To borrow from the famous American motivators, Canfield and Hansen, Kos truly is ‘chicken soup for the soul’, as well as the body and the eye. Tall palm trees, endless sandy beaches, alternating landscapes and numerous archaeological sites and attractions left by ancient Greeks, Romans, medieval knights, Venetians and Ottomans make Kos more than just a pretty face in the Dodecanese island chain. It isn’t coincidental that Hippocrates, antiquity’s most noted physician (he of the oath), was born on Kos.
Whichever you choose of the aliases Kos has gone by – Meropi, Nymphaia or Karys – this fascinating island in the Aegean will be a prominent entry in your holiday diary from now on.
What to do on Kos island
Visit Hippocrates’ Asclepeion, the first healing centre
Just 4km northwest of Kos town, on a verdant hill with a spectacular view, you’ll discover one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, the Asclepion of Kos. A holistic healing centre, the Asclepeion contained infirmaries, temples, hot springs, hostels, a school for physicians and much more. In the 3rd and 2nd century BC, it became one of the important institutions of its kind in the ancient world, following guidelines set down by Kos’ native son Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. It’s worth making time during your holiday to Kos to visit it.
Feel the healing energy of the Asclepion of Kos
Explore a young city with a rich history
Following a major earthquake in 1933, Kos town was redesigned by the reigning Italians with large squares, sidewalks and wide tree-lined streets, flanked by modern buildings with shops, cafes and restaurants. That said, history buffs will also love this place.
Enjoy a bespoke bicycle tour of town
What other modern town can claim so many attractions like the Nerantzia Castle of the Knights of Saint John, late 14th-century walls hastily erected to keep out Sultan Bayezit I, an ancient Greek agora, a medieval district, an old harbour, and Roman ruins in the west? Don’t forget to pay your respects to Hippocrates’ huge plane tree – 12m in circumference and a landmark of Kos. But by fair the best way to enjoy all of the above, is on a bicycle tour of Kos town.
Find the beach that’s a perfect fit for you
It feels like almost every beach on Kos is a kilometre long. You’ll probably develop a soft spot for Kardamena beach, with its glorious scenery and deep blue water, but don’t miss Agios Stefanos beach, Mastihari, Tigkaki, Marmari, Chrysi Akti, Kefalos and Paradise.
A splash of culture at Agios Stefanos beach
Feel the power of Antimacheia Castle
In June 1457, this castle was besieged by 16,000 Ottomans. Just 15 knights and 200 locals were left to defend it, but they held out for 23 days and the Ottomans eventually withdrew. Built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century, it is now a peaceful but impressive ruin on Kos.
Hidden gems of Kos island
A verdant hideaway for peacocks
Kos is an island full of surprises. Planted by Italians in the 1940s, the woods at Plaka, near Antimacheia, have become a sanctuary for peacocks and other birds. Carry some seeds to offer and they’ll be eating out of your hand.
Thermal springs at the edge of the Aegean
Unique among the Dodecanese islands, Kos has three different kinds of mineral water springs – hot, warm and cool. You’ll find them at Agios Fokas, Piso Thermes, Kokkinonero and Volkanous. Kokkinonero means Redwater.
The Archaeological Museum of Kos
You’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Kos in Eleftheria Square in town. A larger-than-life head of the goddess Hera greets you in the vestibule while impressive statues and mosaics await within.
⛴ Ferry Schedules to Kos
- Frequency: Daily, year-round; increased frequency during summer months
- Duration: Approximately 9 to 12 hours, depending on the route and stops
- Departure Times: Typically in the evening from Piraeus
- Ferry Type: Conventional ferries with cabins, numbered seats, and vehicle decks
- Luggage: Included in ticket; storage areas available onboard
- Vehicles: Cars and motorcycles allowed; advance booking recommended
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Tours & Activities in Kos
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Kos: Jeep Exploration - Panoramic Views,...
