As one of the largest Dodecanese islands, Kos has a rich cultural history and miles of beautiful coastline to explore. Famous as the birthplace of modern medicine and the playground of medieval knights, today Kos receives over a million visitors a year and while many venture no further than the hotel pool, others are eager to delve into the many activities on offer.
From snorkelling in seas bubbling with underwater thermal springs to climbing rocky peaks for spectacular views, whether it is seaside adventure or inland peace that is sought, Kos has something for everyone.
Watersports
Due to the almost guaranteed strong summer winds that blow around the island, Kos has become one of the Aegean hot spots for all things wind powered. Popular beaches for windsurfing include Agios Stefanos, Kefalos, Lambi, Mastihari and Psalidi, while Kohilari is the breezy spot where kitesurfers practise their acrobatics.
Most of the more organised beaches will have a watersport centre renting out pedalos, SUP’s, and kayaks, while there are many operators offering jet skis, tubes and banana boat rides.
The warm waters of the blue Aegean are perfect for underwater exploration with the clear seas allowing excellent visibility. The volcanic nature of the local sea bed has created many caves and reefs that are ideal for scuba diving. Popular dive spots include the Thermal Springs and the Potteries reef, while the local islet of Pserimos is abundant with sea life.
Thermal Springs
The free spa day half an hour away from Kos Town! The Thermes Beach is about 12 kilometres from the capital at Agios Fokas, at the end of a steep road. Underground hot springs, a result of the volcanic activity that surfaces at nearby Nisyros, flow into the sea at a temperature of 40-45 degrees C. Small rock pools have been built where visitors can relax and enjoy the therapeutic waters. Rich in sulphur, the smell is distinctive, but also bearing traces of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, the warm waters are said to be beneficial for the muscular and respiratory systems.
The beach is unorganised so if you want to spend any time there come prepared. There is a bus service from Kos Town and there is ample parking with a 10 minute walk to the beach, while there is a small café at the top offering snacks and light refreshments.
Plaka Forest
A cool and shaded woodland of cedar and pine evergreen trees, Plaka is on the road from Kefalos to the airport. Set with picnic benches, it is a nice spot to stop amid the summer heat to take in the natural beauty. However, you will soon be joined by some animal companions as a troop of friendly and inquisitive peacocks strut their way through the arbour. There is also a large family of cats, tortoises, some turtles and the odd squirrel can be seen scampering through the trees. A perfect distraction from the busy coast, Plaka is a peaceful place to interact with nature, just be prepared to share your picnic with your new feathered and furry friends.
Mount Dikeos
At an altitude of 846 metres, Mount Dikeos is the highest mountain on Kos. Forested with cypress and pine trees, the hike to the top starts in the traditional village of Zia where you can leave the car and follow the signs to the path that passes through the fragrant green slopes. About an hour walk to the top, there is a small chapel at the top and a large cross. The views are magnificent, overlooking the entire island and taking in the neighbouring isles of Pserimos, Alyki, Gyali, and Nisyros with the Turkish mainland visible on a clear day.
On the evening of the 5th of August every year, the feast of the transfiguration of Christ is celebrated by a candlelit procession to the top of the mountain with a service in the chapel, followed by a festival of food, drink and dancing in the villages below.
Follow a visit to the summit of Mount Dikeos with a meal in one of Zia’s tavernas amid cobblestoned alleys and with spectacular sunset views over the Aegean.
Read also:
Culture on the Dodecanese Island of Kos
