Top things to do in Kardemena

The Asklepion shines as a crown jewel in Kos' treasure trove of ancient wonders. Just a stone's throw away from Kos Town, and easily accessible from Kardemena, this awe-inspiring site is where the illustrious Greek physician Hippocrates honed his medical skills in the 5th century BC. Here lies the time-honored Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek deity of medicine.

You can ascend the grand, majestic staircase that leads you to the site, unfolding over four terraces. To further enrich your exploration, you can download an app that offers a 3D tour, adding an extra layer of immersion to your visit.

As you start your exploration from the lowest level, you'll come across the remnants of the patient rooms. As you ascend to the higher levels, you'll discover the vestiges of spas, the renowned medical school, and the sacred abaton, or the sanctuary of the priests.

At the summit, the remains of the Great Altar command your attention. Once, a colossal statue of Asclepius stood here, keeping a watchful eye over the sanctuary. You'll also find the remnants of a church that was built on this site after the fall of the sanctuary.

So, step back in time, and wander among the ruins that whisper tales of ancient wisdom and divine healing.

In search of a respite from the energetic vibes of Kardamena resort? Consider renting a car and embarking on an exploration of the island's heartland. Prepare to be enthralled by the picturesque mountain roads offering breathtaking vistas, charming traditional hamlets, and historical landmarks such as Palio Pili.

This town, nestled amidst the verdant landscapes, served as Kos's capital from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Unfortunately, it was deserted during a cholera outbreak in 1830 and has mostly remained uninhabited ever since. Despite this, the spirit of the town lingers in the architectural vestiges, their states of decay varying across the spectrum.

The town's most striking feature is the dilapidated Byzantine castle, once utilized by the Knights of St John. From this vantage point, the view is simply spellbinding: you can catch sight of the Turkish shoreline in the far-off distance, the islands of Pserimos and Kalymnos in all their glory, and a panoramic view of almost every nook and cranny of Kos. So, hit the road and let the island's hidden gems take you on a journey through time.

Located just a stone's throw from the sea and south of the airport, you'll find Aquatica Water Park, a delightful haven of family fun that offers a refreshing contrast to the usual activities around the Kardamena resort area. While the park might be smaller compared to some, it certainly doesn't skimp on entertainment.

The younger ones have a play area and pool specifically designed for their enjoyment. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers and older visitors won't feel left out with the extensive range of rides on offer. These include single and multi-lane open slides, a swirling vortex and three covered flumes. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the lazy river provides a calming journey on floating tubes, and there are plenty of sunbeds for those looking to simply unwind.

Thanks to its coastal position, many of the rides offer striking views of the Dodecanese islands and the Turkish coastline, although you might be too preoccupied with the excitement of the rides to notice.

Unearthed in 1929 and now restored, the Odeon, an ancient amphitheatre, is nestled on the southern outskirts of Kos Town, just a short distance north from the resort of Kardamena. Once serving as a hub for musical performances and Senate gatherings, this historical edifice is still very much alive, hosting concerts and events during the summer season.

The Odeon was originally covered and had the capacity to comfortably accommodate 750 spectators on its 14 rows of seating. Distinctly, the front rows were composed of marble, reserved for the town's elite, while the latter five rows, crafted from granite, were designated for the general populace. Intricate mosaics still adorn the walls of the passageways that connect the various sections of the structure. However, the original statues have been transferred to the Kos Archaeological Museum for preservation. Today, the Odeon stands as a timeless testament to the island's rich history, continuing to inspire and entertain its visitors.

Journey across Kos Island to uncover a natural wonder that is as enchanting as it is therapeutic. Tucked away among the plethora of beaches on the island's eastern coast are the Therma Hot Springs. Unearthed in 1934, these springs originate from beneath volcanic rocks, giving rise to a small pool that is shielded from the open sea by a naturally occurring wall.

These geothermal waters are a rich source of various minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sulphur, the latter of which can be detected in the air as you draw near the springs. For generations, this natural elixir has been celebrated for its purported healing properties, with bathers immersing themselves in the waters as a therapeutic remedy for a range of ailments, including rheumatism and arthritis. Today, the Therma Hot Springs continues to serve as a serene retreat for those in pursuit of relaxation and rejuvenation.