Kos seamlessly blends ancient heritage with golden beaches and charming traditional villages. This island caters to both history lovers and those seeking relaxation and local warmth. Enjoy a stroll through the town’s palm-lined streets, vibrant squares, and cobbled alleyways – a perfect harmony of the old and the new.
Kos
Discover the magic of Kos: history, beaches, and island charm that captivates
Kos, the third largest island in the Dodecanese, offers a rich and diverse destination. Discover the allure of the impressive Castle of the Knights of St. John, which crowns the main town. Sandy beaches like Tigaki and Mastichari invite you to relax and enjoy watersports, while picturesque villages such as Zia, Antimachia, and Kefalos steal your heart. Wander among the ancient ruins of the Asklepieion and the ancient stoa that hosted the world’s first medical school.
Let yourself be moved by the island’s history and monuments. In the evening, enjoy local wine and rakomelo for a complete island experience.
Highlights
Kastri Islet
A tiny island just across from Agios Stefanos beach. Accessible by boat, it features ruins of fortifications and a small white chapel – a favorite for photographers and swimmers.
Eleftherias Square
The heart of Kos town. Surrounded by Italian-era buildings, the market, and museums, this square reflects the island’s history and vibrant rhythm.
Hippocrates’ Plane Tree
According to legend, under this ancient tree, Hippocrates – the father of medicine – taught his students the art of healing.
Asklepieion
Kos’s most important archaeological site. A sacred healing center dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine and son of Apollo.
Select your Travel type
Search destination
IDEAL DESTINATION
History, sea, and authentic island life
Local Flavors & Hidden Gems
Kos boasts a rich culinary tradition rooted in the Mediterranean diet, satisfying even the most discerning food lovers. The island offers a variety of meat and seafood dishes, including squid and lobster. Try local specialties like goat with honey, cheeses such as graviera and kasseri, and pair them with chilled wine or rakomelo. Don’t miss the island’s famous syrupy sweets, especially the signature Kos tomato preserve. The villages of Pyli and Kefalos are known for authentic tavernas serving hearty island flavors.
Best Time to Visit
Kos is most popular from June to September, but if you prefer fewer crowds, visit in May or between mid-September and mid-October when the atmosphere is more relaxed and temperatures are pleasant.
How to use transportation in Kos
Airport/port transfer options
During the summer months, the island is directly connected with domestic flights from Athens and other cities in Greece, as well as with international flights around the world. The “Hippocrates” international airport is located 27 km SW of the city. Alternatively you can travel by boat from the port of Piraeus.
Local transportation
Kos is a large island so we suggest having a car. It also has local transportation, a large number of bus lines connect Kos with the beaches and with others inland villages. Kos is also a bike friendly city. The city offers a wide network of bike paths and a numerous bicycle rental shops of all types (city and mountain) are located in every corner of the city.
Questions / Answers
Q&A
The Asklepieion, Hippocrates’ Tree, the Castle of the Knights, and the village of Zia.
Yes, especially if you want to explore beaches and inland villages with ease.
Tigaki, Paradise Beach, and Mastichari are famous for soft sand and water activities.
4–5 days are ideal to enjoy beaches, heritage sites, and authentic island life.
Yes, day trips to Nisyros or the nearby Turkish coast are easily accessible.
![City Break with food walking tour in Athens [4days]](https://mazitravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Athens-AdobeStock_125876014-scaled-e1769512144460.jpeg "City Break with food walking tour in Athens [4days]")
