Kos is the third-largest Greek island. It has a long and interesting history, and there are miles and miles of untouched Mediterranean landscape to explore. Kos is known for being the home of Hippocrates and the land of knights in the Middle Ages. Today, it is a fun place for curious travellers to hang out.
Greece is a country that has a lot of different things to offer and is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Also, let's be honest: the Greek islands are too good to pass up. This is why I wanted to show you some of the best things to do on Kos, a beautiful Greek island off the coast of Turkey.
There are so many Greek islands to choose from that it can be hard to choose just one. So, Kos is a jewel of an island that you shouldn't miss.
Kos is much more laid-back than the big islands of Crete or popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos. It's a great place to spend a week enjoying the famous Greek hospitality (and amazing Greek food that I always gorge on).
"The Garden of the Aegean" is one of Greece's most eastern islands, and the average temperature there is between 60 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit annually. This makes it easy to plan a trip to "The Garden of the Aegean."
From the beautiful Paradise beach to the impressive Greek and Roman ruins and the lush greenery at the Hippocrates Garden Cultural Center, it's easy to see why the island gets about 1 million tourists every year, making it the most popular of the Dodecanese Islands.
On Kos, there are many things to do, like snorkelling in turquoise coves or climbing rocky peaks for amazing views. Kos has everything you need, whether you want to have fun or just relax by the sea. Here are a few of the best things to do on your trip to Kos. Have a wonderful time!
Take a boat tour around the island.

A trip to Kos isn't complete without a boat ride along the coast to discover hidden bays and strange sea caves. You can swim and snorkel in the clear water, then relax on the deck with the sun on your back and the beautiful scenery around you.
Take a trip to one of the nearby islands and spend the day there. Nisyros, Kalymnos, and Pserimos are all fun choices, with craters and villages in the mountains to explore.
This legendary medical centre, named after the Greek god of healing, is one of the best things to see in Kos if you like history. Asklepieion, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, is thought to be where medicine began.
The ruins are on a hill near Kos Town, covered with pine trees. You can climb up several levels to see Roman baths and temples. On the way down, stop by the museum.
The centre seems to be built to honour Asklepios, the god of health and medicine. In the past, all doctors were priests, and people were told to pray while being treated (as anaesthetics weren't around way back when).
Now, if you go on a sunny day, bring lots of water and a hat because there isn't much shade and the sun in the Mediterranean is strong.
You can get in for about €8–€15, and you can probably spend about 1–2 hours there.
Soak in the thermal springs at Agios Fokas Beach
Feeling tired after exploring? Then go to Therma Beach at Agios Fokas in the eastern part of Kos and dip in the hot springs there. The temperature is just right, and the thermal pool is cool enough to swim in because of the seawater.
Relax and enjoy views of imposing crags and distant islands while the healing water works its magic on those weary limbs. There are no more natural spas than this one!
Venture up a volcano on Nisyros Island
The island of Nisyros is a volcano with a lot to offer in terms of adventure and famous Greek towns. Drive through the rough lunar landscape up to the volcano's rim for a great view of the sea and nearby islands.
Then, take a walk through Mandraki's traditional streets and have lunch in one of the laid-back taverns. Before you leave, go to a hilltop monastery inside the Venetian Castle.
Wander through the wonders of Kos Old Town
Walk through the charming streets of Kos Old Town and stop in the main square for a tasty Greek lunch. If you're a romantic at heart, you'll fall in love with the beauty of the city's old houses, which line the small, winding streets and have historical markers at every turn.
Check out Eleftherias Central Square. It's where Old Town starts, so it's the perfect place to start an exciting scavenger hunt game where the whole city is your playground.
Slide down flumes at Aquatica Water Park
Put on sunscreen and prepare your family for a fun day at this water park near Kardamena. Want to get your blood pumping? Then try the Kamikaze and Freefall slides, and keep your head in the Spin Bowl.
You could also float down the lazy river and chill out with a drink by the swimming pool. You can buy a "skip the line" ticket at Aquatica Water Park to avoid the long lines.
