Villa Gem is situated just a five-minute drive from Kos Town, here there are an endless selection of excellent bars, restaurants and shops. A convenient supermarket is however located just 100m away from the villa – ideal for lazy days where you want to leave the car at home. Kos has a wide variety of beautiful beaches, the closest are again just a five-minute drive from Villa Gem. The airport is just a twenty minute drive from the villa.
The island’s tourist 'train' offers guided tours around the island, starting at Kos harbour working its way through the marine area, Kos main square, beaches, viewpoints and ancient sites giving a taster of what is on offer and allowing the less able to get around them easily, another trip heads to Asklepion.
Kos’s culture has evolved out of its rich ancient heritage. A place worth visiting is the Kos Castle of the Knights, the Nerantizia Castle dominates the islands main harbour and Kos town as you approach by boat. The perimeter walls and in particular the Nerantizia bridge are a very worthwhile visit despite the fact that the area within the walls has been closed to the public since a devastating earthquake in 2017. Kos is most famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The tree that he once taught under, the Hippocrates Plane Tree (one of the oldest trees in the world) still stands in Kos town and is revered by many visitors each year.
The Region
The third largest island in the Dodecanese, Kos has been attracting visitors for years thanks to its glorious beaches, verdant landscapes and fascinating ancient history.
The capital of the island is Kos Town in the north-east, 24km from Kos International Airport. There’s a relaxed ambience as you potter around its tree-lined harbour, cobbled pedestrian lanes and the grand Eleftherias Square with café terraces and restaurants. Look out for boat excursions from trips to the nearby islands of Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos to dolphin-spotting cruises and more. You could even spend the day in Bodrum, Turkey – ferries take around 30 minutes.
In Kos Town, admire the centuries-old Plane Tree of Hippocrates where legend says the great physician taught his students in the shade, close to the imposing Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights), then explore the ruins of Ancient Agora. Just outside the town, Asclepieion is said to be the birthplace of Hippocrates and one of the island’s most significant and visited ancient sites. Be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos in Kos Town.
Kos has become a mecca for sunworshippers, watersport enthusiasts and beach lovers, yet there is so much more to discover across its verdant and rugged landscapes. There are kilometers of cycling lanes along the coast as well as off-road mountain biking trails – Kos is now certified as a ‘Bike Friendly Destination’. Keen walkers will adore the many hiking routes around Plaka Forest, Palio Pyli and Mount Dikaios.
Back to the coastline, only 11km from Kos Town is the fashionable seaside resort of Tigaki with its idyllic sandy coastline, gently-shelving water, charming tavernas and a vibrant atmosphere as evening nears. Try paddle-boarding in the clear sea or venture a little further towards the Alikes wetlands, a Natura 2000 location, perfect for nature lovers with a diverse range of flora and fauna as well as migratory birds including pink flamingoes, pelicans and herons.
The stunning sandy beaches and azure-coloured sea of Marmari should also be experienced. It’s a popular spot for horse-riding, kite-surfing and windsurfing. For a change of scene, head along the coast to the bustling resort of Mastichari for fresh seafood, beachside bars, boat trips and more great beaches with sun beds, parasols and watersports.
On the southern coast is Kardamena, once an important religious site and former fishing village, now a much-loved resort close to the airport with a variety of sandy beaches, water-based activities, a lovely market and plenty of shops and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Kefalos Bay offers a wealth of authentic experiences with its traditional hilltop village, coastal resort and arguably some of the island’s finest beaches scattered across the south-western corner of Kos.
