Memories for life
Top 15 things to do in Kos
The place where Hippocrates was trained in the 5th century BC was discovered not far from Kos Town in 1902. Raised above the Kos plain, the Asklepion is the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine. People suffering maladies would travel from far and wide to seek treatment at the permission of the sanctuary’s priests.
48 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Asclepeion Kos
The place where Hippocrates was trained in the 5th century BC was discovered not far from Kos Town in 1902. Raised above the Kos plain, the Asklepion is the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine. People suffering maladies would travel from far and wide to seek treatment at the permission of the sanctuary’s priests.
Discovered in the 1930s, this 36-room villa in the south of Kos Town has been completely restored to shed light on affluent domestic life on Kos almost 2,000 years ago.
Constructed around two peristyles with splendid columns and a smaller atrium, the house dates to the 2nd century AD and sits on the foundations of an earlier residence from the Hellenistic Period.
The reconstruction makes clear what is real and what is new, and there are statues of nymphs and Athena, amphorae, coins, mosaics and faint frescoes to see, all well-labelled with interpretive signs.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Casa Romana Kos
Discovered in the 1930s, this 36-room villa in the south of Kos Town has been completely restored to shed light on affluent domestic life on Kos almost 2,000 years ago.
Constructed around two peristyles with splendid columns and a smaller atrium, the house dates to the 2nd century AD and sits on the foundations of an earlier residence from the Hellenistic Period.
The reconstruction makes clear what is real and what is new, and there are statues of nymphs and Athena, amphorae, coins, mosaics and faint frescoes to see, all well-labelled with interpretive signs.
In the center of Kos island in front of the Castle of Knights stands a huge old plane tree, known as the Hippocrates plane tree. It is claimed that Hippocrates used to sit under this plane tree and teach his students. As the tree is 500 years old, it is obviously not the one that Hippocrates planted, since he lived around the 5th century BC. This plane tree has a perimeter of twelve meters, which gave it the reputation of being the largest in Europe. The island's authorities have taken some measures in order to preserve it. A short surrounding wall with a metal railing prevents it from extending excessively and keeps people in the proper distance. The wall has Turkish ornaments on one side of this wall, while on the other there is a historic white engraved tap in the Arabic language, put by a Turkish governor. Water can be taken from it, even in our days.
23 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Plátano de Hipócrates
In the center of Kos island in front of the Castle of Knights stands a huge old plane tree, known as the Hippocrates plane tree. It is claimed that Hippocrates used to sit under this plane tree and teach his students. As the tree is 500 years old, it is obviously not the one that Hippocrates planted, since he lived around the 5th century BC. This plane tree has a perimeter of twelve meters, which gave it the reputation of being the largest in Europe. The island's authorities have taken some measures in order to preserve it. A short surrounding wall with a metal railing prevents it from extending excessively and keeps people in the proper distance. The wall has Turkish ornaments on one side of this wall, while on the other there is a historic white engraved tap in the Arabic language, put by a Turkish governor. Water can be taken from it, even in our days.
The Archeological Museum of Kos is housed in a neoclassical well-preserved building that was designed in 1935. Situated in Eleftherias square, the museum stands out for its architecture. It hosts several findings which came to light during the excavations around Kos, Rhodes and smaller Dodecanese islands in the late 20th and the early 21st century. Most archeological findings cover a long period from the ancient till the post-Roman and Hellenistic times.
The most impressive exhibits include beautiful mosaics, statues from the ancient site of Asklepeion, an extensive collection of prehistoric pottery and metallic objects, exhibits from a tomb of a young athlete dating back to the 3rd century B.C, coins, anaglyphs with various representations and many other items.
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Archaeological Museum of Kos
Platia EleftheriaThe Archeological Museum of Kos is housed in a neoclassical well-preserved building that was designed in 1935. Situated in Eleftherias square, the museum stands out for its architecture. It hosts several findings which came to light during the excavations around Kos, Rhodes and smaller Dodecanese islands in the late 20th and the early 21st century. Most archeological findings cover a long period from the ancient till the post-Roman and Hellenistic times.
