Villa Hygeia

Villa Hygeia is situated 2km from Kos town, the main city on the island of Kos, where the choice of café’s, restaurants, shops and nightlife is much more than you could hope to do justice to in one-week stay here. Public transport, available only 300m from the villa, is a most excellent way to get around the island; however, hiring a car or bicycles would allow much more flexibility.  
 
Kos has many long, stunning, sandy beaches to choose from, the villa is equipped with everything you need for a day at the beach, towels, umbrella, snorkelling gear etc.
 
The island’s tourist 'train' offers guided tours around the island, starting at Kos harbour working its way through the marine area, Kos main square, beaches, viewpoints and ancient sites giving a taster of what is on offer and allowing the less able to get around them easily, another trip heads to Asklepion.
 
Kos’s culture has evolved out of its rich ancient heritage. A place worth visiting is the Kos Castle of the Knights, the Nerantizia Castle dominates the islands main harbour and Kos town as you approach by boat. The perimeter walls and in particular the Nerantizia bridge are a very worthwhile visit despite the fact that the area within the walls has been closed to the public since a devastating earthquake in 2017.
 
Kos is most famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The tree that he once taught under, the Hippocrates Plane Tree (one of the oldest trees in the world) still stands in Kos town and is revered by many visitors each year.
 
The island is sprinkled with archaeological gems dating back over 3000 years, the most significant and well known of which, the Asklepion,  4km from Kos town,  is well worth a visit, it offers iPads for visitors to relay the information about different aspects of the site, fabulous views across to Turkey are to be had if you make it to the top of the stairs.
 
The people of Kos are extremely proud of their winemaking heritage, the island’s rich volcanic soil being perfect for growing grapes. Kos has been producing wine since 500BC. Triantafyllopoulos Winery, 10km from Kos is also worthy of a visit.
 
The port town of Mastichari, 22 km from Kos is an excellent place to sample fresh seafood; local fishermen fill the harbour daily supplying the local tavernas and surrounding villages with their daily catches. The local wine festival held each August is Mastichari’s signature cultural event for those wishing to sample homemade wines Greek delicacies and music. The beach here is ideal for swimming and water sports, windsurfing being a firm favourite.

Read more about Kos

The third largest island in the Dodecanese, Kos has been attracting visitors for years thanks to its glorious beaches, verdant landscapes and fascinating ancient history.

The capital of the island is Kos Town in the north-east, 24km from Kos International Airport. There’s a relaxed ambience as you potter around its tree-lined harbour, cobbled pedestrian lanes and the grand Eleftherias Square with café terraces and restaurants. Look out for boat excursions from trips to the nearby islands of Kalymnos, Plati and Pserimos to dolphin-spotting cruises and more. You could even spend the day in Bodrum, Turkey – ferries take around 30 minutes.

In Kos Town, admire the centuries-old Plane Tree of Hippocrates where legend says the great physician taught his students in the shade, close to the imposing Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights), then explore the ruins of Ancient Agora. Just outside the town, Asclepieion is said to be the birthplace of Hippocrates and one of the island’s most significant and visited ancient sites. Be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos in Kos Town.  

Kos has become a mecca for sunworshippers, watersport enthusiasts and beach lovers, yet there is so much more to discover across its verdant and rugged landscapes. There are kilometers of cycling lanes along the coast as well as off-road mountain biking trails – Kos is now certified as a ‘Bike Friendly Destination’. Keen walkers will adore the many hiking routes around Plaka Forest, Palio Pyli and Mount Dikaios.

Back to the coastline, only 11km from Kos Town is the fashionable seaside resort of Tigaki with its idyllic sandy coastline, gently-shelving water, charming tavernas and a vibrant atmosphere as evening nears. Try paddle-boarding in the clear sea or venture a little further towards the Alikes wetlands, a Natura 2000 location, perfect for nature lovers with a diverse range of flora and fauna as well as migratory birds including pink flamingoes, pelicans and herons.  

The stunning sandy beaches and azure-coloured sea of Marmari should also be experienced. It’s a popular spot for horse-riding, kite-surfing and windsurfing. For a change of scene, head along the coast to the bustling resort of Mastichari for fresh seafood, beachside bars, boat trips and more great beaches with sun beds, parasols and watersports.

On the southern coast is Kardamena, once an important religious site and former fishing village, now a much-loved resort close to the airport with a variety of sandy beaches, water-based activities, a lovely market and plenty of shops and restaurants.

Meanwhile, Kefalos Bay offers a wealth of authentic experiences with its traditional hilltop village, coastal resort and arguably some of the island’s finest beaches scattered across the south-western corner of Kos.