Greece
Travel
Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece
Kos is the third largest Greek Dodecanese island in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Located just miles away from the Turkish coast of Bodrum, Kos is connected to many other notable Greek islands such as Rhodes, Kalymnos and Nisyros. From being a traditional Greek town to evolving into a modern tourist destination, Kos, the home to Hippocrates, is filled with excitement and boundless beauty.
Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece
Kos may be huge compared to its neighboring islands, but there are only so many things that one can do when traveling there. The lack of activities is craftily made up with the most beautiful landscapes, with acres after acres of unspoiled virgin mountains lined against the sky of the bluest hue. Listed below are the top things to do in Kos Island, Greece.Go on the Most Beautiful Road Trip
The perfect way to spend your day on Kos in none other than going on a road trip from one end of the island to the other. Feast your eyes on the mountainous terrain, volcanoes, long stretches of pristine beaches, sleepy villages, and beautiful sights all along the way. |
| Go on a beautiful road trip in Kos, Greece |
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| Boundless beauty on Kos |
Visit the Archaeological Sites & Monuments
If you enjoy sightseeing and exploring historical places, then Kos will not disappoint you. The island is rich in historic monuments and ancient castles that will blow your mind away. A few of the structures and historical landmarks that you can still find on the island today are the Hipocrates Plane Tree, Roman Odeum, Venetian Castle of Antimachia, Asklepieion Sacred Hospital, and the Ruins of the Basilicas, Agios Stephanos. |
| Ruins of the Basilicas in Agios Stefanos, Kéfalos |
Find Your Way to Aspri Petra
Aspri Petra, or the White Stone Cave, is a 140 million years-old cave from the early Age of Bronze (2900-2100 B.C.) and was used right up to the Roman times. The former place of worship stands on an altitude of 257 meters on the slopes of Mount Zini on southwestern Kéfalos, and was formed as a result of bedrock dissolution. It is located 33km away from the town of Kos, and is accessible by a very bumpy car or bike ride, followed by a short climb. |
| Visiting Aspri Petra at Kos, Greece |
Kos Wildlife Viewing
A large variety of wildlife can be found across the island. It is especially famous for its Spur Thighed Tortoises, Balkan Terrapins, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Starred Agama Lizards, peacocks, hedgehogs, Levant Water Frogs, and different species of migratory birds. |
| Wildlife viewing at Kos, Greece |
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| Sit back and observe the beautiful animals at Kos! |
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| Things to do at Kos Island |
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| You can even try bird-watching on this island! |
Visit a Church (or a Mosque)
The main religion practiced on Kos is Greek Orthodoxy. There is a cathedral, a Roman Catholic church, as well as a mosque for the Muslim Turkish-speaking community on the island. There is also a Synagogue, though no longer used for religious ceremonies. |
| A church in the Kéfalos village, built on a hill at the western part of the island |
Lounge on the Beaches in Kos Town
There are approximately 20 beaches scattered on the coast of Kos. The balmy weather, soft sands, and emerald waters will definitely make your stay on the island an extra unique and relaxing one. Despite the many public beaches, there are a few locations that you must not miss, including the famed Mastichari beach, Empros Thermi (hot spring), Lambi beach, and Tigaki. |
| The island of Agios Stefanos |
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| Crystal clear water |
Explore the Traditional Houses
The beautifully preserved and restored traditional houses here depict the architecture of the residence in the region of the olden days. The elements and designs that you see are built according to the architecture of early 20th century. |
| Traditional House of Antimachia in Kos |
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| Traditional House of Antimachia in Kos |
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| Traditional House of Antimachia in Kos |
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| Traditional house on Kos |
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| Inside a traditional house on Kos |
Enjoy the Panoramic Views
Sometimes, doing nothing at all could just be the most rewarding experience - especially when you are on a beautiful island. Let your hair down, sip on a glass of hot Greek coffee, and simply appreciate all the goodness and aesthetic pleasures that Kos has to offer. |
| The best views in Kos Island |
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| Amazing view from above Kos, Greece |
How to Get to Kos Island
There are several ways to get to Kos Island. You can take a ferry from the Piraeus Port in Athens, which is available 4 times a week and the journey takes approximately 11 hours. There are other ferry departing from the ports in Rhodes, Leros, Kalymos and Patmos. Alternatively, you can take a flight directly to the Kos International Airport (KGS) or known also as “Hippocrates”. For budget travelers, consider taking an express bus to Bodrum and hop onto a short ferry ride to Kos.
