Kos

Travel Guide

Kos featuring a castle and a coastal town
Kos featuring heritage architecture
Kos
Kos showing a coastal town and general coastal views
Kos

This island town impresses with magnificent Roman and Ottoman ruins, Hellenistic artifacts and medieval architecture.

From the Greeks to the Romans to the Ottomans, the world’s most powerful civilizations have left their mark on the remarkable Kos Town. Strewn with medieval castles and ancient marketplaces, as well as a Roman Odeon and one of history’s earliest medical centers, this village overflows with history. Explore the fascinating ruins before hitting the beach.

Kos’s archaeological ruins are some of the most popular in the Dodecanese. Visit the central square and stand under the Tree of Hippocrates, a plane tree where Hippocrates once taught his students. Meander along the port to the impressive Castle of Neratzia. Built by the Knights of St. John, this defensive structure overlooked the water passage between Kos and Halicarnassus. The inner Keep was built in the 14th century while the outer Keep dates back to around the 16th century.

South of the harbor is the excavation of the Ancient Agora where ancient houses with mosaics, columns, temples and bathhouses recall the lives of bygone civilizations. Stroll through the Ancient Market, which dates back to the third century B.C.

Continue your explorations in the Northern Baths area, home to the Ancient Stadium, and at the ruins of the Western Archaeological Site. Examine the intricate mosaic floors in the restored Casa Romana then rest on the stone steps of the nearby Roman Odeon Amphitheater, which was built between the first and second century. Look to the stage area and imagine that in its time, up to 750 people would gather here to watch theater, music performances and Roman games. Many excavated relics from this area can be viewed at the Archaeological Museum on Eleftherias Square.

Other impressive sites include the House of Count Francesco Sans, the Mosque of Gazi Hasan Pasha and the Panellenion Complex, where the Italian National Fascist Party held office. Day-trips to the ancient structures of the Asclepeion are also popular. This famed healing resort is where Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is thought to have trained.

After a day of sightseeing, unwind on Zouroudi Beach or the quieter Psalidi Beach. For further relaxation, sink into the warm mineral baths at Therma.

Kos Town is located on the northeast coast of the island. Get here by boat from Piraeus, Rhodes or Turkey or fly into Kos Island International Airport, Hippocrates.

Neptune Luxury Resort

Neptune Luxury Resort

5 out of 5
Mastichari, Kos
The price is CA $320 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
CA $320
CA $376 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (406 reviews)
"Tolles Hotel, aber für Strandurlaub nicht das richtige. Der eine richtige Strand ist relativ klein und sehr schnell voll. Der größere „Strand“ ist hinter Steinen verborgen, sodass man nur an zwei oder drei Stellen ins Wasser kann - sollte daher nicht als Strand beworben werden. Aber ansonsten top ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Neptune Luxury Resort
Kosta Palace

Kosta Palace

4 out of 5
Kos town, Kos, Kos Island
The price is CA $207 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $207
CA $243 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Kos. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (372 reviews)
"I had a wonderful experience. The place was super comfortable and relaxing—felt just like home!…"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

Kosta Palace
Mitsis Norida

Mitsis Norida

5 out of 5
Kardamena Area, Kos, L
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $521 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
CA $521
CA $596 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (234 reviews)
"Excellent stay, very relaxed! We stayed in the bungalow with sea view and it was perfect. No faults. Everything was easily accessible from Mitsis Norida. Thanks for a wonderful stay."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Mitsis Norida
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Eurovillage Achilleas Hotel

Eurovillage Achilleas Hotel

4 out of 5
Mastichari, Kos
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Kos. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mastichari Beach and Kardamena Port ...
7.2/10 Good! (61 reviews)
"Great place walking distance to shopping and dining area."

Reviewed on Jul. 7, 2025

Eurovillage Achilleas Hotel
Bristol Hotel & Apartments

Bristol Hotel & Apartments

2 out of 5
Patakou 5, Kos, Kos Island
Stay at this aparthotel in Kos. Enjoy free WiFi, bicycle rentals on site, and furnished balconies. Popular attractions Port of Kos and Tigaki Beach are located ...
6.8/10 (44 reviews)
"Excellent location with beach, harbour, ancient ruins and restaurants within easy walking distance. Good air conditioning and daily room cleaning if you want it. People very friendly and helpful. We stayed for 2 weeks very comfortably."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Bristol Hotel & Apartments
Kos Divine Hotel and Suites

Kos Divine Hotel and Suites

4 out of 5
2 Charmilou Str., Kos, Kos Island
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Kos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Port of Kos and Kos Marina are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay, custom service was excellent, management knowledgeable and friendly, buffet best !!! Beds are very comfortable, rooms are clean and I will highly recommend anyone to stay here. I am from United States and traveling a lot, and know well where to choose to stay for my vacations, ..."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Kos Divine Hotel and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kos

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It has everything for any interest. History, laying on the beach, shopping, crazy driving experiences, wine tours ( good local wine) heat, good food, boat tours.

Cities near Kos