Kos

The island's capital (19,000 inhabitants) is a fascinating jumble of 2,500 years of history. An earthquake in 1933 (during the Italian occupation) destroyed large parts of the city — the subsequent excavations revealed a huge ancient agora, which today lies as an open-air archaeological park in the middle of the city.

At the harbor dominates the massive Knights' Fortress Neratzia (14th–15th century), connected to the mainland by an ancient bridge. Right next to it stands the famous Plane Tree of Hippocrates — a massive tree over 500 years old (not the original from the 5th century BC, but still impressive), under which the father of medicine is said to have taught his students. The tree trunk has a circumference of 12 meters and is supported by a scaffold.

Behind the harbor, the Defterdar Mosque (18th century) at the lively Eleftherias Square — the social hub of the city with cafes under palm trees. South of it begins the quarter with the Casa Romana (reconstructed Roman villa with mosaics, 4€) and the ancient agora.

Fortress Neratzia

The mighty Crusader fortress at the harbor was built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th and 15th centuries in two construction phases — partly with stones from the ancient agora and the Asklepieion. Impressive walls, towers, and a moat. Inside, little exhibition, but the view from the tower over the harbor and to the Turkish coast is worth it.

4€. Tuesday–Sunday 8–20 (summer), 8–15 (winter). Closed on Mondays.

4 km southwest of Kos Town lies the most significant archaeological site on the island — and one of the most important in ancient medical history. The Asklepieion was a healing center dedicated to the god of healing Asclepius, and the school of Hippocrates. Here, from the 4th century BC, the sick were treated, doctors were trained, and medical research was conducted.

The complex stretches over three terraces on a hillside with spectacular views of Kos Town and the Turkish coast:

• Lowest terrace: Roman baths and patient accommodations. Here, the sick were treated — with herbal medicine, diets, baths, and sleep in the sacred precinct (the gods sent healing dreams).
• Middle terrace: Altars and a small temple of Asclepius (4th century BC). This is where the religious ceremonies took place.
• Upper terrace: The large Doric temple of Asclepius (2nd century BC) — its columns have been partially re-erected and are visible from afar. Next to it, a monumental staircase and a sacred grove of cypresses.

The panoramic view from the upper terrace is magnificent: Kos Town, the harbor, the sea, and in the background, the mountains of the Turkish peninsula of Bodrum. Hippocrates knew where to build his school.

Entrance: 8€ (adults), 4€ (reduced), under 18 free. April–October: 8–20. November–March: 8–15. Closed on Mondays. Little shade — bring sun protection! Reachable by bike or car, also a tourist train runs from Kos Town (3€ one-way).

★★ Paradise Beach (Bubble Beach)

The most famous beach on Kos — and the name is not just marketing. At the southwestern tip of the island, near Kefalos, stretches a long, white sandy beach with turquoise water and a unique feature: In some places, natural gas bubbles rise from the seabed (volcanic activity!). The bubbles are harmless and feel funny. Beach bar on-site, loungers from 6€/set.

Southwestern island tip, about 40 km from Kos Town. Bus or car.

★★ Tigaki Beach

10 km long, flat sandy beach on the north coast — the most family-friendly destination on Kos. Golden sand, gently sloping shallow water, some beach bars and taverns, but never overcrowded. Reachable by bike from Kos Town (12 km, completely flat). Along the road, salt flats where flamingos can be observed from March to May!

12 km west of Kos Town. Bike path available. Loungers 6€/set.

Thermal Spring Embros Therme

A unique bathing experience: At Agios Fokas beach (8 km southeast of Kos Town), hot, sulfurous thermal water gushes directly from the rocks into the sea. A natural pool between the rocks where the hot spring water (up to 50°C!) mixes with the cool seawater. Free of charge, but it smells of sulfur. The minerals are said to be good for skin and joints.

Free access, 24/7. Most pleasant in the morning or evening. 8 km southeast of Kos Town, by bike or car.

Marmari Beach

Long sandy beach on the north coast, known as a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Several surf schools on-site. Beautiful even without a board — spacious, never too crowded, good sand.

The small island of Nisyros (41 km²) is one of the most impressive Dodecanese islands — and it literally slumbers on an active volcano. Just 50 minutes by ferry from Kos, a landscape awaits you that feels like another planet.

The Stefanos volcanic crater in the center of the island (260 m in diameter) is the highlight. You can descend and walk across the crater floor — it trembles slightly underfoot, hot sulfur fumaroles hiss from cracks everywhere, the ground is sulfur-yellow and hot. A surreal, almost apocalyptic experience. Last major eruption: 1888. Volcanologists constantly monitor the activity — the volcano is considered "dormant," not extinct.

Besides the crater, the picture-book village of Mandraki (island capital) is worth a visit: White-blue houses, a Knights' castle, the Panagia Spiliani Monastery (in a cave above the village), and excellent taverns along the harbor promenade. The abandoned village of Nikia on the crater rim offers a breathtaking view into the abyss.

Ferry from Kardamena/Kos: about 50 min., ~12€ return. Organized day trips from Kos ~25€ incl. transfer to the crater. Crater entrance: 3€. Best with your own travel and more time — the organized tours rush through.