One of the famous Greek Dodecanese Islands, Kos is very much the number two island in terms of overall size and population, after only Rhodes, which lies directly to the south. However, Kos is extremely popular and past the major resorts and beachfront hotel complexes, this island tends to be a little less commercial.Tourists holidaying on Kos will be able to enjoy a range of attractions and activities, which range from spectacular beaches and secluded coves, to lively bars, cycling and walking trails through the countryside, and some interesting archaeological sites, including the 14th-century Castle of the Knights. Kos Town is the island capital and is the best place for tourism advice, with its Municipal Tourist Information Office being situated on the waterfront, on the Vasileos Georgiou and next to the Atki Miaouli.
Kos Tourist Information and Tourism: Top SightsThe beaches of Kos are really the number one reason why so many tourists flock to the pretty island each summer. Wherever you are staying, you are guaranteed to be just a very short distance from a least a handful of beaches. A number of the best stretches of sand are to be found around Kefalos Bay, with the most appealing including both Paradise Beach and Langada Beach. The far western side of Kefalos Bay is dominated by the complex surrounding Agios Stefanos Beach, while just over 40 km / 25 miles to the south-west of Kos Town, Kamari Beach may also be of interest and boasts a lengthy resort strip and plenty of water sports. More information about Kos Beaches.
There are a number of excellent sightseeing opportunities on Kos, if you can manage to drag yourself away from the inviting beaches. The colourful Tourist Train is always very popular and transports its passengers around the main streets of Kos Town, passing many interesting sights along the way, such as the acclaimed Hippocrates Plane Tree on the Plateia Platanou. For something a little more tranquil, spend a day exploring the mountain villages of Agios Dimitrios, Amaniou, Lagoudi, Zia and Zipari, to name but a few. The village of Mastihari is also a very relaxed attraction, which renowned sandy beaches and a very recognisable flavour of Greece. More information about Kos Tourist Attractions.
Some truly ancient structures resides within Kos and provide tourists will a glimpse into the island's past. The Ancient Agora is a must-see archaeological site and located within Kos Town, are as the mosaics at the House of Europa, and the Roman Nymphaeum, both of which are part of the town's Western Excavation Site. Also of extreme historical significance on the island is the Asklipieion, where the remains of a leading Greek medical school offer information about just show important Kos was in the world of medicine, almost 2,500 years ago. More information about Kos Landmarks and Monuments.
Kos is well connected to the Dodecanese Islands and the Ionian Islands by regular ferries, and many tourists choose to spend part of their holiday island hopping, to enable them to experience as much of the Greek island culture as possible. Relatively close to Kos and well connected by regular ferries are the islands of Agathonisi, Crete, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos and Rhodes, each offering something quite different and unique. More information about Kos Attractions Nearby.More Kos Information / Fast Facts and Orientation
- Country: Greece (south-east)
- Location: Dodecanese Islands / next to the Gulf of Cos (Gökova) / South Aegean Sea
- Status: island
- Capital: Kos Town
- Area: approximately 110 square miles / 285 square kilometres
- Population: approximately 18,000
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time zone: GMT + 2 hours
- Country dialling code: +30
- Telephone area code: 22420
- Average daily Kos January temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Average daily Kos July temperature: 30°C / 86°F
