Spring and autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the island, since temperatures vary from 16 to 25 degrees and the sea is warm enough for a nice and refreshing swim.
The winters are mild, with temperatures dropping as low as 10C in January and February. Rainfalls are frequent between October and May, something that also explains the lush vegetation of the island.
TELEPHONE
The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. The area code for Kos is 22420 and the local phone numbers have 5 digits. If you want to place a call to another country, you have to dial this country’s national prefix (i.e. for Germany is 0049, for England is 0044 etc.) followed by the desired area code and number.
CURRENCY
Euro €
Euro Coins: 1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color), 10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color)
1 euro = 100 cents / centimes.
Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes.
BUSES
Kos has a very good public transportation network and bus rides are more frequent during the summer months. There are urban buses that will take you around the town of Kos, which is the island’s capital. There are also modern long distance buses (KTEL), which will take you around the island, in major villages and numerous beaches. You can find information by calling the following phone numbers:
Kos Urban buses: +30 22420 26276
Kos Long distance buses (KTEL): +30 22420 22292
The Green and Blue trains
The scenic Green train tours visitors between 10am and 5pmthrough the historical center of Kos town and from 6pmto 10pm through the town’s busiest roads. Each tour lasts for about 20 minutes, it is repeated per 30’ and costs 5 euros for adults and 2.50 euros for children.
The Green train also takes a tour around the town of Kardamaina during the entire week, except for Wednesdays. Train departs per hour and the tour lasts for 20 minutes (same ticket prices apply).
The Blue train goes around Asklipieio and the tour lasts for 15 minutes. The trips are operated per hour from 10am to 6 pm.
Both trains tour around the following attractions:
Excavations in the western part of Asklipieio and the Ancient Acropolis
TAXI SERVICES
There are plenty of taxis that will get you both around the capital town, as well as around the island. They can be found in taxi stations, located at various popular spots. Visitors can also hail taxis on the streets or even call at one of the following numbers:
RENT A CAR - MOTORBIKE
Kos is the third biggest island of the Dodecanese, after Rhodes and Carpathos, with an area of 290 km2. It features beautiful, long, sandy beaches, scenic coves and a stunning mountainous area around mount Dikaios. Its coasts are aproximately 112 kilometers long. Kos boasts many picturesque routes that lead to beautiful little villages. The distance between the town of Kos and Kefalos, on the other side of the island, is approximately 40 kilometers, while Kardamaina, another popular region, is at 30 kilometers away from the capital. So, is it is advisable for the visitor to have a transportation means in order to get around the island since the road network is exceptional, with wide roads and a relatively flat landscape.
In order to rent a car or a scooter, you need to be 21 years old (for some big companies, such as Hertz and Avis, you need to be 25) and hold a valid driving license. Full insurance is optional. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you check the amount of gas and the condition of the car. Any scratches or damages should be noted down so you won’t be charged for them when returning the vehicle.
Bear in mind that the locals drive very fast and there are, also, a lot of agricultural areas, where tractors, animals or pedestrians might appear out of nowhere. Do not violate the speed limits and do not park in restricted areas. The municipal and the traffic police will fine you and you should definitely pay your ticket, even though the vehicle is rented. Not to mention that you should always wear your seat belts or helmets.
BANKS & ATMs
Kos Town is fairly big and many bank branches can be found there. Every bank has an ATM where you can get money 24/7. There are also ATMs scattered around the island. Remember that in order to get money you need to have a card linked to the PLUS, Cirrus or Maestro networks.
All banks are open daily, from Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 2.30pm and on Friday from 8am to 2pm. No bank is open during the country’s national and religious holidays, but the ATMs always operate. You can also use major credit cards for your transactions with hotels, shops and restaurants. Entrance to archeological sites, bars, clubs and coffee places, as well as bus tickets and taxi fares cannot be paid with a credit card.
MONEY EXCHANGE
All banks exchange mostly any major currency and traveler’s cheques. Travel agencies and 5 star hotels exchange foreign currency and traveler’s cheques too, but are usually charging a higher commission than a bank or the Post Office. There is also a dedicated exchange kiosk at Kos International Airport, as well as at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”.
POST OFFICE
The Greek Post Office is called ELTA. . Apart from the main post office in Kos Town, you will find many post boxes in every village and outside 5 star hotels. Regular Mail boxes are Yellow and Urgent Mail boxes are Red. If you wish to send Registered mail, you need to visit the Post Office, deliver your envelope or package and get a receipt.
Post Office in Kos Town: 12 Vasileos Pavlou Street, Tel.: +30 22420 22250.
POLICE STATION
Kos Town Police Station: +30 22420 28211
Tourism Police Station: +30 22420 22444
There are various spots especially in Kos Town where you will be able to find international press. One of them is the newspaper agency “Patmiou Bros” , located in Marmaroto (tel. 22420 21681).
HEALTH
PHARMACIES
There are several pharmacies in Kos Town and they operate:
Monday – Wednesday: 8.30am - 2.30pm
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.30am - 2.30pm and 5.30pm - to 8.30pm.
Saturdays, Sundays & national holidays: Closed
There are few pharmacies open during weekends, throughout the night or during national and religious holidays. A list of those pharmacies can be found on any pharmacy’s window around the island.