Is Kos, Greece Expensive?
Similar to other islands in Greece, Kos can be affordable or expensive according to your travel style and needs. Bars and restaurants with amazing views are relatively pricier, whereas local shops serve cheaper options that are equally as delicious. To truly enjoy Kos, we highly recommend bringing both into the mix and to splurge a little even if you are traveling on a budget.
Happy exploring!
For similar travel guides and stories, click here.
Happy exploring!
For similar travel guides and stories, click here.
China
Travel
Leshan (乐山 or Happy Mountain) is located 120 kilometers away from Chengdu, in the Chinese Sichuan Province. It sits on the confluence of the Qingyi, Dadu and Minjiang rivers, and is usually a stopover for those en route to or from Emeishan (Mount Emei).
To/From Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站/Chéngdū-dōng Zhàn) - 45 minutes, ¥54
To/From Emeishan (峨嵋山/ Éméi shān) - 15 minutes, ¥11
Bus
Accessible from Chengdu (2 hours), Emeishan (20 minutes), Jiajiang, Kangding, Meishan, Pengshan, Shawan, Ya'an, Yibin. Zigong, and other surrounding cities
Plane
The nearest airport is the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (150km away)
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan, Sichuan, China
+86 833 230 2296
For other similar travel guides and stories, click here.
Top Attractions in Leshan, Sichuan
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| The famous Leshan Giant Buddha, also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO |
Leshan (乐山 or Happy Mountain) is located 120 kilometers away from Chengdu, in the Chinese Sichuan Province. It sits on the confluence of the Qingyi, Dadu and Minjiang rivers, and is usually a stopover for those en route to or from Emeishan (Mount Emei).
Getting to Leshan
High-Speed TrainTo/From Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站/Chéngdū-dōng Zhàn) - 45 minutes, ¥54
To/From Emeishan (峨嵋山/ Éméi shān) - 15 minutes, ¥11
Bus
Accessible from Chengdu (2 hours), Emeishan (20 minutes), Jiajiang, Kangding, Meishan, Pengshan, Shawan, Ya'an, Yibin. Zigong, and other surrounding cities
Plane
The nearest airport is the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (150km away)
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| Entrance to the Leshan Giant Buddha site |
Top Attractions in Leshan, Sichuan
The only reason majority of the tourists travel to Leshan is to witness the grandeur of the Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛/lèshāndàfó). The stone statue is 71-metre in height and was built during the Tang Dynasty in year 713. It is carved out of a cliff, facing the junction of the Qingyi, Dadu and Minjiang rivers in the Southern Sichuan basin. Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world and is also claimed to be the tallest pre-modern statue ever built. It was listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. |
| Visitors have to climb a few flight of stairs before getting to the Buddha |
Tips to Visiting Leshan Giant Buddha
- It's best to visit late in the afternoon or early evening to avoid having to compete and wait in the line among dozens of Chinese tour groups (expect to wait up to 1.5 hours)
- There are two ways of getting to the Buddha: By foot (climb the stairs, wait in the line) or by a ferry which stops right in front of the statue (¥70)
- Pack along water and food. You may find tea-houses here but food are either scarce or expensive. It is also good to have something to nibble while waiting in line
- Bring along a sweater. It gets very breezy once you are near the rivers
- Keep an eye out for the beautiful and unique carvings of various Buddhas while you climb down the stairs leading to the Giant Buddha
- Nine Turns Staircase are stairs leading down to the Giant Buddha. It is very steep so the elderly might need more time and effort to make it down. Be patient and understanding!
