• Home
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Recipes
  • Restaurants
  • Adventures
  • Events/Products
  • Free Resources
  • Advertise
Rolling Grace - Your Travel & Food Guide to Asia & the World

Award-winning destination and food guide in Asia and beyond to plan your travel itinerary

Greece Travel

Things to Do in Kos Island, Greece

Tuesday, January 5, 2016
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.

Read also: 10 Balkan Dishes You Must Try in Southeast Europe


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.

    Kos Island greece
    Go on a beautiful road trip in Kos, Greece
    kos island greece
    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 Agios Stefanos, Kéfalos
    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.

    Aspri Petra kos
    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.

    kos greece
    Wildlife viewing at Kos, Greece
    kos greece
    Sit back and observe the beautiful animals at Kos!
    best places to see in kos
    Things to do at Kos Island
    kos greece
    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.

    what to do in kos
    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.

    top attractions on kos island
    The island of Agios Stefanos
    best beaches in kos
    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.

    Things to Do in Kos Island
    Traditional House of Antimachia in Kos
    kos island greece
    Traditional House of Antimachia in Kos
    kos island greece
    Traditional House of Antimachia in Kos
    kos island greece
    Traditional house on Kos
    kos island greece
    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.

    best island in greece
    The best views in Kos Island
    what to eat in kos
    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.
    Click to read more »
    China Travel

    Top Attractions in Leshan, Sichuan

    Wednesday, December 30, 2015
    Top Attractions in Leshan
    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 Train
    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
    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.

    what to do in chengdu
    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!

    beautiful places in sichuan
    You were warned

    Top Attractions in Leshan
    popular places in leshan
    what to do in leshan
    Stairs are steep and winding

    what to see in leshan
    Be fascinated by how much the Chinese enjoy poking the holes in the walls

    what to see in leshan
    Clear view of the Buddha's head from the top

    what to do in leshan
    popular places in leshan
    Beautiful Buddha carvings on the cliff walls

    popular places in leshan
    Comparison of the size of Buddha's foot and everything else
    Leshan Giant Buddha
    Have your time, effort and patience rewarded with a majestic sight all the way down

    beautiful places in china
    Nine Turns Staircase. Beautiful smiles on the faces of those who have made it to the feet

    beautiful places in china
    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.

    Leshan Giant Buddha
    Monk Haitong Cave


    Dafo Lake

    A lake with serene ambiance located behind the Grand Buddha, among the temples.

    Top Attractions in Leshan
    what to do in leshan
    Dafo Lake, Leshan


    Confucian Temple

    Read poetry and scholastic scriptures carved on wooden walls in this quiet and uncrowded temple.

    popular places in leshan
    what to see in leshan
    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.

    beautiful places in china
    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)

    Leshan Giant Buddha
    Restoration work in progress. Efforts put into producing those intricate details are amazing.

    beautiful places in sichuan
    An old man taking a rest in front of a temple
    Top Attractions in Leshan
    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.

    Click to read more »
    Travel

    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

    Friday, December 11, 2015
    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:

    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

    Sonamarg

    Location: Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

    Sonamarg

     

    Namtso

    Location: Tibet Autonomous Region of China
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Namtso

    Key Gompa

    Location: Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti district, India
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Key Gompa

    Nagaland

    Location: Northeast India
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Nagaland

    Fjaðrárgljúfur

    Location: Southeast Iceland
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Fjaðrárgljúfur

    Gunung Bromo

    Location: East Java, Indonesia
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Gunung Bromo

    Altai Tavan Bog

    Location: Mongolia
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Altai Tavan Bog

    Pig Beach

    Location: Exuma, Bahamas
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Pig Beach

    Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye

    Location: Glen Brittle, United Kingdom
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye

    Machu Picchu

    Location: Andes Mountains, Peru
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Machu Picchu

    Svalbard

    Location: Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Svalbard

    Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake

    Location: Patagonia, Chile
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake

    Shahara Bridge

    Location: Shahara, Yemen
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Shahara Bridge

    Ngorongoro 

    Location: Crater Highlands area of Tanzania
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Ngorongoro

    South Luangwa National Park

    Location: Eastern Zambia
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    South Luangwa National Park

    Mount Kilimanjaro

    Location: Tanzania
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Mount Kilimanjaro

    Jemaa el-Fna

    Location: Marrakesh
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Jemaa el-Fna

    Cordillera Huayhuash

    Location: Andes, Peru
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Cordillera Huayhuash

    Torres del Paine

    Location: Patagonia, Chile
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Torres del Paine

    Nā Pali

    Location: Kauaʻi, Hawaii
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Nā Pali

    Tsingy de Bemaraha

    Location: Melaky Region, Madagascar
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Tsingy de Bemaraha

    Paro

    Location: Bhutan
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Paro

    Milford Sound

    Location: New Zealand's South Island
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    Milford Sound

    Tangier

    Location: Northern Morocco
    The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
    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.

