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

Should you visit Kos or Genoa?

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 Genoa 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Genoa: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Kos or Genoa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Genoa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is more popular for its historical sights. Genoa is more touristy than Kos and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. 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 Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos
Genoa

Kos is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kos has many famous sights for visitors. 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!

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.


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

Kos
Genoa

Kos is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Genoa

Kos is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Kos
Genoa

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

Genoa is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Genoa

Kos is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Kos
Genoa

Kos is terrific for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Genoa

Genoa is a port city with good options for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Genoa is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Kos does not have a historic old town.


Is Kos or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Kos
Genoa

Kos is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Genoa?

Kos
Genoa

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

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.

Genoa offers some nice shopping areas. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for Families?

Kos
Genoa

Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly destination. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Kos
Genoa

Both Kos and Genoa are high quality 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 Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Genoa

Kos and Genoa are both high quality 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.

Genoa is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Kos or Genoa Better for Students?

Kos
Genoa

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Kos is not popular with students.


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

Kos
Genoa

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Kos and Genoa.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

The public transit in Genoa can get you around easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Kos or Genoa a more walkable city?

Kos
Genoa

Kos and Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very walkable island. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Kos?

How long in Kos or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Kos or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Genoa. 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 Genoa 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 Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Kos or Genoa?

In Kos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this party-hard destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Genoa, there's plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Kos or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Genoa for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic port city of Genoa, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Genoa?

Kos is a fun place to experience. In Kos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The destination of Genoa offers shopping and museums. 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 Genoa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Kos. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Genoa, a popular port city, 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Genoa 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 Genoa is €150. 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 Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Kos and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Genoa? 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 Genoa


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 Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Genoa 8.69

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa Airport Private Departure Transfer: $60
  • Private transfer from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure: $283
  • Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up: $122
  • Private transfer GOA Airport to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by luxury vehicle: $133
  • Private Transfer: Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by luxury vehicle: $67
  • Private Transfer: Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa City in Minivan: $67
  • Private Transfer: Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa City in Business Car: $67
  • Private Transfer: GOA Airport to Genoa city, Savona or Portofino by business car: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa 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
    Genoa 51

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

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

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $69
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $75
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $76
  • Street Food Tour: $86
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $88
  • Traditional Food Tour: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $94
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $94
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with Show Cooking: $94
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $94
  • Lunch or dinner with an Italian family with cooking demo and wines - Rapallo: $94

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

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 Genoa

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

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour from Via Del Campo 29 Rosso: $83
  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $105
  • 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal: $244
  • Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $30
  • Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $70
  • Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $32
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $154
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $121
  • City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $26
  • Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $133
  • E-Bike, Scooter and Scooter Tour: $39
  • E-bike tour in Genova: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Genoa 10

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $92
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $127


When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kos or Genoa?

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