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Mitsis Ramira, Kos

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Kos

Updated 1 October 2026 · 13 things to do

Pictured: Mitsis Ramira

Kos is a flat, sunny, beach-and-bicycle sort of island in the Dodecanese, with a bonus: it's the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The harbour is guarded by a Crusader castle, the old town is scattered with Roman and Greek ruins, and the long, sandy beaches stretch along the north coast. It's the easy Greek island, with history.

Pick your day. Pedal along the bike paths into town, climb to the hill village of Zia for sunset, soak in the hot springs by the sea, or take a boat to a volcano. And between all that, there are the beaches, which are what most people come for.

Don't miss

  1. 1Neratzia Castle
  2. 2The Asklepieion
  3. 3Tigaki Beach
  4. 4Zia
  5. 5Nisyros

Kos Town and the ancient past

Greek, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman, all within walking distance.

  1. Neratzia Castle

    Landmark

    The Knights' castle of Neratzia beside Kos harbour
    Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

    The great fortress of the Knights of St John guards the harbour, built in the 14th and 15th centuries with thick double walls and a moat. Walk across the bridge and through the gate for views over the harbour, then continue into the old town.

  2. The Asklepieion

    Landmark

    The ruins of the Asklepieion terraces
    Photo: Rodw, CC BY-SA 4.0

    An ancient healing sanctuary just outside town, on a hillside with terraces of columns and views down to the sea. Dedicated to the god of medicine, it was an important healing centre, and linked with Hippocrates and the medical school of Kos.

    Tip: Visit early, as there is little shade. The views are best from the upper terrace.

  3. Plane Tree of Hippocrates

    Landmark

    The Plane Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town
    Photo: Steven Fruitsmaak, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A huge, ancient plane tree in the middle of Kos Town, said by local tradition to be the one under which Hippocrates taught. Whatever the truth, it's a shady spot in the centre of the old town, beside an old Ottoman mosque.

  4. Casa Romana

    Landmark

    The peristyle courtyard of the Casa Romana
    Photo: Ввласенко, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A large Roman villa, excavated and restored in Kos Town, with rooms around a courtyard and floors laid with mosaics. It gives a good idea of how a wealthy family lived in Roman times.

Beaches

  1. Tigaki Beach

    Beach

    The long sandy beach at Tigaki in the evening light
    Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A long, wide beach of soft sand on the north coast, with shallow, sheltered water, and a lagoon behind it where flamingos sometimes gather. It's a family favourite, with plenty of tavernas and watersports.

  2. Agios Stefanos

    Beach

    The ruined early Christian basilica beside Agios Stefanos beach
    Photo: Michal Osmenda, CC BY-SA 2.0

    A sandy beach on the south coast beside the ruins of an early Christian basilica, with a view across to a tiny islet with a chapel. The remains of the columns make a striking setting for a swim.

  3. Kefalos Bay

    Beach

    A huge sweep of golden sand at the far south-west, backed by low dunes and with a good choice of tavernas. It has room for everyone, and is more remote and less busy than the north coast.

Villages and hills

  1. Zia

    Neighbourhood

    Little shops in the hill village of Zia
    Photo: Robert Ahner, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A pretty village on the slopes of Mount Dikeos, with whitewashed houses, shops selling honey and herbs and tavernas with views across to the coast. It's famous for its sunsets, so arrive in the late afternoon.

    Tip: Book a table on a terrace in advance if you want to watch the sunset over dinner.

  2. Old Pyli

    Landmark

    The ruins of a medieval hilltop village in the hills, with a ruined castle and a sweeping view over the plain. A shady spring and a small trail make it a pleasant walk away from the beaches.

Out and about

  1. Cycling around Kos

    Activity

    Kos is one of the flattest Greek islands, with a network of cycle paths running through the town and along the coast. Hire a bike and ride from the harbour to the beaches, castle and ruins.

  2. Embros Thermal Springs

    Nature

    The rocky coast at Embros thermal springs
    Photo: Karelj, Public domain

    On the south-east coast, natural hot water flows into a pool in the rocks beside the sea, mixing with the cooler Aegean. It's a unique swim, and best in the evening or out of season, when it's quieter.

Day trips

  1. Nisyros

    Day trip

    The Stefanos crater of the Nisyros volcano
    Photo: Alexandros Kellaris (https://www.flickr.com/people/alexecovis/), CC BY 2.0

    A small, round volcanic island near Kos with a crater you can walk into, steaming and smelling of sulphur. Boat trips from Kos include a visit to the crater and the whitewashed village of Mandraki.

  2. Bodrum

    Day trip

    The castle of St Peter at Bodrum
    Photo: Serhio Magpie, CC BY 4.0

    A short ferry ride from Kos Town takes you to Turkey and the resort of Bodrum, with its great castle of St Peter, a lively market and a busy harbour. Take your passport.

Where to stay in Kos

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Kos →

Getting around

Bicycles are the local way to get around Kos Town and the nearby beaches, and buses link the main resorts. A hire car or quad is useful for Zia, Old Pyli and the far south-west. Ferries and boat trips leave from Kos Town harbour.

When to go

The beach season runs from late spring to early autumn. July and August are hot, so plan sightseeing for the morning, and September is warm and calmer. Spring is good for walking and cycling.

Questions about visiting Kos

What is Kos best known for?
Long sandy beaches, the ancient Asklepieion and the birthplace of Hippocrates, a Crusader castle in Kos Town, and cycling.
What is there to do in Kos with kids?
Shallow sandy beaches such as Tigaki and Marmari, water slides at the big resorts, cycling and boat trips.
Is Kos worth visiting?
Yes. It is a good all-rounder, with long beaches, good ancient sites and easy day trips to Nisyros and Turkey.
Do you need a car in Kos?
Not for Kos Town and the north coast, which are flat, with bike paths and buses. A car helps for Zia and the south-west.

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