Even in this case, words are not enough to describe the island of Kos! It is located in the Dodecanese Archipelago in the far east of Greece, just five nautical miles from the gates of Asia Minor, Turkey.

An island that embodies authentic Greece

Often underrated and considered a second-tier Greek island, if you manage to look at it through the right lens, it’s quite the opposite. In many ways, it is more beautiful and authentic than many others. Of course, you need to know where and what to look at. It cannot be denied that Kos is a highly touristic island, particularly suited for families with children, and during the summer, it is flooded with travelers from all over the world. But if you think about it, the fact that it’s so popular must mean something. One reason is certainly the economic factor, and although it has aligned with its sister islands in recent years, it remains one of the least expensive in Greece, while still offering high-quality services. Don’t expect the white houses with blue windows you find in the Cyclades Kos has the soul of authentic Greece, the kind you encounter in the Peloponnese or mainland Greece, made of simple but genuine things, with the added bonus of a dreamy sea.

A dive into history and mythology

In terms of mythology, the island of Kos is famous for hosting one of the greatest Greek heroes, the demigod Hercules. Hera, Zeus’ envious and hostile wife (who never accepted Hercules, being Zeus’ illegitimate son born of an affair), caused a violent storm, shipwrecking him on the island while he was returning from the Trojan War. Another historical fact is that Kos was a favored refuge for the Giants who were defeated in the war against the Olympian Gods. Polybotes, one of the giants particularly hated by the god Poseidon, fled to Kos. When Poseidon found him, he decided to split the island in two, throwing a part of it at him and burying him. Today, that part of the island is known as the volcanic island of Nisyros.

Wild nature and unique morphology

Kos is about 65 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide, offering its visitors 120 kilometers of coastline with beaches of all sizes and coves where you can stop and wait for the sunset. Of volcanic origin, Kos has a little bit of everything in terms of terrain. A small mountain range with its highest peak, Mount Dikeo, hides enchanting villages, and you can take walks through magical woods to reach the summit, from which you can enjoy a view of the entire island and the nearby lands. There are crevices and canyons formed by violent earthquakes from past eras, flat and fertile areas where vegetables and fruits are grown, modern towns with all the conveniences, yet where the typical Greek simplicity is still strongly present, and traditions and customs that have been passed down over time, fused with nearby Asian influences. You’ll also find unique archaeological sites where the weight of history can be felt in every corner, like an open-air museum. This is what Kos is all about!

Why visit Kos

A vacation in Kos is chosen for its fantastic sea, endless beaches, fun for all ages, but also for staying in touch with lush naturesometimes drastically wild, other times more gentle. There are plenty of accommodation options, from simple rental rooms to apartments like Olympia Mare, small or large hotels like Paritsa Hotel, and even massive resorts like the Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel, perfect for a family vacation where you can pamper yourself and enjoy any service. It’s impossible to get bored in Kos; between all the things to see and do, a week will fly by. For excursions, visit the following website: www.infotourskos.com

Activities and Adventure

Plan your stay and explore the island, perhaps starting in the north with its natural hot springs in the Psalidi area, then continue to its lively capital, Kos Town, full of shops for the perfect souvenir, well-equipped beaches, and historic sites like the ancient plane tree of Hippocrates, the Agora, the Roman House, the Odeon, the Temple of Dionysus, or the interesting Archaeological Museum. Stop at one of its delightful traditional tavernas to taste the delicacies of Greek and local cuisine, or indulge in a seafood feast (Averof Street has plenty of choices, we recommend Nik The Fisherman or Votzalakia), or choose a gourmet restaurant in the center like Petrino. In the evening, you’ll have a wide range of venues to either stay out late or enjoy a colorful cocktail while watching the bustling crowd pass by.

About four kilometers south of the capital is the important site of the Asklepion, the sanctuary dedicated to the god Asclepius, the god of medicine. And yes, Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, considered the father of scientific medicine, the son of Heraclides, also a doctor who claimed to be a direct descendant of the god (good blood doesn’t lie…).

Less than ten kilometers away (Kos has only one main road connecting the entire island, the Main Road), you’ll reach the village of Tigaki, a charming seaside town. Five kilometers of soft white sand bathed by turquoise waters make it a perfect spot for a day in the sun. Nearby is the Alikes Salt Lake, where flamingos stop in the winter, as Kos lies on one of the main migratory routes. It’s a lively little town with everything you need and offers many excursions, like a beautiful sunset horseback ride.

Next is the picturesque village of Mastichari, which in recent years has become a bit like the Beverly Hills of Kos, attracting kite surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts due to its position, which makes it more exposed to the wind. It was once a fishing village, known for its excellent fresh seafood, and it’s also the departure point for reaching the nearby island of Kalymnos. Mastichari also boasts kilometers of white sandy beaches and a sea that, with its contrasting colors, recalls exotic destinations.

Heading toward the center of the island on the west side, you’ll find Kardamena, the second-largest town. A few years ago, it was a favorite spot for young British tourists who partied all night long, but now it has become a preferred destination for families, thanks to its many large, well-organized resorts and miles of pristine beaches. The nightlife is still there—more subdued and less rowdy—but it still offers plenty of fun. From Kardamena, you can set sail for the stunning island of Nisyros, a volcanic island still active deep below, where you can visit the caldera and enjoy the beauty of its villages and enchanting beaches.

The southern part of Kos is the Kefalos area (which means “head” in Greek). This is where you’ll find the most unique coves and the busiest beaches. It’s about 60 kilometers from Kos Town to Kefalos, and it takes about an hour to get there. You’ll have a hard time choosing which beach to settle on—there are so many, and each has its own unique beauty. If you want the most famous ones, head to Paradise Beach, Magic Beach, or Camel Beach. If you’re a naturist, Exotic Beach is for you. If you’re looking for something quieter, go to Voulcania Beach or Lagada Beach. And if you want the ultimate experience, venture to Paradise Beach its name says it all. But beware, the road to get there is winding and challenging, but the reward is well worth it—beyond even that!

How to get to Kos

Reaching Kos is very simple. If you want to know more, check out our guide on how to get to Kos, where you’ll find all the information to help plan your vacation.

Kos is a rich and beautiful island waiting to be discovered, especially if you rely on those who know it well and live there firsthand. Don’t be prejudiced or listen to those who say otherwise—they probably just didn’t know how to see it with the right perspective.

Where to stay in Kos

Choosing where to base yourself, like on all islands, depends on your expectations for your vacation. Some prefer the capital, which, though chaotic, offers everything you could want. Others want to step back 30 years in time and choose Kefalos or the mountain villages. Some prefer a middle ground like Kardamena, while others seek a more glamorous touch with a sophisticated atmosphere, opting for Mastichari. There are plenty of accommodations in Kos, so check out our guide Your Trip to Kos 2025 to get an idea. And don’t forget, to plan your vacation, contact us since we have direct connections and live in Kos, everything is much easier for us!