Landscape and climate of Kos

The Greek island of Kos is one of the greenest islands in the Aegean Sea, due to its geographical location and abundant underground water. Unlike some of the drier Greek islands, Kos surprises with its fertile plains, especially in the central and northern part of the island. In the western areas of the island, forested hills with pine groves stand out, and the Dikeos mountain range dominates the landscape, stretching across the eastern part of the island's interior and reaching an altitude of 846 metres above sea level.

The climate on Kos is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers (average temperatures of 25-35°C) and mild, wet winters (10-15°C). The best time for nature watching is spring (April-June), when the island blooms after the winter rains, or early autumn (September-October), when temperatures moderate.

Flora - the plant world of Kos

Several characteristic ecosystems can be observed on the island of Kos. Mediterranean macchia (or macchia), which are dense stands of low shrubs and bushes that cover much of the island and are home to many aromatic plants, especially rosemary, thyme, lavender, oregano or sage. Also typical of Kos are the pine groves, which are found mainly in the west of the island in the Kefalos area, where the Halep and Pinia pines grow. The interior of the island is rich in pine and cypress forests, providing pleasant shade during hot summer days. And, of course, olive groves, as olive trees can be found practically all over the island of Kos and some of them can be hundreds of years old.

Many other interesting plants can be found on Kos. The roads are often lined with oleanders with beautiful pink, white or red flowers. Bouganvilea with striking purple, red or orange leaves grows on walls and pergolas, and hibiscus with large flowers of different colours grows in gardens and parks. Typical conifers in the landscape are slender cypresses. Wild and cultivated fig trees can be seen all over the island and in the mountainous areas wild orchid species appear in spring.

Spring is the best time to observe the flora. March and April belong to the wild orchids, April and May are the months of the main inflorescence including poppies and asfodels. From May to June, oleanders and bouganvilea bloom.

Fauna - animal world of the island of Kos

The sea around the island of Kos is home to a rich underwater fauna. From fish you can see morays, parma or sardines, from cephalopods you can see squid, cuttlefish and squid. There are also crustaceans, especially crabs, shrimps and crawfish. On the southern beaches, the protected species Caretta caretta can be occasionally spotted, while marine mammals such as dolphins and the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus are rare.

Snorkelling off the coast of Agios Stefanos, Kefalos or Paradise Beach is recommended for observing the underwater life.

Kos is an excellent destination for bird watching. Permanent residents include the common kestrel, the common tit, the white conipos, the common loon or the spotted wolf with its striking coloured feathers. Rare bird species, such as the Wood Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse and Blue-breasted Warbler, can also be seen here. Especially in spring and autumn, migratory birds can be observed, including herons, flamingos and various species of ducks and waterfowl.

The best places for birdwatching on Kos are the Psalidi wetlands, located east of Kos town, and the Alikes salt lake near the resort of Tigaki, which is part of the European NATURA 2000 bird conservation area.

Several species of reptiles can also be found on the island of Kos. The wall lizard is common around the old walls and ruins, and at night you can observe the activity of the Turkish gecko on the walls of buildings. At the water sources, it is possible to see non-venomous snakes, such as the fanged and collared snakes, and amphibians, especially the green toad. In forested areas, the yellow-bellied turtle can occasionally be seen.

Mammals are not very conspicuous on the island, but there are rabbits, hedgehogs and weasels. Several species of bats can be seen in the caves and old buildings.

Protected areas and nature parks on Kos

Psalidi Wetlands (Limni Psalidiou Pond): a small but important wetland area located on the eastern coast of Kos. It covers an area of approximately 1 km² and is home to many species of water birds. Visitors can explore the area along marked trails. The best time to visit is spring and autumn.

Salt Lake Alykes near Tigaki: The coastal lagoon area in the north of the island is characterised by a characteristic salt lake surrounded by reed beds. In the past, salt was extracted here using traditional methods, but today the area serves mainly as a nature reserve and an important habitat for waterfowl. For birdwatching, we recommend the morning or late afternoon hours, when these birds are most active.

Plaka Forest Nature Park: a wooded area in the southwest of the island consisting of pine and cypress groves. It is home to a peacock population that was introduced to the island but now lives here in the wild. In addition to peacocks, visitors may also encounter turtles and cuddly cats. The park has picnic areas and marked trails. It's a nice place to escape the summer heat.

Mount Dikeos and surroundings: The highest mountain on the island and its surroundings are characterized by a rich flora, including endemic species. The mountain offers beautiful views of the island and the surrounding sea, and the area is also criss-crossed with a network of hiking trails of varying difficulty. The recommended time to visit is early morning in summer or spring/autumn.

Practical advice for nature lovers

The island of Kos is part of the European network of protected areas NATURA 2000, which includes important sites for the protection of birds and other animals. This is a testimony to the ecological importance of the island and its rich biodiversity, which needs to be protected even from the point of view of a tourist. Nature conservationists on Kos ask visitors to respect all signs and markings in protected areas, not to feed wildlife and to take away their rubbish when in the countryside. Picking wild flowers, some of which may be protected, is not allowed, nor is collecting souvenirs such as shells, stones or fossils from protected sites. Swimmers should avoid touching corals and marine organisms while snorkeling.

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing, especially in summer. Equipment useful is binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens and a guide to the local flora and fauna. Sturdy footwear, long trousers as protection from thorny bushes, a hat and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor excursions. Always carry plenty of water, especially during the summer months.

For a deeper understanding of the island's natural wealth, you may also consider natural history excursions, especially in the wetland and mountain areas. Many dive centres offer diving courses and excursions to see the diverse underwater life around the shores of Kos. Boat trips around the island are also a great way to observe the coastal ecosystems. Mountain biking is another way to explore the more remote areas.

So, if you need to get away from the historical sites and beaches for a while on your travels, explore the lesser-known side of this stunning island. The natural beauty of Kos will offer you an unforgettable experience and perhaps even a new perspective on the Greek islands.