The Dodecanese island of Kos is a great place to explore Greek history and culture while soaking up some sun in a relaxed Mediterranean climate. Best known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, Kos has become a popular destination for visitors from Greece and abroad.
Kos town is the first stop on many travellers’ itineraries. The most prominent site here is the medieval Castle of Neratzia, connected to the mainland by a small bridge. To learn more about the history of Kos, visit the Archaeological Museum, located at Eleftherias Square, which is filled with centuries worth of artefacts. The town of Kardamena is also worth a visit for its Apollo temple, ancient theatre and assortment of Christian basilicas. It’s also got a great beach offering a variety of water sports. The beach at Tigaki, just a short trip from Kos town, is another popular spot due to its shallow warm waters and white sands.
Although there are a few hotels and resorts at pretty much every holiday spot on Kos, the most variety of accommodation options can be found in Kos town. Many of the hotels have pools, although there are a number of budget hotels offering just the basics. Kos is well connected to Athens and other European cities by air, although many travellers prefer to take a ferry to the seaside port of Marmari.