Tourists who choose Greek Kos for vacation will be lucky enough to see the country from a completely different, unusual side. A homely, cozy atmosphere reigns here, architectural monuments built by the Turks have been preserved, but the island has remained traditional Greek. Kos Greece Attractions – This is a rich antique heritage and cultural monuments of different eras.
Aegean Floating Garden – Kos Island
The island received such a poetic name for its flowering gardens, numerous, green meadows and amazing parks.
It is interesting! On the Spit live flamingos and many birds of rare breeds. Mediterranean seals are found in the southern part of the island, and turtles live on Paradise Beach.
Kos is shrouded in legends. According to one of them, after the Trojan War, Heracles camped there. According to another legend, the island is the birthplace of Hippocrates and the place where the apostle Paul preached.
Attractions on the island of Kos – not the only reason to visit the resort. Here those who value comfort and solitude, who prefer to enjoy nature, like to relax. At the same time, you can actively relax and have fun on the island. Beach areas are equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, most of the coast is covered with sand of different colors – golden, white, black.
In recent years, the island of Kos is confidently included in the list of the best resort regions of Greece.
Recently, Kos Island can be reached by plane from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Flights follow all summer. Inland, Kos can be reached from Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Athens. All flights are accepted by the Hippocrates airport.
There is a water connection – from Piraeus, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and the Cyclades islands follows a ferry. This route is the cheapest. The port is located near the capital of the island.
What to see on the island of Kos?
We begin the tour of the most popular and worthwhile sights.
Castle of the Knights of St. John
The XIV century citadel is included in all the tourist routes of the island, as it attracts the interest of lovers of medieval history.
The attraction is located in the central part of Kos, about 25 km from the main city. The gates are decorated with the emblem of the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John Pierre de Aubusson.
The fortress was able to withstand numerous attacks and sieges and was used to keep prisoners.
There are two chapels on the territory of the citadel. Before the construction of the fortress, there were antique buildings, but after the earthquake only ruins remained in their place. The remaining stones and marble were used in the construction of the citadel.
In many places, the walls were covered with figs and magnolias. Entrance to the territory is paid, but there is no need to pay for children. There is a bus stop near the entrance.
The best time to visit the attraction is summer, since in the autumn a strong wind blows here at an altitude. It is better to arrive in the morning, the fortress closes early enough, although this is not upsetting visitors. The place looks very beautiful even at night – the walls are highlighted, so even in the dark it is light here.
Ancient agora
Studying the question of what to see on the island of Kos, pay attention to the ruins of the ancient agora. They confirm that in the ancient period Kos was developed, trade was actively conducted here. The remains of the agora, or in the modern language of the market, are located in the capital of the island and occupy a plot 300 meters wide and 50 meters long.
Entrance to the market is decorated with sculptures. The period of construction of buildings dates back to the 4th century BC. e. In the 5th century AD e. A severe earthquake occurred on the island that destroyed the Agora. However, in 1933, after another earthquake, it was possible to discover the remains of an ancient landmark. Excavations and restoration work were carried out from 1935 to 1942, during which it was possible to find many valuable artifacts and restore the appearance of the buildings.
The most significant finds, archaeologists call the temple of Hercules III with a mosaic floor, the surviving parts of the amphitheater, the temple of Aphrodite, the altar of Dionysus and sculptures of Hercules and Orpheus.
In its heyday, the Agora was the venue for theatrical performances, baths and workshops of artisans were built here. The columns have been perfectly preserved; it is possible to fully appreciate the grandeur and luxury of architecture, the clarity of lines, and perfect symmetry. The Basilica of St. John, built by the Byzantines, was partially preserved on the territory of the Agora.
Ancient Agora is located in the vicinity of the port in the city of Kos
Entrance to the market is free.
You can visit the attraction from Monday to Thursday from 10-00 to 17-00.
Asklepion
The list of interesting sights on the island of Kos in Greece includes the largest temple dedicated to the god Aesculapius or Asclepius. Religious services were held here, sick people came here to receive healing. Hippocrates studied at the temple.
Asklepion’s ruins were found in 1901 by a group of archaeologists led by a German scientist. At this time, the island of Kos was ruled by the Turks, so some valuable finds were transported to Constantinople. You can look at the remains of the church by climbing to the top of the hill. In addition, it offers an amazing seascape.
Three terraces connected by a marble staircase have survived well. The lower terrace was designed to study and receive gifts. On the middle were temples and rooms for medical procedures. In those days, water treatment was actively practiced; one of the sources with “red water” was well preserved. The upper terrace could be visited only by representatives of the nobility. Over time, the buildings were destroyed and gradually restored.
Asklepion is 4 km east of Kos. The most convenient way to get here is to use the sightseeing steam train, which leaves every hour. The fare is 5 euros. You can also take a bus, ticket price is 1.20 euros. You can rent a taxi, payment in this case is negotiable. Renting a car will cost an average of 40 euros per day.
Asklepion works from Tuesday to Sunday (day off – Monday)
Schedule attractions: from 8-30 to 15-00.
Admission for adults – 4 euros, children are free.
Zia Village
In the photo with the sights of Kos, the village of Zia is often depicted. This is a very colorful place where the indigenous people of Greece live. In the settlement you can look at the ancient aqueduct, the church, walk along the old streets, admiring the cozy houses and relax in the green, dense forest.
