A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Kos vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kos or Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki 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 party-hard, vibrant, and beautiful island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Thessaloniki: 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
  • 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 Thessaloniki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Thessaloniki are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Thessaloniki attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Kos and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kos are world-renowned. 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!

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.


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

Kos
Thessaloniki

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

For foodies, Kos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Both Kos and Thessaloniki have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Resorts?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

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.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Thessaloniki

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

The clear water and abundant marine life make Kos a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kos. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Hiking?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Kos is a good destination for hiking. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Thessaloniki?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Both Kos and Thessaloniki are nice 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good island for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.


Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos and Thessaloniki are both excellent 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.

Thessaloniki is a great island to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Kos or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Kos
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos
Thessaloniki

Kos is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.


Is Kos or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Kos
Thessaloniki

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

Kos is a very walkable island. 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable island. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Kos?

How long in Kos or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Kos or Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki.

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

One day in Kos or Thessaloniki?

In Kos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

Kos is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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


Five days in Kos or Thessaloniki?

In Kos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this ancient destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The destination of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?

Kos is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Thessaloniki, a popular 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, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece, and The Best Historical Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is €134. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Thessaloniki 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Thessaloniki 158
Compare Hotels in Kos and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki


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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Thessaloniki 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

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

  • Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach: $24
  • Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $86
  • Private Transfer: Kos Island International Airport (KGS) to Kos: $81
  • Private Transfer from Kos Airport to Resorts: $31
  • Private Transfer from Kos Airport to Kos Town: $89
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Lido Water Park Admission Ticket with Transfers: $24
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $65
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Transfer from airport Thessaloniki (SKG) to Kalithea chalkidiki: $166
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Olivia: $200
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $155
  • Transfer from SKG Thesaloniki airport to Thessaloniki city hotels: $44
  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki city from or to SKG airport transfer: $50
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $145
  • Thessaloniki Airport to TUI Blue Lagoon Hotels Private Transfer: $94
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Hotels Private Transfer: $100
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Porto Carras Hotels Private Transfer: $166
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42

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 Thessaloniki

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

  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $50
  • Traditional Greek Dinner in Galatsi: $62
  • Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $72
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $85
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $85
  • Thessaloniki Gastronomy & Culture Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $88
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $88
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $89
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Thessaloniki 26

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 Thessaloniki

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

  • Private Motorcycle Tour in Thessaloniki: $67
  • “Food Bites” - Walk & Taste Experience: $87
  • 4 Hours Private Thessaloniki City Tour: $200
  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $166
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $53
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $196
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $222
  • Best of Small Group Historical and Cultural Tour on foot : $94
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $155
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $18
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $109
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Thessaloniki 15

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 Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $84
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $93
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $94
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $211
  • Wine Touring a Step Away from the city: $218


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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Thessaloniki, 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.