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Where to stay in Kos
Platanista Hotel Kos
Canvas by Mitsis Family Village
Grecotel LUXME Kos
Milva Apartments
Angela Apartments Kos
Avli Residences
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Ferries to & from Kos
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Kos boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The island is particularly known for its family resorts, which offer extensive amenities. For a truly authentic experience, consider staying in one of the traditional villages, like Zia or Mastichari, where you'll find charming guesthouses and boutique hotels. For those seeking luxury, there are high-end resorts in areas like Tigaki and Kardamena , which also offer stunning beach views.
You can find more information on our accommodation page.
Kos is well-connected by both air and sea. The island has an international airport with flights from Athens and many European cities, making it easily accessible. Ferries also connect Kos with other islands in the Aegean Sea and the mainland port of Piraeus. Public buses are a reliable and cost-effective way to explore the island, with routes covering major towns and tourist sites. For more flexibility, renting a car or scooter is recommended, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. Cycling is another great option, as there are well-maintained cycling paths in Kos town and scenic routes around the island that make it easy to explore at your own pace.
Kos offers a rich culinary experience, with a blend of traditional Greek dishes and local specialties. It is also one of Greece’s most fertile islands and is known for delicious local products, such as honey and extra-virgin olive oil. Local cheeses include posas or krasotiri, a soft cheese made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, as well as feta and creamy mizithra and anthotiro. There are vineyards on the slopes of Mount Dikeos and look out for kanelada, a refreshing chilled drink made with cinnamon.
More on the local gastronomy can be found in our foodie guide to Kos.
Kos is generally safe for travellers, but it's always wise to be cautious, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. The emergency number for all services, including medical emergencies, is 112. Kos has a hospital and several health clinics providing comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available and can offer over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. Tap water is safe to drink, although bottled water is preferable, and the island's food safety standards are high, making it safe to enjoy local cuisine.
For more health and safety tips, you can visit our Travelers info page.
Kos is a Greek island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, forming part of the Dodecanese island group. It lies close to the coast of Turkey, with the Turkish town of Bodrum just 4 kilometers across the sea. Kos is known for its strategic position, making it a crossroads of cultures over the centuries. The island’s capital, Kos Town, is situated on the northeastern coast, serving as the main hub for tourism and transportation.
Reaching Kos by ferry is convenient with several options available. The most common route is from the port of Piraeus in Athens, with the journey taking approximately 9 to 11 hours depending on the ferry type. Ferries to Kos also depart from other islands in the Dodecanese, such as Rhodes, Kalymnos, and Nisyros. In addition to domestic routes, Kos is connected to Turkey, with regular ferry services from Bodrum, making it accessible for those looking to explore both Greece and Turkey during their trip.
Yes, Kos has an international airport, Kos Island International Airport (KGS), also known as "Hippocrates Airport." It is located about 23 kilometers southwest of Kos Town. The airport serves a wide range of international and domestic flights, particularly during the peak summer season.
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The best time to visit Kos is from late spring to early autumn, specifically May through October. During these months, the weather is warm and ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. July and August are the peak months, with hot temperatures and bustling tourist activity. For those who prefer a quieter experience with milder weather, visiting in May, June, or September is recommended. These shoulder months offer a more relaxed atmosphere with all the perks of summer.
Kos is renowned for its rich history, particularly as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The island is home to the Asklepion, an ancient medical center and sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. Beyond its historical significance, Kos is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming villages like Zia. The island also boasts a diverse culinary scene, with local specialties such as pitardia (a type of pasta) and posia cheese, as well as excellent wines produced from indigenous grape varieties.
To fully explore Kos and its main attractions, a stay of 4 to 5 days is recommended. This allows enough time to visit key historical sites like the Asklepion and the Roman Odeon, enjoy the island's beautiful beaches such as Tigaki and Agios Stefanos, and explore traditional villages like Zia. If you're interested in taking day trips to nearby islands or engaging in more leisurely activities, extending your stay to a week would provide a more comprehensive experience.