Kos

Kos is a Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea, known for its archaeological heritage and resort beaches. The island has been inhabited since antiquity and remains a popular tourist destination.

The classical Asklepion healing complex, the harbour-front medieval castle, Roman and Hellenistic remains, and a number of long sandy beaches and resort villages. The island’s main town, Kos Town, is the administrative and transport hub with ferry links to nearby islands and the Turkish coast.

Kos has a long recorded history as a centre of learning and medicine in antiquity and later periods under Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Italian rule, before becoming part of modern Greece in the 20th century.

Geographically the island sits in the southeastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coastline; short ferry crossings link Kos with Bodrum and other islands in the Dodecanese.

• Proximity to Turkey: Kos lies in the southeastern Aegean Sea close to the Turkish coast; short ferry routes link it to Bodrum and neighbouring Dodecanese islands.
• Attractions and season: The island combines archaeological ruins, Byzantine and medieval remains and several kilometres of sandy beaches; peak visitor season is in summer months.

What to See #

• Kos Town: The island's main urban centre and port, with a medieval harbour castle, listed archaeological sites and ferry links to nearby islands and the Turkish coast.
• Asklepion: An ancient healing temple and medical centre dating to Hellenistic times and expanded in the Roman period; a major archaeological attraction on the island.
• Castle of the Knights (Neratzia): A medieval harbour fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller that overlooks the sea approaches and town marina.
• Hippocrates' Plane Tree: A plane tree in the town square traditionally associated with Hippocrates and a focal point for local history and visitors.