The most impressive exhibits include beautiful mosaics, statues from the ancient site of Asklepeion, an extensive collection of prehistoric pottery and metallic objects, exhibits from a tomb of a young athlete dating back to the 3rd century B.C, coins, anaglyphs with various representations and many other items.
On the southern outskirts of Kos Town stands the ancient city’s restored Odeon.
Built in the 2nd century AD this was a music conservatory and doubled as a meeting place for the senate.
At that time the Odeon had a roof and was able to seat 750 people on 14 rows of stone benches. The first nine were made of marble and reserved for the city’s elite, while the granite back five were for normal citizens. Since the structure was excavated in 1929, those front nine rows have been restored. Check what’s on the calendar when you come to Kos, as the Odeon is still used as a music venue in summer.
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Roman Odeon of Kos
51 Leof. Grigoriou VOn the southern outskirts of Kos Town stands the ancient city’s restored Odeon.
Built in the 2nd century AD this was a music conservatory and doubled as a meeting place for the senate.
At that time the Odeon had a roof and was able to seat 750 people on 14 rows of stone benches. The first nine were made of marble and reserved for the city’s elite, while the granite back five were for normal citizens. Since the structure was excavated in 1929, those front nine rows have been restored. Check what’s on the calendar when you come to Kos, as the Odeon is still used as a music venue in summer.
The Knights of St John built this fortification in the 15th century to guard the entrance to the harbour at a time when Kos was in the sights of the Ottoman Empire. The castle has two layers of walls, the innermost being older and dating to the mid-15th century, while the outer wall is from the turn of the 16th century. After Kos was captured by the Ottomans in the 1500s the castle was a garrison and the seat of the island’s commander. The space inside the walls is mostly empty, with broken columns strewn across the ruined courtyards.
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Neratzia Castle
4 Akti MiaouliThe Knights of St John built this fortification in the 15th century to guard the entrance to the harbour at a time when Kos was in the sights of the Ottoman Empire. The castle has two layers of walls, the innermost being older and dating to the mid-15th century, while the outer wall is from the turn of the 16th century. After Kos was captured by the Ottomans in the 1500s the castle was a garrison and the seat of the island’s commander. The space inside the walls is mostly empty, with broken columns strewn across the ruined courtyards.
This is a mountainous village located 10 miles from Kos Town. This village has a rich landscape, and your visit to the island 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. Watching this picturesque sunset is one of the best things to do in Kos.
Zia
This is a mountainous village located 10 miles from Kos Town. This village has a rich landscape, and your visit to the island 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. Watching this picturesque sunset is one of the best things to do in Kos.
The Ancient House Hippocrates Garden is one of the cultural gems of Kos. Located in Mastichari, about 35 minutes drive from Kos town, it is an exact replica of a traditional home from the fifth century BC. The Ancient House Hippocrates Garden aims to raise awareness about the traditional Greek lifestyle, promoting tradition and heritage. It is not just a museum, but a cultural center, with educational events and workshops for all ages. It consists of three main areas: the traditional house, an exact replica of a settlement of the 5th century BC; the Philosopher Arcade, which is built traditionally, with handmade mosaics and copies of ancient artworks embossed in the walls; and the Dancing Satyrs Theater, and open air venue with a capacity of 80 seats, built of stone. Every room and corner of the Ancient House Hippocrates Garden cultural center was decorated with great attention to detail to reflect the lifestyle of its distinctive era, and to celebrate the legacy of Hippocrates and Kos’s ancestors.
Ancient House-Hippocrates Garden
ΧωματόδρομοςThe Ancient House Hippocrates Garden is one of the cultural gems of Kos. Located in Mastichari, about 35 minutes drive from Kos town, it is an exact replica of a traditional home from the fifth century BC. The Ancient House Hippocrates Garden aims to raise awareness about the traditional Greek lifestyle, promoting tradition and heritage. It is not just a museum, but a cultural center, with educational events and workshops for all ages. It consists of three main areas: the traditional house, an exact replica of a settlement of the 5th century BC; the Philosopher Arcade, which is built traditionally, with handmade mosaics and copies of ancient artworks embossed in the walls; and the Dancing Satyrs Theater, and open air venue with a capacity of 80 seats, built of stone. Every room and corner of the Ancient House Hippocrates Garden cultural center was decorated with great attention to detail to reflect the lifestyle of its distinctive era, and to celebrate the legacy of Hippocrates and Kos’s ancestors.
