Kos Island
Dodecanese island with beaches, ancient ruins and spas
An Aegean island with sandy beaches, cycling routes and the ruins of the Asklepion, Kos attracts sunbathers and history buffs. Expect tavernas, seafood and short ferries to nearby Dodecanese islands.
Kos at a Glance#
Address: Kos island, South Aegean region, Greece
Website: https://www.visitgreece.gr/
About 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.
How to Get to Kos#
Kos is served by an airport (KGS) with seasonal international flights and frequent ferry connections from other Dodecanese islands and the Turkish coast.
Tips for Visiting Kos#
- Rent a bike to explore the flat agricultural interior and coastal paths at a leisurely pace.
- Visit Kos Town early in the morning to see the castle precinct and avoid afternoon tour-bus crowds.
- Try local seafood at a small taverna in Mastichari for an honest meal away from tourist strips.
Best Time to Visit Kos#
High season is June-August for beaches; shoulder seasons offer milder temperatures and smaller crowds.
Weather & Climate near Kos#
Kos's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 33°C. Moderate rainfall (709 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 156 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 117 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 17° | 13° | 78 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 21° | 17° | 35 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 26° | 21° | 16 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 31° | 25° | 6 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 1 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 3 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 13 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 52 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 13° - 20° | 16° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 150 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
