Kos, Greece walking route: Kos Town to Kastri Island
Explore Kos, Greece on this 55.4 km route featuring six key attractions: start at Kos Town for its harbor and historic ruins, visit the impressive Nerantzia Castle, then head to Tigaki Beach for relaxation. The route also includes the ancient Plane Tree of Hippocrates, the charming Zia Village in the mountains, and views of Kastri Island with its iconic white and blue church.
- Distance
- 55.4 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Kos Travel Guide
- End
- Kastri Island
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Kos Travel Guide — Mediterranean island renowned for ancient history, Hippocratic medicine heritage, and pristine beaches attracting history and culture enthusiasts.
- See Nerantzia Castle — Fifteenth-century fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller offering panoramic views and insights into the island's medieval defensive architecture.
- Visit Zia Village — Traditional hillside settlement famous for sunset vistas, local tavernas, and authentic Greek mountain village atmosphere.
- Relax at Tigaki Beach — Long sandy shoreline with shallow turquoise waters ideal for swimming, water sports, and family beach recreation.
- Plane Tree of Hippocrates — One of the island's famous historic stops, an ancient landmark associated with Hippocrates.
- Kastri Island — A small island with a little white and blue church on it, visible from Agios Stefanos beach.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Paradise Beach earlier in the day to avoid crowds, as it can get busy in summer.
- Tip
- Explore Kos Town by wandering slowly through streets without a big plan, stopping for food and enjoying the atmosphere rather than rushing through sightseeing.
- Tip
- Combine a visit to the Castle of the Knights with Kos Town exploration since it's located right by the harbor and easy to visit between cafes and shops.
- Tip
- At Agios Stefanos Beach, you can swim and then walk a few steps to see ancient ruins by the sea, with views of Kastri Island's white and blue church.
- Timing
- Visit Zia Village later in the day to watch the sunset while eating dinner, though be aware it gets busy around that time.
- Food
- In Zia Village, find local products like honey, herbs, and handmade items at small shops, plus traditional tavernas.
- Transport
- Take a boat trip from the harbor to nearby islands like Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, with options ranging from popular pirate ships to smaller group or private boat options.
- Tip
- At Tigaki Beach, you can either use nearby beach bars and sunbeds for comfort, or walk farther along the beach to find quieter, more relaxed spots.
- Tip
- The Asclepeion is an ancient healing center connected to Hippocrates; it's built on different levels with open, peaceful atmosphere rather than feeling like a crowded museum.
- Tip
- At Paradise Beach, look for a cool spot near the shore where you can see bubbles coming from the seafloor.
Video on this route
10 Best Things To Do In KOS Greece