Asklepion
Visit the terraced sanctuary associated with Hippocrates and ancient healing, set above Kos Town.
Dodecanese · Greece
Kos Ferry &
Kos Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Kos Town, ancient sites and long sandy beaches, then sail across the Dodecanese or overnight to Piraeus.
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Discover Kos
Ancient history, beach resorts and one of the Dodecanese’s busiest island-ferry hubs
Kos combines an easy-going island-resort atmosphere with unusually visible layers of ancient, medieval and modern history. Kos Town is the main ferry gateway and also one of the island’s strongest sightseeing bases.
The harbour is overlooked by Neratzia Castle, while the archaeological zone, Ancient Agora and Roman remains sit within walking distance. The Plane Tree of Hippocrates and nearby buildings reflect the island’s long association with medicine and classical history.
Outside town, the Asklepion is the island’s most important ancient site. Mountain villages such as Zia add sunset views and traditional tavernas, while beaches stretch around much of the coast.
Kos is also notably bicycle-friendly for a Greek island, with flat routes around the capital and north-east coast making short journeys simple without a car.
Blue Star Ferries provides long-distance connections linking Kos with Piraeus and other Dodecanese islands, while regional services connect Kos with Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Leros, Patmos and other island ports depending on season and timetable.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Kos
Kos offers a strong mix of archaeology, waterfront sightseeing, beaches and easy day trips across the Dodecanese.
Neratzia Castle
Walk the medieval Knights of St John fortress beside the harbour entrance.
Ancient Agora
Explore extensive archaeological remains woven into the modern centre of Kos Town.
Zia village
Head into the hills for traditional streets, tavernas and famous sunset views across the island.
Therma Beach
Combine a coastal drive with warm mineral springs entering the sea below dramatic cliffs.
Kos beaches
Choose from long sandy stretches around Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena and the island’s south-west coast.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Kos
Browse Kos island tours, boat trips, archaeology visits and Dodecanese experiences for your stay.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Kos Ferry Terminal
The passenger harbour is directly beside Kos Town, making foot-passenger arrivals straightforward. Vehicle boarding, quay allocation and exact check-in points can vary by operator and sailing, so use the booking confirmation and port signage on the day of travel.
Current 2026 Blue Star schedules include Kos on services linking Piraeus with Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Rhodes and other Dodecanese calls. Regional high-speed and conventional ferries also connect Kos with nearby islands including Nisyros and Rhodes.
Kos Town is the island’s principal passenger-ferry port and handles both long-distance and regional services. Blue Star Ferries links Kos with Piraeus and ports across the Dodecanese, while regional operators add frequent island-hopping connections.
Passenger port Kos Town harbour, beside the historic centre
Directions to the port Open Kos Ferry Port in Google Maps
Main routes Piraeus, Rhodes and multiple Dodecanese island connections
Foot passengers Well suited to foot-passenger island hopping, with the port immediately beside Kos Town
Vehicle travel Cars and motorcycles are carried on eligible conventional ferries when booked correctly
Seasonal variation Island frequencies and intermediate calls change, so check the dated sailing before travel
Plan your stay
Getting around Kos
Kos Town is flat and easy to walk or cycle, while buses, rental vehicles and taxis connect beaches, villages and archaeological sites around the island.
Walk or cycle Kos Town
The harbour, old town, archaeological sites and beaches near the centre are straightforward to combine without a car.
Use island buses
Public buses connect Kos Town with major resorts, beaches, villages and the airport; summer services are generally the most frequent.
Rent a vehicle for flexibility
A car, scooter or bicycle makes it easier to combine the Asklepion, mountain villages and beaches at your own pace.
Stay in Kos
Find Kos Accommodation
Stay in Kos Town or choose a beach resort
Kos Town is best for ferry convenience and sightseeing; Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena and other resorts suit travellers prioritising beaches and a quieter holiday base.
Common planning questions
Kos ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Kos Ferry Terminal?
The main passenger ferry port is at Kos Town, immediately beside the historic centre and harbourfront.
Where can I sail from Kos?
Current services connect Kos with Piraeus, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros and several other Dodecanese islands, with frequencies varying by season.
Can I sail directly from Piraeus to Kos?
Yes. Blue Star Ferries includes Kos on its long-distance Dodecanese services from Piraeus.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from Kos?
Yes. Kos is very convenient for foot-passenger island hopping because the main harbour is beside the town centre.
Can I take a car on ferries from Kos?
Yes on suitable conventional ferries. Vehicle capacity and accepted vehicle types depend on the operator and sailing.
What are the best things to do in Kos?
The Asklepion, Neratzia Castle, Ancient Agora, Zia, thermal springs and the island’s beaches are leading attractions.
Is Kos good for island hopping?
Yes. Its central Dodecanese position and mix of regional and long-distance services make it one of the group’s most useful ferry bases.
How long should I spend in Kos?
Three to five days gives time for Kos Town, archaeological sites, beaches and a relaxed island excursion; longer stays work well for a full beach holiday.
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