Car Hire in Kos
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About Kos
Kos is a Greek island, part of the Dodecanese island chain in the southeastern Aegean Sea. It is the second-most populous island of the Dodecanese after Rhodes and the third-largest after Rhodes and Karpathos. The island is divided into two parts thanks to its mountain range with the highest point, Mount Dhíkaios, 846 meters high. This mountain range is of great importance for the supply of fresh water to the island. The abundance of fresh water and the fertile soil provide the island with perfect conditions for growing fruits and vegetables. And they do. Kos has long been famous for its melons, its olive oil...
Besides the fertile soil, Kos is also known for its endless sandy beaches, great climate, beautiful nature, delicious food, and great historical monuments from Roman and Greek times. All this makes Kos one of the most visited destinations in Greece. It is the fourth most visited Greek island. But besides the Roman and Greek archaeological sites, you will also find many remains of medieval knights, Venetians, and Ottomans on this island. So for any history enthusiast, this is a must-visit place. You will not get bored. Oh yes, we should not forget to mention that Kos is the birthplace of the famous ancient doctor Hippocrates and in the centre of Kos is the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, a dream temple where the doctor is said to have taught.
You can spend a wonderful vacation here on this sunny island. The best thing to do is to rent a car and take a road trip around the island. You can arrange the schedule according to your preferences and you will not regret it. You can visit Kos at any time of the year, but if you want to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and cocktails under the palm trees, it is best to come here in summer. Driving around the island you will discover so many wonderful places. There are so many beaches that you can visit, and each of them has something that you will fall in love with. You can perfectly use the time in between driving from one beach to another to explore the beautiful nature and landscape of the island. The food here is also delicious. All of this adds up to a perfect destination for a little road trip where you can experience Greek culture from ancient times to today. The western part of the island is very popular with surfers and windsurfers, as this is an ideal place for these types of activities. The most famous destination for surfers and windsurfers is undoubtedly Kefalos.
Of course, we must also mention the beautiful towns and villages of the island. You can explore many beautiful places all over the island and visit some wonderful towns with great historical sites.
All in all, Kos is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a varied vacation with great beaches, stunning historical sites, great food, and a variety of activities. There is something for everyone here.
Basic info and car hire in Kos
- Location: Dodecanese island chain, Greece
- Population: 33,387
- Official language: Greek
- Currency: Euro
- Weather: Kos has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate.
- Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
- Road conditions: Most roads in Kos are in good condition.
- Car hire in Kos: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Kos is at Kos Airport Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Kos!
Driving in Kos
Driving in Kos is quite easy. There are many one-way streets in the city of Kos, so be sure to follow the signs. When you leave the city, you are in for a great treat. You will enjoy driving through this beautiful countryside. The roads on the island are in good condition. There is only one main road that runs through the island, so you can find your way around quite easily. Kos is the perfect place for a little road trip. It takes 1 hour to drive from one side of the island to the other. Of course, that means you do not have to stop. But there are so many beautiful places to visit on the island that it will take you more than 1 hour. But it will not take you too long either. This is a perfect place for road trip beginners, but what is the best thing about Kos, it is also a perfect destination for all experienced road trippers and other travellers.
So, if you follow the traffic rules, be careful and patient enough, you will have no problems driving in Kos. Buckle up and drive safely!
- Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old and with some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
- International Driving Permit: Visitors need a valid driving license to legally drive a car in Greece. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and must present your valid driver's license. In the US, only two organizations issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
- Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company in case your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece).
- Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for vehicles from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to manually adjust the beam), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every vehicle), first aid kit (mandatory in every vehicle), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving.
- Children in the car: A suitable child seat must be fitted in the car for children under 3 years of age. Child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard are approved by local authorities. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age who are smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so on the condition that the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
- Driving side of the road: Right
- Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.
- General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
- Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the street to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, special parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.
