Located in the north eastern end of the island, a bustling town with a picturesque harbour, beaches and many seafront tavernas and bars.The narrow lanes of the old town wind up from the harbour with colourful gift shops and cafes and at one end you'll find many traditional tavernas all gathered together serving local dishes.The flat tree lined roads are perfect for both cycling and walking with the historical sites mingling with modern buildings around them. (See "Archaeological sites"). A lively night life with music bars and a choice of outdoor and indoor discos and nightclubs. Accommodation to suit all from the superior deluxe hotels to apartment blocks, hostel type rooms and the very friendly smaller family run hotels. There is a very reliable local bus service which runs frequently into the town centre.

Thermal Springs: On the coastal road passing through Psalidi in the Agios Fokas region some 12 km from Kos Town these sulphur springs feed into a rock pool, where the hot water from the spring mixes with the cooler water from the sea to produce a warm therapeutic bath!. The waters have been tested and it is said to have healing properties for those with skin ailments.

Archaeological sites: Kos has so much to offer in the way of archaeological sites and access to them is either fre or very inexpensive. Listed below are a selection of the more prominent sites in Kos Town, although there are ancient ruins all over the island.

Remember that all over Greece including Kos sites are closed on a Monday. So best plan around this day and something else to bear in mind the earlier the better as as the sun gets hotter it can be unbearable at times.

Asclepion: Situated on a pine-clad hill 4km from the town. The Asclepion was a temple of worship, health and art. Dedicated to the God, Asclepios, it dates back to probably the 4th Century BC. Hippocrates practiced medicine here and founded his own school. It was he who placed medicine at the service of mankind and wrote many books whilst studying various ailments and methods of treating them. Outstanding amongst his many achievements is the "Hippocratic Oath" still adhered to today by all the doctors of the world.

Castle: Built between 1391 and 1396 the castle is situated in the centre of Kos Town, alongside the harbour. Built from all kinds of ancient stone and marble it was used mainly to defend the town against the Turks during the time of the Order of the Knights of St. John.

The Plane Tree of Hippocrates: Situated just off the harbour at the entrance to the bridge that leads to the castle. Tradition says that Hippocrates taught his students under this tree.

Ancient City: Located 50m south of the Plane Tree, these ancient ruins dating from4th century BC are made up of an early Christian Basilica, temples of Pandemos, Aphrodite, Heracles and the Agora.

Gymnasium of Xystos: Located next to the main road on the outskirts of the town. These ruins date back to 4th/3rd century BC. There are seventeen restored columns of white marble, in Doric style, remains of the Western Warm Baths from the Roman era; over which an early Christian Basilica was built and notable mosaics.

Odeon: Opposite the Gymnasium, a theatre which was discovered in 1929 during the Italian occupation, is adequate proof of the artistic standards of the Koans.

Casa Romana: Located a short distance from the Odeon on the same side of the road is the restored Roman House. A Pompeii style house, it has richly decorated marble floors, wall frescoes, mosaics and columns.

The Archaeological Museum of Kos: Situated in Eleftheria Square in the centre of the town. It houses many treasures from both Hellenistic and Roman times, dating back to 3rd century BC.

A traditional village, where it is not unusual to see the little old ladies lace-making as they sit in the shade on their doorsteps. The village cafes are normally full of men playing "tavli", one of many variations of back gammon! It's a village well known for its thyme honey and local cheeses. Just taking a walk round the back streets could lead you to the ruins of the ancient Medieval castle. Kefalos is perched up high on a hill so don't plan to walk there if you're not so fit.

Kamari bay
This is the beach resort of Kefalos situated right at the other end of the island with coarse sandy beaches , watersports, a few shops and a few bars and tavernas. A fairly quiet resort, a little bit cut off from anywhere else although the local bus that goes to Kos takes about an hour run a couple of times a day.

Agios Stefanos
Situated just as one comes into the Kefalos area, over looking the bay you'll discover ruins on the seashore of an ancient Basilica St.Stephens. These remains date back to 2nd century and the mosaics still exist to this day have been covered by coarse sand more recently for protection from the environment, but in places are still visible to the visitor.

Situated on the lower slopes of Mount Dikeos is Pyli, where you'll find the spring of Pighi; with its 6 outlets, it was built in 1592 and is said that is has never failed to quench the thirst of passers-by.The remains of the tomb of Harmylos, a mythical hero-king is also here tucked down a little side-street. Saint George is the patron saint of this village and it celebrates it name day with horse racing through the main street.

Old Pyli
On a visit to Old Pyli you'll come across a Byzantine castle perched on the hill, now completely deserted you discover ancient ruins, amongst them 4 monasteries. One of which was built by the Blessed Christodoulos in 11th century. The Blessed Christodoulo went on to the Holy island of Patmos after and found there the monastery of St. John The Devine.

The village positioned right next to the airport. Here you'll find the only remaining working windmill on the island as well as a museum in the form of a Traditional House giving a real insight into the past everyday life of the local people. Built in Venetian times, this castle was the target of numerous attacks by the Turks during the times of The Knights of St.John. About a 3km walk from Kardamena there is now a path leading here.

Plaka Forest
Often called "The underground forest" due to its situation. A wooded forest which provides beautiful natural shade from the intense heat in the summer, an ideal place for a picnic and to see the resident peacocks here is something for the children to enjoy.

The highest mountain village on the island, nestles into the wooded slopes of Mount Dikeos. The views across the coast of Kos and the neighbouring islands are spectacular! It's tasteful little craft shops selling local produce including honey, lace, pottery, herbs and spices make it an ideal place to visit for some souvenirs not to mention a great place to choose a taverna on at least one occasion during your holiday to dine in one of it many typical Greek tavernas, where the locals go themselves for a meze meal. It is from Zia that one can climb to the peak of Mount Dikeos if you are keen to do that it's a 2 hours hike up to the top.

Kardamena is the main resort on the South coast. It used to be a popular village, now a days it`s a bit more quiet but it still has the perfect Greek atmosphere.

A small sea side resort with fine white sand and several tarvernas on the main street as well as on the beach.

Situated on the North coast. A popular resort for water sports.

Mastichari is the main fishing port of Kos island. Still very traditional greek with small hotels in the village and bigger complexes on the out skirts of the village. There are several daily ferries which run up to 5 times a day.

There are several tavernas right on the beach as well as at the main port and in the village.

Mastichari is the most popular place on the island for fresh fish.