Visit Kos

A town where ancient columns rise between café terraces, a terraced sanctuary of medicine facing the sea, sandy beaches all along the north coast and mountain villages at sunset: flat and bike-friendly, Kos takes four to six days to discover.

Why visit the island of Kos?

Kos, the third-largest island in the Dodecanese, is the birthplace of Hippocrates, father of medicine. It packs Greek, Roman and medieval remains visible in the middle of town, long sandy beaches and terrain gentle enough to explore by bike. Its proximity to Turkey allows a day trip to Bodrum.

Kos's must-sees

Ancient and medieval heritage, sandy beaches and natural hot water, on an island that is easy to get around.

Asklepieion

A sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine, laid out on three terraces about 4 km from town. Views over the sea and the Turkish coast from the top.

Neratzia Castle

A fortress of the Knights of St John at the harbour entrance, its walls partly built with ancient blocks. Weakened by the 2017 earthquake.

Hippocrates' Plane Tree

A venerable plane tree in front of the castle, under which tradition says Hippocrates taught. The current tree, propped up by supports, is far more recent.

Casa Romana

A large reconstructed Roman mansion in the heart of town, with peristyle courtyards, mosaics and frescoes. The visit takes about an hour.

Agios Stefanos Basilica

The ruins of two Early Christian basilicas on the edge of the beach of the same name, facing the islet of Kastri. Superb at sunset.

Therma Hot Springs

A natural hot spring flowing into the sea at the foot of a cliff, about twelve kilometres south-east of town. Bathe in a pebble-lined pool.

What to do on Kos, from the harbour to the southern beaches?

Kos Town, between ancient ruins and harbour

The island's capital is an open-air museum: the ancient agora lies a stone's throw from the harbour, and the western excavations reveal a paved Roman street, mosaics and a small odeon, all freely accessible. The July 2017 earthquake damaged several monuments, some of which are still being restored: check opening on site. Allow a day for the centre, on foot or by bike thanks to the many cycle lanes. In the evening, the lanes around Eleftherias Square stay lively until late. It is one of the liveliest towns in the Dodecanese in Greece.

The north coast: Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari

The north coast lines up some twenty kilometres of sandy beaches, reached by bus from Kos Town in under half an hour. Tigaki, the closest, borders a small salt lake where flamingos are sometimes seen in winter and spring. Marmari, windier, draws windsurfers in July and August. Mastichari, further west, is still a fishing village, from which boats leave for the neighbouring island of Kalymnos in about half an hour. This coast suits families well, as the water stays shallow for several metres.

Mount Dikeos, Zia and Pyli

The Dikeos massif, rising above 800 m, forms the island's backbone. On its slopes, Zia is the most visited mountain village, about twenty minutes' drive from Kos Town: its terraced tavernas fill up at sunset, so book in high season. Hikers set off from here towards the summit, about three hours there and back. Further west, the ruins of the Byzantine castle of Old Pyli are a twenty-minute walk away. Head up in the late afternoon, when the heat eases.

Kefalos and the south-west peninsula

About forty minutes' drive from Kos Town, Kefalos overlooks the bay of the same name, lined with beaches such as Paradise, Camel and Agios Stefanos. The latter faces the islet of Kastri, topped by a chapel, which you can reach by swimming or by pedalo when the sea is calm. The wilder peninsula beyond the village is crossed by dirt tracks leading to isolated beaches on the south-west coast. Allow a full day by car or scooter, with water and something for lunch.

Frequently asked questions about Kos

How do you get to the Asklepieion from Kos Town?
The site is about 4 km south-west: allow twenty minutes by bike, partly uphill, or take the little tourist train or a city bus. Go at opening time, as the site has little shade and cruise groups arrive in the late morning.
Can you do a Kos to Bodrum round trip in a day?
Yes, the crossing takes under an hour and several boats run every day in summer. A day is enough for the Castle of St Peter and Bodrum harbour. Crossing the border requires a valid passport; be at the port at least an hour before departure.
Where to bathe in natural hot water at Therma?
On Therma beach, in the south-east of the island, a hot spring flows into a small pool ringed with stones at the water's edge. The road ends at a car park followed by a walk down. Come early in the morning or at dusk: the pool is small and fills up quickly.
Is Neratzia Castle open since the 2017 earthquake?
The castle was closed for many years for consolidation work after the July 2017 earthquake, and part of it may remain inaccessible. Check on site or with the Greek Ministry of Culture; its walls are clearly visible from the harbour and the bridge leading to it.
What trip to take from Kos to Nisyros?
Boats leave Kardamena and Kos Town for Nisyros, a neighbouring volcanic island. You walk down into the sulphur-scented Stefanos crater and visit the village of Mandraki. Allow a full day; wear closed shoes, as the crater floor is hot.
Kardamena or Tigaki for a family?
Tigaki, in the north, offers a gently sloping sandy beach and a quiet atmosphere, ideal with children. Kardamena, on the south coast, is known for its lively nightlife in July and August: best avoided if you are after quiet nights.

Plan your trip to Kos

Build your day-by-day itinerary and manage budget, bookings and packing in PlanTripNow.
Aperçu de l'application PlanTripNow