Kos

Geography of Kos Island

The island of Kos is located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Greek archipelago of Dodecanese. With an area of approximately 290 km2, Kos is the third largest island of the archipelago, after Rhodes and Karpathos. The island of Kos lies very close to the coast of Turkey, with only 4 kilometres separating it at its narrowest point. Kos is characterised by its narrow, elongated shape, measuring approximately 45 km in length and reaching a maximum width of 11 km.

The location of Kos in the area where the African, Eurasian and Anatolian plates meet contributes to the significant seismic activity that affects the geological structure of the island. The relief of the island is thus the result of long-term tectonic processes and is quite varied. The dominant feature of the interior is the Dikeos (also called Oromedon) mountain massif, which is located in the central part of the island. Its highest peak reaches 846 m above sea level and provides impressive views of the island and the surrounding sea. The northern coastline is characterised by a gentler profile with long sandy and pebbly beaches. The south coast, on the other hand, is more rugged, with many coves and rocky stretches.

Due to its fertile soil, the island is strongly oriented towards agricultural use. Typical crops are olives, vines, figs and citrus fruits. In the central part of the island there are extensive olive groves and vineyards. The lowland areas, particularly on the north coast, are the most agriculturally intensive.

Climate and nature of the island of Kos

The climate on Kos is typically Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Average summer temperatures hover around 30 °C, while winter temperatures usually do not drop below 10 °C. The island is also known for its windiness, especially during the summer months, when a northerly wind known as the meltemi regularly blows, making otherwise hot summer days more pleasant.

One of the island's most interesting natural attractions are the thermal springs on Therma Beach (also known as Embros Thermi or Kokkinonero). It is located on the south coast, approximately 10 km from the capital. These springs spring up in the sea just off the coast, creating a natural spa with warm mineral-rich water.

Kos also boasts a diverse fauna and flora. The vegetation of Kos is typical of the area, with olive trees, lemon trees, cypress trees and many aromatic herbs. In the mountainous hinterland, various species of orchids and other wild flowers can be found, especially in spring.

In terms of fauna, the island is home mainly to smaller species of mammals, reptiles and many birds, including migratory birds, which use the island as a stopover during their annual migrations. There are also several wetlands and freshwater areas on the island which are important ecosystems. The most famous of these is the Alikes salt lake near the resort of Tigaki on the north coast, which is a habitat favoured by various species of birds, including flamingos, which regularly migrate here. Also of interest is the wetland right in the middle of the tourist development of Psalidi.

The coastal waters around the island are home to a variety of marine species. Dolphins and occasionally Mediterranean seals, some of the most endangered mammals in the world, can be spotted around Kos. The seabed harbours a diverse world of fish and other marine life, ideal for diving and snorkelling.

The most popular resorts on Kos and tips for interesting excursions

The island of Kos offers visitors a variety of options for their stay, from bustling seaside resorts with complete tourist facilities, to quieter seaside resorts with picturesque surrounding nature, to traditional mountain villages. The majority of tourists are particularly drawn to the north and south coasts, where the most beautiful beaches and the most developed holiday resorts are to be found. The capital city of Kos is traditionally one of the most popular destinations, either as a place to stay or as a destination for day trips.

The capital of Kos and the east coast

The capital of Kos is the natural centre of the island, where a rich history is combined with modern tourist infrastructure. The medieval fortress of Neratzia, built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, is a dominant feature of the town, while the extensive excavations of the ancient agora and the Archaeological Museum, with its extensive collection, are of historical significance. Around 3 km from the town is an archaeological area with the ancient healing centre of Asklepion, associated with the famous physician Hippocrates. The famous Hippocratic plane tree grows right in the town, near the castle of Neratzia.

However, the town of Kos also offers a wide range of tourist services, such as a number of restaurants of all categories, countless taverns and various shops. From the harbour it is possible to take boat trips to the surrounding islands, including the nearby islands of Kalymnos, Pserimos, or for example day trips to Bodrum in Turkey.

South Coast - Kardamena

The resort of Kardamena, the second largest tourist centre of the island, is located on the southern coast. Originally a fishing town, it has been transformed over time into a lively seaside resort with a long sandy beach called Kardamena. Thanks to its beautiful beach and excellent tourist facilities, Kardamena is particularly popular with families with children, while its lively nightlife with its many bars and clubs also makes it popular with younger visitors.

Regular boat services leave from the local port. One of the most popular excursions in the area is a cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros with its active caldera.

North coast - Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari

The resort of Tigaki, located on the northern coast of the island about 11 km from the capital, has gained popularity mainly due to the several kilometres long sandy beach of Tigaki with a gradual entrance to the sea. The resort is particularly suitable for families with children and offers a quieter atmosphere than the capital or Kardamena. Near Tigaki is the salt lake of Alikes, which is an important habitat for various bird species, including flamingos, and is worth a visit especially in the spring and autumn months.

