Kos

Kos, the third largest island in Greece's Dodecanese archipelago, is home to the ancient Asklepion healing center, the golden sands of Paradise Beach, and the mountain village of Zia with its panoramic sunset views. You can explore ruins dating back to the 4th century BC, relax on various beaches, and taste local specialties like "Red Cheese" made from wine-soaked hard cheese.

Discovering the Asklepion of Kos

The Asklepion, located 4 km southeast of Kos Town, is an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, dating back to the 4th century BC. As you walk through the ruins, you'll see temples, baths, and treatment rooms that give insight into the medical practices of ancient Greece.

In Kos Town, you can visit the Tree of Hippocrates, where the famous physician reportedly taught his students. While the current tree is only about 500 years old, it remains an important symbol of Kos's medical history. Nearby, you can explore the remains of the Ancient Agora, once Kos's main marketplace, and the Roman Odeon, a well-preserved theater from the 2nd or 3rd century AD.

Exploring Kos's Beaches

Kos's coastline offers a variety of beach experiences. On the island's south side, you'll find Paradise Beach with its golden sand and clear turquoise waters. Its relatively secluded location makes it suitable for calm sunbathing or swimming.

For a more active atmosphere, head to Kardamena Beach or Tigaki Beach. These beaches have amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. On the southeast coast, you can visit the Thermal Springs of Therma. Here, you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters that some believe have healing properties.

Visiting Mountain Villages

In Kos's mountain villages, you can experience a different aspect of island life. Zia, located about 16 km from Kos Town, offers impressive sunset views. You can wander through narrow streets lined with traditional houses, browse local craft shops, and eat at a taverna while enjoying panoramic island views.

Asfendiou, one of Kos's oldest villages, has many houses dating back to the 19th century when the village thrived on viticulture and olive growing. You can visit the 11th-century church of Asomaton Taxiarchon or the paleochristian basilica of Saint Paul to see examples of the island's religious architecture.

Tasting Kos's Cuisine

Kos's location in the Aegean Sea shapes its cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and locally grown produce. You can try dishes like moussaka (a layered eggplant and meat dish), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and souvlaki (grilled meat skewers). Look for "Red Cheese," a local specialty of hard cheese baked in red wine.

The island has a long history of winemaking. You can visit local wineries to taste varieties made from indigenous grapes. Many wineries offer tours where you can learn about the winemaking process and the island's viticultural traditions.

Traveling to and Around Kos

You can reach Kos via its international airport, which has direct flights from Athens (a one-hour journey) and many European cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Piraeus (the port of Athens) or from other nearby Dodecanese islands.

On the island, you have several transportation options. Kos Town is easy to navigate by bike, with many rental shops and dedicated cycling lanes. To explore further, you can rent a car, take local buses, or join organized tours. The island's relatively small size allows you to see many attractions, even on a short visit.