A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Bressanone for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Kos or Bressanone?

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 Bressanone 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 ancient, cultural, and party-hard island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a quaint, picturesque, and idyllic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Kos or Bressanone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Bressanone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bressanone is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Bressanone is well known for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Kos different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bressanone 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 Bressanone?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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!

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


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

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options 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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Resorts?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Bressanone is not a resort destination.

Kos has a few great resort options. 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.

Bressanone is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Bressanone is not a beach destination.

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.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Bressanone

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

Bressanone is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Kos does not have a historic old town.


Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Kos
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

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 Bressanone?

Kos
Bressanone

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Kos and Bressanone.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. 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.

Bressanone offers some nice shopping areas. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Families?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a island with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Kos
Bressanone

Both Kos and Bressanone are great 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 Bressanone frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Kos or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kos is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

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

Kos
Bressanone

Kos is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bressanone 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 Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.


Is Kos or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Kos
Bressanone

Kos and Bressanone are great when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. 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.

Bressanone is a very walkable island. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Kos?

How long in Kos or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kos or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kos than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Bressanone. 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 Bressanone 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.


  • How many days in Kos or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Kos or Bressanone?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-hard island of Kos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bressanone is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Bressanone?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Kos, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Many people visit Bressanone for a weekend. Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Bressanone?

Kos, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Bressanone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bressanone?

Kos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Kos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kos and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Kos and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Bressanone? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kos


Hotels in Bressanone


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kos Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Bressanone 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $68
  • From Kalymnos Self-Guided Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $64
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $59
  • Kos Private Transfer Services: $52
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Kos transfer services, Kos - Airport - Kos: $107
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Kos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kos 43
    Bressanone 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Kefalos Sunset Cruise from Kos with Dinner: $61
  • Sunset Cruise with Swimming and BBQ Dinner: $62
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $65
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $86
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $95
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $97
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $117

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Bressanone 20

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.02
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $21
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $29
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $32
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $32
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $32
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $32
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Bressanone 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $59
  • From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites: $63
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $150

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Bressanone, we can see that Bressanone is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Bressanone?

Kos has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Bressanone, 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.