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| You were warned |
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| Stairs are steep and winding |
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| Be fascinated by how much the Chinese enjoy poking the holes in the walls |
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| Clear view of the Buddha's head from the top |
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| Beautiful Buddha carvings on the cliff walls |
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| Comparison of the size of Buddha's foot and everything else |
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| Have your time, effort and patience rewarded with a majestic sight all the way down |
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| Nine Turns Staircase. Beautiful smiles on the faces of those who have made it to the feet |
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| Leshan Giant Buddha overlooking the three rivers, giving protection to those traveling through them |
Other Top Attractions in Leshan
Monk Haitong Cave
A Chinese monk named Haitong started the construction in hopes that the Giant Buddha would be able to calm the turbulent waters, allowing shipping vessels to pass the water safely. The project was completed 90 years after Haitong's death. Monk Haitong was said to be living in this 10-meter deep cave when the Grand Buddha was being carved.
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| Monk Haitong Cave |
Dafo Lake
A lake with serene ambiance located behind the Grand Buddha, among the temples.
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| Dafo Lake, Leshan |
Confucian Temple
Read poetry and scholastic scriptures carved on wooden walls in this quiet and uncrowded temple.
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| Stair leading to the temple |
People-watching
People watching is a joy here. Chinese from different provinces in China generally behave uniquely and if you are as big of a fan of China as I am, you'd enjoy guessing who is from where based on their appearances, outfits, and accents. |
| A monk with a selfie stick. And a cell phone. #mindblown |
Temple-hopping
There are a few temples surrounding the Giant Buddha and but one of them requires an entrance fee (I would never pay to visit a temple - monetizing religion is a sin) |
| Restoration work in progress. Efforts put into producing those intricate details are amazing. |
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| An old man taking a rest in front of a temple |
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| A pagoda near the exit - for those who still have the strength to walk |
Additional Info
- Entrance fee to the Leshan Giant Buddha is ¥90
- Opening hours: 7:30am to 7:30pm (summer); 8:00am to 6:00pm (winter)
- Touring the entire Leshan Giant Buddha site might take up to 6 hours, depending on the crowd and how much you can walk
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan, Sichuan, China
+86 833 230 2296
For other similar travel guides and stories, click here.
Travel
The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
It is tough restricting the selection of the beautiful places to see on
earth to just 24. Being able to explore foreign countries and cultures
is a privilege, hence everyone should have a travel bucket list. Don't know where to start? Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:
Traveling is a never-ending journey. It is the best teacher, and it opens our eyes and minds to things we never knew existed.
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste it, to experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." – Eleanor Roosevelt
The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Sonamarg
Location: Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
Sonamarg |
Namtso
Location: Tibet Autonomous Region of China
 |
| Namtso |
Key Gompa
Location: Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti district, India |
| Key Gompa |
Nagaland
Location: Northeast India |
| Nagaland |
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Location: Southeast Iceland
 |
| Fjaðrárgljúfur |
Gunung Bromo
Location: East Java, Indonesia |
| Gunung Bromo |
Altai Tavan Bog
Location: Mongolia |
| Altai Tavan Bog |
Pig Beach
Location: Exuma, Bahamas |
| Pig Beach |
Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye
Location: Glen Brittle, United Kingdom |
| Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye |
Machu Picchu
Location: Andes Mountains, Peru |
| Machu Picchu |
Svalbard
Location: Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole |
| Svalbard |
Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake
Location: Patagonia, Chile |
| Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake |
Shahara Bridge
Location: Shahara, Yemen |
| Shahara Bridge |
Ngorongoro
Location: Crater Highlands area of Tanzania |
| Ngorongoro |
South Luangwa National Park
Location: Eastern Zambia |
| South Luangwa National Park |
Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Tanzania |
| Mount Kilimanjaro |
Jemaa el-Fna
Location: Marrakesh |
| Jemaa el-Fna |
Cordillera Huayhuash
Location: Andes, Peru |
| Cordillera Huayhuash |
Torres del Paine
Location: Patagonia, Chile |
| Torres del Paine |
Nā Pali
Location: Kauaʻi, Hawaii |
| Nā Pali |
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Location: Melaky Region, Madagascar |
| Tsingy de Bemaraha |
Paro
Location: Bhutan |
| Paro |
Milford Sound
Location: New Zealand's South Island |
| Milford Sound |
Tangier
Location: Northern Morocco |
| Tangier |
Traveling is a never-ending journey. It is the best teacher, and it opens our eyes and minds to things we never knew existed.
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