I have set a route for you to make your job easier. First we go to the places in the center. Our first stop is the famous Tree of Hippocrates, which has become the symbol of the island…

Tree of Hippocrates

When I say Kos Island, I wanted to see the Hippocrates Tree as soon as I went.. Because 5 BC. It is said that Hippocrates, who lived in the 19th century, planted this tree and taught his students under its shade.

The famous Tree of Hippocrates on Kos Island

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So is this possible? of course not. Because the tree is already 500 years old. It is impossible to survive from such a long time ago.. It’s not that big of a tree anyway.. It is a tree with a circumference of 12 meters and its inside is empty.

I think such a story may have emerged in order to keep tourism alive and to keep Hippocrates alive.

Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque

Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque, one of the most powerful works remaining from the four centuries of Ottoman rule, is right next to the Hippocrates Tree.

The mosque was built in 1786 by the Ottoman Governor of that time, Algerian Gazi Hasan Pasha.. The architecture of the three-storey mosque is very strong, but it has been badly damaged during the wars.

Kos Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque is one of the most important works from the Ottoman Period.

It was being repaired when we went, they had closed it down.. The mosque was normally closed anyway, but at least the shops on the ground floor were used.. We couldn’t see them either.

Knights Castle (Neratzia Castle)

Luckily, most of the places we wanted to visit in Kos were either closed or were under repair.. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the inside of the Knights Castle, either.

Because it was damaged in the recent earthquake.. That’s why they closed visits to the interior. You can just walk around it.

We photographed Kos Knights Castle from above for you to see

Castle , 15. century St.. It was built by the Knights of St. John with the ruins of ancient stones and structures.. The aim, of course, is to be protected from the Ottomans.

Eleftherias Square

Let’s come to the most central point of the island.. When you head towards the market from where the Hippocrates Tree is, the road already reveals you.

In Eleftherias Square, which is surrounded by cafes, banks, restaurants, museums and shops selling touristic goods, the Defterdar Mosque, Municipality Market and Archeology I have described below. It also has a museum.

If you come to the island, you will definitely go to this square.. My advice is that you don’t forget to take a photo with the bougainvillea that opens your heart on the historical city gate.

Detferdar Mosque (Mosques of Kos)

Deterdar Mosque in Eleftherias Square draws my attention the most. pulled. Because the mosque does not have a minaret.. The reason was the earthquake in 2017.. Unfortunately, both the minaret was destroyed and the mosque became unusable.

As you can see, the Kos Defterdar Mosque was heavily damaged after the 2017 earthquake. Its minaret was destroyed

The mosque was built in 1724 by Defterdar İbrahim Efendi. 2, which are normally open for worship together with the mosque in Platani Village.. It used to be a mosque, but it can’t be used now due to damage.

Kos Archeology Museum

This is a museum that you can visit without leaving Eleftherias Square.. It is located next to the Municipal Market.

Did we visit? of course not again. It was closed as we were on a Monday.. But I searched for you.

So that the museum has a rich collection of artifacts from Roman and Greek civilizations.. Sculptures and mosaics are exhibited on the ground floor and courtyard of the two-floor museum.

You can also see the marble statue of Hippocrates in this museum.

• Visit. Hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (closed on Monday)
• Entry Fee: 6 Euros

Kos Market Hall

There is a shopping point in Kos where you can find everything together. It is also the Municipal Market in Eleftherias Square.. There is everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs inside.

The market has a different atmosphere because it is built inside a historical building.. But its exterior is slightly damaged in the earthquake of 2017.

Market Hall in Kos is like a market, whatever you are looking for

If I talk about the prices of the market; Apples start from 2.5 Euros per kilo, tomatoes and potatoes from 1 Euros, and packaged spices from 1.5 Euros.

By the way, the tomato of Kos Island famous. Tourists, who hear this, buy bags of tomatoes from the market and wander around the streets.

If you ask me, it is definitely not a substitute for village tomatoes in Turkey.. Am I right ?

