The Asklepieion is four kilometres outside of Kos Town, up a hill, behind a row of cypress trees. I walked there on a Tuesday morning in June and had the entire upper terrace to myself for twenty minutes. From that spot, you can see the Aegean, the Turkish coastline at Bodrum, and the outline of three other Dodecanese islands.
Hippocrates taught medicine here 2,400 years ago. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece.
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What to Do in Kos, Greece
Kos Island is the third largest island in the Dodecanese chain, stretching 43 kilometres in length and between 2 and 6 kilometres in width. It is in the southeastern Aegean Sea, close enough to Turkey that you can see the minarets of Bodrum from the harbour.
The island has a 5,000-year history and has been shaped by Ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, the Knights of St. John, Ottomans, and Italians, all of whom left something behind. Nearly one million tourists visit each year.
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Kos is also the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The island’s airport is named after him. So is its most famous tree. And the Asklepieion, the ancient healing centre where he taught, remains the single most important reason to visit beyond the beaches.
10 Best Things to Do in Kos Greece
Walk Through the Neratzia Castle
The Castle of the Knights, also known as Neratzia Castle, guards the entrance to Kos harbour.
It was built by the Knights of St. John in the late 14th century using stone recycled from the ancient Agora. In June 1457, 15 knights and 200 locals defended the castle against a siege by 16,000 Ottomans, holding out for 23 days until the Ottomans withdrew.
The castle is open to visitors and offers panoramic views across the harbour and back toward the Turkish coast. The entrance is reached via a stone bridge from the waterfront.
Visit the Asklepieion
The most significant attraction on Kos Island. The Asklepieion was a holistic healing centre in the ancient world, built on three terraces on a hillside overlooking the sea. Students from across the Mediterranean came here to study medicine under the teachings of Hippocrates. The site dates to the 4th century BCE.
Audio guides were added in 2026, making the visit substantially more informative than it was previously. The Asklepieion is four kilometres northwest of Kos Town, reachable by bicycle, scooter, taxi, or the tourist train that departs from the harbour.
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Explore Kos Town by Bicycle
Kos Town is one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in Greece, with dedicated cycle lanes running through the centre and along the waterfront. Bike hire shops are everywhere, and the terrain is flat enough to cover the town’s main sights in a morning without breaking a sweat.
A cycling loop through Kos Town takes in the ancient Greek Agora, the Roman Odeon, Eleftherias Square (the main square, surrounded by Italian-era buildings, the Archaeological Museum, a mosque, and a covered market), Phoinikon Street (lined with palm trees), and the harbour promenade.
It is the best way to absorb how many layers of history coexist in a very compact space.
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See the Hippocrates Plane Tree
In Plateia Platanou, near the castle entrance, stands a massive oriental plane tree with a trunk circumference of 12 metres. Local tradition holds that Hippocrates himself taught his students under this tree, though the current specimen is estimated to be around 500 years old. It is one of the oldest plane trees in Europe and a landmark of Kos Town.
The tree is propped up with metal scaffolding to support its enormous canopy. It takes thirty seconds to visit, but it would be strange to skip the most photographed tree on Kos Island Greece.
Road Trip from Kos Town to Kefalos
The best way to see the full breadth of Kos Island Greece is to drive or ride from one end to the other. The road from Kos Town to the village of Kefalos at the southwestern tip of the island runs roughly 40 kilometres through rolling farmland, low hills, olive groves, and a series of beaches.
Stop at Tigaki and Marmari (long white sand beaches with shallow water), Mastichari (a fishing village with a small port), Kardamena (the island’s second town and nightlife centre), and Agios Stefanos (a beach with the ruins of two early Christian basilicas and a small island just offshore). The drive takes under an hour without stops.
Beach-Hop the Coastline
Kos Island Greece has over 20 beaches scattered across its coastline, ranging from organised strips with sunbeds and bars to isolated coves with nothing but sand and rock. The north coast beaches (Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari) tend to be long, flat, and windy, making them popular for windsurfing. The south coast beaches (Kardamena, Kefalos, Paradise Beach) are more sheltered.
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Agios Stefanos Beach near Kefalos is one of the most photographed on the island, with the ruins of the Basilicas visible from the sand and the small island of Kastri in the foreground. Tigaki and Marmari both hold EU Blue Flag status for water quality.
Soak in the Volcanic Thermal Springs at Thermes Beach
Ten minutes south of Kos Town by car, at Agios Fokas, a natural pool of volcanically heated water is separated from the open sea by a wall of fallen rocks.
Book Nisyros volcanic isle tour from Kos with boat trip
The water temperature hovers around 40 to 50°C depending on the season. You can soak in the hot pool and then jump straight into the cold Aegean, which is exactly what most people do.
The thermal springs are free to access. The beach itself (known locally as Thermes or Empros Thermi) has dark volcanic pebbles and drops off steeply. It is not a swimming beach in the conventional sense, but the hot springs make it one of the most distinctive experiences on Kos Island Greece.
