Kos Honeymoon, Greece

With its high-energy beach resorts, vibrant nightlife, picturesque mountain villages, secluded sandy coves and ancient archaeological sites, it’s not surprising that Kos is the second-most visited island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes – the perfect spot for couples celebrating a honeymoon or romantic getaway holiday .

Things to do and see
Stroll or cycle the verdant tree- and palm-fringed streets of Kos town, which was founded in 366 BC and is today crammed with a picturesque mix of ancient, medieval and modern architecture.

On Platia tou Platanou, discover the massive Plane Tree of Hippocrates (12m in circumference), beneath which Hippocrates, the philosopher and father of western medicine, is said to have taught his students.

See the ancient Ottoman fountain, the 18th century Hassan Pasha mosque and wander across a medieval drawbridge to explore the hollow remains of the 15th century Castle of the Knights of St John, which sits overlooking Kos Harbour.

Visit the ruins of a Hellenistic temple, the Altar of Dionysos, and the remains of the Roman Odeon, a theatre with 18 levels of marble seats. Nearby sits the stunning Casa Romana, a beautiful 2nd century Roman mansion of which the remains are covered in colourful frescoes and elaborate decoration of animals and sea creatures.

The Kos Archaeological Museum offers an interesting collection of statues and mosaics from ancient Greece and the Roman era. Four kilometres south of town are the ruins of Asklepion, the western world’s first medical school. After dark, Kos town comes alive with countless cafes, taverns, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

To experience the best of Kos’ authentic natural beauty, hire a car, motorbike or bicycle and explore the length of the island at your leisure. Follow the main road south from Kos town through a diverse landscape of forests, fertile plains, mountains and villages to Kefalos on the southwest coast.

Along the way, take time to go horseback riding on the slopes of Mount Dikeos (900m) and discover old chapels on Mount Dikaios, the Venetian castle at Antimachia village, more castle ruins at old Pyli and the prehistoric Cave of Aspri Petra (White Stone Cave) near Kefalos.

Kos boasts a wide choice of white and volcanic black-sand beaches and a range of beachfront hotel accommodation to suit all budgets.

Best time to visit Kos?
For sunny blue skies and warm seawater, the best time to honeymoon in Kos is between May and September when the average temperature is 27°C; however the summer crowds of July and August are probably best avoided. Kos has a warm Mediterranean climate year round. The dry hot days of summer are mainly relieved by sea breezes. The rainy season runs from November to March.

Location – Kos is one of 12 (dodeca) islands lying east of Peloponnese, and is closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece. As well as Kos, the Dodecanese Islands comprise Simi, Rhodes and Patmos, plus a number of smaller islands.

Getting there –  By air, Kos is just 20 minutes from Rhodes, one and a half hours from Mykonos and 55 minutes from Athens. How to get to Kos . . .