Kos
Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese group. It’s a popular destination amongst travellers. Families, friends and couples enjoy its nightlife, local food, activities and accommodation. The island offers everything you can wish for. Locals are hospitable, the beaches are sublime, the villages are picturesque and there are plenty of historic sites for you to explore.
1. Kos castri islet
The tiny Kastri Islet is located in the bay of Kefalos just opposite Agios Stefanos beach on the southern side of Kos. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks in Kos, and lies at a distance from the coast and can easily be reached by boat or swimming. Kastri is also known as Paleokastro, on account of the Medieval fortification that used to reside there, the remains of which are still present on the islet.
Kastri is rocky and barren with only small amounts of vegetation. The highlight of the islet is the small chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the saint protector of sailormen. It features beautiful whitewashed walls and a blue dome and its position offers a striking panoramic view of the coastline. A few formed steps that begin from the pier lead you straight to the chapel and it is customary for visitors to ring its bell as soon as they reach the islet.
The gorgeous views afforded by Kastri have made it a hugely popular spot, especially favored for holding events such as weddings. There is also a small but beautiful beach on the islet, perfect for a relaxing time of swimming and sunbathing.
2. Asklepeion
Built on the slopes of a low verdant hill about 4 kilometers from Kos town the Asclepieion of Kos was one of the most renowned healing temples in ancient Greece, and is now considerered the most significant archaeological sight on the entire island. In antiquity, the asclepieia were dedicated to the worship of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and served as places of healing and medical training. In fact, Hippocrates one of the most prominent ancient Greek physicians credited as the Father of Medicine, established his school in the Asclepieion of Kos, imparting his medical knowledge.
The Asclepieion of Kos was founded at some point during the Hellenistic times, after the 4th century BC, on a site which had formerly been associated with the cult of Apollo (Asclepius’ father), Zeus, Athena and the healing deity Paeon. It was gradually constructed on three terraces, the second of which houses the ruins of a 4th-century altar. Being the oldest construction of the complex, it was adorned with beautiful sculptures crafted by the sons of Praxiteles, one of the greatest Athenian sculptors.
On the lowest level, visitors will find an Ionic temple, the oldest of the two dedicated to Asclepius, and a reserved area in which the patients slept with the hope that the god would appear in their dreams and indicate the treatment. The priests’ quarters and a small temple of Apollo are also located nearby. The latter has been partly restored, and seven of its pillars now stand proudly once again, defying the wear of time.At the beginning of the 2nd century BC, the Asclepieion came under the protection of King Eumenes II of Pergamos, and it was then that it received its current monumental form. A splendid Doric temple of Asclepius was constructed, along with an imposing staircase that connected the three levels. The wooden galleries with rooms for the patients were replaced by Doric ones, while a majestic propylaeum was added to the lower terrace.
During the Roman times, the complex was enriched with thermae and libraries, but the Asclepieion gradually declined after the earthquakes that hit the island in 469 and 554 AD. A church in honor of Panagia tou Alsous was also erected in the antechamber of the Doric temple during the early Christian times, but all that has survived of it is a capital. Later, during the rule of the Knights of Saint John parts of the sanctuary were used as building material for the Nerantzia castle so that further destruction was wreaked.
Archaeological research for the discovery of the Asclepieion began as early as the late 19th century, and during the 1930s, excavations were carried out by Italian archaeologists, who restored the monuments, giving them their current form.
Bonus info: So renowned was the Asclepieion of Kos that, after 242 BC, it was recognized as an asylum for those fleeing wars or other dangers. Asclepieian Games also began to be celebrated, involving music and sports contests with participants from all Greek city-states.
3. Kos Defterdar Mosque
The Defterdar Mosque in Eleftherias Square was built towards the end of the 18th century, probably in 1786, and is a prime example of Islamic architecture. It is one of the two out of five mosques to be still operational today, serving the Muslim community of Kos.
It has been named after an Ottoman minister of finance (defterdar) of Sultan Ibrahim Efendi, and according to a local tradition, it was erected on the site of a pre-existing Christian church dedicated to Saint Paraskevi. It is a two-story cubical building with an octagonal dome supported by 12 arches, while two elaborate staircases topped by pillars lead to the first floor, where the prayer room is located. The wooden women’s area can be found on the northern side of the hall, with the mihrab and the minbar being situated on the southern side.The ground floor is divided into several smaller areas, each of which has its own exit to the street. Originally, these partitions must have served as ancillary rooms, while, since the early 20th century, they have been housing shops.On the western side of the mosque rises the towering minaret, while, a little further, visitors can see a marble domed fountain supported by arches and low columns.Over the years, the mosque has been damaged by earthquakes on several occasions, but extensive restoration works were carried out by the Italians between 1912 and the 1930s, when the Dodecanese was under Italian occupation.
Today, it is open to the public once a week, shortly before prayers start at 13:00, and visitors can walk up to the minaret and admire the magnificent views of Kos Town.
4. Casa Romana 
Casa Romana, which means "the Roman house", is an important excavation area in Kos. Probably belonging to a wealthy islander, this house is emblematic of the architectural style that dominated the island in the Hellenistic and Roman Times. It is a beautiful mansion with a style similar to the buildings found in Pompeii. It dates back to the 2nd century and was built on the ruins of another house of the Hellenistic period.Apart from its nice architecture, the house stands out due to its frescoes, the most remarkable of which depicts a panther attacking a bear. Its elaborate decoration and statues, which date from the late Hellenistic period, are also notable and currently exhibited at the Archaeological museum of Kos.This and the rest of the mosaics date from the 3rd century AD.
Regarding its internal distribution, Casa Romana has 36 rooms and a group of 3 atriums, which were supposed to provide light and air to the surrounding rooms. Each of these atriums has a small fountain in the middle. The first atrium used to host a small statue of Asclepius in the hallway. The second atrium has a floor decorated with dolphins and a sea nymph. In addition, its walls are covered with marble. The third atrium is the biggest of all. Its floors are also covered with mosaics, while its walls have wall paintings.Casa Romana was excavated in 1933 by Italian archaeologist Laurenzi and underwent restorations in 1940. The site was reopened to the public in 2015 after the most recent renovations. It can be found to the right of Grigoriou Pemptou Street, west of Kos town and very close to the Roman Odeon.
5. Natural Park in Kos 
In the heart of Zia, 15 km southwest of Kos town, lies the Natural Park of Zia. Perched atop the village’s highest viewpoint, the park is characterized by an enchanting atmosphere that allows you to connect with the natural beauty of the island. Walk on cobblestone paths amidst gorgeous trees and wild roses, breathe in the fresh air, and escape into the serene world of this natural haven.The Natural Park of Zia is home to many animal species that wander freely inside its premises. Guests will come across turtles, turkeys, deer, donkeys, rabbits, and pheasants among many others. All these animals live in harmony with each other and are indicative of the rich fauna of the island. They are friendly to humans and visitors can even feed some of them by hand!
A snack bar is located inside the park that serves a variety of beverages, from tea and coffee to ice-cold beer, in addition to a handful of snack options. There is also a small playground with swings and a slide, perfect for younger visitors. If you are looking for a spot to relax after exploring the park, the stone path will lead you to a resting area equipped with hammocks and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Binoculars are present at the best viewpoints that provide a better look at the picturesque island.The Natural Park of Zia is open every day from 10:00 until 30 minutes after the sun sets. Ticket discounts are made available for children ages 11 and under.
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