Kos
3.7/5Hippocrates's island — long sandy beaches, Roman ruins and bicycles everywhere
Kos Town and the Asklepion, the Italian-era harbour, the best beaches of the south coast, and the mountain village of Zia.
Kos was the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and home to the extraordinary Asklepion medical sanctuary. Today it's the second most popular Dodecanese island after Rhodes — flat enough that locals and tourists get around by bicycle, with the longest continuous stretch of sandy beach in the Aegean. The Italian-era architecture (1912-1943) gives the main town a distinctive Mediterranean colonial feel.
Getting there
International airport with heavy summer charters — Aegean, Sky Express, Ryanair.
Read full route
Ferries from Piraeus dock at Kos Town port (Blue Star overnight). Mastichari port handles only the Kalymnos shuttle.
Tip: Daily summer ferry to Bodrum (Turkey) takes 30 minutes — make it a side trip.
Best time to visit Kos
Kos is the package-tourism Dodecanese — stunning beaches and the Asklepieion, but the all-inclusives dominate July-August. May-June and September-October are when independent travellers can have it. Cycling is great year-round — flat, beach roads, mild winters. The 2017 earthquake left visible damage in Kos Town that's still being repaired.
4-day itinerary for Kos
Day 1: Kos Town & the Asklepion
- 09:00 · Kos Town
The main town — a mix of Italian colonial architecture, Ottoman mosques and ancient Greek ruins. Rent a bicycle at the harbour — the town is perfectly flat and best explored on wheels.
- 10:00 · Hippocrates Plane Tree
A 500-year-old plane tree in the harbour square, traditionally said to be where Hippocrates taught medicine 2400 years ago. The actual tree is younger but the site is authentic.
- 11:00 · Kos Castle (Neratzia)
15th-century Knights of St John fortress at the harbour entrance. Recently reopened after earthquake damage. Walk the walls for views over the harbour and Turkey opposite.
- 13:30 · Asklepion of Kos
The most important ancient medical sanctuary in the Greek world — three terraces of temples and healing facilities where Hippocratic medicine was taught. Extraordinary views over the town and Turkey. 4km from the town, accessible by bicycle or mini-train.
- 16:30 · Lambi Beach
The closest beach to Kos Town — long sandy stretch 2km north of the town. Calm, shallow water and all facilities.
- 🍴 Stop for dinner · Kos Town — see Eat & Drink below
Day 2: South Coast Beaches
- 09:30 · Paradise Beach
🚗 ≈35 min southwest of Kos Town
The most famous beach on Kos — fine sand, crystal clear water with natural volcanic gas bubbles in the seabed. Popular but large enough to absorb the crowds.
- 12:00 · Agios Stefanos & Kastri Islet
Early Christian basilica ruins on the beach, with the tiny islet of Kastri just offshore — you can swim across to visit the small chapel at the top. One of the most photogenic spots on the island.
- 🍴 Stop for lunch · Kefalos — see Eat & Drink below
- 15:30 · Camel Beach
Sandy cove with distinctive rock formations — much quieter than Paradise Beach, with water of the same quality. Reached by a short path from the road.
- 20:30 · Drive back to Kos Town
Long drive east from Kefalos (about 50 minutes back to Kos Town). The harbour comes alive at dinner time — fish tavernas at the marina, Italian-influenced trattorias near the castle, and the harbour walk under the lit-up Nerantzia walls.
Day 3: Zia & the Mountain Interior
- 10:00 · Zia Village
Mountain village at 350m altitude — the best views on the island, with Turkey visible across the strait. The sunset here is one of the best in the Dodecanese. Traditional weavers still work in the village.
- 11:30 · Dikaios Mountain
The highest peak on Kos (846m). Short hike from Zia for extraordinary views over the whole island, the Dodecanese, and the Turkish coast.
- 13:30 · Asfendiou Villages
Cluster of traditional villages on the slopes below Zia — Evangelistria, Lagoudi, Asomatos. Rarely visited by tourists. Lunch at one of the village tavernas.
- 16:00 · Tigaki Salt Pan & Beach
Flamingo wetlands beside a long north-coast sandy beach. Birdwatching and swimming combined. Sunset is good here.
- 19:30 · Drive back to Kos Town
Drive back from the salt pans (about 30 minutes). Last evening on Kos — the harbour-side Plane Tree of Hippocrates is a classic photo spot, and the cafés on Akti Miaouli stay buzzing late.
Day 4: Nisyros Day Trip & Departure
- 08:30 · Kardamena Port
Depart by boat to Nisyros — the volcanic island 20km south. Day cruises give you 5 hours on Nisyros to visit the active volcano crater.
- 10:30 · Nisyros Volcano Crater
Walk down into the active volcanic crater — steam vents, yellow sulphur deposits and the smell of hot rock. One of the most unusual excursions in the Greek islands.
- 18:00 · Kos Airport/Port — Departure
Return to Kos for ferry or flight. Kos has an international airport with flights to most major European cities.
Top beaches of Kos
Paradise Beach
The finest beach on Kos — fine golden sand and crystal clear turquoise water, with the unique feature of natural volcanic gas bubbling up through the seabed in parts. Popular but long enough to feel uncrowded. Arrive by 11am for the best sunbeds.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 700 m
- Depth
- Shallow — gradual entry, natural volcanic gas bubbles in the sand
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- Fully organised: sunbeds, water sports, beach bars, restaurants. Gas bubbles in the seabed are unique and harmless.
Agios Stefanos Beach
The most picturesque beach on Kos — early Christian basilica ruins directly on the sand, and the tiny islet of Kastri with a chapel just offshore. You can swim across to the islet. The combination of archaeology, swimming and setting is unmatched on the island.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 300 m
- Depth
- Shallow to medium
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- Good: sunbeds, taverna, parking. Swim out to Kastri islet (200m) to visit the chapel.
Tigaki Beach
The longest beach on Kos — 10km of fine sand along the north coast. A cycle path runs the full length, making it the perfect place to combine cycling with beach-hopping. Flamingos visit the salt pan behind the beach in spring.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 10 km
- Depth
- Very shallow — gradual, safe for children
- Wind protection
- North-facing — fully exposed to the meltemi (the dominant summer N/NE wind); often choppy June–September
- Facilities
- Good: sunbeds, water sports, bicycle path all along. Flamingo wetland behind the beach.
Local & Seasonal
Festivals & Events
How does Kos compare?
Kos vs Karpathos · Kos vs Rhodes · Kos vs Mykonos · Kos vs Santorini