Agia Paraskevi Church

As soon as you exit the Kos Market Hall, you can see the beige-blue Agia Paraskevi Church on your right. The exterior of this building was damaged in the earthquake, but it still has a simple and eye-catching structure.

The church dedicated to St. Paraskive, one of the most beloved saints of Greece, covers a large area.

Kos Agia Paraskevi Church is located just outside of Kos Market Hall

This Greek Orthodox Church is very full, especially on religious holidays.. People from all over the island flocked to commemorate the saint.

We couldn’t see inside when we went, unfortunately it was closed. For your information, the interior of the church has a rich interior decoration.. If you go, stop by.

Roman Odeon Of Kos

You can reach the ancient theater, which is a 10-minute walk from the port, by passing through lush trees, the entrance is free.

Roman Odeon, 2. century by the Romans. Many historical artifacts excavated from the region are exhibited in the Kos Archaeological Museum.. In fact, the most important artifact unearthed from here is the Statue of Hippocrates.

Although Kos Kos Roman Odeon does not impress me that much, its view is beautiful

Still, it didn’t impress me that much.. If you’ve visited the ancient cities in the Mediterranean and Aegean, you wouldn’t be surprised at the people here.

Ancient cities, especially on Kos Island, are very scattered.. You can see historical cities even on the side of the road while walking, but it cannot be said that there is no stone on stone in them either.. Most of them are in ruins.

Asclepion

Let’s come to the most important archaeological site of Kos.. As you can see on the map above, Asklepion is a little far from the center, about 4 kilometers away.

As it is located on a hill in the east of the island, its view is very beautiful.

Asclepion is where healers treated their patients in ancient times. and a place where the art of healing was taught. It was also the temple of the gods who were interested in medicine.

The ancient building now consists of 3 terraces.. One consists of sick quarters and waiting rooms, the other consists of temples and restored columns. The last terrace includes the remains of the great temple.

Entrance fees:

• Adult: 8 Euros
• Student: 4 Euro (Student card is valid in Turkey.)

Kos Island Villages

Villages in Kos Island and i wanted to cover the beaches separately. Because after visiting the city, you need to rent a car to go to the far parts of the island.. For this reason, its route is different from the center.

There are about 10 villages on the island.. All of them have different features. I marked the most preferred ones on the map, and explained them one by one below.

• The more developed villages with a large tourist population; Kardamena, Marmari and Tigaki.
• The island with its vitality. villages considered central; Zia, Asfendiou and Lagouidi. (Asfendiou is both close to the city and untouched by its naturalness)
• The villages where you can witness more of the traditional life of Greece; Mastichari, Antimachia and Pyli.
• The island’s largest villages; Kefalos and Antimachia.

Kos Island villages and beaches map – Kos beaches map

As you can see on the map, there are many beaches on the island. I separated the villages and the beaches in my own way and explained them one by one below.

• Platani (Stretching)
• Zia
• Asfendiou
• Antimachia
• Kefalos
• Lambi Beach
• Psalidi Beach
• Peters Beach
• Marmari Beach
• Mastichari Beach
• Agios Stefanos Beach

Platani (Stretching)

The 2nd of our Kos trip. We decided to rent a car on the day and visit the remote areas.. I explained where and how much we bought the car above.

I wanted to start from this village first because it is 3 kilometers from the center.. Besides, Platini is a Turkish village.. One of the 2 mosques used on the island is located in the village.

Most of the Turks on Kos Island live in Platani Village.. Don’t expect it to be exactly like a Turkish Village, because it looks more like a small Greek quarter.

You can dine at Arab’s Place in the village square.. We did not eat because we were not hungry, but it was highly recommended.. I think you should try it while you’re here.

Zia

2. Our stop is the charming little village of Zia, located 15 kilometers southeast of the island.. This place seems so peaceful to me.. I don’t know, maybe the raindrops falling on the lush nature of the village made me feel peaceful.

We were unlucky to take photos and videos because the weather was a bit cloudy, but watching that beautiful view on the slopes of Dikeos Mountain with the calmness after the rain was something else.

We took the photo of Kos Zia Village from the top, isn’t it very green?