Marmari is another quieter resort on the north coast of the island, with the beautiful sandy Marmari beach and ample tourist infrastructure. The area is known for its favourable conditions for windsurfing and other water sports, thanks to regular winds. Marmari offers accommodation of various categories, mostly smaller hotels and apartment complexes, and traditional tavernas with local specialties are popular. Its location makes it a good base for exploring different parts of Kos.

Mastichari, originally a fishing village on the north-west coast, still retains its traditional character. Visitors are attracted in particular by the picturesque harbour, from where boats sail to the nearby island of Kalymnos, and the beautiful sandy beaches in the area, including Mastichari beach. The resort is famous for its excellent fish taverns where fresh seafood can be tasted. It also offers a range of accommodation options, restaurants and nightlife. For water lovers, the popular Lido water park is nearby.

Western part of the island (Kefalos peninsula) - Kefalos, Kamari

The resort of Kefalos and neighbouring Kamari form a tourist area on the south-western tip of the island. Both Kefalos and Kamari are quiet, picturesque villages with narrow streets, traditional architecture and excellent tavernas serving fresh seafood and other Greek specialties. Their coastal areas are more touristy with accommodation options (mostly in the form of smaller hotels, guesthouses and apartments), restaurants, tavernas and shops. Both resorts boast beautiful beaches (Kamari, Kefalos, Agios Stefanos, Limnionas, etc.) and Kamari also has a small harbour.

The name "Kefalos" is also sometimes used as a collective name for several smaller settlements around the picturesque bay, and the whole peninsula is named as such. The area of Kefalos Bay and the adjacent southwest coast is known for its beautiful beaches and ideal environment for windsurfing and kitesurfing. From Kefalos, excursions can be made to the nearby islet of Kastri with its white church, which can be reached on foot across the shallows or by a short cruise.

The inland villages of Kos - Zia, Lagoudi, Antimachia, Pyli

The inland villages of Kos offer a completely different experience to the seaside resorts. Zia, the highest village on the island, is famous for its spectacular sunsets and panoramic views. Tourists often head here for dinner at sunset, when the whole island turns golden tones. Other traditional villages such as Asfendiou, Lagoudi or Pyli retain their authentic character with traditional stone houses, narrow streets and local tavernas. Antimachia, a larger inland village, offers visitors the opportunity to see a traditional windmill and a medieval fortress.

The most famous beaches of Kos

The island of Kos boasts more than 112 kilometres of coastline bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and offers a truly diverse range of beaches - from long stretches of sand to romantic pebble coves to wild, rocky beaches. Most of the island's beaches are sandy or sand and shingle and easily accessible, making Kos an ideal destination for families with children. The northern coast is known for its stronger winds, which create perfect conditions for windsurfing, while the southern part offers calmer waters suitable for swimming and relaxing.

The north coast of Kos is characterised by mostly long sandy beaches with fine white sand and a gently sloping entrance to the sea. Thanks to the stable wind and larger waves, the beaches here are popular with water sports enthusiasts, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. Tigaki beach, located about 11 kilometres west of the capital, is one of the most beautiful on the island and stretches for six kilometres. It offers fine white sand, a gentle entrance to the sea and a full tourist infrastructure including tavernas, bars and water sports rentals. Nearby is Marmari Beach, which boasts a long stretch of fine white sand and shallow, clear waters ideal for families with children. The shady spots under the tamarisk trees lining the coastline provide a pleasant shelter from the sun.

The southern coast of the island is characterised by calmer waters and more diverse beach types - from large organised resorts to more intimate coves. The beaches here are mostly sandy or sand and shingle with excellent water clarity. Kardamena Beach is located at the resort of the same name and is one of the liveliest beaches on Kos. This long, wide, sandy beach with a gradual entrance to the sea offers complete facilities including showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and is known for its lively nightlife. Paradise Beach (Bubble Beach), located about 35 kilometres southwest of the capital, got its nickname from the volcanic bubbles rising from the seabed. It offers golden sand mixed with small pebbles and is surrounded by dramatic rock formations, while maintaining a pleasantly relaxing atmosphere.

Thermes Beach, located about 12 kilometres south of Kos Town, is famous for its thermal springs that spring directly into the sea. This mostly pebble beach with a few sandy stretches is less crowded and offers a unique experience of contrasting water temperatures.

The eastern part of the island combines proximity to the capital Kos and beautiful, well-equipped beaches. The beaches here are mostly pebble or mixed, offering clear waters and good facilities. Adjacent to the main town of Kos is the sand and shingle beach of Akti Zouroudi, which is smoothly connected to Lambi beach. Lambi Beach is a beautiful, long beach with plenty of restaurants and bars along the promenade and water sports facilities. In the opposite direction, south of Kos town, is Psalidi beach, a sandy and pebbly beach offering a quieter environment than the town beaches, but still with good access to services. The water here is exceptionally clear and the sea is gradually gaining in depth, which suits different types of swimmers.

