All About Kos
Kos is the ultimate tourist escape, where you will find everything you would expect in a Greek island holiday. The island is part of the Dodecanese cluster in the southeastern Aegean Sea and is the third-largest in the group. Its large population of 33 thousand residents depends on tourism for their livelihood, with farming being the second main occupation. The well-developed infrastructure means that you will find many hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as fantastic beaches, traditional villages, and delicious local produce. Popular with the young because of its well-organized resorts and nightlife, you can also enjoy many kinds of watersports. A wealth of history and culture is just waiting to be discovered in its picturesque mountain villages and scenic beauty spots.
Kos has its place in Greek mythology, said to be the home of Asclepius, the god of healing. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was also born here, who went on to found the first medical school. The Minoans settled on the island around the 14th century BCE, but it was the Dorians who built the ancient city of Kos. After seeing Persian, Spartan, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman occupation, Kos was finally united with Greece in 1948. Explore the island’s vibrant history in its ancient ruins, Medieval castles, and monuments and discover a beautiful landscape that has remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years.
Routes and Ferries to Kos
Using Ferryscanner you can book your ferry tickets to Kos from the port of Piraeus in 12 hours and 25 minutes with Blue Star Ferries. The ferry stops off at Astypalaia (3.45 hrs) and continues to Kalymnos (1 hr). You can also book your ferry tickets to Kos and sail from there with ANE Kalymnou, Lafasi M.C. lines, and Dodekanisos Seaways. There are also ferries to Kos from Ikaria (3.20 hrs), Leros (2.15 hrs with SAOS Ferries), Agathonisi (2.30 hrs), Amorgos (13 hrs), Anafi (2.30 hrs with Hellenic Seaways), Arki (3 hrs), and Chalki (2.20 hrs with Dodekanisos Seaways or 4.45 with SAOS Ferries). You can also book ferry tickets to Kos and sail from Fourni (3.45 hrs), Kastelorizo (2.30 hrs), Karpathos (10.20 hrs), Kasos (8.55 hrs), Lipsi (2-3 hrs), and Nisyros (2 hrs). Several ferry lines run from Rhodes to Kos and you can book your ferry tickets to arrive there in 3-4 hours, depending on the schedule. When you book your ferry tickets to Kos from Samos, you can arrive there in around 4 hrs & 25 minutes, while the trip from Symi takes 1 hr & 25 minutes, and the ferry time from Syros to Kos is 7 hrs, 25 minutes. Alternatively, book your ferry tickets to Kos with Ferryscanner and sail from Santorini, for a 13-hour journey.
You can fly to Kos International Airport ‘Hippocrates’ from Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ and arrive there in around one hour. Domestic flights are also available from Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Astypalaia. There are many European flight schedules throughout the summer to Kos as it is a very popular tourist destination.
Ports of Kos
Kos Town, or Chora, is the main port of the island and serves all passenger ferries coming from a range of destinations. It is located on the northeast side of the island and also welcomes ferries from Bodrum in Turkey. The port of Kardamena is the smallest in Kos located to the southern coast and mostly serves ferry routes to Nisyros and Tilos. From the port of Mastichari on the northwestern coast, you can catch the ferry to other islands in the Dodecanese such as Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Leros. There is also a well-organized marina just one km away from the Old Harbor for private yachts and other craft to moor, with a high standard of amenities and facilities.
Capital & Villages
From the bustling harbor town and island capital to small mountain villages that seem to have been lost in time, you will find an array of scenic spots, tourist attractions, and traditional lifestyles in the many villages on Kos.
Kos Town
Kos Town is the island’s capital and main port, built on the northeastern side amongst a verdant backdrop. The town itself boasts many architectural influences from its past, with the Venetian street planning making it a pleasant place to walk around. You will spot the castle of the Knights of Saint John which is connected to the town by a bridge that crosses Palm Tree Avenue. Large public squares, an archaeological park, and the traditional quarters, known as the Muslim Bazaar add to the appeal of this vibrant town, with plenty of cafes, taverns, restaurants, and shops making it a hub of activity both day and night.
Zia
Visit the small mountain village of Zia to discover a beautiful settlement set amidst lush vegetation and enjoying freshwater springs. Take in the breathtaking views from Mount Dikeos and enjoy tasty local fare at the village taverns before getting ready for the sunset show, which attracts many visitors.
