Kos

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Kos

Kos, a jewel among the Dodecanese islands, brims with energy every summer. Not just a sun-worshipper's paradise, Kos boasts a wealth of historic landmarks — legacies of its colourful past. Cycling enthusiasts will find joy in the bike-friendly terrain. Travellers can reach Kos via its international airport or the ferry service from Athens and nearby islands.

The Island

Kos offers an immense selection of superb beaches, which are usually found on the south coast. Naturally, most of activities on the island are based around the water. The swimming possibilities are plenty and it is a great place for diving or snorkelling as well. Moreover, Kos is an excellent place for windsurfing, jet-skiing or even sailing in your own yacht. There are plenty of day-tripper boats which can take you to other nearby islands, as well as to Turkey if you wish. The mountain villages on the island possess a remarkable beauty and it can easily be visited either by car, bus or bicycle. Kos is also a place for some of the world’s most fascinating historical sites that are all worth a visit. Many of the structures were built somewhere between 3rd to 4th century B.C.

Do & See

The island is home to beautiful ancient sites, castles, and museums, as well as stunning landscapes.

Dining

The trendy looking restaurants at the waterfront in Kos town are very touristic as a rule of thumb. However, the small backstreets in Kos have plenty of really good restaurants serving excellent food as well. The choice of dishes varies from typical Greek to a more sophisticated French cuisines.

Cafes

Kos boasts a selection of delightful and snug cafes — they are the heart of local life here. Whether it's for a quick break, a light snack, or just a bit of downtime, these traditional meeting spots are where the island's residents love to gather. You'll feel the pulse of the community and the authentic Kos charm with every sip!

Bars & Nightlife

The nightlife in Kos town is based around two streets, Diakon and Nafklirou, and it is where you will find most of the bars and nightclubs. Summertime action is guaranteed! Naturally, there are also several nightclubs outside Kos town and many of the resorts have their own nightclubs for their guests as well.

Shopping

Kos offers a proud heritage of traditional Greek products together with what you will normally find at popular tourist destinations. A stroll through the old town of Kos offers you everything from olive oil soap and a jar of locally produced honey to the latest game console for kids. Kos is also an exciting place to shop for jewellery, leather goods, perfumes and souvenirs — there are plenty of good deals to be found. The more traditional artwork and craft items are also widely available throughout the island. The supermarkets have an array of traditional products. However, if you are looking for a fresh local produce of fruits and vegetables, you can find it at the main square in town. The bakeries in Kos fill the morning air with an unmistakable aroma of freshly baked breads. They are definitely worth a visit as there are several delicious cookies and pastries available. The more fashionable shops and all big brands are located in the modern part of the island, where you will find the latest designer accessories. Many of the mountain villages offer lovely handmade ceramics as well as exquisite handwoven fabrics and embroideries. The village of Pili is known for its fantastic selection of top-notch cheese products. The ‘red cheese’ — a cheese baked in red wine — comes highly recommended.

Tourist Information