When the sun’s beating down you can seek some shade at this pine forest just west of the airport. Plaka Forest has a popular recreation area, with picnic tables where you can meet the many peacocks and tame cats that live here with the help of a volunteer keeper. The peacocks are the stars of the show, especially when you see one of the colourful males showing off his tail, but there’s also a little pond, edged by rhododendron bushes with resident turtles.
20 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bosque de Plaka
When the sun’s beating down you can seek some shade at this pine forest just west of the airport. Plaka Forest has a popular recreation area, with picnic tables where you can meet the many peacocks and tame cats that live here with the help of a volunteer keeper. The peacocks are the stars of the show, especially when you see one of the colourful males showing off his tail, but there’s also a little pond, edged by rhododendron bushes with resident turtles.
In a natural reserve that covers much of the east of Kos is another beach with hot springs bubbling up through the rock.
The shore is dark gravel and not too enticing, but it’s the springs that people come for. These salubrious waters were discovered in 1934 and have been partly walled from the sea by rocks to create a small oval-shaped pool. The water is claimed to help rheumatism, arthritis and other complaints, and is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and sulphur, which you can smell without it being too pungent.
24 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Playa Therma
In a natural reserve that covers much of the east of Kos is another beach with hot springs bubbling up through the rock.
The shore is dark gravel and not too enticing, but it’s the springs that people come for. These salubrious waters were discovered in 1934 and have been partly walled from the sea by rocks to create a small oval-shaped pool. The water is claimed to help rheumatism, arthritis and other complaints, and is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and sulphur, which you can smell without it being too pungent.
Built on to the slope next to the sea south of the airport, this water park is a fun family day out. In a small-ish area there’s a good range of rides, like single and multi-laned open slides with views of the Dodecanese and Turkish mainland, a water vortex, a river for tubing and three covered flumes of various speeds. The littlest members of the clan have their own pool and playground while there are lots of reclining chairs for parents to laze in the sun.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque acuático Aquatica
Built on to the slope next to the sea south of the airport, this water park is a fun family day out. In a small-ish area there’s a good range of rides, like single and multi-laned open slides with views of the Dodecanese and Turkish mainland, a water vortex, a river for tubing and three covered flumes of various speeds. The littlest members of the clan have their own pool and playground while there are lots of reclining chairs for parents to laze in the sun.
A few things come together to make Agios Stefanos Beach a scene of real beauty. The beach itself is likeable, with a mixture of white sand and pebbles.
But what makes it so special is that it sits on a channel of twinkling turquoise water, facing Kastri, a picturesque islet crested by a tall rock. You can hire a pedal boat to cross the channel, explore the islet and see the church of Agios Nicolaos.
On the low promontory on the eastern fringe of Agios Stephanos beach are the ruins of two early-Christian basilicas, built in the 4th and 5th centuries AD. The buildings were eventually toppled by earthquakes and excavated in 1932. It’s easy to make out the basic shape of the buildings, while columns and a set of mosaics have been left where they were found.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Playa Agios Stefanos
A few things come together to make Agios Stefanos Beach a scene of real beauty. The beach itself is likeable, with a mixture of white sand and pebbles.
But what makes it so special is that it sits on a channel of twinkling turquoise water, facing Kastri, a picturesque islet crested by a tall rock. You can hire a pedal boat to cross the channel, explore the islet and see the church of Agios Nicolaos.
On the low promontory on the eastern fringe of Agios Stephanos beach are the ruins of two early-Christian basilicas, built in the 4th and 5th centuries AD. The buildings were eventually toppled by earthquakes and excavated in 1932. It’s easy to make out the basic shape of the buildings, while columns and a set of mosaics have been left where they were found.
