What interesting things can be seen on Kos? Peacock forest on the spit Peacock park on the spit

Kos is a small but very picturesque Greek island with an area of ​​290 sq. km. The island is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. More than 30 thousand people live on the island, and the same number of tourists annually come to Kos to enjoy the beauties of this luxurious island, improve their health, watch flamingos, climb mountains or just lie on the beach. Kos has been inhabited since ancient times, since the 11th century BC, so that the island still has monuments and buildings of those times that are of interest to tourists. So that's what you can see in Kos.

Temple of Asklepion

This wonderful temple was built after the death of the great Hippocrates in 357 BC. In the lower part of the cathedral you can see the ruins of the porticos and walls, in the center of the cathedral - an altar dedicated to Apollo, on the upper terrace - the Temple of Asclepius. In general, the temple has been preserved quite well, and visitors can even view ancient statues. It is interesting that the temple was previously also considered a hospital - doctors and priests practiced the methods of treatment of Hippocrates, and patients came to this temple from the farthest corners of the country. As we all remember, the symbol of medicine - the snake (the one in the glass) - is, in general, the symbol of the cult of Asclepius, whose representatives were engaged in healing in the temple. And they chose this sign because they often used snake venom for treatment (although this is also a semi-legend, and someone gives other options for deciphering this symbol). However, the temple is very interesting! If you came to Kos in the summer, then I advise you to go to study the temple in the evening, because during the day it is very hot here, and there is almost nowhere to hide. The temple is located 25 km northeast of Kos airport.

Hippocrates plane tree

This is perhaps the most famous tree on the island, because it was planted by Hippocrates himself. Rumor has it that the sage conducted lessons for his students under this tree, and even sometimes received his patients. This tree grows near the Ioannite Fortress and impresses with its size: the circumference of the trunk is 14 meters! This 2,000-year-old colossus is the cause of constant controversy. Someone assures that Hippocrates did not plant it at all, and the tree is no more than seven hundred years old. But scientists assure that, one way or another, this is the oldest tree in the world. The tree is carefully cared for and the branches of the tree support special structures. The tree can be found in the town of Kos, near the Alexandra Hotel and the Mosque of Kos.

Thermal Beach

This beach is located near the capital of the island (about 8 km to the south) and is famous for its hot waters. A rather unusual location - useful baths can be taken a couple of centimeters from the splashing cool sea. Here, thank God, it is not very crowded, so it is quite possible to relax and not think about anything. Wonderful place!

Plaka Peacock Forest

An amazing park in which a huge number of these majestic peacocks live. This is one of the main attractions of Kos. There are no cages in this pine forest - birds proudly cut through just paths and lawns, and guests of the park can enter its territory, feed from their hands and take pictures with them. Kids and adults alike will love this place!
Such beauty! Well, besides the beautiful birds, there are also wild cats (which peacefully coexist with peacocks) and freshwater turtles. The pearl of the forest is a beautiful lake with picturesque shores. To get into this forest from the airport you need to go about 3 km to the southwest.

Fortress of the knights loannite

This is a medieval fortress of local residents - the Knights of St. John, which was built around the 14th century in the capital of Kos. The fortress was built for defensive purposes, and for some time it was used as a prison. On the gates of the castle you can see the coat of arms of John Pierre de Aubusson, master of the order of these knights. Inside the castle there are two chapel towers, one of which was inhabited by knights. This beautiful stone building looks like it came out of a book with fairy tales about princesses and knights! The castle is very well preserved, there is a museum inside. It's better to come early, as tickets can be sold to you, but if you linger in the castle, the fortress can simply be closed, along with the people inside (this has happened several times already). The fortress is located in the center of Kos, you can focus on the Oscar Hotel & Apartments.

Roman amphitheater Odeon (Roman Odeon)

This theater was built around the 3rd century AD. What has survived to this day are several columns and semicircular arches. It can be said that this amphitheater was given to the Greeks by the Romans, as well as in the theater, the methods of building and planning the theater were innovative for those times, for example, segmenting seats for the aristocracy and devices for refraction of light. By the way, next to the theater you can see another building of the same times, namely, baths and wash basins, also a unique exhibit. We are looking for a theater and baths in the east of Kos, on Megalou Alexandrou.

Roman house (Casa Romana)

Or even, the Ancient Roman house, its construction was made in the second century BC. The style of the house is very similar to the usual houses in ancient Pompeii, and it was most likely built for a local wealthy family. The structure with three courtyards with fountains and pools is surrounded by a series of columns. The house itself has about a dozen rooms. The interior decoration is amazing, especially the mosaic paintings on the floor and walls that have survived to this day. The Roman House is located in the town of Kos, next to the Hotel Poseidon.