Of course it’s such a beautiful place. when it became a touristic village. Many restaurants and taverns available. Especially the street on the left at the entrance of the village is full of souvenir shops.

Again, when you go up the stairs from the entrance, you see the small Zia Orthodox Church at the top.

Convenient hotels in Kos To view : Click

There is a place called Sunset Balcony next to the church. We couldn’t sit but the view looked amazing, highly recommend. Opposite facing Kalymnos. You can see the shores of Asia Minor are also clouding over the horizon.

As you descend again, you will see the Zia Watermill Cafe.. They are already so colorful that it is impossible not to see it.

The road where the famous lemonade cafe is located – Kos Kos  Zia Watermill Cafe

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His garden is so cute, even so lively that you wonder where to look. By the way, its lemonade is famous, keep in mind.

One ​​of the most beautiful sunset views on Kos Island is being watched in this village.. If you come to Kos, I say enjoy the view, lemonade and greenery in Zia Village.

Asfendiou

Asfendiou is close to a remarkable village like Zia, tourists also visit this place. Visiting. You can already watch Asfendiou from Zia.

The village was built on the skirts of Dikeos Mountain.. The Church of Assomati Taxiarhes, built in the 19th century, is worth seeing. You can also see the remains of the Early Christian Basilica of Aghios Pavlos, just outside the village.

Asfendiou view from Zia Village of Kos Island

You can also climb the Aghios Ilias Church, which is located on the top of Dikeos Mountain.. Of course, the exit is quite difficult, let me tell you that.

The village, which is green on all four sides, used to make a living from tourism for the last 30 years, while it was dealing with olive cultivation in the past.

Antimachia

Antimachia, Kos is located 24 kilometers from the center, very close to Kos International Airport.

While dealing with agriculture and animal husbandry like other villages, they have rightfully turned to tourism in recent years.

Places you can visit in the village: 19. The “Traditional House” representing the life in the 19th century, the old traditional Windmill, which has become the symbol of the village, the Venetian Castle of Antimachia, which offers a magnificent view, the 8th century right next to the castle.. Agis Paraskevi and 16. Church of Agios Nikolaos.

Apart from all these, Antimachia Village; Famous for its hospitable people, dance tradition and passion for music.

If you want to watch and participate in the art exhibited by the local people, you can attend the festivities held on 30 June.

Kefalos

Kefalos is located at one end of the island. So this is the farthest village from the center.. If you want to listen, definitely come to Kefalos. Because there is an abandoned silence here.

Preserving the traditions in the village is like a mainstay.. It’s a must see spot with its narrow streets close to each other, traditional houses where you can explore their lifestyles, and archaeological ruins.

The elderly in Kos Kefalos Village An aunt turned her house into a traditional museum in this way.. You can visit the inside and leave some money if you wish

The main point of Kefalos is that it has long beaches and a beautiful sea, most of which are blue flagged.. In this sense, the village is actually divided into 2 parts.

While encountering a traditional formation in the interior of Kefalos, a more modern area awaits tourists in the seaside resort of Kamari. .

Also, along the coast and inland of the port; cafes, restaurants, bars, beach clubs and hotels available. That’s why it has ceased to be a virgin area.

Kos Island Beaches

After talking about Kos Island villages, I would like to talk about some of the beaches I marked on the map above for you.. Let’s start with the ones that are close to the center first.

Lambi Beach

A public beach that is 7-8 minutes walking distance from the center.. Sunbeds and umbrellas are free if you eat or drink.. It’s a clean, long beach, and it’s possible to do water sports.

Psalidi Beach

You can easily reach the beach by taxi, car or public bus.. A decent, family-friendly beach. If you eat and drink something, you do not pay for sunbeds and umbrellas. Plays good ambient music. It has a stony sea, but the water is very clear.

Peters Beach

A beach close to the center is on the bike path.. There are nice restaurants in the back.. We witnessed a very beautiful sunset here.. It’s officially red apocalypse everywhere. If you go, I say watch a sunset here.

