A historic and lively island, famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, its long sandy beaches and its important archaeological sites.
About Cos - Culture, History & Character
Greek is spoken. English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, and a lot of German and Dutch are also heard due to the tourism profile.
Explore the fascinating past of Cos and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
The history of Kos is intrinsically linked to its most famous son, Hippocrates (c. 460 BC). The island was home to one of the most important Asclepeion in the ancient world, a healing center and medical school that attracted patients from all over the Mediterranean. Its strategic location also made it an important commercial and naval center.
After the Greek and Roman periods, Kos became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In the 14th century, the Knights of Saint John of Rhodes conquered the island, building the imposing castle that still dominates the port of Kos Town. Ottoman influence is also visible in the mosques that dot the capital. In the 20th century, the island was under Italian rule, which left a mark on the architecture of some public buildings.
A devastating earthquake in 1933 destroyed much of Kos Town, but also uncovered extensive Greek and Roman ruins that are now part of the fabric of the city. Mass tourism began to develop in the 1980s, transforming the island into one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Dodecanese, especially for European markets.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Cos through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Very safe, with the usual precautions in party areas.
Very safe, with the usual precautions in party areas.
Kos Town and villages are very walkable. The island itself is ideal for cycling, but great for walking.
Kos Town and villages are very walkable. The island itself is ideal for cycling, but great for walking.
A good KTEL bus system connects the capital to the main towns and beaches, but a vehicle is recommended for exploring.
A good KTEL bus system connects the capital to the main towns and beaches, but a vehicle is recommended for exploring.
Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.
Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.
It has a double side: the intense partying of Kardamena and the lively but more varied nightlife of Kos Town.
It has a double side: the intense partying of Kardamena and the lively but more varied nightlife of Kos Town.
Culture focused on its immense legacy as a center of ancient medicine.
Culture focused on its immense legacy as a center of ancient medicine.
Good Dodecanese cuisine, with excellent local products.
Good Dodecanese cuisine, with excellent local products.
The old town of Kos Town is the main shopping area, with a mix of tourist, fashion and local products shops.
The old town of Kos Town is the main shopping area, with a mix of tourist, fashion and local products shops.
Excellent climate with long, hot summers, ideal for a sun and beach vacation.
Excellent climate with long, hot summers, ideal for a sun and beach vacation.
A very developed and professional destination, perfectly adapted to tourism.
A very developed and professional destination, perfectly adapted to tourism.
A first-rate family destination. It is mostly flat, with safe beaches and many family-oriented resorts.
A first-rate family destination. It is mostly flat, with safe beaches and many family-oriented resorts.
A very safe and welcoming international tourist destination for everyone.
A very safe and welcoming international tourist destination for everyone.
Friendly and professional people, with a long tradition of welcoming tourists.
Friendly and professional people, with a long tradition of welcoming tourists.
A classic Dodecanese beauty, with long sandy beaches and a flat, green interior.
A classic Dodecanese beauty, with long sandy beaches and a flat, green interior.
A fascinating mix of ancient ruins, a medieval castle and Italian architecture in the capital.
A fascinating mix of ancient ruins, a medieval castle and Italian architecture in the capital.
Of global importance as the birthplace of Hippocrates and center of Western medicine.
Of global importance as the birthplace of Hippocrates and center of Western medicine.
A fairly green and fertile island compared to many of the Cyclades, but without large forests.
A fairly green and fertile island compared to many of the Cyclades, but without large forests.
The tourist areas and archaeological sites are well maintained.
The tourist areas and archaeological sites are well maintained.
Non-existent.
Non-existent.
A nice and affordable place, but very seasonal and with limited work infrastructure.
A nice and affordable place, but very seasonal and with limited work infrastructure.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Cos y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Excellent climate with long, hot summers, ideal for a sun and beach vacation.
One of the sunniest Greek islands.
It can be very hot in July and August.
Kos is one of the warmest islands in the Dodecanese, with a long summer season.
Proximity to the Turkish coast sometimes brings more intense heat.
Ideal climate for cycling and exploring archaeological sites without the summer heat.
Very hot and sunny. It is the high season, with the island at full capacity.
The weather is still great, the sea is warm and the crowds are starting to thin out.
Mild but often rainy. Most resorts and tourist restaurants are closed.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
Generally very affordable, especially at all-inclusive resorts. It is a classic package tour destination, which keeps prices competitive.
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Best Areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
The most important archaeological site on the island. An ancient healing sanctuary dedicated to the god Asclepius and the medical school where Hippocrates is believed to have taught.
An impressive fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, which dominates the entrance to the port of Kos Town.
A huge old plane tree in the center of Kos Town, under which legend says Hippocrates taught his students.
Kos Town is built on and around extensive Greek and Roman ruins, including an ancient agora, an odeon and several mosaic villas.
A picturesque mountain village on the slopes of Mount Dikeos, famous for its craft shops, traditional taverns and, above all, its spectacular sunsets.
One of the most famous beaches on the island, known for the bubbles that emanate from the seabed due to volcanic activity (coming from the nearby island of Nisyros).
A black pebble beach where hot, sulfur-rich thermal waters emerge and mix with the sea in a natural rock pool.
The most southwestern region of the island, with a more mountainous and spectacular landscape, the traditional village of Kefalos and some of the best beaches.
Cos Main Square, an essential place to visit.
Kos Local Market, an essential place to visit.
Cos Central Park, an essential place to visit.
Kos Art Museum, an essential place to visit.
Panoramic Viewpoint of Cos, an essential place to visit.
Cos Commercial Area, an essential place to visit.
Traditional Neighborhood of Cos, an essential place to visit.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Try 'Krasotiri'
The 'cheese of wine'. It is a local goat cheese that is aged in red wine sediment, which gives it a unique flavor and color.
Choose your base wisely
The island has very different environments. Kos Town for history and varied nightlife. Kardamena for non-stop partying. Tigaki for families. Kefalos for tranquility and beautiful beaches.
Cycling is king
Take advantage of the fact that the island is mostly flat. Renting a bike is the best way to explore the surroundings of Kos Town and the northern coast.
tap water
Although it is considered safe, most tourists and locals drink bottled water for the taste.
Find Limnionas beach
On the Kefalos peninsula, it is a small, sheltered double bay with an excellent fish taverna, away from the crowds.
Visit the fortress of Antimachia
In addition to Kos Town Castle, explore this other Knights Castle, in the interior of the island, which is larger, less crowded and offers great views.
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