Mosque of Haji Hassan (Haji Hassan Mosque)

This building, unusual for the area, appeared in the very center of the city of Kos thanks to the ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Hadji Hassan. The mosque was built in 1765 on the ruins of an ancient building (most likely, on the remains of the church of St. George). The two-storey mosque is still operating, and is a place of worship for local Muslims. Also, the mosque can be called a vivid example of the architecture of the Ottoman period. The mosque is especially beautiful in the evenings, when it is illuminated with lights and it looks extremely romantic.

Kos Island, known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, is a very small island (only 48 km long) located 2 km from Turkish Bodrum. The capital is the city of Kos. There are not so many panoramic views and beautiful bays here, as on, and high mountains and gorges, as on. Many people come here to windsurf. But I think that an ordinary average tourist who decides to visit the island of Kos attractions will find something to see and not get bored.

So, briefly about the sights that we saw ...

Kos Island attractions, What to see

1. City of Kos.

Actually the capital, the main city. Located in the northeastern part of the island. The old city, which is also the center, is located in a cozy bay. All sights of the city are within walking distance.

Many people prefer bicycles - it is very convenient to move around on them here. The roads in the city are narrow, there is a lot of transport, so if you want to visit the sights of the island of Kos by car, you are provided with traffic jams. But there are bike paths even on the narrowest streets.

In addition to walking along the embankment, you can visit the castle of Ionites and the fortress located near the port, as well as see the famous plane tree of Hippocrates. Here is the main market, many shops and taverns.

2. Asklepion

The most famous attraction on the island is Asklepion. Tourists are driven there in droves.

One of the tiers of Asklepion

I advise you to visit those who love ancient ruins, because apart from them and a beautiful panorama there is nothing here, and paying 4 € for a good view from the hill is a bit much.

ancient ruins

3. Baths

Another place where all the guests of the island are in a hurry to visit and repeatedly return here is this. They are located in the southeastern part of the island. These are natural. The Greeks practically made a pool, fencing off a piece of the sea with boulders.

Thermae

The water is hot in the pool, the sea is cool behind the stones. The springs are considered useful, and it is very pleasant to be here even in the cold season. Super place!

4. Paleo Pili

Ghost town. These are the ruins of an ancient city and a fortress from Byzantine times.

paleo pili

The abandoned city is located at the top of the mountain, but it is worth climbing up there. The church remained intact, some walls of the fortress, goats jump over the ruins, and enterprising Greeks opened a tavern nearby. Free admission. The advantage is that you will not see crowds of tourists with guides here. Silence and tranquility. The panorama from the walls of the fortress is dizzying.

View from the fortress

Most of the northern coast of the island of Kos is visible, sights. In our opinion, this is one of the best places on the island, be sure to visit it. Both children and adults will be delighted.

5. Peacock forest Plaka.

A very interesting place. You can get there by car, there is a sign on the road. This is a small coniferous forest where peacocks and wild cats live.

peacock forest

Peacocks live completely free, without cages and fences, as we are used to seeing in the zoo. They are not at all afraid of people, and if they see a treat in your hands, then all the birds will crowd around you. I could not even think that peacocks could fly high. But they easily took off on the branches of trees 2-3 meters above the ground.

peacock forest

peacock

6. Western part of the island of Kos

The western part of the island of Kos is not so rich in sights, but you can find interesting places. From here you can see almost the entire island, and its narrowest point: the northern and southern shores of the island at once.

The narrowest point of the island

In Kefalos, the ruins of the castle tower remained. From there you have a wonderful panorama of the south coast.

Castries Island

Volcano Nisyros is considered a dormant volcano. It is located in the Aegean Sea, in Greece. It used to be an active volcano. It last erupted about 700 years ago and last breathed more than 12 years ago. In the central part of the island of Niceros there is a caldera, the length of which reaches 2.5 kilometers and the width is almost 1 kilometer.

It arose during a volcanic eruption. This was not the only eruption. In fact, the island is the southeastern tip of the underwater caldera of Kos, which is located on the opposite side - the western edge of the island of Kos.

Today it is a well-irrigated green island that has fertile soil.

Hippocratic plane tree

The plane tree of Hippocrates is a famous tree in the city of Kos, planted, as you know, by the great Hippocrates. According to legend, under the plane tree, the doctor wrote out prescriptions and lectured to his students.

The tree is located at the entrance to the Ioannite Fortress, which is also a famous landmark in Kos. The plane tree has an impressive scale - its circumference is 14 meters, and its age has already crossed the line of two thousand years. There is also a skeptical opinion - some believe that the tree has nothing to do with the great healer, that it is no more than 700 years old, however, according to many sources, this plane tree is indeed the oldest tree in the world.

