Kos is the island of Kos, where free spirits choose to travel – it is a real pleasure for walking, cycling, diving and simply relaxing in the shade of trees by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Kos is perhaps the wildest of the large Greek islands – it is easy to find a secluded place where nothing has changed since the time of Odysseus. However, there are also plenty of comfortable hotels and cozy restaurants.
Kos Island is also called the “Garden of the Aegean” – the vegetation here is really lush. Picturesque bays, azure sea, ancient ruins – if you like active and “ecologically clean” rest – go to Kos.
Kos climate and weather
Thebathing season on Kos opens in May and lasts until October. The summer months are the best time for a vacation – the water is guaranteed to be warm and there are no prolonged rains. The heat is easily tolerated thanks to the fresh breeze.
Kos beaches
Thebeaches of Kos island have different coverings, most often sand and small pebbles are found. The sand, by the way, is also different – there is golden, there is white, and sometimes there is even black volcanic, as in Santorini. Beaches are well equipped – there is always a sun bed and umbrella. If you want privacy, you can find a “wild” area – there are plenty of them on Kos.
The most famous beach on the island is Paradise. It is located in Kamari and stretches for almost 5 km. The sand here is very clean, fine, and the entrance to the water is smooth. The beach has its own secret – near the shore volcanic gases come to the surface, and bathers may well get the effect of a Jacuzzi. For this feature Paradise Beach is also called Bubble Beach.
In Kardamena beaches are sandy, the total length is just over 3 km. In Kefalos the beaches are also sandy and the water is cooler than in other areas of Kos. However, this small disadvantage turns into an advantage in hot August and July. The beaches of Kefalos are well-equipped and wakeboarding and water skiing are popular here. There is also an old windmill right next to the beach.
Thebeaches of Tigaki resort stretch for 10 kilometers. The entrance to the water is smooth and sandy. The coast is blown by winds, so Tigaki is favored by fans of water sports. In the north of the island is the resort of Marmari, whose beaches pass into the dunes. On the beaches themselves there are many trees, in whose shade you can hide from the sun. In the north of Kos there are protected places where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. You can watch the majestic reptiles by buying a tour on a transparent-bottomed boat.
Kos resorts
The most popular resorts of Kos are Kamari and Kardamena, Tigaki and Psalidi. Young people go to Kardamena because of its vibrant nightlife, many bars, restaurants and discos. Kamari is chosen by couples for its clean beaches and smooth entrance to the water. Psalidi is famous for its emerald sea waters and the view of the Turkish coast right from the shore – if you want, you can see the outlines of Bodrum with binoculars.
Fans of active recreation – windsurfers, wakeboarders and other wave conquerors go to the north of Kos, to Tigaki, Marmari and Mastihari. Here the waves never stop and the wind blows almost without ceasing.
In the south of Kos island there are the famous Thermae springs, the beaches are sandy, clean and the infrastructure is excellent. There are many rocks and cozy bays, which are interesting to travel by boat.
Kos sights
The most famous attraction of Kos island is Asklepion, an ancient temple complex combined with a medical center. According to legend, it was on the island of Kos that Asclepius, the ancient Greek healer, son of Apollo, grew up. His discoveries in medicine and talent in the art of healing reached such heights that he became immortal.
There are more than 300 Asklepios in Greece – multifunctional ancient hospitals, where on one tier they treated and operated, on the other tier they rehabilitated, and on the third tier they praised the gods. Kos Asklepion is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved (even after the earthquake).
In Kos, the capital of the island, the marvelous Ioannite Castle has been preserved. Built in the XIV century by knights, it has been perfectly preserved and still stands not far from the port. On a small bridge near the castle go to the ancient plane tree, which, according to legend, was planted by Hippocrates himself and, sitting in its shade, taught the Greeks medicine. The plane tree is impressive – 12 meters in circumference!
In Kefalos there are ruins of ancient Astypaleia. In Agio Stefanos, the beach overlooks the islet of Kastri, where the church of St. Nicholas is located.
The thermal springs in the north of Kos are well known – people go to Bros Terma to improve their health and simply enjoy the contrast of cold sea water and hot spring water. The balneological resort is located on the shore of a small natural pool, where the waters merge together. Local water perfectly treats skin and gynecological diseases, helps with joint pains. However, it is better not to self-medicate without a doctor’s consultation – the maximum time you can spend in the pool is 20 minutes.
There are many small Greek villages on Kos, where you can visit by renting a bicycle. Visit Zia, Pili, Antimakhia, have lunch in one of the cozy tavernas, saddle up your bike again and go in search of adventure.
Sea excursions are another way to entertain yourself on Kos. Go to the island of Kalymnos for sea sponges; to an active volcano on the island of Nisyros; to the small island of Patmos, where, according to legend, John the Theologian wrote his Apocalypse…. You can go there either on your own or with an excursion – there are many tourist offices on Kos.
