Kos: Ancient History and Cycling Routes

In the city, ancient history and a 13-kilometre cycling route shape the landscape; across the island, you’ll also find nature, more cycling routes and local products. Before booking, you can consider whether to focus your stay mainly on the city’s history or include the island’s many other attractions as well.

Ancient History in Kos

In antiquity, the Ancient Agora of Kos was the island’s administrative and commercial centre, as well as a hub for trade and social life. It contributed to many of the island’s most important archaeological discoveries. These functions give an idea of the square’s importance to public and economic life. The agora brought together administration, trade and social life in ancient Kos.

The ancient stadium of Kos adds sport and religion to this picture. It hosted Kos’s most important athletic competitions in honour of Zeus and Athena. Together, the agora and stadium point to different aspects of ancient history: administration, trade and social life on the one hand, and competitions and the deities worshipped on the other. If you’re interested in the destination’s past, these two themes offer a clear starting point for planning your trip.

Cycling Route Between the Waterfront and Archaeological Sites

A 13-kilometre cycling route runs along the seafront promenade from Faros Beach in the east to Psalidi Beach in the west. The route therefore follows the coast of Kos town. A branch leads inland via Hippocratous Avenue and Vasileos Pavlou Avenue, connecting important archaeological sites. When planning your ride, you can choose between the coastal route and the branch leading inland to the archaeological sites.

Another natural landmark in Kos is the tree known as the Plane Tree of Hippocrates. It has been a protected natural monument since 1985. The attribution of the tree to Hippocrates is disputed.

Kos Island: Cycling Routes, Nature and Local Products

Beyond the city, Kos offers a variety of cycling routes: completely flat, hilly, mixed, unpaved and steep. This wider choice across the island differs from the specific 13-kilometre cycling route along the city’s seafront promenade, with its branch inland. Mount Dikeos is also a prominent landmark on the island. At 846 metres, it is the highest mountain on Kos; a well-maintained, marked hiking trail starts in Zia.

The Psalidi wetland is a seasonal refuge for migratory birds. Lush vegetation and designated paths for observing wildlife characterise the wetland.

Bus connections can also be a factor when planning trips between the island and the city: local KTEL buses run from every settlement on Kos, with frequent regular services to Kos town. For a specific journey, it’s a good idea to check the timetable.

Island experiences also include visits to apiaries, where you can sample honey and learn about the production process firsthand. One local product is Krasotyri of Kos: this white cheese, protected under the PGI designation, is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and aged for at least one month in grape marc. Culinary interests can therefore complement the historical and scenic attractions you may consider when choosing your stay.

Discover more destinations: Kefalos, Marmari, Nikia, Mandrákion, Antimachia, Tigkaki, Kardámaina, Asfendiou.

For the main travel overview: Kos.