Travel to Kos

Travel to Kos

The third largest Greek island of the Dodecanese cluster in the Aegean Sea, Kos is located only four kilometres away from the coast of Bodrum in Turkey. Kos has two beautiful low mountains, Dikaia and Simpatro running along its southern coast and long sandy beaches. Also the homeland to Hippocrates, the father of medicine who set up the first medicine school, Kos boasts its very own Hippocrates Plant Tree believed to have been planted by Hippocrates himself.

Transportation to Kos

Kos International Airport or Kos Hippokrates Airport, the only airport in Kos, is 26 kms southwest of Kos. It is connected with Athens throughout the year by Olympic Airways with the journey taking about 35 minutes. There are also three daily flights from Rhodes operated by this airline. The best option is to use the service of a chartered airline with many flights each day from European countries with transfers to town.

There are bus services to take you to the city centre. Taxis are also plentiful at the airport. Flying out of Kos with Olympic will get you a complimentary bus service to the airport if you arrive at the town centre two hours before your departure.

Kos also provides car ferries, passenger ferries and hydrofoils from its port to basically everywhere in the Aegean Sea including Piraeus, Rhodes, Kalimnos, Bodrum, Leros and Patmos.

What to see

The most impressive monument in Kos is the Castle of the Knights of St John, built in the 15th century, it is located on the right side of the harbour. The Asklepieion, Infirmary of Antiquity was built after the death of Hippocrates in honour of the god Asklepios. The Infirmary was operated as a hospital, admitting thousands of patients from all over the Mediterranean and applying the methods of therapy taught by Hippocrates. The old harbour boasts the sculptures by Alexandros Alwyn in the Garden of Hippocrates opposite Dolphins Square while museum lovers will be delighted to visit the Archaeological Museum in the town of Kos containing findings from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras. To enjoy the town at its most peaceful time, get up early and walk around the small squares filled with flowers and palm trees. The new marina is worth a stroll while a wide promenade is provided behind the beach.

Day trips

Long pebbled beaches can be found in the east of Kos, offering an impressive view and relaxing hot springs. Wind-surfing is popular at the north side of the island. On the southern coast lie Kamel Beach, Paradise Beach and Magic Beach. There are many forests and mountains in the most authentic region of the island stretching from Platani to Plaka in the south. If you want to observe the history of the island, visit island villages where you can see the ruins of old Pili. For a picturesque view of the island and the sea, make a stop in Zia, where you can also find a local Greek art and ceramics shop.

Activities and leisure

Apart from its rich history, Kos old town has charming pedestrianised lanes to walk along. The beaches invite you to soak up the sun while plenty of restaurants and bars are available should you want to sit down, relax and enjoy famous Greek food.

Safety issues

Travelling around unfamiliar areas can always be tricky. Beware of pickpocketing and loss of your belongings. Language barriers can cause problems in bookings. Water sports are prone to accidents if you are reckless. It is advisable to take out travel insurance for yourself and your family.