Hike to Aspri Petra Cave
Aspri Petra, or the White Stone Cave, is on the slopes of Mount Zini in the southwestern Kefalos area, at an altitude of 257 metres. The cave was formed through limestone dissolution and shows evidence of human use dating back to approximately 2000 BCE. It is 33 kilometres from Kos Town.
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Getting there involves a bumpy drive or scooter ride on unpaved roads followed by a short uphill climb. It is not a major tourist attraction and there are no facilities, but the views from the cave mouth across the southwestern coast are worth the effort for anyone who wants to see a different side of Kos Island Greece.
Explore the Traditional Village of Antimachia
Inland from the airport, the village of Antimachia has a cluster of beautifully preserved traditional houses depicting the architecture of early 20th-century Kos. The interiors have been restored with period furniture, kitchen tools, and textiles. A Venetian castle also stands at the edge of the village.
Antimachia is less visited than Kos Town or the beach resorts, which is exactly why it is worth the stop. It takes 30 minutes to walk through and gives a clear picture of what island life looked like before tourism reshaped the coast.
Take the Ferry to Bodrum for the Day
Kos is only 20 kilometres from Bodrum, Turkey, across the strait. Over 10 daily ferry crossings run during summer, with the journey taking between 20 and 50 minutes depending on the operator. Tickets start from approximately €15 one way.
Book Nisyros volcanic isle tour from Kos with boat trip
A day in Bodrum gives you the castle (the Museum of Underwater Archaeology), the bazaar, the marina, and a completely different food scene. You leave Greece in the morning and return by evening. Passengers over six years old need to complete a digital entry form for Turkey 72 hours before departure.
How to Get to Kos Island Greece
By Air
Kos International Airport (code KGS), also known as Hippocrates Airport, receives direct flights from Athens year-round and charter flights from major European cities during summer. The airport is in the centre of the island, roughly 25 kilometres from Kos Town.
By Ferry from Athens
Ferries depart from Piraeus Port in Athens to Kos daily during high season. The crossing takes approximately 11 to 12 hours. Overnight ferries are the most common option.
By Ferry from Other Greek Islands
Kos is connected by ferry to Rhodes, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, and several other Dodecanese islands. Crossings to Kalymnos take under an hour.
From Bodrum, Turkey
Daily ferries run from Bodrum to Kos Town harbour. The crossing takes 20 to 50 minutes. Tickets from approximately €15.
When to Visit Kos Island Greece
The best time is May to October. July and August are peak season with the highest temperatures (30 to 35°C), the most crowded beaches, and the fullest accommodation.
Book Book 8-hour sailing tour to the islands north of Kos
June and September offer warm weather, swimmable seas, and fewer crowds. May and October are pleasant for sightseeing and cycling but the sea may be too cool for swimming.
Where to Stay in Kos Island Greece
Kos Town
The best base for sightseeing, nightlife, and ferry access. Walking distance to the Neratzia Castle, the Agora, restaurants, and bars. The harbour is the departure point for Bodrum ferries and island-hopping.
Kardamena
The island’s second town, on the south coast. Popular for package holidays and nightlife. Good beach access and regular boat connections to Nisyros.
Tigaki and Marmari
North coast beach villages. Long sandy beaches, windsurfing, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Less nightlife, more space.
Kefalos
The southwestern tip of the island. The least developed area, with some of the best beaches in Kos Greece (including Agios Stefanos and Paradise Beach) and the closest access to Aspri Petra.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kos Island Greece
Is Kos Island Worth Visiting?
Yes. It offers a combination of ancient history, accessible beaches, volcanic hot springs, and a day trip to Turkey that few other Greek islands can match. It is also significantly cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos while offering comparable beach quality.
How Big Is Kos Island?
Approximately 43 kilometres long and between 2 and 6 kilometres wide. It is the third largest island in the Dodecanese and the second most populous.
Is Kos Island Expensive?
Less so than the Cyclades. Beachfront restaurants with views are pricier, but local tavernas in Kos Town and the inland villages serve excellent Greek food at reasonable prices. Budget travellers can eat well for €15 to €20 per meal.
Can You Do a Day Trip from Kos to Bodrum?
Yes. Over 10 daily ferries run during summer, with the crossing taking 20 to 50 minutes. Tickets start from approximately €15. You need a valid passport and must complete a digital entry form for Turkey 72 hours in advance.
What Is the Asklepieion?
An ancient healing centre four kilometres northwest of Kos Town, built on three terraces on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea. It was associated with Hippocrates and served as a medical school and temple to Asklepios, the Greek god of healing. It dates to the 4th century BCE.
What Wildlife Can You See on Kos?
Spur-thighed tortoises, Balkan terrapins, loggerhead sea turtles, starred agama lizards, hedgehogs, Levant water frogs, and various species of migratory birds. Peacocks are also found on the island.
Do You Need a Car on Kos?
Not necessarily. Kos Town is walkable and very bicycle-friendly. A scooter or car is useful for reaching the southern beaches, Kefalos, Aspri Petra, and the thermal springs. Rental is widely available.
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