A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Interlaken for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kos or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken 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 vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Kos and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Interlaken?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Interlaken are both popular with visitors, Kos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kos is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Kos and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Kos is popular for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also home to Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kos is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Kos is not a skiing destination.

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

Kos is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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!

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kos is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Kos is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Kos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Resorts?

Kos is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Kos has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Kos is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

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 Interlaken?

Kos is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for romance. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Kos or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Kos and Interlaken.

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 Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Kos or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Kos is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Kos?

How long in Kos or Interlaken?

In either Kos or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kos than Interlaken. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Kos than Interlaken. 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 Interlaken. 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant 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.

With skiing and food around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Interlaken?

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 Interlaken for a weekend. With food and skiing around the stunning town of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Interlaken?

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.

With skiing and food around the destination of Interlaken, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Kos or Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Kos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kos 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Kos.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Interlaken?

Kos has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Interlaken, 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.