Summary:
Only four kilometres off the coast of Turkey, Kos is the third-largest island in the Dodecanese. As a pivotal administrative centre from Classical Greece to Roman times, the island is replete with ancient ruins.
Many of these ruins are situated at the periphery of Kos Town, where the Agora boasts centuries of history, and a reconstructed Roman house displays ancient frescoes and mosaics. The noted physician Hippocrates spent a portion of his career on Kos at the Asklepion, the island’s most remarkable site.
Another appealing aspect of Kos is its array of beaches, ranging from well-equipped to secluded and untouched. The finest selections are generally found in the west, including Agios Stefanos near Kefalos, which overlooks a charming islet, and the more exposed Cavo Paradiso, known for its powerful waves.
Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Kos:
1. Asklepion
The site where Hippocrates was educated in the 5th century BC was uncovered near Kos Town in 1902. Elevated above the Kos plain, the Asklepion serves as the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the deity of medicine.
Individuals experiencing ailments would journey from distant places to seek healing under the guidance of the sanctuary’s priests.
Contemporary visitors can utilize a mobile application to view 3D reconstructions of the sanctuary as they explore it.
Accessible via a grand staircase, the site encompasses four vast terraces, the lowest of which contains the foundations of patients’ rooms, with identifiable busts still apparent in the niches.
The spas, medical school, and abaton (priests’ sanctuary) are located on the next level, while the highest terrace was home to the “Great Altar”, once adorned by a monumental statue of Asclepius, later replaced by a church.
2. Ancient Agora
The commercial and social core of Ancient Kos, the Agora is located near the port, just a short distance from Nerantzia Castle.
Recognized as one of Greece’s largest Agoras, it was initially established in the 4th century BC and underwent multiple reconstructions following numerous earthquakes.
The early constructions utilized limestone, while marble characterized the newer edifices, allowing for the chronological identification of the various ruins. Informational boards are positioned at intervals for added clarity.
A section of the ancient city wall, a colonnade, sanctuaries devoted to Hercules and Aphrodite, the foundations of private residences, and remnants of port facilities, such as warehouses, can be observed here.
3. Casa Romana
Uncovered in the 1930s, this 36-room villa in the southern part of Kos Town has been entirely restored to provide insight into affluent domestic life on Kos nearly 2,000 years ago.
The structure features two peristyles with grand columns and a smaller atrium, dating back to the 2nd century AD and constructed atop the foundations of an earlier residence from the Hellenistic Period.
The renovation differentiates between original and newly added elements, showcasing statues of nymphs and Athena, amphorae, coins, mosaics, and faint frescoes, all clearly labeled with interpretive signs.
4. Palio Pili
For those with access to a vehicle, a day spent traversing the island’s interior is rewarding, revealing charming villages, mountains, and historical sites such as the abandoned village of Palio Pili on Mont Kieo.
Once thriving, Palio Pili served as the capital of the island from the 11th century until the 19th century, but was abandoned in 1830 due to a cholera epidemic, leaving its houses in various states of disrepair.
Atop the mountain stands the decaying remains of a Byzantine castle established in the 9th century, later fortified by the Knights of St John as a last refuge from pirate incursions.
The view from this vantage point is remarkable, revealing the Turkish coast, the islands of Pserimos and Kalymnos, and almost the entirety of Kos.
5. Agios Stefanos Beach
Several factors contribute to the captivating beauty of Agios Stefanos Beach.
The beach itself is appealing, characterized by a blend of white sand and pebbles.
Its unique charm emanates from its location on a channel of shimmering turquoise waters, facing Kastri, a picturesque islet crowned by a tall rock.
Visitors can rent a pedal boat to navigate the channel, explore the islet, and observe the church of Agios Nicolaos.
On the low promontory at the eastern edge of Agios Stefanos Beach, ruins of two early-Christian basilicas can be found, constructed in the 4th and 5th centuries AD. These buildings were eventually demolished by earthquakes and were excavated in 1932. The outlines of the structures are still discernible, with columns and sections of mosaics remaining in situ.
6. Roman Odeon
Situated on the southern outskirts of Kos Town, the restored Odeon serves as a remarkable remnant of the ancient city.
Constructed in the 2nd century AD, this structure functioned as a music conservatory and a meeting place for the senate.
Originally, the Odeon had a roof and could accommodate 750 individuals across 14 rows of stone benches.
The front nine rows were crafted from marble, reserved for the city’s elite, while the back five, composed of granite, were designated for ordinary citizens.
Since the excavation in 1929, the initial nine rows have been restored, and mosaics were discovered on the walkways leading to the stage, while the statues adorning the inner galleries are now housed in the Kos Archaeological Museum.
Check the events calendar when visiting Kos, as the Odeon continues to function as a music venue during the summer months.
7. Tigaki Beach
This beach, located in the northern part of the island and a short distance from Kos Town, faces the southern coast of Pserimos across the straits.
