A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Almeria for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kos or Almeria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Almeria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a cultural, party-hard, and vibrant island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Kos and Almeria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Almeria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Almeria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Almeria is more popular for its resorts, historical sights, and hiking. Almeria is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Almeria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Almeria and Kos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Almeria?

Kos is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kos on the map. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kos or Almeria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kos and Almeria offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Nightlife?

Kos is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Resorts?

Almeria is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Beaches?

Both Kos and Almeria are considered to be fantastic beach destinations.

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Almeria offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for its Old Town?

Almeria is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Almeria is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Hiking?

Almeria is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Almeria. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Kos offers some nice hiking trails. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Almeria?

Kos is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Kos to go shopping. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Families?

Almeria is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Almeria is a very family-friendly destination. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Almeria are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Almeria are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Almeria is a great island to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Is Kos or Almeria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kos. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

While Almeria offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Kos or Almeria a more walkable city?

Kos is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Kos is a very walkable destination. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable island. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Almeria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Almeria or Kos?

How long in Kos or Almeria?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Almeria. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Almeria. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Almeria.

Families should spend more time in Almeria than Kos. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Almeria, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Almeria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than Almeria if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kos.

One day in Kos or Almeria?

In Kos, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the breathtaking destination of Almeria, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Almeria?

In Kos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer.

Many people visit Almeria for a weekend. With food and nightlife around the pristine region of Almeria, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Almeria?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Almeria offers nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Kos or Almeria?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Almeria, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Almeria, we can see that Kos is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kos than you might in Almeria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kos Expensive? and Is Almeria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Almeria?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Almeria, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.