What to see in Kos?

Kos is a very popular island for tourism because it has several attractions: archaeological and medieval sites, a beautiful sea with sandy beaches and rocky coves, entertainment, lush pine nature, museums, and the charm of being the mother of medicine. There are many things to see and do on the island; below I list at least the main ones.

Kos
The city of Kos, always very lively and festive, mixes typical Greek styles with those of nearby Turkey. The city, with its low white houses and many flower-filled gardens, was almost completely rebuilt after the severe earthquake of 1933. Fortunately, the monuments and archaeological remains present did not suffer serious damage, including: the Doric temple of Aphrodite, the Odeon and Roman houses with beautiful mosaics, the early Christian basilicas, the baths, the plane tree of Hippocrates, the archaeological museum (with the statue of Hippocrates), two mosques with minarets, and the Castle of the Knights of St. John. It is nice to stroll along the port but also in the lively new town.

Plane Tree of Hippocrates
Located in the central square of Kos, it is a centuries-old plane tree (some say the oldest in Europe) that, according to tradition, was planted by Hippocrates himself and later used to teach medical knowledge to his students in its shade. Plane trees do not live that long, and Hippocrates lived in Astypalea, but this square is still a fascinating place.

Castle of the Knights of St. John
A beautiful and impregnable castle that dominates the city's port. The towers, battlements, and ramparts are still intact.

Leoforos Grigorious
Beautiful ancient remains with a theater, a hippodrome, and a Roman house with a beautiful mosaic floor with fish designs.

Temple of Asclepeion
It was the hospital of antiquity, begun in the 4th century BC, and also included the school of medicine and especially the sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius (the god of medicine). The beautiful terraced archaeological site is also very panoramic over the coast of Turkey.

Asfendiou
A picturesque and panoramic inland village located in a green and water-rich area. The traditional houses distributed along narrow streets are very beautiful.

Zia
A traditional village particularly panoramic and evocative at sunset.

Antimachia
A traditional village that has produced many artists who still reside there. Notable are the mighty fortress, the church of Aghia Paraskevi, and a traditional house fully furnished with typical local objects and furniture. In the area, there are also old mills and beautiful beaches.

Kefalos
The old capital of the island is renowned for its traditional houses (such as the House of Kefalos), the basilica of Aghios Stefanos, and the beautiful sandy beaches it offers. Climbing towards an old mill, you can admire the town from above, while in the area, there are the ruins of Astypalea (the birthplace of Hippocrates), the monastery of Aghios Ioannis Thymianos, and the cave of Aspri Petra with its Neolithic finds.

Pyli
A picturesque village in the greenery with traditional houses and the tomb of Charmylos (a legendary hero of the island).

Festivals and Celebrations
In Kos, festivals and celebrations are numerous and take place from spring to autumn. They are both religious and folkloric and are often accompanied by local culinary products such as the “Wine Festival,” the “Honey Festival,” and the “Fish Festival,” all three in August.

Hippocrates Festival
It takes place in August with performances of classical works and various shows.