Put on sunscreen and prepare your family for a fun day at this water park near Kardamena. Want to get your blood pumping? Then try the Kamikaze and Freefall slides, and keep your head in the Spin Bowl. You could also float down the lazy river and chill out with a drink by the swimming pool. You can buy a "skip the line" ticket at Aquatica Water Park to avoid the long lines
This gathering place in the middle of Kos has been around for hundreds of years. It has several excavated temples, houses, and baths. The Ancient Agora is one of the most impressive historical sites on the island. It was only found after a terrible earthquake in 1933. Walk through the old streets and try to picture what life was like in the 4th century BC. Look for the shrine of Aphrodite and the Christian basilica.
Soak in the thermal springs at Agios Fokas Beach
Take a jet ski ride out to sea to see the island from a different point of view. You can ride by yourself or with a friend. As you go through the waves, a spray shower will follow you.
Power through the water under tall sea cliffs and find hidden beaches where you can swim quickly. Experts are on hand to show you the ropes, so people of all levels are welcome.
Artemis Hamam is a great place to get a massage
The Artemis Hamam in Tigaki village is one of the most luxurious things to do in Kos. Close your eyes and let an aromatherapy massage wake up your senses. Or, go to the hammam and get a scrub that will make you feel great and leave you glowing. Want to try something new? Then choose a caviar therapy session or a grapeseed peeling. Kids love the edible chocolate bath treatments made just for them.
Soar through the air on a parasailing adventure
Try parasailing to get a bird's-eye view of the island as you fly through the air. A motorboat will pull you along the coast after a surprisingly gentle start from the beach. Try to spot local landmarks and islands from your high vantage point above the beautiful blue sea. Make sure the batteries in your camera are charged; you'll need them.
Admire the mosaics at Casa Romana
History fans love to visit this beautiful Roman villa, which has been beautifully restored. There are mosaics, statues, and pools everywhere, which prove the villa's past. Casa Romana has 36 rooms and three atriums that show the unique style of architecture from the time.
As you walk through the manor's halls and admire the building's symmetry and well-preserved design details, you'll feel like you've returned in time. Can you find the colourful mosaics of a seahorse and a tiger?
Say "sip, sip, hooray!" on a wine tour and tasting
In Kos, you can spend the afternoon at a family-owned winery tasting wines made the same way for years. Walk down the famous "Wine Road," where all of the island's best wineries are located close to each other, and stop in at some of the best wineries, where you can try wine with cheese.
You'll hear directly from the families about the challenges and successes of making wine over time. You'll also get to try other drinks made in the area with ingredients grown at the winery.
Splash around at Lido Water Park
Spend a day at Lido Water Park to stay cool under the hot Mediterranean sun. This is one of the best things for families to do in Kos. There are lots of water slides and games for kids to enjoy.
Ride the Space Bowl and the Hydrotube to make things more exciting, or race with your friends on the multilane flume to see how fast you can go. Relax in the Jacuzzi afterwards.
Wander through the cool Plaka Forest
Visit the cool parts of Plaka Forest to get away from the city's noise and the beach resort's heat. This fragrant pine forest is tucked away in a winding gorge. It has plenty of shade for quiet walks, picnics, or barbecues. Follow the leafy paths and take pictures of the peacocks as they show off their colourful feathers as they walk around. Keep an eye out for squirrels and terrapins as well.
Go hiking on Kalymnos Island
Take a trip to the rough island of Kalymnos to spend a day exploring its green valleys and rocky mountain peaks. Once known for its sponge diving, Kalymnos is now known for its climbing scene. This is because of the majestic cliffs that rise from the water along the coast. Keep your feet firmly on the ground as you walk through olive groves and visit museums. Or, you can swim from the beaches and have lunch at a tavern on the water in Pothia.
Sunbathe and water skiing at Paradise Beach
The most well-known beach in Kos is Paradise Beach, which is in the very south. You might think you are in the Caribbean because of the powdery sand and sparkling water. You can rent lounge chairs and get drinks at the beach bar. Ready to do something? Then ride a banana boat or water skiing to see how well you can keep your balance.
See how a windmill works at the Traditional Windmill of Antimachia.
