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Looking for things to do in Kos Town? The Bumper Crew has it covered! Situated on the Greek island of Kos, this charming town offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or someone seeking vibrant nightlife, Kos Town has something for everyone. We’ve also put together a post on the best things to do in Kos, along with a Kos itinerary for those staying on the island for a few days and looking to make the most of their time.
Kos Town is, unsurprisingly, the capital of Kos Island and is a destination that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern charm. Its rich historical heritage, stunning beaches, and vibrant atmosphere attract visitors from around the world. Let’s delve into the top things to do in Kos Town.
There are one or two things just a short distance outside Kos Town that require transport to reach; hence, they aren’t on this list of things to do in Kos Town, but they might be of interest to you. They are:
- Therma Beach – a small pool full of hot water from a hot spring. It’s unique on the island and certainly worth a visit if you can get there. It’s a short drive east of Kos Town. You’ll find it on our list of things to do in Kos.
- Asklipieio Kos is another archaeological site, but unlike the ones below, you must pay for entry.
Back to Kos Town – read on to discover the best things to do in Kos Town!
1 | Visit Old Town
Old Town was our favourite part of Kos Town. It’s not very big – only a few streets, but the streets are cute. They are narrow, as you’d expect from a traditional Greek town, and these days are full of souvenir and boutique shops, plus a few restaurants. Head to the very top of Old Town, where you’ll find the cutest restaurants, and you won’t be far away from a few of the archaeological sites.
2 | Explore the Port
The port of Kos Town is the beating heart of the capital. It’s vibrant, well cared for, with shops, eateries, and bike hire, and it’s the departure point for boat trips, including the 3-island boat trip. You’ll also find small fishing boats among the larger tourist boats, some of which can be hired for fishing trips. You might even catch a glimpse of a small Greek warship.
If you’re a fan of ancient Greek history and architecture, you’ll want to visit the archaeological sites in Kos Town, which are numerous. All of them are free to enter, which is a bonus.
3 | Ancient Agora
First up is the Ancient Agora, dating back to the 5th century BC, which was the central meeting place for the people of Kos. It was the place of political assemblies, social gatherings, and commercial activities in the town. These days, you can explore the ruins of the agora, take a stroll, soak up the history, and enjoy this bit of landscape in the town centre.
4 | Visit Neratzia Castle
Neratzia Castle dates back to the 14th century and has a rich history, having been constructed by the Knights Hospitaller and occupied by various rulers over the centuries. But now it’s a popular tourist attraction that offers great views of Kos Town, the port, and the promenade.
5 | Roman Odeon of Kos
The Roman Odeon of Kos is an ancient amphitheatre that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It was initially used for musical performances and other cultural events and could seat up to 750 spectators. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history. The site has been partially restored, and you can explore the remains of the theatre and chambers underneath.
6 | Western Archaeological Zone
The Western Archaeological Zone, as shown on Google Maps, comprises three sites, though they appear to merge into one. They are the Hellenistic Gymnasium, the Ancient Gymnasium, and the Ancient Hippodrome, and are located on the opposite side of the main road from the Roman Odeon of Kos.
7 | Casa Romana
Casa Romana is one of the more well-known archaeological sites in Kos Town. It sits between two car parks and would be easy to miss if you were walking along the main road. Casa Romana is famous for its well-preserved ruins of a Roman villa dating back to the 3rd century AD. The villa was discovered by accident in the early 20th century and has since been restored to its former glory.
8 | Archaeological Museum
If you haven’t had enough of archaeology in Kos Town, you can visit the Archaeological Museum. The museum is located right in the heart of Kos Town in Eleftherias Central Square and boasts an impressive collection of artefacts collected from the archaeological sites around Kos Town.
The museum features exhibits ranging from the Mycenaean and Classical periods to the Hellenistic and Roman eras, and you can view pottery, sculptures, jewellery, and other items found during excavations. There’s an entry fee of a few Euros, which is reduced if you’re visiting in winter.
9 | See the Plane Tree of Hippocrates
Undoubtedly, the Plane Tree of Hippocrates is one of Kos Town’s and the island’s most famous landmarks. Legend has it that it was planted by the father of modern medicine himself more than 2,000 years ago. Unfortunately, that legend isn’t true: the tree there today is roughly 500 years old, though it’s likely a descendant of the original. It’s also hollowed out and supported by a metal framework, which looks a bit odd. Sadly, the square it lives in could do with some TLC. You can’t miss the tree – you must pass it to enter Neratzia Castle.
10 | Walk the Promenade
If you’re done with walking around the town, head down to the promenade for a little stroll. Down there, you’ll find one of Kos Town’s most iconic buildings – the whitewashed government building built in the 1930s. It’s a great-looking building and best viewed from the jetty opposite.
If you continue down the promenade, you’ll find another entrance to the Ancient Agora, a few other restaurants and the beach.
11 | Visit the Church of Agia Paraskevi
The last of our things to do is to visit the Church of Agia Paraskevi. It’s the largest in Kos Town and is sometimes referred to as the Kos Town Cathedral, though it lacks the grandeur of a cathedral you might find elsewhere.
Things to do in Kos Town Map
Here’s a map of activities in Kos Town to help plan your visit and route. A lot of the places are close by, making it easy to navigate your way around the town to see all of the things you want.
Don’t forget to check out the posts below to dig a bit deeper into other things to do in Kos, plus a Kos itinerary of how to spend a week on the island.
Read: Things to Do in Kos
Read: Kos Itinerary
How long do I need in Kos Town
Five hours is plenty of time in Kos Town to explore all the activities. It isn’t very big, and most of the interesting things are close to one another.
Is Kos Town worth visiting?
Yes, Kos Town is worth visiting. If you’re on the island, you should take the time to visit the capital and explore the island’s highlights, from archaeological sites to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates.
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