Kos Island has carried the traces of many civilizations throughout history. Today, it is home to a rich cultural heritage. From the ancient Greek period to the Ottoman Empire, from the Italians to the Persians, this small but special island has a historical depth. Hippocrates, considered to be the father of medicine, was born on this island and studied at the Asclepeion, the ancient hospital. The island, which also has an important place in mythology, harbors a story in every corner. Also dazzling with its natural beauties, Kos offers vacationers a dreamlike experience with its pristine beaches and impressive views. From nightlife to water sports, cultural tours to sparkling beaches, you can find any experience you are looking for on the island.
How to get to Kos Island, what flavors to taste, what places to visit; all in this guide! Before we start our article, let us remind you: Don’t forget to download the Piri Guide mobile app to visit Kos step by step with your personal and digital tour guide! 🙂 🙂
Where is Kos?
Kos Island is located in the southeast of Greece, in the waters of the Aegean Sea. Kos, which is part of the Dodecanese Islands, or the Dodecanese Islands, in the Aegean Sea, is very close to the Turkish province of Muğla. The closest point of the island is only about 4 kilometers off Bodrum, making Kos very close to Turkey.
How to Get to Kos?
The most practical way to reach Kos Island is by sea. You can reach especially from Bodrum or Turgutreis by ferries. In addition, ferry services to Kos from coastal cities such as Marmaris and Datça are quite common. Especially with the start of the summer season between April and October, ferries are more frequent. It is possible to find regular ferries every day. If you want to look at the times, here. The journey from Bodrum to Kos takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You can reach the island in 20 minutes with catamarans departing from Marmaris. In addition, you can also reach Kos Island from other Greek islands by sea.
Another way of transportation to Kos Island is by plane. But there are no direct flights from Turkey. Therefore, it makes more sense to fly from Athens with a connecting flight or directly from Athens. If you want to visit Athens while you are there, be sure to take a look at our Athens travel guide.
Best Season to Visit Kos?
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Kos Island. During this period, the warm and sunny weather is ideal for the beaches. However, prices can go up a bit during the summer months and hotels need to be booked early in order to get a room. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Kos. The weather is still warm and sunny and the crowds are less intense than in the summer months. The beaches are quieter and hotels are more affordable. Kos Island can also be visited during the winter months, but this period usually attracts fewer tourists. The weather can be cooler and some facilities may close. However, if you are looking for a quiet vacation and more affordable prices, winter months are also preferable.
What To Eat in Kos?
You can find the best flavors of Greek and Mediterranean cuisines on Kos Island. Since it was once occupied by Italy, you will also find examples of Italian cuisine. A traditional dish you must try on the island is “posa cheese” made from goat’s milk and wine. In addition, a dish called “pitaridia” and “Barbara” dessert are among the flavors you should definitely try. The most famous product of the island is thyme honey. It can be a nice alternative if you are looking for souvenirs.
Kos Island in Mythology
Battle of Poseidon & Titan Polyvotis
According to mythology, there is a great war between the gods of Olympus and the Titans, the ancient gods. A part of this war takes place on Kos Island. Poseidon, the god of the seas, chases the titan Polyvotis to Kos Island. When he catches him, he crushes Polyvotis with a piece of stone and his three-pronged spear. According to legends, this is how the island of Nisyros, next to Kos, was formed. There are even those who believe that Polyvotis, trapped under Nisyros, tried to save himself and that this was the cause of the volcanic activity on the island.
Herakles & Antagoras
On his way home after his expedition to Troy, Heracles is caught in a violent storm sent by Hera. As a result of the storm, Heracles and some of his friends find themselves on the island of Kos. While wandering around the island, they come across a shepherd named Antagoras and ask for food. Antagoras refuses to help and as a result Heracles and Antagoras get into a fight. Heracles and his friends, already exhausted from the journey, finally tire and flee to Pyli. But would Heracles, the hero of heroes, stop without revenge? He wages war against Eurypylos, the king of Antimachia in Kos, wins the war and marries the daughter of the new king. Later, his son Thessalos’, born from this marriage, becomes the king of Kos and Nisyros.
Kos Island Travel Guide
Asklepieion
Asklepieion is one of the most important archaeological structures on the island. It is also considered to be the most important Asclepieion of Antiquity. In ancient times, the Asclepieion was a place where Asclepius, the son of Apollo and the patron god of medicine and health, was worshipped, as well as a place where healing was practiced and medicine was taught. Hippocrates, one of the most important names of medicine in antiquity and the father of modern medicine, founded his school here and taught medicine.
Ancient Gymnasium
Located in an area known as the Western Archaeological Zone, the Ancient Gymnasium was once the pulse of athletic and intellectual activity in Kos. The Gymnasium is in an area that includes the Acropolis, the Hippodrome, the Nymphaeum, and the ruins of the temples of Aphrodite and Hercules.
Neratzia Castle
Neratzia Castle is an iconic coastal fortress from the 14th century. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, nerantzia (bitter orange trees) and lemon trees were densely planted on Kos Island, hence the name Nerantzia. The castle was built by the Knights of St. John, who used many architectural pieces from the ancient city of Kos and the Asklepieion, which can still be seen today in various parts of the castle. The restored version of the castle that survives today was built by the Italians.
Hippocrates' Plane Tree
The plane tree is one of the most popular places to visit on Kos Island. It is also considered the oldest tree in Europe. According to a rumor, Hippocrates used to teach his students under this old plane tree. According to research, the tree is 500 years old, which means that there was no tree when Hippocrates lived. But especially the people of Kos have embraced the tree. They present branches or leaves of this tree to medical faculties around the world.
Archaeology Museum
The Archaeology Museum in the city center is especially full of historical artifacts from the excavations on the island. Especially on the ground floor you can see beautiful mosaics and sculptures. In the west hall, statues from the Hellenistic period, most of which were found stored in the underground arch tunnels of the Roman Odeon, are on display. In the north hall, there are statues of Demetra, Kore and Athena (mid-4th and 3rd century BC) as well as Aphrodite and Nymph (1st century BC).
Casa Romana
This building, also located in the city center, is a mansion from the Roman period. Especially if you are curious about the daily life and architecture of that period, you should definitely visit it. Consisting of 36 rooms and 3 large living areas, this mansion reflects a typical Pompeii style architecture. You can also see various mosaics, sculptures and other artifacts inside.
