Why Hire a Car in Kerame?

Kerame is a traditional mountain village in central Kos island, Greece — a peaceful alternative to the busy coastal resorts that most tourists never discover. Sitting at 400 metres elevation on the slopes of Mount Dikeos, Kerame offers spectacular panoramic views across the Dodecanese archipelago and the Turkish coast beyond.

With car hire in Kerame, you gain access to the island’s most authentic experiences: the Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery perched on the mountainside, the healing Therma Beach hot springs, and secluded south-coast beaches that bus tours can’t reach. The village itself is a living piece of traditional Greek island life — stone houses, family-run tavernas serving local goat dishes, and evenings on the plateia (square) where locals gather.

Unlike the crowded beach resorts, Kerame stays cool in summer thanks to its elevation and retains its authentic character year-round. This is where islanders come to escape the heat and enjoy panoramic sunsets over the Aegean.

Driving in Kos — What to Expect

Kos has one main coastal road that circles the island, plus mountain roads connecting inland villages. From Kerame, Kos Town is 25km (30 minutes) via the main road. Therma Beach is just 10km away — a 15-minute drive through mountain scenery.

Mountain roads around Kerame are narrow and winding but well-paved. Drive slowly and enjoy the views — these roads offer some of the best scenery on Kos. A compact car is ideal; you won’t need a 4WD. The road to Agios Ioannis Monastery (3km from Kerame) is steep but accessible.

Driving tips:

• Speed limits: 50km/h in villages, 90km/h on open roads
• Mountain roads have hairpin bends — use low gear on descents
• Watch for goats and sheep, especially near villages
• Parking is free in Kerame and at most beaches
• Fuel up in Kos Town before driving into the mountains

The drive from Kerame to south-coast beaches takes 15-20 minutes through the mountains — a scenic route through pine forests and olive groves that most visitors never experience.

Top Destinations from Kerame

Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery (3km)

Just 3km from Kerame, this historic monastery sits at 300m elevation with stunning views across the island. Founded in the 11th century, it features beautiful frescoes and a peaceful courtyard. The monastery celebrates its feast day on 26 September with a traditional panigiri (festival) featuring live music, dancing, and local food. Open daily 8am-2pm; modest dress required.

Therma Beach (10km)

Kos’s famous hot springs beach is unique in the Dodecanese. Natural hot spring water mixes with the sea, creating warm pools perfect for swimming year-round. The water temperature stays around 25-30°C even in winter. Arrive early in summer — by midday the small beach gets crowded. Changing rooms and a simple taverna are available. The drive from Kerame takes 15 minutes through the mountains.

Kos Town (25km)

The island’s capital offers a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Key sights include the Castle of the Knights (14th century), the ancient agora ruins, and Hippocrates’ plane tree — said to be where the father of medicine taught his students. The Asklepieion, 4km from town, is an ancient healing temple dedicated to Hippocrates. Kos Town has excellent shopping, waterfront restaurants, and the island’s best nightlife. Allow a full day for exploration.

South Coast Beaches

Paradise Beach and Lagada Beach are 15-20 minutes from Kerame via mountain roads. These sandy beaches are less crowded than northern counterparts and offer good swimming. Psalidi Beach on the east coast is popular for windsurfing. Agios Fokas Beach has natural hot springs similar to Therma but quieter.

Mountain Villages

Kerame is part of Kos’s traditional mountain village circuit. Drive to Pyli (8km) to see the ruins of the Old Pyli castle and the peacocks that roam the area. Asfendiou and Zia are nearby villages with excellent tavernas and sunset views. The drive between villages takes 10-15 minutes on scenic mountain roads.

Day Trips from Kerame

Complete Island Tour (Full Day)

Drive clockwise around Kos: start with Kos Town and the Asklepieion, then continue to the coast. Stop at Tigaki Beach for a swim, visit the Hippocrates Garden cultural centre, and drive to Kefalos on the western tip for ancient ruins and the stunning Agios Stefanos Beach. Return via the mountain road through Zia and back to Kerame. Total distance: approximately 80km.

Nisyros Volcano Day Trip

Drive to Kardamena port (25km) and take the ferry to Nisyros island — a dormant volcano you can walk inside. The ferry takes 50 minutes; boats run daily in summer. The volcanic crater is accessible by road from the port. Combine with a swim in Nisyros’s hot springs. Car ferries also run from Kos Town if you want to take your rental car across.

