Kos is the third biggest of the Greek Dodacanese island group, and one of the best places to visit in the Aegean Sea. The island is known for its luxurious hotels and vibrant nightlife as well as its abundant natural beauty.
Hiring an ATV to get around the island is the best way to travel to the many interesting parts of Kos, and unless you plan on staying for a long time, is the only way to scratch the surface of what the island has to offer.
Kos is known as a party island by some, but also offers a ton of historical sites that date back to ancient times. Visitors can experience the rich history of the island and lounge on the beach by day, and go out to gorgeous restaurants and clubs at night, all while remaining completely safe. This is truly one of the best destinations for travelers visiting the Mediterranean.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a quad/ATV in Kos. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter or a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Finding a ATV to rent
- The price of ATV hire in Kos, Greece
- How long it takes to drive around Kos
- Driving laws in Greece for foreigners
- Places to go in Kos with your rented quad
Where Can You Hire an ATV in Kos?
If you plan on flying into Kos International Airport, which is located near Andmachia Village, you will be able to rent a car right outside the airport terminal. However, if you want to rent a quad, you will have to go to another part of the island. The closest place to the airport for quad rental is the town of Mastihari on the northern coast.
Chances are, however, that you’ll be staying closer to the town of Kos, which is the cultural center of the island. Here you’ll find the greatest concentration of quad hire shops, mostly along the coast stretching from Psalidi Beach to Lambi Beach. There are also many locations where you can sign up for an ATV tour in this area as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Quad in Kos?
Renting an ATV in Kos is typically very affordable. On the cheaper end, you can find an ATV to rent for as little as €30 per day. At that price, you’ll probably get an ATV that’s 50cc, such as a Kymco MXU. If you want to upgrade to a more powerful vehicle, you can typically find a 250cc ATV for around €50 per day. While some of the roads in Kos can be a bit gritty, a 50cc ATV should be just fine for taking you wherever you want to go on the island.
Prices for hiring an ATV can fluctuate depending on which shop you go to and what time of the year it is. You can expect to pay a little more during the tourism high seasons than you will during the low seasons, but overall, ATV hire in Kos is comparatively cheap.
Many shops will offer discounts for long-term rentals, so if you plan on staying in Kos for an extended period, it’s worth asking about. You should also make sure that your rental shop offers insurance and a helmet in the stated rental price.
How Long Does It Take to Drive around Kos?
The island is basically entirely connected by one road that goes from Kos town to the southwest side of the island. If you hire a car, you can make it across the island in about an hour. If you’re driving a rented ATV, it will probably take you a little bit longer.
Along the main road, there are main smaller streets that will take you to different parts of the island. The island is full of surprises, with hidden beaches and coves all along the coastline, so it’s definitely worth departing from the main road and doing some exploring.
While Kos is still the third largest in the Dodacanese island group, it’s very easy to navigate. You can get from one end of the island to the other and back in a single day, while taking several stops along the way.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Greece?
According to Greek law, all foreign drivers must carry an international driving permit (IDP) along with a valid copy of their passport at all times while operating a motor vehicle in Greece. This law applies to cars, scooters, motorcycles, and quads/ATVs. If you want to hire a motor vehicle on the island, you should apply at least two weeks before you arrive, since that’s how long it usually takes for applications to process.
If you want to apply for an international driving permit, you will have to pay a $20 fee. You can apply here. Once you’ve received your permit, it will be valid for one year.
If you’re a foreigner driving in Kos, you should remember that they drive on the right side of the road. It’s always better to drive defensively and let locals overtake you if they’re driving faster than you.
The Best Excursions by ATV in Kos
Now that you know all of the necessary information for hiring a quad in Kos, here are some of the best places to go on the island with your rented wheels:
Asklepieion
The Asklepieion is an ancient healing and medicine temple located about an 8 minute drive from the center of Kos town to the southwest. The temple dates back to the 3rd century BC and is definitely one of the most historically significant sites on the island.
If you plan on visiting, make sure you bring a hat or some sunscreen, since there’s very little shade. Entry to the site costs €8 to €10, depending on what time of the year you go.
Kefalos Bay
One of the best spots in Kos for beaches is Kefalos Bay, located on the western side of the island. The drive from Kos town to Kefalos Bay will probably take you about 45 minutes, but once you’re there, there are an unbelievable amount of beaches to explore.
Agios Stefanos, Kamari, and Agios Theologos should definitely be on the top of your list for beaches to explore in Kefalos Bay. All three of them feature pristine white sand and clear water.
Hippocrates Tree
If you want to get a sense for what life was like in ancient Greece, there’s no better place to do so than the Hippocrates Tree, located only about a 3 minute drive from Kos town. This tree was apparently planted by Hippocrates, one of the most important figures in the history of medicine, and is where he would sit and teach his students.
The tree is huge and locals claim that it’s actually the largest in Europe. However, some have said that the original tree was cut down and replaced with a more impressive one at some point.
Get on a Quad in Kos
Unlike driving in other parts of Greece, driving a quad in Kos is generally very safe. It’s really the best way to explore the beautiful coastline at your own pace, and get a sense of everything the island has to offer.
Do you still have questions about quad/ATV rentals in Kos? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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