The village is located 14 km from the capital of the island of Kos at the foot of Mount Dikeos. You can get here by renting a car or as part of an excursion group by bus. However, experienced travelers are not advised to choose sightseeing tours. Most often, guests are simply brought to the village, and the guide tells the story of the settlement. At the same time, on the way, the bus calls at all hotels and collects tourists.
It’s much more fun and cheaper to walk around the village on your own. You can get there by bus, which follows from the city of Kos. A round-trip ticket costs only 5 euros. Money is collected by the driver. The bus arrives at the only stop in Zia and from there departs on the return trip. Calculate your own time, as drivers do not wait for passengers and follow strictly on schedule.
You can also use the rented transport, but you need a map. The road will take no more than half an hour. Car parking – close to the bus stop.
There are many souvenir shops in the village, but the prices are high. Tourists note that here you can find truly original and valuable things.
There is a zoo in the village, entrance is paid, so decide for yourself whether it is worth spending money, because it is small and ordinary rabbits, donkeys, goats are sitting in cages.
Moving on, you can see the chapel with a small bell tower, followed by the ascent to Mount Dikeos. If you turn left from the zoo, it will lead expensively to beautiful, unfinished houses and an old cemetery.
Interest is a small church, a water mill and numerous taverns.
It’s better to come here all day to not only walk around the village, but also relax in the forest.
Paleo Pili or Old Pili
This city was the capital of the island during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. Located 17 km from the current capital – the city of Kos. The town, despite the rather abandoned view, is the most important historical and architectural monument on the island. The settlement is located at an altitude of 300 meters, on the slopes of Dykeos.
At the top, the remains of an ancient Byzantine fortress have been preserved, construction was carried out in the XI century. The location of the defensive structure was of strategic importance – it was here that it was possible to organize reliable defense of the city and at the same time monitor the movements of the enemy. From the height of the fortress, residents watched the coast of Asia Minor, in other words, they could protect the city in time from the Turks attack.
During the reign of the Knights of the Order of St. John on the Spit, the structure was additionally strengthened, thus, the fortress became a key defensive structure. Today, visitors can look at only partially preserved once powerful walls.
Also on the territory of the attraction there are dilapidated buildings of the Middle Ages, baths, the church of Panagia Japapanti, the construction of which dates back to the 11th century. Inside the church is decorated with frescoes of the XIV century. The wooden iconostasis is decorated with carvings and columns that previously towered in the temple of Demeter. In the Church of Saints Michael and Gabriel, wall paintings made in the XIV-XVI centuries are clearly visible.
For many years, Old Pili actively flourished in Greece. The situation changed after the cholera epidemic in 1830. Today, Old Pili is considered to be one of the most picturesque sights on the Spit.
Haji Hassan Mosque
The mosque, built in 1765, is one of the most beautiful in Greece. Not surprisingly, the Haji Hassan Mosque is on the list of the most visited attractions on the island of Kos. The construction is significant, as it indicates the invasion of the majestic Ottoman Empire on the island. Nearby there are souvenir shops where you can buy a memorable gift.
The mosque is perfectly preserved, they come here on their own and as part of excursion groups. In the dark, couples walk here, as the surrounding area is beautifully highlighted.
The mosque with a minaret is located near the plane tree of Hippocrates. The building is named for Hadji Hassan – the governor of the Ottomans on Kos and the governor of the island. For the construction, the place where the church of the Byzantine Empire was located was chosen. In addition, there is a source nearby, from where water was taken for ablution. Muslims come here to pray today. The building stands out among other religious buildings of Kos for its luxury, oriental decoration.
You can visit the attraction any day from 9-00 to 15-00.
During the service, the entrance to the territory is closed.
It is forbidden to use the flash inside the mosque.
If you want to get comprehensive information, and not just look at the mosque, book a tour.
During the earthquake in Kos in July 2017, the Haji Hassan prayer structure was damaged, but authorities planned to restore it.
Other sights of Kos
Many tourists, answering the question – what to see on the Spit in Greece – recommend visiting the ancient ruins. They are located on Grigoriu street in the capital. Here you can see the ancient burial places and baths of the Roman Empire. The Gymnasium is the most delighted . Here it was possible to restore 17 columns and an ancient theater with seats made of marble.
An impressive building – a house in the traditional Pompeian style, which was built in the era of the Roman Empire. The interiors are decorated with mosaics that showcases scenes from Greek myths. Luxurious columns and pools have been preserved.
Archaeological Museum in the center of the capital. Here is an impressive collection of archaeological finds. The most impressive exhibit is a statue of Hippocrates and the gods of Greece.
Kefalos is a town in the southernmost point of the island, there are comfortable beaches with a sandy beach and picturesque views of a small island with the chapel of St. Anthony.
Andimahia is a cozy town located in the very center of the island, here tourists are attracted by a Venetian-style fortress and mills. One of the mills can be visited – a museum is organized in it. Entrance costs 1.5 euros.
Behind the walls of the settlement is the ancient church of Agia Paraskevi , as well as the ruins of the temple of Agios Nikolaos.
To see the sights of Kos in Greece, you can book a tour to anywhere in the island. As a rule, all local agencies offer guide services. The cost of a guided tour varies from 30 to 50 euros. However, most guides lead the story in English. Water excursions to neighboring islands are very popular, where you can swim in the thermal springs.
