Kos

Birthplace of the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, this island's history starts in 3000 BC. Today, it's a famous nightlife and beach life getaway.

How to go Where to stay
A white house and palm trees at the area of Kardamena on the island of Kos.
photo: Anna & Michal / CC BY-SA 2.0

Kos Attractions

The ruins of the Basilica of St Stefanos at Kefalos on the island of Kos.
photo: Michal Osmenda / CC BY-SA 2.0
#1

St. Stefanos Basilica (Ruins)

Kefalos

St. Stefanos Basilica has a marvelous energy. You can get from the ruins straight into the sea. A historical swimming experience!

Ruined walls and fallen stones in an arid landscape with bushes and sparse vegetation.
photo: Tomisti / CC BY-SA 4.0
#2

Palio Pili Castle

Getting to Palio Pili Castle is an adventurous climb through paths with no signs, which makes it all the more fun. Excellent views and a restaurant in the end.

A light-brown massive chirch with a red carpet leading to its entrance and a belfry.
photo: Tedmek / CC BY-SA 3.0
#3

Church of St. Nikolaos

If you need a moment of tranquility and prayer, the Church of St. Nikolaos and its fabulous mural hagiography will soothe your soul.

An overview of the Roman Odeon of the city of Kos built with white marble.
photo: Rikki Mitterer / CC BY-SA 4.0
#4

Roman Odeon of Kos

Up to 750 persons could sit in this 2nd century BC Odeon. Entrance is free and there is a car parking nearby.

A picture of the ruins of the Ancient Agora of Kos where two columns still stand.
photo: Asurnipal / CC BY-SA 4.0
#5

Ancient Agora of Kos

The island's social and commercial center in the 4th century BC. You can enjoy the view of the ruins also from the terraces of nearby cafés.

A white-blue circular fountain with dolphins and apartments with parked cars and motorbikes in front of them.
photo: יובל מדר / CC BY-SA 3.0
#6

Dolphin Square

A vibrant little square with a dolphin-themed fountain. Here you enjoy a meal or a drink, book boat trips, and plan your next day.

A picture showing arches and stairs among other the ruins of the Asklepion of Kos.
photo: Heiko Gorski (Moonshadow) / CC BY-SA 3.0
#7

Asklepion of Kos

Dating from the 4th BC, it was dedicated to Asclepios, the God of Medicine, as well as a place of practice and teaching medicine.

Weeds grow by the embrasures of Antimachia Castle and a view with great depth of field behind them.
photo: Ann Wuyts / CC BY 2.0
#8

Antimachia Castle

The Antimachia Castle is huge and enjoys panoramic views over the whole island. Built by the legendary Order of the Knights of Saint John. No signage.

+ 2 Kos Attractions →

Kos Things to Do

Cruise ship by the coast of Pserimos island and a hige Greek flag drawn on the rocks.
photo: kallerna / CC BY-SA 3.0
#1

Pserimos Island

One of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese with approximately 80 permanent inhabitants, no roads or cars. A place for meditation.

A pile of broken white rocks and a panoramic view over Kos' long landmass.
photo: Shadowgate / CC BY 2.0
#2

White Stone Cave

Kefalos

A rocky path leads to the White Stone Cave. The views on the way are breathtaking but go prepared and avoid the sunny hours.

Some cats lying on a table by domesticated peacocks in the Plaka Forest of Kos.
photo: Rikki Mitterer / CC BY-SA 4.0
#3

Plaka Forest

Irakleides Kos

The pine-forest of Plaka has many cats seeking petting as well as peacocks and turtles who do not seek petting - all in a relaxing environment.

A yellow and a blue waterslide with a view over islands in the horizon leading into a pool.
photo: AQUATICA WATERPARK
#4

Aquatica Water Park

Long waterslides, pools, a café and restaurant - some of the best places for kids to have fun. Aquatica Water Park is small but worth it.

An open area with a white building and a cafeteria's umbrellas as well as a classy lamp post.
photo: Karelj
#5

Kos Municipal Market

Market stands full of local produce including confectionery, herbs and spices, fresh fruit and souvenirs. Look for Rakomelo, a traditional grappa with honey.

Guests of the Lido Waterpark at Mastichari of Kos enjoying the pool.
photo: Twitter @LidoWaterpark
#6

Lido Water Park

Mastichari Kos

A waterpark with modern facilities that include restaurants, snack bars, cafes, infirmary, and mini-market. Kids' favorite.

Grey sand and pebbles and a thin layer of water that just covers parts of the ground.
photo: Steve Wilde / CC BY-ND 2.0
low rating
#7

Alikes Salt Lake

Serene wetlands without crowds. The waters of Alikes Salt Lake are shallow and warm and often attract flamingos and herons.

Kos Why visit?

  • Hippocrates was its most known native.
  • Kos, Stanchio, Istankoy, Lango, all the same name.
  • One of the battlefiends in the war between Titans and Gods.

Kos Museums

A building with rectangular architecture and an entrance with three arches and exotic plants in the front.
photo: Tedmek / CC BY-SA 3.0
#1

Archaeological Museum of Kos

Small but packed with archaeological findings from the Neolithic to the early Roman era. You leave it with a sense of Kos' long history.

A table with vases and bowls full of plant-based ointments, elixirs, and balms.
photo: Hippocratic Foundation
#2

International Hippocratic Foundation

The Hippocratic Foundation has a museum, a conference center, and a botanical garden with the type of plants used by Hippocrates. Highly recommended.

The inner yard of the reconstructed Roman villa «Casa Romana» in Kos town.
photo: Michael Schmalenstroer / CC BY-SA 4.0
#3

Roman Villa «Casa Romana»

This Roman house was restored after the big earthquake of 1933. With its wonderful mosaics, busts, and household items this place will travel you in time

Kos Festivals

A group dressed in traditional clothes are dancing during the Hippocratia Festival​​​ in Kos island.
photo: Municipality of Kos

Hippocratia Festival​​​

A series of cultural events honoring the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, including music concerts, dances, art exhibitions and sports.

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