Things to do in cos: Attractions and places to visit

1. Johanniter Castle Neratzia

One of the most attractive sights that Kos City has to offer as the capital of the island is the St John fortress Neratzia. Their mighty complex is located on the east coast of the island on a small peninsula near the city harbour. Built between the 14th and the beginning of the 16th century and extended at the same time, it now covers a large part of the peninsula.

Built as a bulwark before the Ottomans and pirates, the fortress also served to control shipping traffic. Only a few years after its completion, the fortress of the Order of St John was abandoned and is now a ruined town with the remains of its walls, buildings, battlements and staircases, and can be visited both from the outside and inside.

2. Plane tree of Hippocrates

Not far from the fortress, opposite its entrance, the plane tree of Hippocrates can be admired. Legend has it that it was planted by Hippocrates, the forefather of modern medicine, in the 5th century B.C. and that he taught under it. Although the place Kos did not exist at that time and the existence of the plane tree hardly might have survived the many centuries, it is considered as one of the sights of Kos.

Surrounded by a small wall there is a cleaning fountain next to it for visitors of the neighbouring, today dilapidated loggia mosque. The plane tree itself is supported by iron bars. The diameter of trunk and crown is about 4 and 18 meters respectively. Several young shoots growing from their roots testify to their enduring vitality.

3. Archaeological Museum

Not far from the port of the island’s capital, the Archaeological Museum is another of the many sights on Kos. In six rooms of the Arcaeological Museum interested visitors can inform themselves about Greece’s history as well as about valuable objects found during excavations or after an earthquake.

In addition to sculptures from various eras, they also include magnificent mosaics and reliefs. Since the museum is located in an ancient Roman villa, its inner courtyard with an antique floor mosaic can also be admired. A visit to the Archaeological Museum is especially recommended on days with somewhat worse weather or as a balance to beach life.

4. Hike on the Dikeos

From the village square in Zia you can enjoy an exciting hike to the summit of the 846-metre-high mountain Dikeos, which bears the name of the mountain range stretching behind the south coast. The ascent leads along stony footpaths, partly covered with scree, through a forest on the northern slope of the mountain range and ends at a refuge under the summit cross.

You will be rewarded with a beautiful view over the coast and the neighbouring islands off the Turkish mainland for the quite bearable strains of the ascent. A visit to the Metamórfosis tou Christoú chapel near the summit is also worthwhile.

5. Tigaki and Lake Alikes

In the eastern part of the north coast of the island of Kos lies Tigaki, one of its most popular holiday resorts. In addition to several hotels, it offers supermarkets and restaurants, souvenir shops and a pharmacy and is easily accessible from Kos City by bus or taxi. A bright sandy beach surrounded by shady trees stretches out from the village, inviting you to relax, swim and do water sports.

Behind the dunes, which border the beach at its western end, lies the salt lake Alikes. The extraction of salt was completed in 1990 and the lake was placed under nature conservation. Walking along a circular path that surrounds it, you can observe beautiful views as well as, with a little luck, flamingos or a water turtle.

6. The enchanting mountain village of Zia

In the mountainous Dikeos region, above the village of Asfendiou, lies the mountain village of Zia, the highest village on the island of Kos. Surrounded by olive, cypress and pine groves, the greenery of which is protected by some springs, it has about 100 inhabitants. The place welcomes the numerous tourists in several restaurants.

From their terraces you can watch the most beautiful sunsets on the island announced as attractions. Zia is also known for the spices and herbs offered here, for its small church painted in Byzantine style, an old water mill and the adjoining, very family-friendly small nature park.

7. Water park Lido in Mastichari

The coastal town of Mastichari offers a ferry service to Kalymnos, as well as several unspoilt beaches and opportunities for strolling and shopping. However, its biggest sightseeing attraction, or rather a sought-after excursion destination, is its water park Lido.

It has an area of around 80,000 square metres and is therefore the largest of its kind in the Aegean. Equipped with several swimming pools, slides and whirlpools, a separate area for children and gastronomic facilities, it offers an exciting holiday experience for young and old.

8. The ghost village Palio Pyli

Pyli is located in the central part of the island of Kos above Marmari. The village itself invites to a contemplative stroll, where you can discover the Charmylos tomb with a small chapel as well as a traditional farmhouse. The actual sightseeing of the old Pyli called Palio Pyli can only be admired after an arduous ascent.

The long abandoned village is dominated by the ruins of a fortress built in the 11th century. For those who are not afraid of the ascent to it, there is an impressive view over the north coast of the holiday island. Two churches, also from the 11th century, belong to the abandoned and more or less heavily dilapidated buildings. Above Palio Pyli a small tavern invites you to linger.

9. The peacock forest near Plaka

Near the airport of the island there is a forest park, where numerous peacocks but also turtles and stray cats can be found among the pine trees. The majestically striding peacocks, which communicate with loud calls, naturally expect a little food and reward this with the beating of a colourful wheel.

Often also the offspring accompanying the proud animals can be admired. Picnic under the shady canopy of the park is allowed, a barbecue area and even a clear water source are available. The peacock forest is an ideal destination for a family outing.

10. Dream Beach Paradise Beach

The Mediterranean island of Kos, with its numerous beaches fulfilling the most varied requirements, is considered a true bathing paradise. One of the most popular is the Paradise Beach on the south coast. Easy to reach by rented car or bus, it lies in a picturesque bay and is covered in fine white sand. Without the nowadays often usual scenery of big hotel buildings, he spreads an almost Caribbean flair.

The beach with its clear water invites you to swim and snorkel. Its attractiveness is increased by bubbles rising in the water, which are formed by volcanic gases and give the beach the nickname “Bubble Beach”. However, the gases are completely harmless! Cafés, restaurants and showers are within easy reach for a relaxing beach day.

Best time to visit Cos

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Cos:

May, June, July, August, September, and October

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Cos.