The west coast of Kos is less touristy and offers more wild and natural beaches. This part of the island is characterised by a varied mix of sandy and pebbly beaches, often surrounded by dramatic natural scenery. On the south-western tip of the island is the beautiful Kefalos Bay, which harbours several beautiful beaches. The main beaches of Kamari and Kefalos are beautiful long beaches, made up of a mixture of fine sand and small pebbles and washed by crystal clear water, while the smaller beach of Agios Stefanos boasts an interesting feature - the remains of the early Christian basilica of St Stephen. The beaches of Kefalos Bay offer a beautiful view of the small island of Kastri with its white church.

The Kefalos peninsula was formed by volcanic activity, which is particularly evident in its rocky terrain that extends to the coast. On the western side of the peninsula lies Agios Theologos beach, a wild and untamed beach that differs greatly from the tourist destinations. It offers rugged natural beauty with small pebbles and coarser sand, deeper seas and, thanks to the stronger winds, often bigger waves, which is appreciated by more experienced swimmers and surfers.

Also of great interest is Cavo Paradiso beach, a hidden gem with fine sand and turquoise water, ideal for those seeking peace and privacy. Or Limnionas beach, a small sandy beach that lies in a sheltered cove, hidden behind the surrounding rocks.

History of the island of Kos and the most important historical monuments

The island of Kos has a rich and varied history dating back several millennia. This strategically located island in the Aegean Sea has witnessed the rise and fall of many civilisations - from the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, through the periods of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, the Byzantine era, the rule of the Knights of St. John, the Ottoman rule, the Italian occupation and finally its annexation to modern Greece. Each of these eras has left an unmistakable mark on the island in the form of architectural gems, cultural traditions and historical heritage, which today are admired by visitors from all over the world.

Prehistoric period

The first evidence of human settlement on Kos dates back to the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. Archaeological finds from sites such as Pyli and the Aspri Petra cave attest to advanced Neolithic communities. During the Bronze Age (2000-1400 BC), the island was under the strong influence of the Minoan and later Mycenaean civilisation, as evidenced by the discovery of pottery and other artefacts. By this time, a network of trade routes connecting Kos with other Aegean islands and the mainland had already begun to take shape. The most important prehistoric site is the archaeological site of Serraglio, where the remains of Late Bronze Age settlements have been discovered.

Ancient period

The ancient period represents the most important chapter in the island's history. Around 700 BC, Kos was settled by the Doric Greeks and became part of the so-called Doric Hexapolis - a union of six important Doric cities. In the city of Kos, an important cult centre of the god of healing, Asclepius, was established, which predestined the island for the development of medicine. It was here, around 460 BC, that Hippocrates, the physician considered the father of modern medicine, was born, and his legacy endures to this day in the form of the Hippocratic Oath.

Asclepion, founded in the 5th century BC, but expanded significantly after Hippocrates' death in 357 BC, became one of the most famous medical centres of the ancient world. Built on three terraces overlooking the sea, this vast complex combined medical treatments with religious rituals, offering patients spa therapies, physical exercises and spiritual cleansing. The preserved ruins of the Asclepion are today one of the most important archaeological monuments in the Mediterranean.

Other remarkable monuments from the ancient period have been preserved on the island. These include the Agora, an ancient marketplace that was the centre of social and economic life, with the remains of temples dedicated to the gods Aphrodite and Heracles. On the outskirts of the present-day capital is the Odeon, a well-preserved Roman theatre for 750 spectators built in the 2nd century AD, which still serves as a venue for cultural events. Nearby are the Nymphaeum, a fountain dedicated to nymphs, and the Casa Romana, a sumptuous Roman villa with magnificent mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

Byzantine period

After the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, Kos became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. This period, which lasted almost a thousand years, saw the conversion to Christianity and the building of many Byzantine churches and monasteries. The island was invaded several times during this period, first by the Persians, later by the Arabs and finally by the Venetians. Several remarkable buildings from the Byzantine period have survived, including the remains of the early Christian basilica of St Stephen from the 5th to 6th century near the resort of Kefalos, the church of Agia Paraskevi in Platani with its unique 11th century frescoes, and the ruins of the fortifications of Palaio Pyli, a medieval castle in the Dikeos mountains that served as a refuge from pirate raids.

The most impressive Byzantine monument on the island is Paleo Pyli, an abandoned medieval town on the slopes of Mount Dikeos. This fortified settlement, built in the 11th century, offers a fascinating glimpse of daily life in the Byzantine period. Among the ruins, you can see the remains of houses, churches and fortifications with walls. The town was abandoned in the 15th century when the inhabitants moved closer to the coast due to frequent pirate raids.