Bodrum, Turkey (Day Trip)

From Kos Town port (25km), hydrofoils cross to Bodrum in 20-30 minutes. You’ll need your passport. Bodrum has the impressive Castle of St Peter, ancient Mausoleum ruins, and excellent shopping in the bazaar. Ferries run multiple times daily; book tickets in advance in peak season.

Practical Information

Parking

Parking in Kerame is free and easy — just find space near the plateia. At Therma Beach, arrive before 11am in summer for the best spots. Kos Town has metered parking (€1-2/hour) and free parking on the outskirts. Beach parking is generally free, but popular spots fill by mid-morning in July-August.

Fuel

Fuel stations are in Kos Town, near the airport, and along the main coastal road. Kerame has no petrol station — fill up before driving into the mountains. Fuel is more expensive than mainland Greece; expect €1.80-2.00/litre. Most stations close on Sundays, but there’s always one open near the airport.

Tolls

There are no toll roads on Kos. The ferry to Nisyros costs approximately €15 return for foot passengers; car ferries cost extra.

Car Rental Locations

Kos Airport (KGS) is 25km from Kerame — a 30-minute drive. Most major rental companies have desks at the airport, open for all arriving flights. Kos Town has several rental offices. Kos ferry port has limited rental options; it’s better to pick up at the airport.

Book ahead for July and August — demand exceeds supply in peak season. One-way rentals to other Greek islands are possible but expensive.

Best Time to Visit Kerame

May, June, and September are ideal for Kerame — warm weather (22-28°C), wildflowers in spring, and warm sea temperatures in September. The village is comfortable at 400m elevation even when coastal resorts are hot.

July and August bring tourists to coastal resorts, but Kerame stays cooler and quieter. Mountain breezes make evenings pleasant. This is when the Therma Beach hot springs feel most refreshing.

October has warm seas (23°C) and fewer tourists. The harvest season brings local festivals. Some beach tavernas close by late October, but mountain villages stay active year-round.

Winter (November-March) is quiet. Many tourist facilities close, but Kerame’s tavernas stay open for locals. This is when you’ll experience authentic Greek island life — and the hot springs at Therma are particularly appealing in cool weather.

Best Car Hire Companies in Kerame

While Kerame itself doesn’t have rental offices, picking up at Kos Airport gives you access to major international brands and trusted local companies. We compare prices from:

• Hertz, Avis, Europcar — international brands with full insurance options and 24/7 support
• Sixt, Enterprise — good for one-way rentals and longer hires
• Local Greek companies — often better rates for compact cars, personal service, flexible pickup arrangements

All rentals include basic insurance. We recommend adding full collision damage waiver for peace of mind on mountain roads. Check excess amounts — local companies sometimes have higher excesses than international brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Kerame from Kos Airport?

Kerame is 25km from Kos International Airport (KGS) — approximately 30 minutes by car via the main coastal road and mountain approach. The drive is straightforward, and rental cars are available at the airport terminal.

Do I need a car in Kerame?

Yes — Kerame is a mountain village with limited public transport. While you can reach Kos Town by bus, you’ll need a car to explore beaches, monasteries, and nearby villages. Taxis are expensive and not always available late at night.

What’s the best beach near Kerame?

Therma Beach (10km) is unique — natural hot springs mix with seawater for year-round warm swimming. For sandy beaches, Paradise Beach and Lagada on the south coast are 15-20 minutes away. Both are less crowded than northern beaches.

Can I drive from Kerame to other islands?

You can take your rental car by ferry to Nisyros from Kardamena port (25km). Some companies also allow ferries to Kalymnos and Leros — check your rental agreement. Ferry tickets are purchased at the port; book ahead in summer.

Is driving in Kerame difficult?

The roads around Kerame are paved and well-maintained. Mountain roads have hairpin bends but are not dangerous if driven carefully. A compact car handles all routes. In winter, rain can make some roads slippery — drive slowly and use low gear on descents.

Related Destinations

Looking for car hire nearby? Also explore Kos Town, Rhodes, Kalymnos, and Leros. For island hopping, see our guides to Patmos and Naxos.