This arcing sandy bay is one of a sequence of beautiful beaches east of Kefalos.
The name “Paradise” comes from the blend of pale sand and shallow, clear water. The sea here is calm enough that an inflatable play area for kids is set up in the bay during the high season. You can also rent sun loungers and parasols, and go water-skiing and banana boating thanks to the watersports centre. At Paradise Beach there’s also the strange phenomenon of bubbles rising from the seabed, caused by the volcano on the island of Nisiros a few kilometres south of Kos.
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Playa Paraíso
This arcing sandy bay is one of a sequence of beautiful beaches east of Kefalos.
The name “Paradise” comes from the blend of pale sand and shallow, clear water. The sea here is calm enough that an inflatable play area for kids is set up in the bay during the high season. You can also rent sun loungers and parasols, and go water-skiing and banana boating thanks to the watersports centre. At Paradise Beach there’s also the strange phenomenon of bubbles rising from the seabed, caused by the volcano on the island of Nisiros a few kilometres south of Kos.
Just 3 kilometers 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.
Psalidi Beach
Just 3 kilometers 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.
Lambi Beach
Consejos sobre la ciudad
Cómo moverse
Bike around Kos town
Kos’ reputation as the best Greek island to cycle around is fully deserved. There’s a 13km cycle path along the waterfront, with branches heading into town. So hop on your bike and tick off your list: The Ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Hippocrates’ Tree, the Archaeological Museum… It’s also the best way to admire the architecture (neoclassical, Italian, Ottoman) and just soak up the atmosphere – nowhere more so than when coasting down Finikas (Palm Tree) Avenue and passing Neratzia Castle. And for the more serious cyclists, there are even a number of biking competitions held on Kos each year.
No te lo pierdas
Visit a winery
Kos has a wine-making tradition going back to antiquity, with Hippocrates extolling the health benefits of the locally produced Melantanon. After a revival of wine production on the island, there are now a handful of excellent wineries to visit. As well as enjoying a tour around the vineyard, you’ll be introduced to wines made from local varieties (Athiri, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia) and leading international grapes (from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon). For more info:
https://www.ktimakrani.gr/en/tasting-experiences
https://hatziemmanouil.gr/visit
No te lo pierdas
Scuba Diving Day Trip
Experience the magical marine life of the Aegean Sea on a scuba dive tour off the coast of Kos. Discover what it is like to breathe underwater on an activity guaranteed to change your life!
*Dive at a crystal clear bay and connect with nature.
*Experience the sensation of feeling weightless underwater.
For more info:
https://www.kosdivers.com/
No te lo pierdas
3 island cruise from Kos
Discover the three-island magic in one trip. You will be given the chance to get a taste of three very beautiful Dodecanese islands, Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati with the wooden boat.
*First stop, Vathi on Kalymnos.
*Second stop, the islet of Plati.
*Third stop, Pserimos.
The captain and the crew will make sure you have a very beautiful trip, which includes a barbeque on board and a great chance to see dolphins!
No te lo pierdas
Nisyros island Volcano
Depart from the port of Kardamena in Kos and take a 1-hour cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros. Upon arrival, transfer to a waiting bus that’ll take you on a short drive to the volcano. Listen to an informative guide along the way.
Get information about the volcano and the history of the island. Then, feel the force of the lava rumbling deep beneath your feet as you enter the volcanic crater.
Return to the port and get the chance to wander around the town of Mandraki. After a short walk through the narrow streets of blue and white painted houses, visit the monastery of Panagia Spiliani.
No te lo pierdas
Artemis Traditional Hamam
Get ready to relax from head to toe. In Artemis Hamam, there are always numerous service based on in every need, every age and every budget. After a winter season full of work and stress, you all deserve to have a wonderful holiday, Artemis Hamam here awaits you to give the services you need with its licensed team of experts to make your holiday much more valuable. Before getting started to your experience, a sales representatives will help you to chose the most appropriate the therapy service according to your needs. For more info:
http://www.artemishamam.com/