Car Hire in Kos
Most popular car hire at Kos
The most selected hire car in Kos is Ford Fiesta, with Renault Clio and Seat Ibiza also being a popular option. The most popular car types in Kos are mini, economy, and compact.
Popular Driving Routes
Popular One-Way car hire from Kos
Want to rent a car for a one-way trip? No worries! Orbit Car Hire offers a variety of one-way Car Hire options in many locations outside of Kos. One-way car rental is ideal for cross-town or cross-country travel, saving time by not returning to your original location. Start your reservation with Orbit Car Hire and find great options on one-way car hire at locations across the Greece.
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Kos-Pili (15km with approximately 20 minutes of drive)
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Kos-Mastihari (20km with approximately 30 minutes of drive)
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Kos-Iraklidis (21km with approximately 30 minutes of drive)
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Kos-Kefalos (38km with approximately 40 minutes of drive)
What to see in Kos
Hippocrates' Asklepeion, the first healing centre
This holistic healing centre is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was built in the 4th century BC. It has infirmaries, temples, hot springs, hostels, a school for doctors, etc., so soon after its opening, it became one of the most important facilities of its kind in the ancient world. Another point worthy of mention is the location of the centre. It is situated on a green hill and offers a fantastic view of the countryside all around and across the sea to Turkey.
Visit many ancient Greek ruins
Kos is full of archaeological sites that are open to tourists, so you can discover the ancient world here in the best possible way.
The Castle of the Knights Templar
This powerful and wonderful castle was built in the 14th century. It has two walls, an inner and an outer one, and is open to tourists. You can explore this window into the past. Besides the castle itself, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the sea from different places in the castle
Asklepion
Asklepion is the sanctuary of Asklepios, the god of medicine. This place is best known as the training ground of Hippocrates. It was a healing centre where people from all over the country came to find help for their health problems. Today, the place is open to tourists and you can even download an app that gives you a full 3D view of what the place looked like when it was built and in full operation.
Ancient Agora
This is one of the largest agoras in Greece. Due to numerous earthquakes in the past, the agora has been rebuilt numerous times. This is easy to see when you explore this agora, as the materials and cracks in the infrastructure reveal that rebuilding and reconstruction work took place in different eras.
Casa Romana
This house was built in the 2nd century AD on the site where a Hellenistic-era residence once stood. It is built around two peristyles with beautiful columns and a smaller atrium. It has been renovated and rebuilt several times in the past and today you can see which parts are newer and reconstructed and which are still from their beginnings. Today it is open for tourists and besides Casa Romana, you can also admire some relics in the house, like statues of Nymphs and Athena, amphorae, coins, mosaics, and faint frescoes.
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Explore Greece
Drive your rental car beyond Kos
Greece or many would say a cradle of western civilization, is the southernmost country of the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country with its more than 2000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited, has access to the whole world via the sea and also has a beautiful island full of mountains and volcanic soil, a rich culture, many historical and religious sites, delicious food and nice people - a place that every person should visit at least once in their life. There are so many different things to see and do here that you are sure to find something for yourself.
If you are planning a holiday to Greece, you should make a good plan. A rental car is the best solution if you want to explore the country to see different places, try different foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or if you are more interested in the interior of the country. For both choices, there are plenty of activities you can do and plenty of sights you can visit.
The great thing about Greece is that it is a perfect country for people who just want to relax and enjoy sunny days on the beach. On the other hand, it is also a perfect place for adventurous people who are looking for an active holiday or a holiday where you can combine sea, culture, food and sporting activities.
Kos is part of the Dodecanese island chain in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Kos is not only a great base for exploring this region but also a perfect place to plan your visit to Turkey, which you can see across the sea as it is just a few miles from the Kos coast.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is also one of the cities you should visit if you are planning a road trip through Greece. Athens is something very different from Kos, but no less interesting and exciting. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and is the legacy of classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. All of this gives the country a great religious, cultural, architectural, and also political background that contributes to the diversity of the country.
