A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Kos vs. Delphi for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kos or Delphi?

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 Delphi 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 beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Delphi

Delphi is a historic, fascinating, and world-renowned archeological site. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Kos and Delphi: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Kos or Delphi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Delphi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Delphi is more touristy than Kos and is known for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. 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 Delphi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos
Delphi

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Kos or Delphi.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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!

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Delphi are among the most recognizable in the world. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.


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

Kos
Delphi

Kos is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Kos or Delphi Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Kos for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Kos or Delphi Better for Resorts?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Delphi 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.

Delphi is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Delphi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Delphi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Delphi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Delphi Better for Beaches?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is renowned for the beach. However, Delphi is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. 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.

Delphi is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Delphi Better for Hiking?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Delphi is not a hiking destination.

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

Delphi is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Delphi?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kos or Delphi Better for Families?

Kos
Delphi

Both Kos and Delphi are notable to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Delphi. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Is Kos or Delphi Better for Couples?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is great for couples. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for romance.

Kos is a great island if you're traveling as 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.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.


Is Kos or Delphi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Delphi

Kos is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kos. 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.

Delphi is a good island to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Kos
Delphi

Kos is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its public transit.

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

Delphi has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

Is Kos or Delphi a more walkable city?

Kos
Delphi

Kos and Delphi are high quality 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.

Delphi is a very walkable island. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Delphi or Kos?

How long in Kos or Delphi?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kos or Delphi to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kos than Delphi 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 Delphi.

Families should spend more time in Kos than Delphi. 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 Delphi. 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 Delphi 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 Delphi? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Delphi 1-2

One day in Kos or Delphi?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and museums around the world-renowned destination of Delphi, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Delphi?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Delphi for a weekend. With museums and food around the historic archeological site of Delphi, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Delphi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The destination of Delphi offers food and museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Delphi?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Kos. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Delphi, a popular archeological site, is full of activities for travelers. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Delphi 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 Delphi is €102. 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 Delphi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Delphi 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Delphi 118
Compare Hotels in Kos and Delphi

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Delphi? 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 Delphi


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Delphi 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

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

  • Private Transfer from Kos Airport to Kos Town: $89
  • Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $86
  • Private Transfer: Kos Island International Airport (KGS) to Kos: $81
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $65
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $64
  • Arrival transfer from Kos Airport : $64
  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $58
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Delphi?

Prices for flights to both Delphi 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
    Delphi 36

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: $44
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $99
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Delphi 11

Tours and Activities in Kos

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

  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros: $38
  • From Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch: $41
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • From Pserimos Island Snorkeling Cruise by Diving Boat: $54
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos: $39
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33
  • Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island: $38
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33
  • Half Day Snorkeling Experience in Kos Greece: $55

Tours and Activities in Delphi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Delphi.

  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Athens: 2-Day tour to Delphi and Meteora: $1,013
  • Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with AR and 3D in Delphi: $7.80
  • Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum Ticket with AR Audiovisual: $17
  • Delphi Guided Walking Tour and Admission Ticket: $109
  • Delphi Navel Of Earth Hosios Loukas Full Day Private Tour: $185
  • Delphi Skip-The-Line Private Tour with Licensed Guide & Admission: $205
  • Delphi and Monastery of Hosios Loukas family day tour: $447
  • Delphi&Thermopylae private full day tour: $206
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Tour: $10
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $9.80
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Delphi 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Delphi, we can see that Kos is more expensive. And not only is Delphi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delphi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delphi 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 Delphi.

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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Delphi?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Delphi, 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.