Day trips from Kos to nearby islands

The island of Kos is the third largest and one of the most visited in the Dodecanese, thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich history. Being at the center of the island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Kos is the perfect starting point for island hopping.

So, where can you go on a day trip from Kos? Find the best Kos island-hopping options below and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees!

A traditional windmill into the sea in Leros

Island hopping from Kos: our top suggestions

During your visit to Kos, you can hop on a ferry to nearby islands. Whether you’re interested in a day trip from Kos or you’re looking forward to the ultimate Kos island-hopping adventure, there are many options for ferry trips.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes to plan your island hopping from Kos:

Have a look at the best Kos island-hopping tours and enjoy your Greek adventure!

1. Leros
2. Symi
3. Kalymnos
4. Nisyros
5. Leipsoi

Enjoy a day trip to Leros

Leros is an island full of contrasts. The unique architecture of Lakki with the Art Deco buildings, the island's rich history, the pretty white and pastel houses, and the Byzantine fort all contribute to the island's unique multifaceted nature. Leros has clear blue waters and golden sandy beaches, making it an ideal destination for relaxing by the sea.

You can go on a one-day trip from Kos to Leros daily with 2-3 ferry crossings. The earliest ferry from Kos to Leros departs at 09:00 from the port of Kos, arriving at around 11:30 in Leros. As for the ticket price, it normally starts at around €10.50.

Breathtaking view from the Castle in Agia Marina, Leros

Kos to Symi day trip

The small Greek island of Symi is less well-known than neighboring Kos, but its laid-back atmosphere draws visitors. Gialos, with its pastel-colored Venetian mansions, and Chorio, which is accessed by climbing the 450 stone steps of the Kali Strata and offers a spectacular view, are the two main parts of the island.

Symi has beautiful swimming coves as well as historic sites, such as the elegant Panormitis monastery and the ruins of its Castle. If you visit Symi off-season, when the weather is slightly cooler, you can enjoy its hiking trails and discover its hidden treasures!

Ferries serving day trips from Kos to Symi are available up to 3 times daily during the summer. The Kos - Symi ferry takes about 1.5 to 5 hours, depending on the vessel type, and tickets usually start at €11.

The picturesque port of Symi

Go on an adventure to Kalymnos from Kos

From Kos, Kalymnos is just a 40-minute ride by ferry. Besides its rich history, mouth-watering food and stunning beaches, climbers flock here even in the off-season, as Kalymnos is one of the most popular sport-climbing destinations in the world.

Kalymnos is also well-known for its traditional painters and charming churches with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. If you enjoy history, don't leave Kalymnos without visiting the official Archeological Museum, which hosts glorious marble Hellenistic statues, as well as the Folk Museum, where you can learn everything about sponge diving.

There are frequent ferries from Kos to Kalymnos throughout the year. In summer, there are multiple daily sailings to Kalymnos from the ports of Kos town and Mastichari. The trip duration is around 40-70 minutes and ferry tickets start at €7.

Challenging rock climbing in Kalymnos

Hop on a ferry from Kos to Nisyros

Nisyros is a small volcanic island with pristine beauty. Located between Kos and Tilos, it is well-known for its impressive crater, which hosts numerous cultural events during the summer. If you visit Nisyros off-season, you can also visit the Volcanological Museum in Nikia, which is one of the best geological museums in Greece.

A day trip to Nisyros would be incomplete without a stop at the Panagia Spiliani monastery, Paleokastro and the Knights' Castle. Don't miss the hot springs in Loutra, where you can enjoy therapeutic sessions in water that reaches 45 degrees. Nisyros also has beautiful beaches, such as Katsouni, Agios Savas, and Agia Irini.

There are frequent ferries from Kos to Nisyros throughout the year. There are up to 3 daily crossings to Nisyros from the port of Kos. The trip takes 50 minutes to 1.5 hours and ferry tickets start at €7.

Stefanos, the largest crater of the volcano in Nisyros

Explore the unspoiled beauty of Leipsoi

Leipsoi, a tiny island in the Dodecanese, is ideal for those looking for a laid-back vacation away from the crowds. This green island, located between Patmos and Leros, has some of the most picturesque and secluded beaches, as well as clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling.

If you prefer to visit Leipsoi off-season, you can enjoy some cultural sightseeing, discover archaeological sites, walk through ancient ruins, and visit the Ecclesiastical-Folklore Museum. Leipsoi is also a place where you can slow down, wander around the narrow streets and reconnect with nature by hiking around the island.

There are frequent ferries from Kos to Leipsoi all year round. There are up to 4 daily sailings to Leipsoi from the port of Kos. The duration is around 2-3.5 hours and ferry tickets start at €10.

Trekking around the island with this view

Book online ferry tickets from Kos to nearby islands

For more island-hopping ideas starting from Kos, you can check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries. Find up-to-date ferry routes, compare prices and operators, and book cheap ferry tickets without any hidden fees!

Good to know: from the island of Kos, there are also ferries to Bodrum in Turkey. Discover how to organize the perfect Kos - Bodrum day trip.