Ever wonder how a windmill from the 1800s works? Visit the traditional windmill of Antimachia, one of the few original windmills still in use today. The windmill is open for tours.
Climb the narrow steps to meet the family who owns the windmill and learn about its history. You can also see how it's run by hand in real-time and, of course, enjoy the amazing views of the sea from the window.
This tiny island has only 130 people and not a single car. On this island, where time seems to have stopped, you can enjoy unspoiled nature, peace, and quiet. On Pserimos, there are no roads, so put on your hiking shoes and head into the rough interior.
A few isolated bays with clear water are great for swimming, and beach tavernas around the tiny harbour are great places to try fresh fish
Take some time for yourself at Zia Natural Park. Breathe in the fresh air of nature and let the park's beauty refresh you.
In the mountain village of Zia, you can walk along stone paths to get to the top of the park and see great views. You can see the sea and the church towers in the village, like the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Zia. Make sure to bring a snack to enjoy the stunning sunset from the park.
You can honour a famous Greek doctor at the Hippocrates Plane Tree in the middle of Kos. This tree is next to the Castle of Knights and is considered the largest in Europe. It is about 500 years old.
The story goes that Hippocrates would sit in the shade of the tree (or the tree that came before it) and teach his medical students. This old place feels like a doorway to the past now.
Off the coast of Pserimos is an empty island called Plati. Boat trips from Kos often stop there. People can walk up to the whitewashed, small chapel, but the ocean is the main attraction. Jump off the boat and swim in one of the bays known for having warm water. Take a snorkel to see what lives under the water, or jump off a cliff if you're feeling brave.
Looking for a beach with no people? Then go to Limnionas in northwest Kos, near the small village of Kefalos. Even though the sand is golden and the water is bright blue, the real draw here is the peace.
Just up the hill is a small restaurant that serves local food. There are also a few loungers, making this the perfect spot for a quiet day, swimming and sunbathing at the beach.
The water around the island is very clear, so scuba diving is one of the most exciting things to do there. Famous local dive sites can be seen from the shore or by boat on trips for both beginners and experts. Dive into the underwater kingdom and swim with schools of fish as they dart over the reef. Keep an eye out for moray eels hiding in dark cracks.
At the Hippocrates Garden Cultural Center in Mastichari, you can learn about the man who started medicine. The site is a copy of a Greek settlement from long ago. It has buildings and a garden.
Explore the house and discover what life was like in the 5th century BC. In the arcade, you can look at frescoes and mosaics. Then, you can walk through the smelly gardens and vineyards or watch a show at the rebuilt theatre.
So, if the weather turns bad or you want to learn more about the island's history, you should go to the Archaeological Museum. It's one of the best things to do in Kos, and it has a lot of records and artefacts from the prehistoric period.
When you get here, keep an eye out for the intricate mosaic of Asclepius and Artemis. The museum is usually closed on Mondays, so keep this in mind when planning.
You can return to the Western Archaeological Zone in Kos Town, next to the old theatre. During the Middle Ages, this part of the city was left empty. Roman baths, paved roads, and even a stadium were found during excavations.
Follow in the footsteps of the early settlers and look at the colourful mosaics and marble floors of the well-kept ruins. Before you leave, you should go to the gym.
At the Roman Odeon of Kos, an ancient Roman theatre built in the second century AD, you'll feel like you've gone back in time. Tall cypress trees and beautiful scenery surround the partially restored marble seats.
The Archaeological Museum of Kos is close by. It has some of the most interesting things found in excavations from the Western Archaeological Zone and many other places worth seeing.
Regarding beach sand, Agios Stefanos Beach in the southwest of Kos hits all the right notes. You can play in the shallow water or climb up flower-covered hillsides to see what's left of old Christian temples. But the island of Kastri, which is out in the water and can be reached by boat or swimming, is the show's real star. It was worth the trouble to see the ruins of a castle and a small chapel.
Spend an evening at the Black Amber Club in Kos Town to mark the end of your trip. During the day, this open-air pool bar with sunbeds and cocktails on tap has a relaxed vibe. As night falls, the mood goes up a few notches, and DJs worldwide play all the best songs. Regular pool parties are one of the best things to do in Kos, and you can join in on the fun.
