Top 10 things to do in Kos

While Kos has many ancient ruins, we believe the best example is Asklepion just outside Kos Town. Discovered in 1902 this magnificent site was where the Greek physician Hippocrates trained in the 5th Century BC and is home to the Sanctuary of Asclepius, God of medicine. Accessed by a spectacular, grand staircase the site is spread over four terraces and you can download an app that will provide you with a 3D, enhanced tour as you wander around. The lowest floor houses the remains of the patient rooms, whilst the levels above contain spas, the medical school and abaton or priest’s sanctuary. Finally on the top level are what remains of the Great Altar, once dominated by a large statue of Asclepius, and a church that replaced it.

Right next to the shimmering sea and just south of the airport lies Aquatica Water Park, promising a fantastic, fun-filled day for the whole family. While smaller than some parks, Aquatica packs a punch! Little ones will love their dedicated play area and pool. While the older thrill-seekers will find a generous selection of rides, including single and multi-lane open slides, a heart-pounding vortex, and three thrilling covered flumes. Need a break from the adrenaline rush? Relax on a tube and drift along the lazy river, or unwind on a sun lounger soaking up the rays. The park's coastal location adds another layer of awesomeness. Many rides offer fantastic views of the Dodecanese and Turkish coasts – although, with the wind whipping through your hair and excitement pumping, you might be too busy having a blast to notice!

An agora is the name given to an ancient Greek open area, used to hold meetings and markets, it was historically the heart and soul of any town and city. Just down from the port at Kos Town is one of the largest agoras in Greece, dating from the 4th Century BC. A visit here will take you back to an ancient way of life as you wander past limestone and marble remains of houses, commercial buildings and warehouses. Segments of the old city wall are still visible as are sanctuaries to Hercules and Aphrodite. Guided tours are available, but we think it is fun to just wander around and take in the site on your own reading up the information boards in English dotted around the area.

Nestling among the many beaches on the East coast of Kos are the Therma Hot Springs. Discovered in 1934, the springs bubble up through volcanic rocks to create a small pool sheltered from the sea by a naturally formed wall. The waters are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and sulphur, which can be smelt as you approach the site. This natural sap has long claimed to have health benefits and bathing in its waters has been used as a cure for rheumatism and arthritis among other ailments.

If you want to escape the sun for a while and immerse yourself in some natural peace and tranquillity, then head to Plaka Forest, just west of the airport. This pine-forested region provides welcome shade and is a popular recreational area for families, both local and overseas visitors. You'll find picnic tables where you may be joined by peacocks and tame cats, eager to see what you have brought to eat. A small pond, bordered by colourful rhododendron bushes, is home to several turtles. This is really a cool place to relax and unwind and provides a great place to spend a few hours enjoying nature.

If you want a break from the beach, then hire a car and explore the interior of the island. You will be rewarded with mountainous roads with stunning views, quaint traditional villages and ancient sites such as Palio Pili. During the 11th to 19th centuries, this town was the capital of Kos. It was abandoned in 1830 during a cholera epidemic and has remained largely unoccupied since. The essence of the town still remains in the houses and buildings which vary in their state of ruin. Dominating the town is a crumbling Byzantine castle used by the Knights of St John. The vista from here is amazing; you can see the Turkish coast in the distance, the islands of Pserimos and Kalymnos and virtually every corner of Kos.

Situated on a headland jutting out from the port, are the magnificent ruins of Neratzia Castle. Built to defend the harbour against attack from the Ottoman Empire in the 15th Century, the castle still makes an imposing sight. Unfortunately, the castle wasn't enough to protect Kos and the Ottomans captured it and the rest of the island in the early 1500s turning Neratzia into a garrison and residence for the island’s commander. The castle was constructed of two separate walls which can still be seen today. Inside, only a few broken columns remain and also some Hellenistic friezes of garlands and masks as well as the coat of arms of the Grand Master Emery d’Amboise.

Excavated in 1929 and now restored, the Odeon or amphitheatre sits on the southern outskirts of Kos Town. Once a music venue and meeting place for the Senate, it is still used today for concerts and events during the summer months. Originally the Odeon would have had a roof and could comfortably seat 750 people on 14 rows of benches. The seats were constructed of marble at the front for the town’s gentry, whilst the back five rows were reserved for normal citizens and made of granite. Mosaics can still be seen on the passageway walls that link the parts of the structure, but the original statues have been removed to the Kos Archaeological Museum.

Situated on the outskirts of Kos Town and opposite the magnificent Odeon is a large archaeological site housing some amazing buildings and artefacts. The site sits at the intersection of two ancient streets, the Cardo running north-south and Decumanus which goes east-west. The surface of Cardo Street is still intact in places, and you can actually see the groves made by ancient wagons as they made their way to and from the town. Other points of interest include two Christian basilicas, a 2nd century BC stadium and a marble colonnaded gymnasium. Inside the baths that adjoin the gymnasium is one of the largest mosaics on Kos, whilst an equally splendid example can be found in the remains of the House of Europe building.

If you want to experience how the affluent members of ancient Greek society lived, then head to the south of Kos Town and visit Casa Romana. Unearthed in the 1930s, this 36-room villa has been faithfully restored to provide an insight into how the wealthy Kos population lived over two thousand years ago. Whilst the building on display dates from the 2nd century BC, the site actually sits on the remains of a property from the Hellenistic period. The structure has magnificent examples of Greek columns forming an entrance porch leading to an inner atrium. Inside you will discover statues of Athena, ancient clay urns, coins, mosaics and frescos.