Plizio Visual Lab
Kos Town
ℹ️Practical info — Kos Town
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Rent a bicycle to get around; the town is flat and very bike-friendly with an excellent network of cycling paths.
- Visit the Ancient Agora in the cooler evening hours to avoid the intense midday heat.
- Wear comfortable closed shoes when exploring the various archaeological sites scattered around the town.
- Ferries to neighboring Bodrum (Turkey) depart from here; book tickets a few days in advance during peak season.
🍽 Food
Order a variety of small appetizers to share at a traditional taverna away from the touristy main square.
Try these traditional chickpea fritters, often found in family-run restaurants tucked away in the back alleys.
Enjoy a glass of wine from the local vineyards of Kos in one of the relaxed bars around the harbor.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy authentic local produce and spices at the municipal market hall located in Eleftherias Square.
In the alleys of the old town, you'll find numerous small shops offering beautiful handmade leather sandals and bags.
Find a shady spot near this historic tree, convenient for a short, quiet break from the sun.
Wander through the cool, quiet courtyards and mosaic floors of this beautifully restored Roman villa.
Water temperature…
Kos Town, the capital of Kos in the Dodecanese archipelago, is a spirited architectural mosaic where ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights Hospitaller, Ottoman, and Italian colonial influences converge. The harbor entrance is guarded by the Castle of the Knights (Neratzia), a 14th-century fortress constructed using spolia from the ancient city of Kos. Nearby stands the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, a historic landmark believed to be a descendant of the tree under which the famous ancient physician taught his disciples. The town's layout was significantly altered by the 1933 earthquake, which allowed Italian archaeologists to excavate and showcase the extensive Ancient Agora and the Roman Odeon within the urban core. Modern Kos Town is distinguished by its Italian-style administrative buildings, palm-lined avenues, and its status as the 'cycling capital of Greece' due to its extensive network of flat bike paths. The lively Eleftherias Square serves as the social hub, featuring the Archaeological Museum and the local market. As a principal gateway to the island, the city balances its role as a premier tourist destination with its profound identity as the cradle of medical science.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Agios Nektarios Reservoir · Avdelolimni · Messaria Reservoir
- Nearby: Zipari (8 km)
- Population: ~19.244
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 13 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 152 | 109 | 63 | 43 | 24 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 20 | 49 | 95 | 150 |
Geography
Facts
- The Castle of the Knights was connected to the mainland by a drawbridge until the early 20th century.
- The current Plane Tree of Hippocrates is estimated to be about 500 years old, a descendant of the original.
- Italian rule (1912-1943) left a mark on the city with buildings like the Government House.
- The Ancient Agora of Kos is one of the largest excavated agoras in the Greek world.
- Kos Town is known as the most bicycle-friendly city in Greece due to its flat terrain.
- The Archaeological Museum of Kos contains a famous statue of Hippocrates found in the Odeon.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kos Town (14)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tree of Hippocrates?
What is the Castle of the Knights?
Where is the Asklepieion located?
Are there Roman ruins in the city?
Can you rent bicycles?
Kos Town: where is it located?
Kos Town: what is there to see?
Kos Town: when is the best time to visit?
Kos Town: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