The period of the Johannite Knights

An important chapter in the island's history is the reign of the Knights of St. John, who ruled the island from 1315 to 1523. These knights, also known as the Knights of Malta, transformed Kos into a fortified fortress to defend Christian Europe against the advancing Ottoman Empire. Their most important legacy is the imposing Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights) in the capital of Kos, built between 1380 and 1514.

The castle of Neratzia, built partly from stones recovered from ancient monuments, is a masterpiece of medieval fortification art. Its massive walls, four large towers and a double defensive moat made the fortress a virtually impregnable bastion. Inside the castle there were living quarters, a storehouse for supplies, an armoury and a chapel. Another important monument from this period is the Johannine fortress at Antimachia, which served as a guard post over the southern coast of the island and provided refuge for the local population during Ottoman raids.

Ottoman period

In 1523, the Ottoman Empire conquered the island of Kos, beginning almost 400 years of Turkish rule. This period brought about significant cultural and religious changes, with mosques, minarets and Turkish baths (hammams) being built and some of the population converting to Islam. The architecture of the island acquired oriental elements that are still evident today.

The most important monument from the Ottoman period is the Defterdar Mosque, built in 1786 in the centre of the capital. This elegant building with its characteristic minaret and covered colonnade served as the main religious centre of the Muslim community on the island. Nearby is the Hadji Hassan Hammam, a 17th-century Turkish bath that provides a fascinating insight into daily life during the Ottoman era. In Platanos Square, near the Hippocratic Plane, stands another important mosque, the Gazi Hassan Pasha (Loggia), known for its beautiful architecture. A smaller mosque of the same name, Gazi Hasan Pasha, also stands in Platani (formerly Kermentes), a traditional Muslim area of Kos.

Modern history

The Italo-Turkish War of 1912 ended Ottoman rule and the island of Kos, together with the entire Dodecanese archipelago, fell to Italy, ushering in a period of modern Kos history. The Italians began an extensive urban development programme - they improved the harbours, built roads, public buildings and introduced modern infrastructure. The elegant neoclassical buildings along the harbour in the capital date from this period, including the Kos Market and the former Italian Governor's Palace (now an archaeological museum).

A tragic landmark in the island's history was the massive earthquake of 1933, which destroyed much of the capital. The Italians took this opportunity to rebuild the city according to modern urban plans with wide boulevards and spacious squares. During World War II the island was occupied by Nazi Germany and after the war, in 1947, it was annexed to Greece along with the other Dodecanese islands.

The post-war period saw the gradual development of tourism, which became the island's main economic sector. In 1974, following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, tensions between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island led to the departure of the majority of the Turkish population. In recent decades, Kos has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, while retaining its unique historical heritage and cultural diversity.

In 2017, another strong earthquake hit the island, damaging some historical monuments, including a medieval castle and several churches. However, thanks to extensive reconstruction, these monuments are now open to visitors again. Today, Kos is a unique combination of rich history, natural beauty and modern tourist infrastructure that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Kos - culture and traditions

The traditional culture of Kos is reflected in music, dance and folk art. The locals still preserve the ancient customs, especially at festivals and weddings, where they dance to traditional tunes and serve dishes prepared according to family recipes. Religious festivals are also an important part of cultural life, with processions, musical performances and markets selling local produce. Among the most important festivals on Kos are the feast of Saint Paraskevi and the feast of the Virgin Mary (Panagia).

Saint Paraskevi is venerated in Greece as the patron saint of eyes and sight. A great religious festival is celebrated in her honour in the capital of Kos on 26 July, as one of the main squares in Kos bears her name and there is also a church dedicated to the saint. The celebrations include masses, processions and traditional music and dance performances. Another important festival is the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Panagia), which takes place on 15 August and is one of the biggest Greek festivals. On the island of Kos, celebrations take place mainly in traditional villages such as Antimachia, Kefalos and Pyli, where there are services, musical performances, folk dances and feasts with traditional dishes.

The gastronomy of Kos is another important element of the local identity. The island is known for its simple but tasty cuisine, which draws on Greek and Asia Minor traditions. Typical dishes include cheeses, honey, fresh vegetables, fish and meat prepared on the grill or in the oven. Local specialities such as sweet baklava and traditional soumada liqueur are a staple at local festivals and family gatherings.

Map of Kos Island

The combination of rich history, beautiful beaches, cultural traditions and picturesque nature makes Kos one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Greece. Visitors will find not only sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, but also opportunities for sports and recreational activities, including cycling, diving and hiking. The island offers a lively nightlife in the town of Kos as well as quiet corners for those seeking relaxation. Take advantage of our overview map of Kos Island and discover all that this beautiful Greek island has to offer!