Villa Hygeia is located just two kilometres from Kos Town, the island’s vibrant capital, where a wide array of cafés, restaurants, shops and nightlife await, more than enough to fill any one-week stay. Public transport, available only three hundred metres from the villa, offers a convenient way to explore the island, though hiring a car or bicycle provides greater flexibility.
Kos is renowned for its long stretches of sandy beaches, and the villa is well equipped for seaside outings, with beach towels, an umbrella and snorkelling gear provided.
A popular way to explore is the island’s tourist train, which departs from Kos Harbour and meanders through the marina, main square, beaches, scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks. It offers an excellent overview of the island’s highlights and is particularly useful for visitors with limited mobility. Another route visits the Asklepion, Kos’s most important archaeological site.
The island’s culture is deeply rooted in its ancient heritage. Highlights include the Castle of the Knights, or Nerantzia Castle, which dominates Kos Harbour. Though the interior has been closed since the 2017 earthquake, the imposing walls and Nerantzia Bridge remain well worth visiting.
Kos is famously the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. His legendary plane tree still stands in Kos Town, drawing visitors from around the world.
Scattered across the island are archaeological treasures dating back over three millennia. The Asklepion, four kilometres from Kos Town, offers panoramic views across to Turkey and provides visitors with iPads to enhance the experience.
The island also has a strong winemaking tradition, with volcanic soil ideal for grape cultivation. Triantafyllopoulos Winery, ten kilometres from Kos Town, is a recommended stop.
Finally, the port town of Mastichari, twenty-two kilometres away, is renowned for fresh seafood and lively tavernas. Each August, it hosts a popular wine festival featuring local wines, traditional delicacies and Greek music. Its beach is also a hub for swimming and water sports, particularly windsurfing.
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.