It is amazing that the Hippocratic tree managed to survive for so many centuries. At present, the Greeks are doing their best to extend the life of the ancient doctor's plane tree. To prevent the branches from touching the ground, there are now supporting structures made of metal under them, preventing them from falling.

What sights of Kos did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

ancient agora

Ancient Agora is a picturesque historical site, the ruins of which date back to the Hellenistic and Byzantine eras. The word "agora" is translated from Greek as "bazaar". In ancient times, the Agora was not only a marketplace, but also a religious, cultural and political center.

In the Agora you can find the ancient temple of Hercules III, the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, mosaic floors with images of Hercules and Orpheus. Near them there is also an ancient Christian basilica.

Buildings and temples were built on this square: baths, ancient theaters, a gymnasium, a Roman villa with frescoes and mosaics and other buildings that are an integral heritage of the island of Kos. Traveling through the Agora will leave unforgettable impressions and a lot of positive emotions from the antiquities seen.

The abandoned Byzantine city of Palio Pili is called a ghost town. It was built on the top of an impregnable mountain during the Trojan War. From the abandoned city today, only the ruins of the fortress walls remain, which can be seen from the foot of the cliff.

But even the ruins look majestic in combination with the mountain landscape. The legend says that Jesus often appeared to people in these places, and therefore the Church of the Appearance of Christ still operates here. It was built near Palio Pili by Blessed Christodoulos in the 11th century. The locals are proud of this beautiful temple, as well as the healing magical spring next to it, many pilgrims visit the sacred area.

In the village of Pili, next to the rock, a tilos has been preserved - an ancient burial of 12 underground crypts is believed to be the resting place of the mythical hero - King Harmil. The church of Stavros was built over the crypts.

Temple of Asklepion

The Greek Asklepion is a temple with a school and a clinic, which was built after the death of Hippocrates in 357 BC.

On the lower terrace of the temple are the remains of the porticos surrounding it on three sides and a powerful wall that supports the middle terrace. On the middle terrace there is an altar and several other temples dedicated to Apollo, on the upper one - the temple of Asclepius, to which a monumental staircase leads. Not only walls, but also columns and even statues have survived to this day.

In the temple of Asclepius, doctors and priests of the cult of Asclepius practiced the methods of treatment of Hippocrates, because patients from all over came here. The symbol of the cult of Asclepius was a snake, which was sometimes used to search for certain types of medicinal plants. Interestingly, the snake is still a symbol of medicine.

Peacock Forest Plaka

The Peacock Forest of Plaka is an amazing natural area and one of the main attractions of the Greek island of Kos. The forest is famous for the fact that many peacocks live freely in it, and numerous tourists come to admire them.

The pine forest of Plaka can be called the real kingdom of peacocks - there are a lot of them here! There are no cages or aviaries here, as in a zoo, peacocks live in the wild, but at the same time the birds are completely tame - you can easily feed them from your hand or even pick them up and take pictures with them. There is no limit to the delight of the children, and these beautiful birds make a strong impression on adults.

In addition to peacocks, there is a huge population of wild cats and small freshwater turtles. In the middle of the forest there is a picturesque lake, which is also recommended to visit - these places are very beautiful.

In general, the Plaka Peacock Forest should appeal to everyone - both older and younger. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Kos.

Volcanic island of Nisyros

Nisyros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, which is a huge stratovolcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. Cruises to the island are extremely popular among wildlife lovers.

The volcanic island of Nisyros has a relatively modest size - its area is just over forty square kilometers, and the permanent population does not even reach the mark of 1000 people. Nevertheless, the volcano, which gave the island its name, provides this place with a constant influx of tourists. Nisyros is a very picturesque place. The terrain here is mountainous, very spectacular, the coast of the island is covered with multi-colored volcanic sand, and five volcano craters often throw jets of hot gas and steam into the sky.

Thrill-seekers can descend directly into a thirty-meter funnel of one of the craters, where among the sulfur crystals there are voids leading directly to the mouth of a fire-breathing mountain. The spectacle is unforgettable, and the impressions after visiting Nisyros will last for a long time. Of course, excursions to the island are very extreme, and are unlikely to suit lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. But seekers of strong impressions will certainly be delighted with the contemplation of the volcanic beauties of the island of Nisyros.

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Kos? .

Limnionas bay

Limnionas bay is very picturesque. This is not surprising, because the Greek islands with their bays and beaches simply fascinate and do not leave anyone indifferent - everyone strives to take pictures of beautiful landscapes and sunbathe on the warm sand of a clean beach.

Limnionas bay combines Greek white and red fishing boats, as well as turquoise water and rocks. A boulder pier has been built in the bay to protect the boathouse from the storms that often occur on the north side of the island.

