Things to do in Kos, Greece

Kos is one of the most popular islands of the Dodecanese. It has golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, archaeological sites and activities for the whole family. If you are looking for nightlife you can head to Kardamena and if you are looking for a family vacation, Tigaki is a good choice. There are many things to do in Kos, here are my suggestions:

• A visit to Asklepeion

• See Hippocrates tree

• Visit the castle of knights

• Explore Ancient Agora

• Souvenir shopping in Kos town

• Do a wine tour

• See the Sunset at Zia village

• Enjoy the food and the nightlife

• Spend time on the beach

• Do a day trip to Nisyros island

Interesting things to do in Kos, Greece

A visit to Asklepeion

Located just 4kms to the south-east side of Kos town, Asklepeion is reputably the most visited tourist destination in Kos. This archaeological site was built in honour of Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician who cured people and taught the art of healing to his students. Asklepeion is located just a few meters from natural springs and has the remains of the temples of Asclepius and Apollo that was initially destroyed by an earthquake.

This sanctuary is rumoured as the world’s first hospital.  While on the top of the terrace you can have a great view of Kos town below which is an amazing experience. Tickets: Full: €8, Reduced: €4

More information and opening hours.

Explore Kos town

When in Kos town the following are the major places you should visit:

Hippocrates tree

Located in the centre of Kos town and just outside the Castle of Knights, Hippocrates tree is one that you don’t want to miss on your visit to this beautiful Island. Hippocrates that was considered the father of medicine used to taught his students under this plane tree. Although the current one is only 500 years old, there is a possibility of being a descendant of the original tree that stood there 2400 years ago.

Visit the castle of knights

Located on the entrance of Kos harbour this piece of architecture was built by the Knights in an attempt to protect the island from the Ottomans. In 1945 this piece of construction was damaged by an earthquake. However, not everything was damaged. In your visit to Kos town, spare some time and tour this place and see the remains of this castle.

Ancient Agora

Also known as the ancient wall and located just a few miles from the Castle of Knights, Ancient Agora is an excavation of the ruins dating as far as the 4^th century AD. If you are in Kos town, this will be a fun place to visit where you can see the remains of the temple of the famous Hercules and shrine of the Aphrodite

Souvenir shopping

Kos town has a handful of shops scattered all over the town selling souvenirs all in pocket-friendly and affordable prices. Also, there is a public market just before entering the town where you can shop for mementoes and souvenirs at affordable prices

View the Sunset at Zia village

This is a mountainous village located 10 miles from Kos town. This village has a rich landscape, and your visit to Kos will not be complete if you don’t get to see the amazing view of the sun setting while in Zia village. There are also some nice restaurants serving traditional food in the village.

Wineries and wine tours

Greece is reputable for wine-making, this history ranges back from 500Bc. High-quality wine brands are made, and this is evidenced by the fact that a number of local wine brands have won international awards.

Kos lives up to this reputation, and there are several wineries that you can visit. Triantafylloupus vineyard is the winery to visit if you are seeking for a wine tour with high-quality wine brands. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30  until 15.30. What is even more interesting about this place is that the tour is free and there is no much pressure to purchase a bottle of wine. For more information, you can email them at info@koswinery.gri

Another place to visit if you are looking for a wine tour is Hatziemmanouli winery which was completed in 2004. This winery accepts tours and offers quality wine. For more information.

Nightlife and food in Kos

Instead of Kos going dull at night, this Island rather gets to life at night. The numerous trendy restaurants and bars will ensure that you stay entertained. There is cool pop music being played around and making the experience one not to miss in your visit to Kos.

Different towns and cities in Greece have different signature meals. In Kos, you will find Krasotyri which is a unique spicy cheese that contains wine. Another traditional local delicacy that you have to try is the tomato spoon dessert.

Beaches in Kos

Greece has some of the best beaches in the world. Kos also does not disappoint in this. With most of them being sandy beaches and having crystal blue waters they offer those who visit with plenty of activities to ensure they stay entertained. There are more than 20 beaches in Kos but here are the four major ones:

Mastichari Beach

This is the most famous beach in Kos Island. Located 20kms on the south-west side of Kos town Mastichari is an exotic sandy beach that ensures the visitors stay entertained. There are umbrellas and basking beds too. The major water sports are kite surfing and windsurfing.

Lambi

Just 3kms to the north of Kos town, Lambi is a popular beach barely a stone throw from the Kos town. Just like Mastichari, Lambi also is organised with umbrellas and sun beds which are just a perfect recipe for a good time with your family. The major water sporting activities are waterskiing and surfing.

Tigaki

Tigaki beach is another sandy beach 10 km long awarded with a blue flag. It is just 11 km away from Kos town and is great for families and sports lovers.

Psalidi

Just 3 kilometre from Kos town, this beach has both sand and pebbles. It is organised with umbrellas, sunbeds and watersports. It also has many seaside restaurants in case you get hungry.

Thermes

Located 12 kilometres to the south of Kos town, Thermes is a black pebbled beach with hot water. There is no water sport, but this beach offers a secluded, private and cool place to spend time with your spouse.

A day trip to Nisyros Island

Nisyros is famously known as the Island of the Volcano. It is here you get to see a crater volcano and feel lava rumbling beneath your feet at only 19.5 Euros. There are daily boat trips to Nisyros from Kos ensuring that you visit the Island and return on the same day.

The tour also includes a visit to the monastery of Panagia Spiliani and free time to explore the town of Mandraki with the white and blue houses.

Where to stay in Kos, Greece

HotelsCombined is a great website to check out to find the most cost-effective accommodation option for you in Kos. It will tell you which hotel booking site has the best price. Here are my picks for the best accommodations in Kos, Greece:

In Kos town:

Pavlos Hotel is ideally located 200 m from a sandy beach and 500 m from the centre of Kos. It offers air-conditioned rooms with private balcony, satellite TV and kitchenette. It also has two swimming pool, the second one only for children. Although the hotel is near the town it is situated in a quiet location. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

Triton Hotel is located in front of the beach and within walking distance from Kos town. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

In Tigaki:

Jonathan Studio Apartments offers self-catering rooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and swimming pool 2 minutes walk from the beach. Outside the hotel, there is a bus stop. It takes the bus 15 minutes to get to Kos town. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

Astir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa is a 5-star hotel located on the waterfront. It has 5 swimming pools, a spa, sports facilities,  kid’s activities and a variety of restaurants. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

How to get to Kos, Greece

By Plane:

Kos has an international airport with direct flights from Athens (1 hour) and many European cities.

By Ferry:

Ferries to Kos run almost daily during the summer from Piraeus port in Athens  (prices are around 20 € one way) and the journey takes at least 10 hours depending on the island it stops on the way. Prices and journey times depend on the ferry company.

Kos is also connected with other islands like Patmos, Leros, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Lipsi, Astypalea, Tilos, Symi, Karpathos and Kastelorizo.

For more details about the ferry schedule, you can check here: http://travel.viva.gr/en/ferries

Kos is an island with many things to do that will ensure you have a great vacation.

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