On the Fantasy Mini Golf course at the Tsilivi family resort, you and your friends can play a fun game of mini golf.
Have fun deciding which of the four courses to start on. The courses are well-designed and have beautiful gardens, fountains, ponds, rivers, and other features. Are you thirsty? The mini golf course has a bar with beers, soft drinks, and water. If you're travelling with family or friends, this is a fun, must-do thing!
The International Hippocratic Foundation was started in 1960 to honour Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine." It does this through lectures and exhibitions that anyone can see.
You can learn about Hippocrates and the history of medicine by going to the museum. You can also see how these early ideas have affected the work of doctors today. There is an impressive collection of statues, ancient coins, and, of course, medical tools. Behind the building, there are botanical gardens that you can check out.
The Byzantine Palaio Pyli Castle is a must-see for history buffs. It is hidden in the mountains and surrounded by pine forests. The strong fortress was built to protect the people who lived there from pirate attacks. It can be reached by a steep path that winds up the hillside. The climb to the top is worth it for the views!
Walk along the crumbling castle walls and buildings, then have a refreshing drink at the café with a great view. The Castle of Kefalos has stood the test of time. It was built in the 14th century and perched on a hill with a great view of Kefalos Bay and its nature. There's no charge.
The Antimachia Castle was built in 1457 to protect against an Ottoman attack. It is a beautiful historical building that is still in good shape. When you go inside, you can see engravings on the walls and other places to hang out that were once churches.
Neratzia Castle (Castle of Knights), which used to be on its island, is now connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are four towers inside that you can climb to see the sea and the architecture, columns, and gates inside.
After all that swimming, go to the Mediterraneo Restaurant in Agios Fokas, which has some of the best seafood on the island.
Also, don't forget to book this amazing boat trip from Kos to three gorgeous islands. You'll be picked up at your hotel and taken on a trip to Nisyros Island and Panagia Spillane, which will be the highlight of your trip. You'll also have a lot of time to look around the beautiful town of Mandraki.
Just make sure you buy these tickets before you get to Kos. This way, you'll be sure to have a seat and won't have to worry about getting things set up when you get there.
Now, one of the best things to do in Kos has to do with its beautiful coastline, and boy, does it have a beautiful coastline.
Go to Kefalos Bay, where you can find beaches like Agios Stefanos, Kamari, and Agios Theologos. So, go to Kala Paradiso Beach or Tingaki Beach if you want to get away from most other people.
You won't know what to do first. If you can't decide, you can just get in your car and drive along the coast. I'm sure you'll find a lot of beautiful bays and hidden coves to paddle in.
If you want to see a typical Greek village, go to Antimachia and walk around its cute streets. It's where you feel like you've stepped back in time as soon as you get there. It's beautiful.
About 20 kilometres from Kos Town, Antimachia is easy to visit on an afternoon stroll. Once you get here, see the old chapel, stop for a Greek coffee (which tastes like powder), and take in the beautiful views of this part of the island.
So, if you want the best Greek coffee on the island, go to The Watermill of Zia, which is probably one of the best places to get coffee. But if ouzo is more your thing, they have much of it.
You have to wind up unpaved mountain paths to get to the top of Mount Dikaios, Kos's highest point. This is a fun way to see places tourists don't usually visit. Every corner has thick plants and big views. At the top, you can go into the small chapel of Christos and take pictures of the whole island. In a nearby village, you will have lunch at a traditional tavern.
You'll see some of the best things to do in Kos, especially when you get to the top of Mount Dikaios and eat the most delicious Greek lunch.
You might want to go to the Castle of the Knights of Saint John after spending some time on Kos's beautiful coast. It's a beautiful part of the island that you should check out if you're touring.
From 1380 to 1514, local stones were used to build the castle. This makes it pretty old.
The castle has been around for a long time because it was built to protect itself. But don't worry, crossing the moat is easy because there is a drawbridge. Take care not to fall in.
Oh, and don't forget that the view from the top of the tower is amazing.
During Roman rule, the Roman Odeon was built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Still, it wasn't found again until the early part of the 20th century, when there was a big dig in the area.