    "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

    What's next on your travel list?
    For related articles, click here.
    Click to read more »
    Previous page Next page
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

    Trending Posts

    • World’s Highest Rope Course at The Gravityz, Penang

      World’s Highest Rope Course at The Gravityz, Penang Photo by Danial Saad Adventure seekers - this one's for you! Located in Malaysia...
    • 15 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

      Looking for the best rooftop restaurants in Kuala Lumpur with stunning views, affordable drinks, amazing ambiance and good food? This list c...
    • A Truly Authentic Local Market: Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis

      A Truly Authentic Local Market: Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis Malaysia is truthfully one of the most beautiful destinations in the worl...
    • Top 15 Shisha Places in Subang Jaya, Selangor

      Subang Jaya has long been known to be a paradise for shisha lovers. If you are looking for new shisha places, then this list is perfect for ...
    • Top 33 Shisha Places in Kuala Lumpur

      Looking for good, smooth & flavorful shisha? Here is a list of the top 33 shisha places in Kuala Lumpur created just for you! Explore fu...
    • Authentic Jawi Peranakan Food at Jawi House Cafe Gallery, Pulau Pinang

      Housed within the artistic precinct of Penang's George Town is the Jawi House Cafe Gallery - the island's first Peranakan Muslim her...
    • Icescape Ice Rink, IOI City Mall Putrajaya

      Full house at Icescape on Christmas 2015 Icescape is recognized as the first and only Olympic size ice-skating rink in Malaysia which wa...
    • Hiking at Bukit Sri Bintang, Kepong

      Located in Kepong, Bukit Sri Bintang is just a short drive away from Desa Park City. It makes the perfect hiking spot for those seeking for ...
    • Top 12 Shisha Places in Petaling Jaya, Selangor

      Just can't seem to get enough of shisha? You should definitely bookmark this page for the top 12 shisha places in Petaling Jaya! Explore...
    • Attractions at Kota Kuala Muda Tsunami Memorial, Kedah

      Attractions at Kota Kuala Muda Tsunami Memorial, Kedah What Happened at Kota Kuala Muda in 2004? Just Another Usual Day December 26th, 2004 ...

    Subscribe to Rolling Grace

    Let's Travel!

    Malaysia Travel Guide Vietnam Travel Guide China Travel Guide Sri Lanka Travel Guide Thailand Travel Guide Turkey Travel Guide South Korea Travel Guide Sweden Travel Guide Taiwan Travel Guide Croatia Travel Guide France Travel Guide United Arab Emirates Travel Guide Greece Travel Guide Hong Kong Travel Guide Hungary Travel Guide Indonesia Travel Guide Myanmar Travel Guide Greece Travel Guide Brunei Travel Guide Bosnia Travel Guide Cambodia Travel Guide Lithuania Travel Guide Montenegro Travel Guide Singapore Travel Guide Serbia Travel Guide

    Free Instagram Story Templates

    Free Instagram Story Templates
    Click to download these free Instagram Story templates to share your travel milestones!
    Powered by Blogger.

    Award & Recognition

    Award & Recognition

    Archives

    What Are You Looking For?

    Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Brunei Cambodia China Croatia Events/Products Food France Free Resources Greece Hong Kong How-to Indonesia Lithuania Malaysia Montenegro Mosques Myanmar Recipes Restaurant Reviews Serbia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Sweden Taiwan Thailand Travel Turkey United Arab Emirates Vietnam

    Featured Post

    7 Most Beautiful Islands in West Malaysia

    7 Most Beautiful Islands in West Malaysia Looking for a relaxing tropical retreat on your next trip to Malaysia? The following list is...

    © Rolling Grace - Your Travel & Food Guide to Asia & the World • Theme by Rolling Grace