There are many benches on the shore of the bay where you can relax and enjoy beautiful views of the rocks and the sea. In the tavern, located in the bay, you can always order fresh fish and other Greek dishes, taste wine and watch the sunset when the sun sets right into the sea.

The most popular attractions on Kos with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Kos on our website.

If you are going to go to Greece with your children, then no travel agency will offer you a better place to stay than the island of Kos. This small picturesque island with a population of just over 20,000 inhabitants will meet you with provincial tranquility, pristine beaches and many small villages, where life flows smoothly and measuredly, unlike most European resorts.

Almost all local hotels have their own entertainment programs for children and specialized services, which include a children's menu, fresh water pools, including paddling pools, water slides and attractions, animation, children's discos, babysitting services and even a water park, Kos in this respect is not inferior to the best resorts in Europe and the world. Among the most popular hotels where tourists with children like to stay are the following:
- Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso 5* (two children's clubs on the territory - from 3 to 12 years old and from 14 to 17 years old, playgrounds, Russian-speaking animators);
- GAIA VILLAGE, O. KOS 3* (pools, discos and club for children);
- MITSIS SUMMER PALACE 5* (own water park on the territory).

But if your child is not satisfied with hotel entertainment, there is still a lot of interesting and exciting things to do on this hospitable island.

Aquapark on the island of Kos.

So, the main pleasure for the kids on the island is the water park. The local water amusement park called Lido is located in the town of Mastichari and covers an area of ​​more than 7.5 square kilometers. It was built over a year, from 2004 to 2005, and it is the largest in Greece. The water park on the island of Kos is designed for visitors aged 5 to 55 years, there are 11 water slides with a total length of almost 1.5 kilometers, many water attractions, including a lazy river, a pool with artificial waves and many others. Park staff vigilantly monitors compliance with the rules for using attractions and ensures the safety of visitors.

You can get here directly from the airport (only 5 kilometers), or by taxi (30 euros from the island's capital). Many hotels take their guests to and from Lido Waterpark by bus as part of the tour, and a local bus also runs here, a ticket for which costs about 3 euros.

Entrance to the water park costs 40 euros for adults, 20 euros for children under 12 years old, and kids under 3 years old are free. There are many cafes and restaurants on the territory of the water park, where you can quench your thirst (water 1 euro per bottle and alcohol - from 2.5 euros) and hunger. By the way, do not try to bring food or water with you, vigilant security will take it all away right at the entrance to the water park, Kos tries to keep up with other resorts in terms of security.

Sea travel.

Many mini-cruises on local yachts and other boats will be offered to you both in hotels and directly in the port of the island. Choose a yacht called "Katerina" and you will not regret it! For only 30 euros per adult and 15 euros per child, in one day you will visit three surrounding islands at once, one of which houses a sponge factory, enjoy wonderful Greek cuisine, dive in the Blue Bay, and you will also be able to participate in a costume show directly on board. Children will be delighted with the dolphins, meeting with which is one of the goals of this voyage.

Peacock Park.

This is not even a park, but a forest where peacocks live and breed chicks, while not being at all afraid of regular guests, that is, us people. If you have patience, then these amazing creatures will make contact with you and will eat out of your hands, and maybe even let your kids stroke them. Pines, peacocks that eat everything, even sandwiches, and no fences or prohibition signs. This nice place called Plaka Pine Park is located in the middle of the road from Kos to Kardmena and your children will surely like it, especially since geese, turtles, dogs and cats live there. Admission is free, but in one of the clearings there is a box for collecting funds in favor of animals. By the way, it is better to come here early in the morning, while the peacocks are hungry and therefore more sociable, or in the evening, when there are not so many people.

Having ridden on bicycles in the previous post, we decided to ride in great comfort and therefore took a scooter :) This time our path lay on the western part of the island: to the village of Kardamena and the peacock park. There were no interesting shots in Kardamena, so I will show only peacocks.

1. The park is a large open area in a coniferous forest, where peacocks and peahens roam freely. The beginning of the park is not marked in any way, and if it were not for the standing cars, we would not understand what is already in place:

2. Peacocks are everywhere: on benches, on the ground and even on trees:

3. Birds have long been accustomed to people and calmly pose for the camera:

4. At times, among the forest silence, peacock cries are heard - it's hard to put into words, but I really liked this atmosphere:

5. True, they don’t let you pull the feather out of the tail - they run away :) By the way, I didn’t know before that male peacocks have a long beautiful tail, females are unpresentable in appearance.

6. In addition to peacocks, the park has an unrealistic number of cats that live peacefully next to the birds. In the photo, the collective grunting of cat food:

7. At times, peacocks spread their tails, an incredible sight:

9. Unfortunately, we still had to say goodbye to these majestic birds. See you soon:

Bonus (the operator of me is even worse).