ferry ride is the one from Patmos which lasts for about 2 or 3 hours.

What to see and do in Kos

Kos, one of the best Greek islands to visit in May has many amazing attractions spread all across the island.

And besides that, there is a wide variety of activities to try which makes from it the perfect destination for your holiday.

And here are the best things to do and see while on the best greek island to visit in May:

1. Asklepion

Located not far from Kos Town, Asklepion is the place where Hippocrates was trained in the 5th century BC and the place is known as the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine.

People from all over the world used to come here at this sanctuary seeking treatment at the permission of the sanctuary’s priests.

Thanks to modern technology visitors can see the 3D reconstruction of the sanctuary if they download an app and walk along with the ruins.

2. Ancient Agora

A few steps from the Nerantzia Castle, right near the port lies the most active point of the island, the social soul of the ancient Kos, the Agora.

What is Agora in Ancient Greece?

Greek Agora was used in ancient Greece to describe the public place located in the center of the Greek city-states where all the activities were happening. The translation of the word agora means “assembly” or “gathering place”. The Agora is the center of social, politic, athletic, business, artistic and spiritual life of the Greek city.

This is considered to be one of the largest Agora from the entire Greek and it was built for the first time in the 4th century BC.

The place was destroyed many times along the centuries and each time when it was rebuilt it was prettier and larger.

Limestones used at the oldest constructions and marble in the new ones are visible everywhere and information boards can be found everywhere to help you get a better understanding of the place.

3. Palio Pili

The beautiful village of Palio Pili was the capital of the island from the 11th century to the 19th century.

By 1830 the place was abandoned because of the cholera epidemic and today you can reach the ghost village by car.

On the mountaintop of the best Greek island to visit in May you can find the crumbling walls of a Byzantine castle.

The castle was built in the 9th century by the Knights of St John as a refuge from pirate attacks.

The view from the top is absolutely incredible and on sunny and clear days you can see the Turkish coast, the islands of Pserimos and Kalymnos and even the whole Kos island.

4. Casa Romana

This amazing ancient monument known as Casa Romana was discovered in the 1930s and is a beautiful building, fully restored consisting of a 36 room villa located in the southern part of Kos town.

The house has been built 2000 years ago and stands out with its beautiful columns and a smaller atrium.

The restoration process was slow and costly and it shows exactly what is new and what is real.

The place is full of statues of nymphs and Athena, coins, mosaics and faint frescoes, all labelled with interpretive signs.

5. Agios beach

The best greek island to visit in May is not just about ancient ruins, it is also about amazing beaches where you can perfect your tan and relax.

And one of my favourite beaches from the island is Agios Stefanos, a beautiful beach with white sand and pebbles.

What I like most at this beach is the scenery; the beach facing Kastri, a spectacular islet crested by a tall rock.

And these also the fact that you can hire a pedal boat to cross the channel and explore the islet and visit the church of Agios Nicolaos.

6. Tigaki beach

Another amazing beach on the best greek island to visit in May is Tigaki beach located in the northern part of the island, facing the south coast of Pserimos across the straits.

The beach is perfect for families with kids because of its shallow and calm waters, beautiful sand and the number of taverns where you can eat your lunch or experience a wine tasting.

7. Neratzia Castle

Another ancient ruin built by The Knights of St John is this amazing castle built in the 15th century.

Its main purpose was to protect the entrance to the port at the time when Kos was in the sights of the Ottoman Empire.

 

The castle has two layers of wall surfaces, the one from the interior being older and dating to the mid-15th century.

The external wall surface is dating to the 16th century according to historical evidence found.

After Kos was captured by the Ottomans in the 1500s the castle was a fort and also the seat of the island’s leader.

8. Cavo Paradiso

For a beach in a wilder atmosphere make your way south from Kefalos in the direction of Capo Crichelo at the far south of the best greek island to visit in May.

There isn’t the tiniest indicator of human habitation on the rugged, dry inclines mounting Cavo Paradiso.

At the deserted southern end stands a high, rugged cliff, as well as this part of the coastline, is for individuals who really worth personal privacy.

You’ll find a little bit much more life in the direction of the north at an isolated coastline bar renting out parasols, sunlight loungers as well as windbreaks.

The breezes and surf are a little livelier at Cavo Paradiso so swimming can be difficult, however, there’s a huge shallow location to paddle in.

9. Plaka Forest

Located west from the airport and protected from the hot summer sun, Plaka Forest is a popular recreation area with picnic tables and relaxing atmosphere to spend a chill afternoon far from the heat.

Plaka Forest is one place where you can see cats living together with peacocks, which can be surprising!

10. ThermaL Hot Springs

This natural reserve covers most of the east part of the island of Kos and is the perfect place to go if you like to bath in hot springs nested through the rock.

The hot springs were discovered in 1934 and now are among the most popular attractions from the island.

The water is good for those suffering from rheumatism, arthritis and other medical issues as it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, that’s why the smell is so pungent.

This is the perfect day trip from your hotel if you are looking to explore new places and bath into a natural pool.

Where to sleep

Being the best greek island to visit in May, Kos is full of hotels and apartments where you can spend a memorable holiday.

I personally advise you to set your camp in one of the following destinations, rent a car and explore the whole island by yourself as it is a safe place.

My recommendations for your Greek holiday on one of the best greek islands to visit in May are:

1. Kipriotis Village Resort Kos , a wonderful 4-star resort located right on the beach is the best place for you and your family.

 

 

 

An Olympic size pool, a Pirate Ship activity pool and a beautiful family pool are waiting for you to relax and have fun.

 

 

On-site there are 5 great restaurants, a large variety of bars with a large variety of cocktails and wine.

 

 

The place is heaven on earth for children as there are numerous fun-filled activities such as pirate ship with waterslides, mini-golf, a toy store and bike-friendly paths.

A large variety of extra activities such as scuba, horse riding and kitesurfing dedicated to activity people are available at the property.

 

 

Book your room today at Kipriotis Village Resort Kos before it gets sold out for this season.

 

2. Nissia Kamares Kos is a small and cosy oasis in Kardamena, an amazing boutique hotel on the best greek island to visit in May.

 

 

 

 

The aparthotel is built in traditional Greek island style and has 38 apartments and studios overlooking the spectacular gardens.

 

 

 

The complex is located just 150 metres from Kardamena’s sandy beach, shops and restaurants and 3 minutes away from the port.

 

 

All Studios and Apartments have balconies overlooking our lovely gardens where you may enjoy the summery fragrance of lemon and apricot in the morning and the blossoming primrose at night.

 

 

If you are blissfully exhausted from a day under the sun and are looking for a cosy spot to lay back and relax, you came to the right place!

 

 

 

Don’t miss out and book your room today at Kipriotis Village Resort Kos as the rooms are sold pretty fast for this season.

In Conclusion Kos is a magnificent greek island

As you could see in this article Kos island is indeed an amazing place with many interesting attractions and perfect weather all year round.

Now you know everything you need about this beautiful island in order to plan a wonderful trip here.

I strongly encourage you to visit this island this year and after you come home, please share with us your thoughts and impressions about this Greek pearl.