The sunset we watched at Kos Kos Peters Beach – Kos Island beaches

Marmari Beach

Located in the northern part of the island. You can reach by bus. It has a long, wide and sandy beach. There are some pebbles in the sea, but it goes away when you go a little further.. Suitable for windsurfing.

Mastichari Beach

This place is also in the north of the island.. It has an exotic feel. Nice to have clean and white sand. It’s windy but you can feel the warmth of the air, it doesn’t bother you. There are many taverns and cafes.. You can also buy souvenirs from its side streets.

Agios Stefanos Beach

This is one of the beaches farthest from the island.. You can reach the center of Kos in 45 minutes for 4.5 Euros.. Two sunbeds and umbrella 8 Euro. You can buy food and drink from the mobile minibus. No other place. So it’s more natural. There were people who swam to the island near the bay.. There is a church on the island, but I recommend you to wear sea shoes if you swim.

5. Kos Island Nightlife

We were able to experience Kos nightlife for only 1 day. The island has a lively and fun bar street.. There are venues mainly on the streets of Nafklirou and Plateia Blessa, which are close to the port.. That’s the Street of Bars.

At the same time, Kardamena Village is highly preferred in terms of nightlife.. Of course, we preferred the street of bars close to the port.. Because it was closer to our hotel.

A few of the places close to the port:

• West Bar: The farthest place of Bar Street in the centre. This is the famous place.. Entertainment continues until 5 am on weekdays and 6 am on weekends.. Has a crazy young audience. Cocktails vary between 8-10 Euros.
• Hammam Bar: They turned the Ottoman bath of years into a bar with a stylish decoration.. A quality place where you can sip your drink with live music in the open air. You can also experience the DJ performances inside after midnight.
• H2O Cafe Restaurant Bar: If you are looking for an elite venue, the H20 Bar, within walking distance of the port, is just for you.. You can have a nice meal and spend a nice night while enjoying the view of Bodrum by the sea.

Kos Kos Bar Street It was a little quiet when we went, but it was packed on the weekend

A few of the places in Kardamena far from the center:

• Crossroads Bar Kardamena Kos: Affordable prices, nice atmosphere. DJ playing songs on demand. Its hookah and frozen cocktails are very popular.
• The Bands: A place for rock music lovers. Prices are reasonable, music is fun, cocktails are delicious.
• Downtown Club: A fun club, entertainment continues until 4 in the morning.

If you’re staying in the Harbor District, go to Pub Street and enter where you like the music.. If you don’t like it, go elsewhere.. You don’t need to sit in most places anyway.. You go to dance standing up and have fun.

Of course, there are quieter places to sit, like a few places I suggested above… It all depends on your taste and mood.

6. How Many Days to Visit Kos Island?

There is no need for such long days to visit Kos Island. It will be enough for you to stay 3 days like us.. On the first day, you will visit the historical spots in the center of the island and discover beautiful places.

2. You can rent a car for the day and visit the remote villages of the island.. At night, you can have fun in the Bar Street in the center or in the places in Kardamena Village.

You can enjoy walking to many places in Kos.

3. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches close to the port during the day.. Already 3. day after day starts to come more. If you leave it to your taste, Kos holiday will be very enjoyable for you.

7. Where to Stay on Kos Island & Kos Hotel Suggestions

In an island where the first means of transportation is a bicycle, it is more preferable to walk everywhere or to use a bicycle.

You can easily walk in the shade of the trees on Kos Island. You can explore the beaches and get lost in its alleys.

Therefore, a hotel that is within walking distance of everywhere is of course easier for you.. We stayed at the Kosta Palace City Hotel just across the ferry port.. It was an old hotel, but we could easily reach everywhere.

I have listed the places where you can stay on the island for 10-20 dollars per person.

You can review all the most economical hotels in Kos from link below . But I have reserved good, medium and affordable hotels below for you one by one.. Since some of the hotels are on promotion, their prices may vary on different dates.

You can view all of them by clicking on the hotel names:

My Suggestions for Low Budget Hotel in Kos Island: