Watersports

Wild is the wind

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, standup paddleboarding, parasailing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, banana-boat rides and even beach yoga… Kos has it all, thanks to its relatively shallow bathing waters, the stiff northerly meltemi winds that blow in the summer and its well-developed beaches.

Almost every popular beach on the island has a certified watersports center and all the big hotels are equipped with their own facilities or cooperate with trained professionals. Services are high-quality and new activities and games are constantly being introduced to cater to a wide range of tastes.

The best surfing beaches are Psalidi and Marmari, though beginners may find conditions easier to handle at Mastichari, as it is relatively sheltered from strong winds. Kefalos Bay is also popular with windsurfers because of the ideal conditions formed by the shape of its coastline and the afternoon current. Flyboarding is an up-and-coming sport and can only be found at Petrelea Beach in Psalidi, as it requires calm waters and quieter locations.

Diving

Discover the big blue

The beaches of Kos are mainly shallow and sandy, so the marine landscape at many of these is often not the most fascinating. However, its seas are full of life, with plenty of fish, mollusks and seagrass meadows –  ideal environments for kids and beginners just learning how to dive.

Most dive centers also offer classes as well as excursions to nearby islands to provide additional excitement for more experienced divers. These excursions allow visitors to enjoy a day out on the sea – swimming, snorkeling and diving – either at Pserimos, with its reefs, caves and an impressive wreck at a depth of 75m; at Strongyli, renowned for its sponges; or at the volcanic islet of Gyali. Each location has a different difficulty level, so jsut choose what is right for you.

On horseback

Riding made easy

Fancy a ride along the beach and up into the hills or show jumping at a proper ring?

If you’re a fan of horseback riding, Kos offers a range of terrains to indulge your favorite activity, as there are numerous companies that organize private and group rides. One of these is the Riding Club, which operates exclusively as a school and offers therapeutic as well as athletic riding in the Olympic disciplines of eventing and jumping. Archery is also offered.

Trekking

KOS ON FOOT

The island features many interesting walking trails and hikes, although we recommend sticking to those that are signposted and have particular features of interest.

One popular trail begins in the village of Zia and reaches the peak of Christos on Mount Dikeos after a hike of one to one-and-a-half hours, with a stop along the way at the Christos Chapel. The trail meanders through the forested slopes of the mountain and from the peak at 843m there’s an amazing view of neighboring islands in the Aegean.

Another two short but interesting trails start from Palio Pyli. One takes about 20 minutes and leads to the Byzantine castle at the top of the hill; the other leads to the summit of Psoriaris where there is a viewing kiosk (about 30 minutes).

Another easy 30-minute walk begins at the Castle of Antimachia and ends at Kardamena, perfect for a swim, winding along the old cobbled footpath used by locals.