city skyline near body of water during night time

Kos Town

A harbor town on Kos with a medieval castle, Roman ruins and ferry links to Turkey and nearby islands.

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Kos Town is the main town on Kos, a Greek island in the Dodecanese a short distance off the Turkish coast. Ferries from Athens, Rhodes and nearby islands arrive at its harbor, where the medieval Castle of the Knights, known as Neratzia, stands on the waterfront. Most sights in town are within walking distance of the harbor. Roman and Hellenistic ruins sit among the streets, and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates shades a square in the old center. The island is traditionally linked to Hippocrates, the physician often called the father of medicine.

The Asklepieion, a healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius on a hill a few kilometers from town, is the sight many visitors plan a day around. Stay two or three nights in town for the castle, the ancient sites and dinner by the harbor, then move on to a beach or another island. Spring and autumn are milder for walking the ruins than midsummer. Allow one or two days in town and half a day for the Asklepieion.

Kos Town in five

Walk the harbor castle earlyThe castle of the Knights of St John sits at the harbor mouth and is a short walk from most hotels. Opening times and tickets vary by season, so check the culture ministry's site first.
Take the bike path to the AsklepieionThe sanctuary lies a few kilometers west of town on a mostly flat route. Cycle in the morning, bring water and a hat, and expect little shade among the ruins.
Sleep near the Old Town or the harborThat keeps the castle, ruins, restaurants and the ferry quay on foot. Streets near the bar area can be loud until late, so ask for a quiet side.Kos
Check which quay your boat usesPassenger boats to Bodrum and excursion boats to Nisyros leave from different parts of the harbor. Confirm the departure point and check-in time before the morning of your trip.
Fly into Kos airport and take a bus or taxiThe airport is roughly 25 km west of town, with a bus and taxi link. Charter flights land in waves, so book a taxi ahead if you arrive late.Getting around Greece

Things to do in Kos Town

See all attractions in Kos Town

Historic site · Kos TownAncient Agora of Kos

Historic site · Kos TownCasa Romana of KosCarry exact cash in case card payment is unavailable.

Historic site · Kos TownHippocrates Plane TreeCome early in the day or in the late afternoon, when the square is quieter and photographs are easier to take.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to Kos TownPut the places you like in Kos Town on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Kos Hippocrates (KGS), about 25 km west; bus or taxi to town
Getting there: Flights, or ferries from Piraeus, Rhodes and nearby islands
Getting around: Walking, bikes and local buses; taxis for beaches
Best base: Near the Old Town or the harbor
Time needed: 1–2 nights, or a day between boats

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryRain14 rainy daysHigh14°Low10°Quiet, some shut
FebruaryPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh15°Low11°Quiet, cool
MarchClear9 rainy daysHigh16°Low12°Ruins, mild
AprilClear6 rainy daysHigh19°Low14°Easter, mild
MayClear4 rainy daysHigh23°Low18°Warm, ruins
JuneClear2 rainy daysHigh27°Low22°Hot, sea warm
JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Hot, meltemi
AugustClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Hot, peak
SeptemberClear2 rainy daysHigh27°Low22°Warm, calm
OctoberClear4 rainy daysHigh23°Low19°Mild, quieter
NovemberClear10 rainy daysHigh20°Low16°Rain, closing
DecemberRain13 rainy daysHigh16°Low12°Mild, wet

Average daily high and low in Kos Town, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Kos Town

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 18°
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 18 km/h
Chance of rain: 80%

Kos

10:47 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+2

Today20°19°80%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 80%.
Tue20°19°63%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 63%.
Wed21°18°50%Wednesday: Rain. High 21°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 50%.
Thu20°16°0%Thursday: Partly cloudy. High 20°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri17°14°0%Friday: Clear. High 17°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat18°14°0%Saturday: Clear. High 18°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun18°14°0%Sunday: Clear. High 18°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 07:32 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

Converted to

EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Asklepieionabout 15–20 min by bikeTerraced ruins of the healing sanctuary tied to Hippocrates, with views to the sea.
Nisyrosabout 1 hour by excursion boatWalk into a volcanic crater, then lunch in the harbor village.
Tigakiabout 10 km, 20–30 min by bike or 15 min by taxiA long, flat sandy beach and a salt lake with birdlife.Read the guide

Before you go to Kos Town

Nisyros and Bodrum day tripsBoat tickets and guided volcano walksCompare day trips

Hotels in Kos TownOld Town rooms and harbor hotelsCheck availability

eSIM for Kos TownFerry times and bus apps from the quayRead the guide

Insurance for Kos TownCover for missed boats and bike rentalsRead the guide

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Rules for Kos Town, checked

Greece is in the Schengen Area. Check entry requirements on the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs site (mfa.gr) before you fly.Source
Non-EU visitors are registered under the EU Entry/Exit System at the border. Check current guidance on the EU travel-europe site.Source
Ruins at the Kos Agora and the Asklepieion are protected. Do not climb on them, and do not take stones or pottery home.
Cover shoulders and knees when you enter Orthodox churches. Many post a dress rule at the door.
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire from any phone in Greece.

Plan around Kos Town

All of Kos

Beaches, bases and the Nisyros boat day

Read the guide All of Greece

Entry rules, ferries and island planning

Read the guide Dodecanese

Island chain from Kos to Rhodes

Read the guide Rhodes Town

Medieval walled city a ferry ride away

Read the guide EES explained

What border checks look like after Turkey

Read the guide Connectivity and eSIMs

Data for ferries and buses

Read the guide

Kos Town FAQ

What is there to see in Kos Town?

The harbor castle, the ancient agora and the Roman Odeon are all central, and the Asklepieion is a short bike ride away. A day covers the center, and a second adds the sanctuary or a boat trip.

Is Kos Town a good place to stay?

Yes for sights, restaurants and ferries, and a bike makes the beaches easy. It is busier and louder than Tigaki or Kefalos, so choose another base if you want a quiet beach week.

How far is Kos airport from Kos Town?

About 25 km, which means a bus or taxi ride of roughly 25–30 minutes. Taxis wait at arrivals, and many package hotels include a transfer, so check your booking before you pay.

Can you take a boat from Kos Town to Turkey?

Yes, passenger boats run to Bodrum, about 30 minutes each way in season. Carry your passport, check Turkish entry rules for your nationality and expect border checks on return.

Do you need a car in Kos Town?

No. The center is walkable and bikes cover the Asklepieion and the nearest beaches. Rent a car or scooter for a day only if you want the southwest coast.