Kos

Greek: Κως | Pronounced: `kos
  • Kos
  • Kos
  • Kos
  • Kos
  • Kos

Overview of Kos

Kos, the native island of Hippocrates, father of medicine, is full of surprises. It’s the third largest in the Dodecanese and second in popularity after Rhodes. It is also package-tourism orientated and offers excellent infrastructure, one of the best among the Greek islands. Touristic development may seem chaotic at places, but Kos knows how to make amends. The island has two basic advantages: rich archaeological sightseeing and an extensive coastline of long sandy beaches, mostly organized and easy to access.

A fertile inland with traditional villages, taverns of delicious fresh fish, nightlife options for all and an extensive bicycle routes network guarantee a delightful vacation. Remnants and influences of past civilizations –Hellenistic, roman, ottoman and Italian- are evident throughout the island, especially in the capital and port of Kos Town. At the waterfront you can see the well preserved Castle of the Knights of Saint John. As touristic as it gets (aka shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, etc), the Town also hosts many significant ancient monuments. Meanwhile, palm trees, wide streets, large squares and contemporary buildings complete the whole picture.

Kos seems ever-changing as you move on. Among the island’s most developed settlements is modern Kardamena, a super-crowded spot that reminds the crazy nights in Faliraki, Rhodes. In contrast, coastal settlements such as Mastichari, Kamari, Kefalos and Marmari seem to have found the right balance between progress and tradition. On the other hand, in Kos you can also see villages untouched by tourism. Among others, mountainous Asfendiou and Zia are well-known respectively for their architecture and great sunsets, while inland Pili is dominated by a typically Greek island atmosphere. Kos overwhelms its visitors with many faces – choose the one that suits you best and enjoy high quality vacations.

Find more information on Kos at the official website for Greek Tourism VisitGreece.gr

Beaches Food Things to see & do

Paradise

: Worthy of its name, this is the “star” beach among the many found in Kefalos bay. It is sandy, super organized and cosmopolitan, with water sports facilities and fish taverns nearby. *Beach hopping: In the 40 km bay of Kefalos’ historic settlement you can also swim in beautiful sandy beaches such as Agios Stefanos, Camel, Banana/Langades, Markos, Sunny/Psilos Gremos, Magic and Exotic/Xerokambos
9.0

Tingaki

: Set in one of the most popular and developed destinations in Kos, this 10 km sandy shore with crystal shallow waters offers many facilities. It’s also a nice windsurfing spot.
9.0

Mastichari

: Light blue waters and white sand make this beach look exotic. It is well organized, ideal for windsurfing and located at the homonymous touristic settlement, famous for its fish taverns.
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Agios Theologos

: If you’re looking for a secluded, non organized beach to relax or do windsurfing, this is the (rocky) place to be. In the area you will also discover smaller sandy coves to swim in.
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Therma

: Popular to all those who enjoy bathing in hot springs, this pebbly beach with few amenities, is relaxing and therapeutic.
7.0

Lambi

: Easy access, a variety of tourist amenities, soft sand and clear blue waters are the main traits of this beach. It is also close to Kos Town.
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Barbouni

: Kos Town, Greek cuisine
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Lofaki Cafe Restaurant Theatre

: Agios Nektarios, Greek, international cuisine,
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Taverna Oromedon

: Zia, Greek cuisine
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Serif Taverna

: Platani, Greek and oriental cuisine
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Avli Restaurant

: Kardamena, Greek cuisine, seafood
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Asklipieion

: The main attraction of Kos and one of the most important sights of the Greek islands. Built on a hillside, it is a monumental complex that served as a sanctuary dedicated to Asklipios (god of healing), but also as a cultural and healing centre. Among the remains, you can see the propylea, staircase, altar, roman baths, temples of Asklipios and Apollo.
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Day-trip excursions

: Visit the nearby pristine islet of Pserimos with its calm beaches. Also, the neighboring Bodrum, Turkey (50 minutes by boat).
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Town’s ancient highlights

: Check out the ancient agora with temples of Aphrodite and Hercules, the floor mosaic of the “Kidnapping of Europe” and the temple of Dionysos. Also, the odeion, the Casa Romana (roman villa), the Archaeological Museum and Hippocrates’ tree, under which it is said he used to teach.
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There are boat connections from Kos to Nisyros, Kalymnos, Symi and Rhodes

: A fantastic opportunity to see some of the most beautiful Greek islands.
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Antimahia

: An inland surprise located on a plateau. The main attractions of this historic settlement include the impressive medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John, the so-called “House of Antimahia” (a representation of a traditional 20th century residence) and the windmill of Papa.
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Local products

: Try sweet plum tomato, posa cheese, baklava, honey and also the delicious drinks kanellada (made with cinnamon) and soumada (made in the nearby island of Nisyros).
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Map of Kos

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