Top 10 best places to visit on Kos Island
Text and photos: Wendy Nikolidakis
Kos island, the birthplace of Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”. Kos is an island with a magical capital, endless beaches with turquoise waters and dozens of ancient and medieval monuments. The island has a rich and very long history. It is one of the most popular islands of the Dodecanese Island group in the south-eastern part of the Aegean sea. If you have plans to visit Kos island, here are 10 places you have to visit!
1. Kos town
Kos town is a very nice and cozy town. There is a nice harbor and there are many shops. In the town you will see big palm trees along the road and many flowers. There are many things to see, including the castle of Kos town, the Hippocrates tree, the Mandraki harbor, the many archaeological sites, the Eleftherias square with the cozy terraces, the Roman Odeon, the Hadji Hassan Mosque and the white governor's palace.
Drone video Kos town - ©GreeceGuide.co.uk
2. The village Zia
The mountain village of Zia is very colorful and there are many cozy souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns. Here are a lot of tourists coming for a day. In Zia you can walk up to the beautiful church. You will be next to the restaurant / terrace of 'The Watermill'. Here you can drink homemade 'lemonade' (freshly made lemon / lime juice). There is an old water mill and the property is beautifully decorated, all in Greek style. Also the view from above is beautiful.
More about the village of Zia »
3. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is one of the most stunning sandy beaches of the Greek island of Kos. It is located on the route from the airport of Kos to Kefalos. This beach is the most popular beach of Kos. It lies in a magnificent bay with lots of trees, which sometimes grow near the water. The seawater is crystal clear and water sport lovers are thrilled because almost every water sport is available.
4. Thermes
At Thermes there is a warm-water well maintaining a temperature of 42-45 degrees Celsius (about 110o F). The Baths (Thermes) of Kos are located approximately 12 kilometers (7 mi) southeast of Kos town and a few kilometers beyond Aghios Fokas.
5. The Asclepeion
The Asclepeion. (Asklepion) on Kos Island is known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the "Father of Western Medicine.” Hippocrates lived around 460 BC. He liberated medicine from priesthood and wizards. Even today the ethical oath of physicians is the Hippocratic Oath. Asclepeion is one of the most important archaeological monuments of the island of Kos.
6. Agios Stefanos
Agios Stefanos is a beautiful sandy beach on the south coast of the island. This beach is in the bay of Kefalos, about 36 km southwest of Kos town. It is a special beach, because the beach itself is next to the ruins of the 5th-century Agios Stefanos basilica. Exactly opposite of Agios Stefanos lies the island of Kastri with its striking white church of Agios Nikolaos with the blue dome.
7. Camel Beach
Camel Beach is located 36 km southwest of Kos town, near Paradise beach. It is a quiet sandy beach, on the Kos town - Kefalos route. At the highest point there is a restaurant, and on the beach, itself, there is a beach tent where you can order something fresh or have a snack. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers are available on the beach.
8. Tigaki
Tigaki is located 11 kilometers (7 mi) from Kos town on the Greek island of Kos. It is a small town with many shops, restaurants, cafeterias and bars. Tigaki beach is one of the most magnificent and often visited beaches on the island of Kos. Tigaki is considered a resort because large hotel complexes border the popular beach.
9. Mastichari
In recent decades the fishing village of Mastichari in Kos island has developed into a successful tourist resort. The excellent beaches and the relatively small distance to the international airport of Kos, have contributed to the village’s popularity. Mastichari is located 28 kilometers (17 mi) southwest of Kos town. Strong winds, especially in the summer months, blow hard and cause large waves.
10. Marmari
Marmari is a small seaside town located 15 kilometers (9 mi) southwest of Kos town and 12 kilometers (7 mi) from the Kos town airport. Marmari’s soft, white sand beach is beautiful. Behind the beach are low dunes that are overgrown with all kinds of trees. On the beach you will find several fish taverns, restaurants, bars and cafes. All kinds of water sports, like surfing and parasailing, are possible, along with horseback riding.