The size of the country is equal to that of Britain and it is divided into six main regions: Central Greece: the Píndos Mountains, North-Eastern Greece: Makedonía and Thráki, Eastern Greece: Thessalía and Attikí, Southern Greece: the Pelopónnisos, Western Greece: Ípeiros and Akarnanía, The Islands of Greece. Each of these regions has something to offer you. It is best to rent a car and explore region by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it might be best to explore the regions one by one. But make sure you make a good plan when you plan a road trip because it can be easy to spend a lot of time in places you did not expect and then not have time to visit the places you wanted to visit. But after all, you are on holiday, so relax and enjoy.
The roads in Greece are in good condition, the people are friendly, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious and the sights are breathtaking, so all you have to do is buckle up and drive safely.
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Enjoy the culture in Kos
Where to eat, drink, and party in Kos
The best thing about gastronomy in Kos is the local ingredients that give freshness and full flavour to the dishes. With its very fertile volcanic soil, Kos has perfect conditions for growing fruits and vegetables. The basis of the cuisine here are Olive oil, fresh herbs, tomatoes, honey, cheese, and yoghurt.
People here prepare many meals in the traditional Greek way, so you will have the opportunity to try traditional Greek dishes in Kos. However, do not forget to try some amazing local specialities. One of the local specialities is undoubtedly the Posa cheese - a goat cheese aged in red wine. Another dish of Kos: the Pitaridia, Barbara, Lampropites, Katimeria, Marmarites, Arena, Eftazima, Lazari, Kanelada, local wines, thyme honey...
Of course, we cannot forget to mention some local wines of Kos. The people here are connected to the land in many ways. One of the traditions here is also the production of wine. There are many wineries on the island that produce different types of wine.
Greece, especially Kos, is also known as a great party destination. There are many clubs and discos on the island where you can listen to a variety of music and dance until the morning. There are also many acoustic nights in Kos town. You can enjoy live music on the beaches or in the bars of the city, so you will not be bored during your holiday in Kos.
Best restaurants in Kos:
Gyros Grill by Vassilis
Alchimion
Plaza Beach Restaurant
Taverna Romeo
Alibaba Beach Bar
Noah's Ark
Mediterraneo Restaurant
How do you make a booking with Orbit Car Hire?
You can easily book your vehicle with Orbit Car Hire. First, you must choose the date and location of your rental in our booking form. In the next step, you can pick the vehicle you want from the list. After filling out the personal information form, there is a step where you choose the payment method and fill in your credit card information. Finally, you can print out your voucher needed at pick-up time.
What are the charges for security deposits?
Every car rental has a security deposit policy. You will find the information about the security deposit while booking the vehicle or on your voucher.
What if I would like to change my booking?
If you need to change the booking you made through Orbit Car Hire. Don't hesitate to contact our customer support team at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com or by phone at +44 20 8089 0089. You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Terms of Use.
How do I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Conditions of Use. Our customer service team will address your requests in due time:
- Phone:+44 20 8089 0089
- Email: customerservice@orbitcarhire.com
When do I pay for the rental car?
You pay a small deposit when making the booking as a guarantee. The remaining balance is paid when you pick up your rental vehicle. Please keep in mind that the payment at the counter is paid in local currency.
What is included in the price?
Most of the reservations made by Orbit Car Hire include unlimited mileage, local tax, mandatory fees, and collision damage waiver. In steps 1 and 2 in the booking process or on your voucher, you can see all the details about your booking inclusions.
Are there any hidden fees?
There are no hidden charges! All mandatory surcharges and fees are presented in the 3rd step of the booking process and our Terms and Conditions. Please note that additional charges may apply for some rentals in the case of:
- Out-of-hours surcharge (when picking up the vehicle outside of office hours),
- One-way fee (when returning the vehicle at a different location),
- The service charge for fuel (prepaid fuel policy),
- Young/senior driver fee (the car hire company sets this condition and is usually not about the regulation of the specific country),
- Excess and deposit amount (before hiring, you need to ensure your credit card limit is high enough for the deposit amount to be blocked, which usually equals the excess amount or higher).
