The main town of Kos has an array of important archaeological sites that you can easily explore by foot or by bike, as well as the emblematic medieval Neratzia Castle, which is the town's landmark and interesting buildings from the period of Italian rule (1912-1947) that can be found around Eleftherias square. This is the town's main square where, among others, the excellent Archaeological Museum is located. The Ancient Agora, just 200m away by the port, is also a must, as among the remains are temples dedicated to Aphrodite and Hercules. Also nearby is The Αltar of Dionysus, the 36-room Casa Romana mansion, the restored Roman Odeon and the Western Archaeological Zone that includes the 2nd century BC Gymnasium and the neighbouring Stadium. Don't forget to pay your respects to Hippocrates' huge plane tree - 12m in circumference and a landmark of Kos.

Kos' most famous archaeological site is the ancient world's renowned healing centre. It was built in the 3rd century BC as a sanctuary to Asclepius (the god of healing) and a medical school to continue the work of Hippocrates, who lived and taught on Kos more than a century earlier. Built over three levels on a verdant hill, with sea views and topped by a forest, it is a serene location that awakens the senses. Around half a kilometre east is the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, built where Hippocrates is believed to have been born, that includes a museum and botanical gardens with more than 200 medicinal plants once cultivated by the father of modern medicine.