The original marble seats from the first nine rows of the Odeon are still there. These seats were probably only for important people.
The Odeon is in the shape of a half-circle, and it seems it once had a roof for events on the island. After walking around and seeing the ruins of the skene (the stage) and learning more about the history of this place,
If you like history, this is one of the best things to do in Kos, and the best part is that it's free.
The Casa Romana, also called the Roman House, is being dug up in another area. It dates back to the 2nd century. If you like history, you'll love this place. It's also one of the best things to do in Kos if you want to learn about the Roman history of the island.
When you get here, don't forget to look at the frescoes. Just keep an eye out for the one that is so elaborately decorated and has a panther and a bear on it. Lastly, don't forget to look at the old mosaics. You'll go back a long way in time.
The Castle of Knights is close to the Hippocrates Tree, a must-see if you're in the area.
This huge old tree is thought to be the biggest in Europe. It is about 500 years old. It took the place of an older one that Hippocrates may have planted and used to teach his students.
Since Hippocrates lived around 500 BC, the first tree may have been replaced more than once.
Now, you'll probably only spend about 10 minutes here, but combining it with lunch at one of the nearby tavernas is a good idea.
After walking around the village of Antimachia, it's a good idea to also visit the nearby castle.
The Venetian Castle of Antimachia is in ruins, but that doesn't make it any less impressive, especially if you want to learn about the island's history.
A plaque on top of the main gate shows that improvements were finished in 1494. The castle was built in the early 1300s (from what I remember). Now, the castle walls are still there. Inside, you can visit two churches, but most other buildings are in worse shape. After that, if you want to go for a walk, go to the Antimachia mill and the Plaka forest. It's a lovely place.
The church of Agios Theologos
The church of Agios Theologos is at the end of a road 7 kilometres south of Kefalos. It is on the south side of the island. It can be hard to find, but that shouldn't stop you.
The church might not be very big, but it has a beautiful golden chandelier hanging from the ceiling. You can also get great views of the whole island from here. Even if you can't find this one, don't worry. There are a lot of small churches all over the island that you're sure to find.
Oh, and if you go on August 29, the monastery holds a feast day, and many people come to pay their respects. Now, the castle walls are still there. Inside, you can visit two churches, but most other buildings are in worse shape. After that, if you want to go for a walk, go to the Antimachia mill and the Plaka forest. It's a beautiful area.
Cave of Aspri Petra (White Stone Cave)
The Kos White Stone Cave is a beautiful place to visit while in Kos. It is where some amazing finds from the Neolithic Age were found. Without going into too much detail, these discoveries show that people have lived in Kos since about 2900 BC. Just because of this, the cave area is important.
That's about a 15-minute drive from Kefalos but is often overlooked in favour of Kos's beautiful beaches. So, this is the place to go if you want to take a walk and see Kos's beautiful landscape.
Afterwards, go to Kardamena and head to The Garden for a beautiful and authentic Greek meal. You can eat outside under the olive trees. It's a beautiful place.
atisfy your craving for delicious Greek food at the best restaurants
Is it your birthday or some other important date? If so, don't be afraid to go to the elegant and traditional Restaurant Petrino for dinner. Near the old Nymphaeum, this restaurant serves a mix of Greek and Italian food in a candlelit setting.
Learn to eat like a Greek at Elia Restaurant in Old Town Kos. They serve the famous "meze." Under the ivy-covered pergola, you can eat some of the most authentic Greek food, like a wonderful Greek cheese spread, and drink wine from the area.
Looking for some seaside vibes? Check out Stadium Restaurant and Bar. You can look out at the sea and the mountains as you take your first few bites of a fresh Greek salad, fresh seafood pasta, and a glass of organic wine.
Get ready to party and enjoy the nightlife in Kos.
Kos is known as the most lively island in the Dodecanese. Kos is the place to be if you want to party or just get a taste of the nightlife.
Bar Street and Kos Town are the most popular places to go out at night in Kos. They have the best bars, pubs, and nightclubs. But there are more places to party until morning outside of those streets, like Kardamena, known for its foreign crowds, and Agios Stefanos, known for its beachy nightlife.