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

Should you visit Kos or Verona?

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 Verona 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Verona

Verona is a cultural, beautiful, and stunning city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Verona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Verona are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Verona attracts visitors for its historical sights. Verona is more touristy than Kos and is known for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. 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 Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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 Verona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

Kos is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Nightlife?

Kos is a great island for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Kos has something for everybody. 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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Resorts?

Kos is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Beaches?

Kos is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Verona is not a beach destination.

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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Verona is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Verona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Hiking?

Kos is a popular place for hiking. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Verona?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and Verona.

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.

Verona offers some nice shopping areas. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Families?

Kos is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Kos offers lots of family activities. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Verona are excellent 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 Verona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Kos or Verona Better for Students?

Verona is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos is a great island for times when you don't have a car. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Kos or Verona a more walkable city?

Kos and Verona are excellent 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.

Verona is a very walkable island. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Kos?

How long in Kos or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Verona. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Verona. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Verona.

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

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 nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Verona, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Verona?

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 Verona for a weekend. With food and shopping around the beautiful city of Verona, there's plenty to do. 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 Verona?

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 Verona 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-hard 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.

Verona, a popular 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Verona, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Verona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Verona?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Verona, 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.