It is evident why families are attracted to Tigaki Beach; the shoreline is well-equipped with accommodations and tavernas situated at regular intervals, and most importantly, the sea tends to be exceptionally calm during typical summer days.
The beach is lengthy, sandy, and wide, with a gentle slope leading into the clear, warm waters ideal for swimming.
Stay until evening to witness a breathtaking sunset as the sun sets behind the island of Kalymnos.
8. Western Archaeological Zone
Adjacent to the Odeon lies a vast archaeological site at the junction of the ancient city’s primary north-south (Cardo) and east-west (Decumanus) thoroughfares.
Visitors can explore the 3rd-century remains of the Cardo, still discernible with grooves left by ancient carts.
This site also features two early-Christian basilicas, a stadium from the 2nd century BC, as well as a gymnasium from the same period outfitted with 17 white marble columns.
Near the portico of the gymnasium are the Western Baths from the 3rd Century, which boast one of the island’s largest mosaics.
Another splendid mosaic can be found among the remnants of the “House of Europe,” dating from the same era.
9. Neratzia Castle
The Knights of St John constructed this fortress in the 15th century to protect the harbor entrance during a time when Kos was under threat from the Ottoman Empire.
The castle comprises two layers of walls; the inner wall, which dates back to the mid-15th century, is older than the outer wall, constructed around the turn of the 16th century.
Following the capture of Kos by the Ottomans in the 1500s, the castle served as a garrison and the seat of the island’s governor.
Within the walls, the space is largely vacant, with remnants of broken columns scattered across ruined courtyards.
However, the presence of spolia (recycled ancient building materials) within the castle is intriguing, particularly at the main gate, which features a Hellenistic frieze of garlands and masks beneath the coat of arms of Grand Master Emery d’Amboise.
10. Cavo Paradiso
For a beach set in a more untamed environment, venture south from Kefalos toward Capo Crichelo at the island’s southernmost point.
The rugged, arid slopes surrounding Cavo Paradiso exhibit no signs of human presence.
At the desolate southern end stands a tall, rocky headland, providing a spot for visitors who value solitude and tranquility.
Abit more activity can be found to the north, where an isolated beach bar offers umbrellas, sun loungers, and windbreaks for rental.
The breezy conditions and surf at Cavo Paradiso make swimming somewhat challenging, yet there is a spacious shallow area suitable for wading.
11. Plaka Forest
During hot, sunny days, visitors can find shelter within this pine forest located just west of the airport.
Plaka Forest features a popular recreational area equipped with picnic tables, where visitors can encounter the many peacocks and friendly cats cared for by a volunteer keeper.
The peacocks are particularly captivating, especially when one of the vibrant males displays his plumage, but there is also a small pond surrounded by rhododendron bushes housing resident turtles.
12. Paradise Beach
This crescent-shaped sandy bay is part of a series of stunning beaches located east of Kefalos.
The designation “Paradise” derives from the combination of fine sand and shallow, crystalline waters.
The sea here remains calm enough for an inflatable play area for children to be set up in the bay during peak season.
Visitors can also rent sun loungers and parasols, and engage in water sports such as water-skiing and banana boating, available thanks to the watersports center.
At Paradise Beach, one can also witness the unique occurrence of bubbles emerging from the seabed, caused by the volcanic activity of the nearby island of Nisiros situated a few kilometers south of Kos.
13. Therma Hot Springs
Located within a natural reserve on the eastern side of Kos, this area features a beach with hot springs emerging from the rock.
The shore consists of dark gravel and may seem less inviting, but it is the springs that attract visitors.
Discovered in 1934, these therapeutic waters have been partially enclosed by rocks from the sea, forming a small oval-shaped pool.
The water is believed to alleviate conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis, containing an abundance of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur, the scent of which is noticeable yet not overpowering.
14. Agios Theologos Beach
Located near Cavo Paradiso, Agios Theologos provides an ideal retreat for individuals seeking a secluded and rugged coastline.
Accessing this southwestern beach can be adventurous, involving travel along a dirt track from Kefalos.
While the surf at Agios Theologos can be quite strong, waves break a considerable distance from the shore, creating a broad shallow area for wading.
Given its remoteness, the beach offers rental options for sun loungers and parasols, which are reasonably priced.
The shoreline is characterized by large pebbles and sand, flanked by low, scrubby cliffs with a restaurant perched atop.
Visiting in the evening grants you access to some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island, and the walk to the blue and white Agios Theologos church nestled among the pines is a must.
15. Aquatica Water Park
Situated on the slope adjacent to the sea, south of the airport, this water park offers an enjoyable family outing.
The relatively compact area features an array of attractions, including single and multi-laned open slides with views of the Dodecanese and the Turkish mainland, a water vortex, a lazy river for tubing, and three covered flumes of varying speeds.
Younger guests can enjoy their own pool and playground, while there are ample reclining chairs available for parents to relax in the sunshine.