We advise our clients to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before the rental to avoid surprises. Our knowledgeable customer service agents will gladly help you with any questions via phone, email, or live chat during our opening hours.
What is a voucher, and why do I need it?
A voucher is a document that confirms your booking, the price, and the payment of your booking. Having your voucher with you at the time of pick-up is mandatory. If you do not have the voucher at the pickup, the vehicle provider may refuse to release the vehicle to you or change the rental price.
What is an airport or premium location fee?
A Premium location/airport fee is a fee that covers the location service costs. This fee is usually included in the price but may still occur at some locations and is charged locally.
What is Premium Coverage, and how does it work?
Premium Coverage is an optional service by Orbit Car Hire that, if accepted, covers your financial accountability for damage or theft to the hired vehicle. This is not insured with a car hire company that reduces the excess amount, but a cover refunds you if the car hire company charges you for damage or theft. With this option, you will be reimbursed up to 3000 EUR. You can read the Terms and Conditions or contact us for more information.
How do I find cheap car hire online?
Prices vary frequently. Booking a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date is best - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire.
How many countries do you compare to?
We at Orbit Car Hire compare car hire prices in over 140 countries, including popular destinations within Europe such as Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Croatia, Malta, France, Slovenia, and Germany.
What currency should I use to pay for the car?
You can pay the confirmation fee on Orbit's page in EUR, GBP, ISK and USD. When you pick up your car hire, you will pay the remaining balance in the currency of the pickup country.
Can I rent a car from inside the terminal?
You can hire a car from inside the terminal. When you compare our offers, you can filter "In Terminal" to see all the offers we have that are inside the terminal.
What is the cheapest car to rent?
The cheapest car to rent is the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up and Fiat Panda.
Can I add a driver to my booking?
You can always add a driver to your booking when finding your car hire deal on Orbit Car Hire. If you have already made a booking, you can contact us to add the additional driver. You can also add a driver to your booking when you pick up the vehicle.
What payment methods are accepted?
You can pay with a debit and credit card when booking with Orbit Car Hire. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Can I drop off my car at a different location?
Yes, you can. When you look for car hire deals on our webpage, you can press "Yes" to "Different drop-off location" and see all the best deals for one-way car hire.
How can I add a flight number to my booking?
You can add a flight number on our webpage when booking. If you already have a booking, email us at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com, and our customer service will add your flight number to the booking.
Do I have to pay for toll roads?
If you drive where toll roads are required, you are responsible for paying for the toll roads on which you drive the rental vehicle.
What does deductible mean?
If a rental car is damaged or even stolen while on rent, there will be a limit to how much the renter has to pay to repair or fix it. Excess (also known as deductible) is a name for the amount that has to be paid. This excess is different between countries and car rental companies in each country. Depending on the car rental company, this can include fire, vandalism, theft, or loss of use while the car is being repaired. You can read more about deductibles right here.
What is a Collision Damage Waiver?
Collision Damage Waiver, or CDW, is a basic car rental insurance offered to renters by a car company. CDW limits your financial liability in case of damages to the body of the hired vehicle with an excess. The driver is responsible for paying for the excess, but the car rental company waives the rest of the cost. This excess can be different between rent a car company.
What is Theft Protection?
Theft Protection is a car rental insurance that car rental companies offer. It protects the renter up to a certain amount from the risk of stealing the rental car or somebody trying to steal it. An excess, also known as a deductible, comes with each Theft Protection. This excess is the limit to what the renter would have to pay if the car is stolen or if somebody tries to steal it.
Which brands can I compare with Orbit?
With Orbit Car Hire, you can compare car hire with all the major car rentals like Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt and Budget. You can also compare over 100 local companies from all over the world.
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