Destinations in Kos Island
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Kos is the third-largest island of the Dodecanese and one of the easiest to enjoy, with long sandy beaches, a flat landscape that is perfect for cycling and a wealth of ancient monuments. It is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and just outside the town lies the Asklepieion, a healing sanctuary built on terraces with views over the sea towards the Turkish coast. Kos Town mixes eras in a unique way: the Castle of the Knights guards the harbour, the plane tree of Hippocrates shades a small square, and ruins of the ancient agora, Roman houses and an odeon stand among Italian-era buildings, cafés and a busy pedestrian centre. The north coast has resorts with wide beaches, such as Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari, while Kardamena in the south is known for its lively atmosphere. In the west, Kefalos overlooks Agios Stefanos beach with its early Christian basilica and the islet of Kastri, and Paradise beach is one of the most beautiful. Inland, the mountain village of Zia is famous for sunset views. Kos has an international airport and good ferry links, including day trips to Nisyros, Kalymnos and Bodrum, and suits families and active travellers.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Dodecanese Islands
KNOWN FOR
Beaches, cycling & Asklepieion
BEST FOR
Sandy beaches, Families, Archaeological sites, Resorts, Nightlife
Transportation
Kos "Hippocrates" Airport
Port of Kos
Port of Mastichari
Beaches
Agios Stefanos (Kos) Beach
Paradise (Kos) Beach
Kardamena Beach
Tigaki Beach
Marmari (Kos) Beach
Mastichari Beach
Lambi Beach
Kamari (Kos) Beach
Psalidi Beach
Religious Sites
Church of Agios Stefanos (Kefalos) Basilica
Museums & History
Archaeological Site of Asklepieion of Kos
Castle of the Knights (Neratzia)
Plane Tree of Hippocrates
Archaeological Site of Ancient Agora of Kos
Casa Romana
Odeon of Kos
Castle of Antimachia
Castle of Old Pyli
Archaeological Museum of Kos
Other
Zia Village
Nature
Therma Hot Springs
Alykes Salt Lake (Tigaki)
Zia Sunset Viewpoint
Shopping
Kos Old Town (Eleftherias Square)
Entertainment
Lido Water Park
By air
Kos International Airport (Hippocrates), near Antimachia, serves the northern Dodecanese, with many direct flights from Europe in summer and flights from Athens. Kos Town is about 30 minutes away, and Kardamena only about 10.
By ferry
Kos Town is a busy port, with ferries and catamarans to Rhodes, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Nisyros and Piraeus, and boats to Bodrum in Turkey. Mastichari has short ferries to Kalymnos, and Kardamena summer boats to Nisyros, so island hopping is easy.
Getting around
Optional. Kos is fairly flat and compact, and a car or scooter is useful for a day or two to explore the mountain villages of Dikeos, Asklepieion and the beaches of the south coast.
