Kos is located in the Aegean Sea, and despite being a Greek island it is closer to the coast of Bodrum, Turkey. Steeped in rich history, Kos is well-known as the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates.
There's plenty going on all over Kos whether you're into sightseeing, taking in the culture or getting active. Cycling and horse riding are great ways to tour the island. Plaka Forest, Mount Dikeos and Embros Thermes hot springs are all worth a visit. If you fancy island hopping there's a range of boat tours available and an excursion to the island of Nisyros is a must.
Kos Town is a blend of archaeological sites with modern tourist facilities, so it's great for history buffs and city lovers alike. Highlights include the Asklepieion, Kos Habour and the plane tree under which Hippocrates was said to teach. If you want to learn more about Kos' rich history there of museums dotted around. There is an extensive range of water sports around the island from diving to jet-skiing, and a great family day out can be found at the waterpark in Mastichari.
Cycling and mountain biking
Kos has an ideal terrain for cycling and mountain biking and there are many different routes to take.
Prosport Tours offer a range of cycling tours of Kos for all abilities. For a short, gentle ride there's a trip to Mastichari in the evening to watch the sun set. In a half-day tour you can discover the hidden bays and beaches of Kos, or you can visit Antimachia Castle at sunrise for a more demanding tour.
More taxing off-road mountain bike tours are available at Kos Bike Activities. Take a tour of Plaka Forest where wild peacocks roam, or take the North to South coast tour in which you'll pass the villages of Mastichari, Kardamena. The most challenging tour is of Mount Dikeos and Zia due to the gravelly terrain and steep inclines, but it's worth it for the panoramic views of the island.
Horse riding
Horse riding is a fun way to discover the island's hidden delights without having to walk anywhere.
Rafaels Trail Riding provides horse riding tours from their stables near the Sovereign Beach hotel, catering for all levels of experience. The popular Castle Trek explores the Venetian Castle of Antimachia and you'll have views of neighbouring islands Nisyros and Gyali as well as mainland Turkey. Gallop along the shoreline on the Beach Ride, or take in the majestic slopes of Mount Dikeos on the Panorama Ride. They also offer smaller rides for the kids in their safe riding paddock.
Boat tours
There's a mixture of boat tour operators around the island offering remote beach trips and island excursions.
For those holidaying in Kardamena, Zeus Superior Boat Trips offer full-day luxury cruises around the island. Take a dip in the shallow waters at Paradise Beach, discover the sea life when you go snorkelling in Kefalos and finish with a trip to the uninhabited island of St Nickoloas.
If you're staying in Kos Town the Katerina Boat departs from Kos Harbour everyday for the 3 Island Boat Trip to Platti, Kalymnos and Pserimos. Along the way you can go swimming and snorkelling, and feast on a BBQ lunch included in the price.
Mouratti Marine Yachting Agency offer a range of excursions including boat trips to surrounding islands. A must-visit is Nisyros, aka the Volcano Island. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes with thick soles as the high temperature of the ground is capable of melting rubber soles. There are also trips to Patmos, the Holy Island, as well as Bodrum and Rhodes.
A bus tour of Kos is also provided by Mouratti, which is one of the best ways to see the island in one day. You'll visit the mountain village of Zia, see a windmill that still functions after 200 years in Antimachia and take in the panoramic views of Kefalos.
Historical Sites
There are many archaeological sites and places of historical interest scattered throughout Kos Town.
The island's most significant archaeological site is the Asklepieion, about 4km west of Kos Town. Here you'll discover the ruins of an ancient temple of worship, art and health, which was dedicated to the Ancient Greek god of medicine, Asklepios. It dates back from the first half of the 3rd century BC and was based on the teachings of Hippocrates. The ruins are set of three levels and feature temples, Roman baths, gateways and a banqueting hall.
The Castle of Neratzia located next to the harbour is a Venetian castle built in the 15th century by the Knights of St John as an outpost on their way through Turkey to the Holy Land. In front of the castle is the Hippocrates Plane Tree. The myth goes that Hippocrates planted this tree and used its shade to teach his students the secrets of healing.
