Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and one of the most beautiful islands in the Dodecanese. Easily reached by ferry from Bodrum, Kos blends ancient heritage with long sandy beaches and a vibrant atmosphere.
From the ancient Asklepion and Crusader castles to endless cycling paths and crystal-clear waters, Kos invites you to explore where Greek history and island life come together.
The Bodrum to Kos ferry takes around 45 minutes, making it one of the quickest crossings from Turkey to a Greek island. Within the hour, you step from the Aegean Riviera onto ancient Greek soil.
Kos Town greets you with a stunning waterfront lined with palm trees, open-air cafés, and the imposing Neratzia Castle rising directly from the harbour. The island is flat, green, and perfect for exploring by bicycle.
Visit the Asklepion, where Hippocrates taught medicine over 2,400 years ago, cycle along the palm-lined coastal road, swim at Paradise Beach's turquoise waters, and watch the sunset from the mountain village of Zia. Our Kos island guide has everything you need to plan your stay.
With daily ferry departures from both Bodrum and Turgutreis, reaching Kos is easy. Check ticket prices and book your crossing today.
Kos has been shaped by every great civilisation of the Mediterranean. Hippocrates was born here around 460 BC and founded his legendary school of medicine at the Asklepion, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. In Kos Town, the ancient Plane Tree of Hippocrates still stands in the square where he is said to have taught his students. The Knights of St. John left behind the magnificent Neratzia Castle, and Roman mosaics and Ottoman mosques add further layers to the island's remarkable story.
Beyond its ancient heritage, Kos is one of the greenest and most fertile islands in the Dodecanese, with rich volcanic soil, natural hot springs, and a coastline stretching over 100 kilometres. Long sandy beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the nearby island of Nisyros make Kos a complete destination. For travellers exploring Greek islands from Turkey, it is one of the easiest and most rewarding to reach.
Kos offers a rare combination that few Greek islands can match — world-class ancient history, long sandy beaches, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, all within easy reach of Turkey's Aegean coast.
The Asklepion alone makes the crossing worthwhile, but Kos also delivers excellent cycling, natural thermal springs, vibrant nightlife in Kos Town, and peaceful mountain villages like Zia and Antimachia.
The island is ideal for families, history lovers, and beach seekers alike. With two convenient ferry routes — from Bodrum and Turgutreis — and crossings as short as 45 minutes, Kos works perfectly as a day trip or a longer island stay. Browse our FAQs to start planning.
Kos packs an extraordinary range of experiences into one island. Walk in the footsteps of Hippocrates at the ancient Asklepion, explore Crusader castles and Roman ruins, swim at beaches ranging from golden sand to volcanic black pebbles, and taste exceptional Dodecanese cuisine. Discover what makes Kos unforgettable — and so easy to reach from Bodrum and Turgutreis.
Culinary Experiences
Savour fresh Aegean seafood, local cheeses, and Dodecanese specialities at harbour-side tavernas — paired with ouzo and served with views of the Turkish coast.
Local Gems
Discover the mountain village of Zia at sunset, the traditional windmill of Antimachia, and quiet coves along the southern coast that most visitors never find.
Asklepion
Stand where Hippocrates founded medicine over 2,400 years ago. The terraced sanctuary overlooking Kos Town is the island's most important archaeological site.
Beaches
From the golden sands of Paradise Beach to the dramatic volcanic pebbles of Agios Stefanos, Kos offers over 100 km of coastline for every kind of swimmer.
Cycling
Kos is the most bike-friendly Greek island, with flat coastal paths and dedicated cycling routes connecting beaches, ruins, and villages across the island.
History
Explore the Neratzia Castle, Roman mosaics in the Casa Romana, the ancient Agora, and Ottoman landmarks — all within walking distance in Kos Town.
Thermal Springs
Bathe in natural hot springs at Therma Beach, where volcanic waters rich in minerals flow directly into the sea — a healing tradition since Hippocrates' time.
The Bodrum to Kos ferry runs daily with a crossing time of approximately 45 minutes. Ideal for day trips or longer stays, tickets can be booked quickly online. Compare prices and secure your seat in advance, especially during the summer season.
BUY YOUR TICKET TO KOSFerries from Turgutreis to Kos offer a convenient alternative departure point on the Bodrum Peninsula. With regular sailings throughout the season, booking is simple. Check ticket options and plan your crossing to the island of Hippocrates.
BUY YOUR TICKET TO KOS
From the ancient Asklepion and the Neratzia Castle to Paradise Beach and the mountain village of Zia, Kos rewards exploration at every turn. Wander through Roman ruins in Kos Town, cycle to secluded southern coves, bathe in volcanic hot springs, and take a boat trip to the dramatic volcanic island of Nisyros. Our complete Kos island guide covers every must-see destination on the island.
Explore the vibrant landscapes of the Island of Hippocrates. From the ancient ruins of the Asklepion and the medieval Neratzia Castle to sun-drenched beaches and palm-lined avenues, our gallery offers a visual tour of Kos’s rich history and natural beauty.
Kos is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, its stunning Mediterranean beaches, ancient Asklepion ruins, and vibrant, sun-drenched Greek island atmosphere.
Ferries depart Bodrum daily at 09:15 and 16:00. The crossing takes 30–50 minutes. Schedules vary seasonally, so confirm before travel.
Adult ferry tickets from Bodrum to Kos typically cost €24–€29 for one way and €25–€45 for round trips, including taxes.
As a central hub of the Dodecanese, Kos is ideally situated for island hopping. After visiting the Asklepion, set sail for more Aegean treasures. Our ferry routes connect you to the colorful harbor of Kastellorizo, the historic beauty of Rhodes, and beyond. Plan your next sea crossing with Meander Feribot.
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Known as the island of Hippocrates, Kos features a beautiful blend of ancient Greek ruins, crusader castles, and long, sandy beaches perfect for cycling.
Visit the Asklepion and the medieval Neratzia Castle. Easily accessible via regular ferry services from Bodrum and Turgutreis.
