The third largest island of the Dodecanese and located in the southeastern Aegean, Kos is a beautiful destination attracting many visitors year after year. The main port and town centre of the island is the capital, Kos Town. Visitors are highly drawn to this magnificent island by the architecture, the great selection of restaurants and bars, the lively nightlife, the white sand beaches and the rich and great history it comes with.

The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, is said to have been born on this island with many landmarks that show the great influence he had on the science of medicine. The island was conquered by many different empires in the past and this can be seen through the remaining monuments that stretch across the city. Therefore, Kos is a destination that can offer a lot to its visitors, from relaxing on a beach and swimming in crystal clear waters to exploring and learning about the vast history this islands has to offer.
 

Things To Do and See in Kos

In the 14th century A.D. the Knight Templar constructed a castle at the entrance of the port of Kos in order to fortify the island. Today, this castle is known as the Nerantzia Castle, which names derives from the sour orange trees that were planted in the area during its construction. Together with the Bodrum Castle, it controlled the sea way towards the holly lands during the period of the crusades. Impossible to miss as it guards the entrance of the port, visitors can explore the castle and admire the magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and the harbour of Kos.

Elefteria Square

The heart of the city, Eleftheria Square is home to some of the most great monuments and sights from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period, the period of the Knights of St. John, the Ottoman conquest and the Italian occupation. Here visitors will be able to explore and admire the municipal market, the club and the Archaelogical museum that has a vast collection of statues and mosaic floors. This beautiful square has a lovely selection of tavernas and bars and is very close to the main port, the old city and the lively Bar Street.

One of the largest platane trees in Europe and approximately 2,500 years old, the Hippocrates Plane Tree is a very spectacular landmark in Kos located in the town centre in Platia Platanou. Hippocrates is believed to have taught medicine to his students under the huge branches of this gorgeous tree, that over the years has become hollowed.  Here he also examined and cured his patients. An interesting fact is that this tree has been spread all over the world as seeds and cuttings from it's big branches have been gifted to worldwide  medical universities, libraries and institutions.

On a hilltop full of rich fauna and flora the Asclepieion of Kos lays, with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Only 4 kilometres away from Kos Town, it is a very popular sight amongst tourists and probably one of the most important temples on the island. This is where the god Asclepius is worshiped , who according to the myth was the first doctor demigod who would bring back the dead. Within the sanctuary there was a school built for Hippocrates to teach medicine.

In 1933, there was a huge earthquake that caused big damages on the island of Kos. This resulted in the Italians, who had conquered the island, reconstructing the building plan of the city. During this on the ruins of an old Hellenistic style house, they rebuilt “Casa Romana”, a huge mansion of 36 rooms and 3 atriums. Today the manor is open to visitors, who can stroll through the Pompei style house and have a look at the magnificent mosaics, decors and statues from the Italian period.

One fo the most fascinating customs in Kos is the horse race that takes place each year during the celebration of St George in the village of Pyli. It all starts with the procession of the Saint’s icon, followed by a parade of the horse riders and ends with the race. Riders train throughout the whole year. The priest announces the winner by cracking an egg over the horse. Both the rider of the winning horse and the runner up get a prize.

The rich historical past of the island is also shown through the Ottoman mosques. From 1523 to 1912, the island of Kos was under Ottoman rule and these monuments strongly remind the locals and anyone who visits. The two mosques that stand in the centre of Kos Town are historical and architectural landmarks of the rule. They do not operate anymore, but thanks to the restoration works they are greatly preserved.

Part of the archaelogical zone of the island's port is the Ancient Agora, which used to be the commercial and social centre of the city. One of the largest Agoras in Greece, it used to be the financial centre of Kos, with many shops, altars and workshops. Walking through the ruins, visitors can fantasize how it used to be in the past. Parts of the fortification of the city, the sanctuaries of Aphrodite and Hercules, remains of ancient houses and a small part of the ancient port are noticeable here. An interesting fact is that a huge part of the ancient agora lays under the modern city.

Popular Resorts of Kos

The main port of the island is the capital itself, known as Kos Town. Located on the north east coast of the island, Kos Town has an abudance of beautiful green landscapes and sceneries. As a result of the many conquerors the island faced in the past, the town of Kos combines architectural designs from the Ottoman rule, the Italian rule and ancient, medieval and mordern times. Strolling trough the town, one will come across many Venetian buildings, well-preserved houses and ancient monuments. Alongside the old, visitors will come across the new and the modern, with many restaurants and tavernas and numerous of cafes, bars and nightclubs dotted all around the town.

Kardamena

Another popular tourist resort in Kos is the village of Kardamena, situated 30 km south west of the Town. Kardamena is home to many of Kos's spectacular historical sights, like the Agia Barbara church, the Temple of Apollonas and the church of Virgin Mary. However, for those who want a mix of ancient and modern, Kardamena is very well-developed and also offers a very lively and entertaining nightlife, many water sport activities, and a very good vairety of restaurants, tavernas and cafes.

The beautiful village of Kefalos, with it's eyecatching traditional buildings that are so closely built they form narrow walk ways, was the first capital of Kos. Tourists staying in this village have an adundance of things to do and see. Explore the Folklore Museum, the ruins of Christian Basilica of Saint Stefanos and the islet that is connected to the port. Considered to be the most touristic village on the island there are multiple choices of accommodation, crystal clear nearby beaches, restaurants, traditional tavernas,cafes and bars.