Guide: all countries » Greece » Kos Island »

Sightseeing in Kos Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Kos Kos is the third biggest Greek island. It’s an extremely popular and easily accessible tourist resort. Island is known for an abundance of natural and historical landmarks, excellent beaches and entertainment places. Kos offers a huge choice of hotels and affordable apartments attracting thousands of travelers and nature lovers every year. Despite its popularity, Kos is still a very affordable place to spend vacation time.
Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Kos Island inhabitants
When you are on a holiday on the island of Kos, it is worth remembering some features of the local mentality. For example, the world-famous gesture of consent in the form of a nod here, as … Open
Hippocrates Platan is among the main symbols of the island. This nature attraction has more than 10 meters in diameter. According to one of the legends, it has been planted over 2.5 thousands of years ago by Hippocrates himself. More so, the very first students have being learning art of healing from the famous medic under its shade. However, this beautiful legend was disapproved by scientists. According to their research, this huge plane tree is “only” about 700 years old. That doesn't diminish its value though.
Another interesting landmark is the Asklepion. That’s a large healthcare complex built back in 4th century DC. Historical records say that there were more than 300 of such complexes in Greece, but only a few of them have survived until these days. Asklepion is a massive architectural complex with ruins of the temple of Asclepius and Appolo temple, antique medical school, thermal baths and a sacrificial chancel. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Excursion over cultural sights of Kos Island - 'must visit' points of interest
Asklepion is, perhaps, one of the central attractions of the island. The ruins of the temple and the hospital, where the suffering people went, still look majestic. Often a person striving … Open
It's worth mentioning that Kos has being known for its healing thermal springs since ancient times. Embros spring located next to the island’s capital has being attracting people for over two thousands of years. It's located at the popular beach, so travelers have an excellent opportunity to combine beach leisure with healthful procedures.
Kos There's also a bunch of Medieval landmarks on the island, including Ioannite Knights castle. It was built in 14th century on site of old Byzantine fortress ruins. Construction lasted until early 16th century, but in 1514 it was conquered by Turks. Defensive structures have partially survived until nowadays; there's a number of viewing points set up around the castle today.
Your active city break in Kos Island. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
The island of Kos will give you not only a chance to touch the ancient history but also the opportunity to spend time actively and profitably. For example, from May to October you can go … Open
City of Kos is the capital of the island. It hosts lots of historical and architectural attractions. There is the amazing Defterdar mosque built in 1725. It has retained its original form until this day. The building is situated at the most picturesque city square, Eleftherias Square. St.Paraskeva Church is another architectural landmark; it was built in 1932. Speaking of religion, most of islanders are orthodox Christians, thus there are over a hundred of Christian churches on Kos. Those fond of history are recommended to walk along Gregorio street. Thousands of years ago there were charming houses, antique theater and ancient gymnasium situated along the street. Nowadays, only ruins and floor paintings remind of these amazing buildings.
Kos Island has several gorgeous resort areas such as Psalidi that is located not far from the capital city. Its beaches are always very popular with fans of surfing. Because of constant wind, there are strong waves almost all year round in this part of the island. The majority of prestigious hotels and sports centers are located not far from the coastline. To the west of the capital, there is a resort area of Tigaki. The total length of all beaches in this area is roughly 10 kilometers. The majority of beaches are sandy and shallow, so the comfortable and modern resort is suitable for tourists with children.
Best beaches and recreation areas around Kos Island
The best known coast part of Kos is the Paradise beach. It's a real paradise with wonderful seascapes. The beach is covered with fine snow-white sand and very well equipped. It is an … Open
There are also quality hotels not far from the beaches. As a rule, they are located at some distance from each other. Even during the peak season, the resort remains calm and peaceful, deprived of noise and hassle. Travelers in love with wild beaches and pristine nature will enjoy their vacation at Kefalos. In the past, it was the capital of the island, but nowadays it is a small and charming fishing village with a lovely wild beach. Kardamaina is a typical resort for young travelers. Besides a picturesque beach, there are nice nightclubs and discos.
Kos Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Kos Island
♥   Castle 'Anthimachia Castle' Kos, 2.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Nerantzia Castle' Kos, 15.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Kalymnos Castle' Kalymnos, 20.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Palaiokastro' Mandraki, 24.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Bodrum Castle Turkey' , 34.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Kos Island from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

From the series “Seven Wonders of the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Kos Island center - 34.6 km.
When the king Mausolus died, the tomb has not been completed yet. Construction of the mausoleum was finished only in 350 BC. A grand building lasted nearly 2 000 years. During that time, the structure has experienced many important historical events, including numerous attacks by pirates and the conquest. The mausoleum was fully destroyed in the 15th century. Maltese took marble slabs and used them for the construction of the fortress, which bore the name of St. Peter. In 1966, fragments of bas-reliefs and statues of the once majestic tomb were found during archaeological investigations. As so, scientists managed to restore its image as closely as possible. … Read further

Sightseeing in regions nearby Kos Island

Kos
The castle of loannite Knights built in the 15th century is one of those facilities. Stones and marble left from the houses destroyed by the earthquake were used during the building of the fort. Palm Avenue is one more interesting place recommended for visiting. Here ... Open »
Kalymnos Island
The seat of the most popular museums is Pothia; the amazing Archaeological Museum is situated there. It represents precious findings of scientists discovered during the exploration of the island. Nearby is the Maritime Museum, whose collection also strikes with ... Open »
Bodrum
The embankment of this town is beautiful and very original. When tourists come to see Bodrum, first they usually don’t like very small and narrow streets that look quite depressively. However, if you take a walk along them, you will change your opinion and see the ... Open »
Leros Island
To the east of Platanos there is the ancient Castle of Leros, a massive and beautiful fortification that protected the island from invaders. Among local religious sites the Church of Christ the Savior is noteworthy. That’s a gorgeous architectural monument built to ... Open »
Tilos Island
The picturesque village of Gera is situated to the east of the island. The Church of Taxiarch has been its symbol for many years. It was built in the mid16th century. Despite the fact that over the years the building has significantly changed its appearance, its ... Open »
Patmos Island
It would be interesting to visit the hill Castelli, where scientists have discovered the ruins of the ancient city. According to one version, the first capital of the island, Chora, has towered on a hill many hundreds of years ago. The ruins of some buildings, including ... Open »
Secure Connection
Main Office
Weegschaalstraat 3, Eindhoven
5632 CW, The Netherlands
+31 40 40 150 44


Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About us
Copyright © 2002 - OrangeSmile Tours B.V. | Incorporated by IVRA Holding B.V. - Registered in The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel KvK, The Netherlands) No. 17237018