Kos

Kos City

A fairly long and complex history means that Kos city is a charming and interesting place to spend a few days exploring. Roman and Byzantine remains jostle with Ottoman mosques, Italian deco architecture and modern structures. The Mandraki Harbour is a good place to start an exploration of Kos city with its charming little tavernas and bars.

Located near to the mouth of the harbour, the Castle of the Knights of St John is perhaps the most impressive tourist sight in town and is well worth a visit. Opposite the castle you can see the enormous Plane Tree of Hippocrates, beneath which, legend has it, Hippocrates taught his classes. It's thought to be the oldest tree in Europe. Also near to the harbour is the archaeological site of the old Agora, where the remains of a Hellenistic temple to Aphrodite can be found.

There are a number of other archaeological sites dotted around the town. At Xystos a series of mosaics can be found in varying states of disrepair. As well as some great bars and restaurants, Kos city features some great nightlife, in the form of both the mega dance venue of Fashion Club and a number of smaller bars and clubs around the district of Haluvazia and Akti Zouroudi which is located near to Lambi beach, two km out of town.

South Coast

The south coast of Kos is relatively sheltered from the wind and holds some of the island's most attractive beach resorts. The hooked western end of the island is comprised of some dramatic rugged landscape, and it is against this backdrop that the resorts of Kefalos, Kamari and Agios Stefanos are set.

Kefalos is a laid back and attractive resort with a picture postcard view of Castri island. Beaches are sand and shingle and the water is clear and warm. It's possible to swim out to the charming monastery of Agios Nikolaos. There are a few bars and nightclubs in town though the night life isn't particularly lively. Kamari and Agios Stefanos are also attractive options. The latter has some of the best sand on the island though it is dominated by a vast Club Med Complex. Further east along the Southern coast, Kardamena has an enormous expanse of pristine, white sand beach. There is plenty of accommodation here and a lively night life. Also noteworthy is the nearby castle of Andimahia which has some fantastic views.

North Coast

The north coast of Kos is windier than the south and as result is popular amongst tourists for its watersports with excellent wind surfing facilities available in a number of the main resorts. Eleven km west around the coast from Kos city is the relaxed seaside resort of Tingaki . There is a 10km stretch of white sand beach here with fairly shallow water, suitable for small children to bathe in. There are also a number of bars and discos in town.

Further west, Marmari has some equally pleasant stretches of beach lined by tavernas and cafes. Slightly inland from Marmari is the attractive village of Pyli. Mastichari is a fishing town in the centre of the north coast of the island. Needless to say, there are some delicious fish restaurants in town, as well as some great local wine. There's even an annual wine festival held in Mastichari. It's possible to take a cruise to the neighbouring island of Kalymnos.

Inland

Many tourists who visit Kos spend their whole time on the coast and with some beautiful beaches and a lovely climate, they can't really be blamed. However, it's well worth taking a journey into the island's interior where its historical sites are to be seen. Mount Dikeos provides one of the few points of relief in the otherwise fairly flat eastern side of the island. The beautiful but deserted Asfendiou villages are clustered around its slopes and display fine examples of the traditional whitewash architecture of the Greek islands. There are a few hotels to be found at Zia as well as some stunning views out over the lowlands. Here, you'll also find the start of the hiking trail to the Khristos peak where you can admire 360° views from the beautiful little chapel. Further east, the Asklepeion is the former teaching centre of Hippocrates, a beautiful forested spot dotted with Greek ruins.