This Gorgeous Greek Island Has Ancient Ruins, Beautiful Sandy Beaches, and a Charming Old Town

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to the Greek island of Kos.

There are some 227 inhabited Greek islands to explore, stretching across the Mediterranean Sea for more than 4,600 miles. That means there are a lot of destinations to consider, but if you need a little help narrowing your search of Greek islands to visit right now, we suggest taking a closer look at Kos. 

Kos, located at the very edge of the Dodecanese Islands, is well known for its sprawling sandy beaches and historical sites, and it has plenty of white-washed buildings with bright blue trim to delight every tourist in Greece. It’s an island that should be high on the must-see list of those traveling with family or friends and for solo travelers looking to dive deep into Greece’s past. Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to Kos, Greece.

What to Know Before You Go to Kos

Kos has long been a favored destination for travelers looking for a Greek island getaway. That's largely thanks to its position as one of the southernmost Greek islands, affording it warmer temperatures throughout most of the year. It's filled with historic sites and was the birthplace of Hippocrates, making it a popular destination for medical conventions.

The Best Time to Visit Kos

Like most Greek islands, Kos is at its best in summer. That’s when temperatures reach their peak, the azure waters are warm, and the beach parties go all night long. In Kos, visitors can expect average temperatures of 83 degrees from mid-June to mid-September, according to WeatherSpark. However, the island is still a delight in the shoulder seasons too. In April and May, temperatures typically reach the low 70s, while late September through October stays in the low 80s to mid-70s. Even in the winter, average temperatures hover in the low 60s, so no matter when travelers decide to visit, it’s always a comfortable stay.

Things to Do on Kos

Visit the Asklepieion.

The ruins of the Asklepieion date back thousands of years to the fourth century B.C.E. According to the Kos tourism website, it is considered to be the "most significant archeological monument" on the island. The site where Hippocrates founded his school and taught medicine is open to the public every day except Tuesdays, and entry ranges from 4 to 8 euros, depending on the season.

See the Tree of Hippocrates.

Want to stand in Hippocrates' shadow (again)? Head to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates located at the Castle of Neratzia. According to Discovering Kos, Hippocrates regularly taught classes in this spot under the shade of a massive tree. The tree that stands here today is allegedly 500 years old, making it one of the oldest in Europe.

Test the thermal springs at Agios Fokas Beach.

If the hot sun isn't enough for you, you can always go for a soak in the thermal springs at Agios Fokas Beach. The springs' temperatures typically hover between 107 to 122 degrees, according to Greeka, but don't worry too much about getting burned, as the spring water mixes with the seawater, creating a delightfully warm experience.

Explore Kos Old Town.

Take a little time away from the historical sites and the beaches to visit Kos Old Town. It's a place where you'll find plenty to eat and drink at countless cafes and places to pick up a trinket or two to remember your travels. The best part? There are no cars allowed in the Old Town, making it a stellar place for a stroll.

Kos Hotels

Blue Lagoon Village

Travelers looking for an all-inclusive getaway should check into Blue Lagoon Village. The hotel has more than 400 rooms to choose from, including family suites with ocean views. The hotel sits directly on a gorgeous stretch of private sand but also comes with several glittering pools to dive into when you’re not feeling an ocean swim.

Albergo Gelsomino Hotel

The Albergo Gelsomino Hotel is one of the oldest accommodations in Kos. The hotel, built in 1928, comes with just eight rooms. Each suite has crisp white bedding, a writing desk, and blackout curtains for deep, restful sleep. Pull back those curtains first thing in the morning to take in the ocean views outside.

Lango Design Hotel & Spa

For an adults-only stay, book a room at the Lango Design Hotel & Spa. The five-star accommodation sits just feet from the beach, and anyone looking for the ultimate sanctuary can book the superior suite, which comes with a private pool. For further relaxation, guests can make their way to the hotel’s full-service spa with treatments by Germaine de Capuccini.

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to Kos. The quickest is booking a flight from Athens, which takes just under an hour; Sky Express, Aegean Air, and Olympic all offer flight options. Those looking to take a slow but scenic route can also hop on a ferry from Athens, but be warned: the journey takes about 11 hours. 

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.