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

Should you visit Kos or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Zaragoza?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Zaragoza is well known for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Kos different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kos on the map. 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 Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Kos is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Kos has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Resorts?

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

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Kos is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

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

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Hiking?

Kos is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Both Kos and Zaragoza are notable 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 Zaragoza. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos is notable for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kos is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Zaragoza is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Kos or Zaragoza Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Zaragoza can get you around easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

Is Kos or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Kos and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable island. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Kos?

How long in Kos or Zaragoza?

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

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

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.

With nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza for a weekend. With food and shopping around the cultural city of Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 destination of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza, 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Zaragoza?

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