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

Should you visit Kos or Valencia?

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 Valencia 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Valencia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia. Although Kos and Valencia are popular destinations, Valencia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valencia is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kos attracts visitors for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Valencia is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also well known for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

How is Kos different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Both Kos and Valencia offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eat your way through Valencia, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Valencia is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Kos and Valencia have nice options.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Valencia 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.

Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Kos is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Valencia has a world-famous historical area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Both Kos and Valencia are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Valencia?

Valencia 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia Better for Families?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Valencia 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 Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Valencia 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.

Valencia is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Kos or Valencia Better for Students?

Valencia is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Kos has some very good public transit options. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Kos or Valencia a more walkable city?

Kos and Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable island. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Kos?

How long in Kos or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Valencia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Valencia. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Valencia.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Valencia. 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.

One day in Kos or Valencia?

The beautiful island of Kos offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

When visiting Valencia, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valencia?

Kos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Valencia for a weekend. When visiting Valencia, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Valencia?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The big city destination of Valencia offers shopping and museums. 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 Valencia?

Kos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Valencia, a popular coastal city, 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Valencia, 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.