Pyli
This village is located in the center of the island about 15 km from Chora and is very picturesque with its Pyliotiko-style houses reminiscent of the last century. The villagers still live in the traditional stone homes and the charming main square has old-fashioned kafenia and taverns. Three kilometers southeast you will find Paleo Pyli; an abandoned settlement known as the ‘Mystras of the Dodecanese’ due to its impressive 11th-century fortress and acropolis. Take a walk around the ruins and check out the churches of Agios Antonios, Panagia ton Kastrianon and Agion Asomaton.
Kefalos
Kefalos is a hillside village 40 km away from the main town and used to be the capital of Kos. Closely-knit houses create a maze-like feel in the hillside settlement and you will find a range of authentic buildings that offer visitors delightful accommodation. Check out the impressive Castle of the Knights and the paleo-Christian churches, as well as the White Stone Cave where the first evidence of island life was found. The seaside area of Kamari is a beautiful bay ideal for swimming, trying out watersports, and eating at the waterfront restaurants.
Antimachia
Antimachia is one of the most traditional settlements in the Dodecanese and was inhabited in the late Neolithic age. Built in the center of the island, it sits in a beautiful natural setting and the residents are well known for their love of music and dancing. The village comes to life on traditional feast days, with an array of festivities, as well as during the honey and wine festivals at the end of summer. You will spot some old working windmills that are the symbols of Antimachia and can check out the Venetian Castle while there, as well as the 18th-century church of Agis Paraskevi and the 16th-century church of Agios Nikolaos.
Kardamena
Kardamena is only 6 kilometers away from Antimachia and is a former fishing village that now thrives as a tourist resort. The village is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Alasarna and boasts the Hellenistic temple of Apollo. A small, sheltered harbor, you can take a boat excursion from here to the nearby island of Nisyros or visit the hot springs of Agia Irini, famed for their therapeutic properties. Enjoy both local and international cuisine at its many beachfront taverns and sip on an exotic cocktail in one of the bars that come to life at night.
Best Beaches
Kos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dodecanese islands, the majority of which are sandy with clear turquoise waters. Many are organized and have all the tourist facilities, while others are secluded and popular with nudists. Each one has a distinct beauty of its own for you to enjoy.
Agios Stefanos Beach
This beach is located 40 km southwest of Kos town and the rocky surrounding area is rich in wildflowers and lush vegetation. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles and the small islet of Kastri sits opposite in the middle of the sea. Wonderfully shallow waters and many umbrellas offer you a relaxing swim and plenty of shade.
Kardamena Beach
This beach is a popular swimming spot located 30 km southwest of Kos town, with a fine stretch of sand that runs for over 3 km. Visitors go to enjoy the powdery sand, the crystal clear waters, and an organized infrastructure, making it popular with tourists and locals alike.
Paradise Beach
Aptly named, this beach is one of the most popular on the island with its fine white sand and crystal clear waters. It is extremely well organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and restaurants serving fresh fish and international cuisine all day long. Access to the beach is also very easy by bus, car, taxi or motorbike.
Therma Beach
Located about 10 km from Kos town, Therma is unique due to the hot mountain springs and their therapeutic properties for rheumatism, arthritis, and other ailments. The beach and its hot springs were first discovered in 1934 and the cove is in a lovely location hidden between large rocks. Enjoy a dip in this lovely spot and soak up the healing energy of the island.
Lambi Mylos Beach
Lambi is conveniently close to Kos town and stretches for over 1000 meters, allowing plenty of room for all its visitors. You will find many facilities here, from restaurants and bars to watersport lessons and more. An old mill sits at the waterfront, giving the beach its name, and it is now home to a cafe-restaurant exuding chilled-out vibes, Ibiza style.
Marmari Limnaria Beach
Marmari beach can be found 15 km west of Kos town and is very well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. The long, exposed beach is used to strong summer winds, making it a favorite with windsurfers. You will find many watersports centers on the beach and can rent equipment or take lessons. Further along, you can find a few smaller and secluded coves if you wish to escape the crowds.
Transportation Around Kos
You will find a great public transport network in Kos, with a regular bus service that runs to most of the major villages, beaches, and ancient sites. You can also hire a car or motorbike to explore the island and there is no shortage of taxis. Both locals and visitors also find bicycles to be a convenient way to get around as the island is mainly flat, and there are even some dedicated bike lanes for cyclists.
Ticket Booths
User Account