Kos
Dodecanese Island Of Hippocrates: The Asklepion Healing Sanctuary, A Knights' Castle, Roman Ruins In The Town, Long Sand Beaches And Cycling Paths · Kos, South Aegean
Kos is a long, low island in the Dodecanese, a few kilometres off the Bodrum peninsula of Turkiye, and one of the easiest Greek islands to enjoy: long sand beaches, flat roads for cycling, frequent flights and a lively harbour town. It is the island of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and the Asklepion above the town - a terraced healing sanctuary that grew after his death - is its great ancient site. Kos Town is unusual too: after an earthquake in 1933 the Italian administration excavated whole quarters, so Roman streets, mosaics and the ancient agora lie open among palms and cafes, beside the Knights' castle of Neratzia and the Hippocrates plane tree. Beyond town come Tigaki and Mastichari, the mountain village of Zia, the hot spring that runs into the sea at Therma, and day boats to the volcano of Nisyros and to Bodrum. It suits families, cyclists and first-timers who want sites and beaches without effort. Honest caveats: large parts are package-resort strips, Kardamena is a loud nightlife town, and the castle has had restricted access since the 2017 earthquake.
Kos, Dodecanese; Kos Town with its harbour castle and ancient agora; the Asklepion about 4 km south-west; airport in the island's centre, Kos, South Aegean, Greece
Kos is open all year but strongly seasonal: most beach hotels, many tavernas and the charter flights run roughly from April or May to October, while Kos Town keeps a quieter everyday life in winter. The Asklepion, Casa Romana, the Archaeological Museum and the castle keep state site hours - long in summer (roughly 08:00 to 19:00 or 20:00), much shorter in winter, closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25-26 December; smaller sites may close one weekday. The ancient agora and the western excavations in town can be seen from the streets at any hour. Buy tickets at the gate or on the official Hellenic Heritage e-ticket system. The airport lies mid-island, roughly 25 km from town, with buses, taxis and hire cars. Book summer boats to Nisyros, Kalymnos, Patmos and Bodrum a day or more ahead, and carry a passport for Turkiye.