Kos

Island in South Aegean

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.

A white house and palm trees at the area of Kardamena on the island of Kos.
photo: Anna & Michal / CC BY-SA 2.0
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Kos Attractions

The plane tree of Hippocrates in the Platanou Square, in Kos Town.
photo: JD554 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Plane Tree of Hippocrates

One of the oldest trees in the world which, according to a legend, was planted 2400 years ago by Hippocrates himself, who taught under its shadow.

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

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.

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

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 showing some of the remains and walls of the Neratzia Castle at the port of Kos Island.
photo: יובל מדר / CC BY-SA 3.0

Neratzia Castle

At the entrance of the port, this is the most significant part of the fortification built by the Knights of St John's Order in the 14th century.

The remains of the Basilica of Agios Stefanos at Kefalos on the island of Kos.
photo: Michal Osmenda / CC BY-SA 2.0
distant ≈ 43.9km

St. Stefanos Basilica (Ruins), Kefalos Kos

Well-preserved monument founded between 469 and 554 AD. It corresponds to 2 basilicas since the first was destroyed by an earthquake.

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

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.

Kos Things to Do

Some cats lying on a table by domesticated peacocks in the Plaka Forest of Kos.
photo: Rikki Mitterer / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 32.6km

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.

Guests of the Lido Waterpark at Mastichari of Kos enjoying the pool.
photo: Twitter @LidoWaterpark
distant ≈ 23.9km

Lido Water Park, Mastichari Kos

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

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

Pserimos Island

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

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.

Kos Museums

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

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 Island Hopping

An overview of the crater Stefanos at the active volcano of Nisyros.
photo: Helen Simonsson / CC BY-SA 2.0

Nisyros

Unspoiled from mass tourism, this island is ideal for peaceful holidays in nature. Its active volcano has ethereal views waiting for your camera.

Two climbers by a steep cliff on the island of Kalymnos and the deep blue sea in the background.
photo: Mike Bean / CC BY 2.0

Kalymnos

Its terrain makes the island an internationally acclaimed climbing destination, and locals have a long tradition in natural-sponge fishing.

Questions & Answers about Kos

Why Visit Kos?
  • Called "Island of Hippocrates" honoring the greatest figure in medicine's history.
  • Top Greek destination famous for its hospitality, entertainment, & local flavors.
  • The big network of bike lanes characterizes Kos as the island of bicycles.
What is Kos, Greece, and how it can be reached?

The Greek island of Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes and Karpathos. While population-wised it is the second one following the island of Rhodes. The island can be reached by ferry from Piraeus through a journey that lasts about 15 hours. Also, the island has an international airport and the flight from Athens lasts 55 minutes.

Does Kos attract many tourists?

In our time and over the years, the island of Kos has become a very successful tourist destination with top infrastructure and facilities that attract thousands of visitors. According to official data in 2018 it welcomed 1.2 million people. Apart from the beautiful beaches and other natural beauties, the island has a huge cultural heritage starting from Antiquity to the Byzantine era, and the Knights era until today.

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