Logistics · Destination Guide
Volcanic Aegean reefs, easy training bays and Hippocratic island culture
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most visitors fly into Kos International Airport, also called Ippokratis, then transfer by taxi, rental car, public bus, hotel shuttle or dive-center pickup. Summer brings many direct and charter flights from Europe, while Athens connections make the island reachable outside peak season. Ferries connect Kos with Piraeus, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Nisyros and other Dodecanese islands, so island-hopping is realistic, but ferry timing is more variable than flights.
Kos International Airport Ippokratis
KGS • LGKO
24 km to Kos Town; about 15 km to Kefalos Bay depending on the exact base • 30 to 45 minutes drive to Kos Town; 15 to 25 minutes to Kefalos depending on accommodation and traffic
The island's main airport handles domestic flights and extensive seasonal European service. It is practical for dive travelers because Kefalos, Kardamena and Mastichari are relatively close, while Kos Town and Psalidi are still straightforward transfers.
Transport: Public bus, Taxi, Pre-booked transfer, Rental car, Hotel shuttle, Dive-center pickup when offered
Kos has public buses, taxis, rental cars, scooters and many resort-zone bike rentals. A rental car is most useful for Kefalos beaches, Cavo Paradiso, Therma, Zia, Plaka Forest and flexible dive logistics. Bikes are excellent around Kos Town, Lambi and Psalidi, but avoid long midday rides in peak summer. Taxis are convenient but can be busy on airport, ferry and nightlife peaks.
Greece is in the Schengen Area. Many visitors, including UK and US leisure travelers, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day Schengen period, but passport validity rules depend on nationality. ETIAS is expected for eligible visa-exempt travelers once the system starts in late 2026, with an official application fee of EUR 20 for most adult applicants. Always check your own passport, nationality and onward-travel requirements before booking.
Dive centers rent standard recreational gear and usually supply tanks, weights and exposure suits. Bring your own mask, computer, certification card, logbook proof and any prescription or camera gear. If you need DIN or yoke specifics, confirm with the operator before travel. For snorkelers, bringing a well-fitting mask from home is worth the luggage space. Rinse facilities vary by base, so pack a mesh bag and dry bag for transfers.
Euro (EUR)
Cards are widely accepted at hotels, dive centers, restaurants and larger shops, but carry cash for small tavernas, beach services, taxis, tips and remote stops.
ATMs are common in Kos Town and the main resort areas such as Kefalos, Kardamena, Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari and Psalidi. Use bank ATMs when possible and watch dynamic currency conversion prompts.
230V • 50Hz • C, F
Most modern chargers are dual-voltage, but check camera chargers, strobes and older appliances. Bring a Type C or Type F adapter and a small power strip if you charge dive lights, cameras and phones together.
Communications
Greece has good mobile coverage in towns and resort areas, with EU roaming and eSIM options common. Signal can be weaker near remote beaches, cliffs and boat routes such as Cavo Paradiso, Krikelos or Pserimos. Save operator, hotel, taxi and emergency numbers offline before boat days.
Language
Greek is the official language. English is widely used in hotels, restaurants, dive centers and tour operations, especially from May to October. German, Italian and other European languages are also common in resort settings. Learning a few Greek greetings is appreciated.
Insurance
Carry dive-specific insurance that includes recompression advice, evacuation and missed-trip support. General travel insurance should cover medical care, ferries, delayed baggage and rental-car excess if relevant. EU and UK health cards may help with state care access but are not substitutes for dive or evacuation insurance.
Packing list
Pack a well-fitting mask, certification card, logbook, dive computer, SMB, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, rashguard, hat, water shoes and dry bag. Divers should use a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit in summer and thicker exposure protection outside peak season. Snorkelers should bring water shoes for rocky coves and a shorty for May or October.