The Odeon of Kos would have served as a Roman theatre back in the 2nd or 3rd century and several of its original rows can still be seen today. Located a short distance from the Odeon is Casa Romana, a restored Roman House. Built in a Pompeii style it has intricately decorated marble floors, mosaics, wall frescoes and columns.
Kos Town
Aside from the historical sites, there's a range of tourist attractions and shopping on offer in the island's capital.
Kos Habour is the focus of the town with a myriad of street cafes, restaurants and tavernas. In the evening the harbour itself is packed with sailing boats which have returned after a day of cruising the Aegean.
Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town if you want to pick up a few souvenirs. There are plenty of deals on jewellery, leather goods, ceramics and textiles, and you can find local delicacies like Antimachia honey, baklava, candied tomatoes and olive oil products. Pick up some fresh fruit and veg in Elefteria square or just people watch as you sip on a coffee or frappe in one of the cafes.
After a busy day sight-seeing, why not go to the open-air cinema and watch a film in the moonlight. Don't forget your mosquito spray.
Museums
There are a few places around the island where you can learn more about the rich history of Kos.
The Archaeological Museum of Kos is located in the heart of Kos Town in Eleftheria Square. This well-preserved neoclassical building houses exhibits dating back from the archaic, Hellenistic and Roman times. Marvel at the fine mosaics, ceramics and statues, including one thought to represent Hippocrates.
Speaking of the Father of Medicine, there's the Hippocrates Garden Cultural Centre which is dedicated to the ancient Greek physician. It is a replica of a 5th century BC Greek settlement consisting of an Oikos (Ancient Greek house), a Philosopher's Arcade, and the Dancing Satyr's Theatre where performances are held.
The Folkore Museum is a glimpse into the life of people on the island throughout history. Collections of agricultural tools depict this, as well as traditional artefacts such as intricate embroideries, tapestries and silks.
Natural attractions
If history isn't your thing and you want to take in Kos' natural offerings, there's the Embros Thermes hot springs, Plaka Forest and Mount Dikeos.
Near the end of Therma Beach in the South East of Agios Fokas you'll find the Embros Thermes hot springs, great for a free day out. Here the hot water from the sulphur springs feeds into a rock pool and mixes with the cool sea water to create a warm therapeutic bath. The waters have even been said to have healing properties. Remember to take off any gold or silver jewellery as the water can tarnish it.
A visit to Plaka Forest is a great way to escape the heat for a while. Located just off Kefalos road, is a pine forest is home to a collection of wild peacocks. This shady oasis is perfect for a family day out, so why not take a picnic or use the barbecue facilities? Don't forget to bring some bread for the peacocks.
A hike to the summit of highest peak, Mount Dikeos, is well worth it for the breathtaking views over the Dodecanese islands. Also recommended is a trip to the picturesque mountain village of Zia, famous for its sunsets. Enjoy the complete Greek experience with one of Zia's Greek Nights.
Water-based fun
Whether you want a wet and wild day out for the family or a choice of adrenaline-pumping water sports, Kos has it covered.
A great day out for the kids is a trip to Lido Waterpark in Mastichari one of the largest in Greece. It has a variety of water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool to keep the children entertained, while you can take a dip in a Jacuzzis or have a hydro massage.
For those in search of water sports, Kardamena Watersports Centre is the biggest beach entertainment operation in Kos. You could enjoy panoramic views of the coast on parascending flight, get a rush on a jet ski or have some fun with your friends in a banana boat, fly fish or oxoon. All equipment is provided and the professional trainers will help you have fun in the sea while keeping safe.
If you're daring enough to explore the depths of the Aegean there's Liamis Dive Centre located in Kos Harbour. They offer a range of diving experiences depending on your ability, from snorkelling to wreck diving. Their experienced, multi-lingual instructors maintain the highest standards and will teach you everything you need to know to stay safe in the water.