Kos Geography

Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese group, after the islands of Rhodes and Karpathos. It is located south of Kalymnos and north of Nisyros, very close to the coasts of Turkey and about 200 nautical miles from Piraeus. This geographic location houses a rich local history, dating back to prehistoric times. The island has a total area of 290 sq km, a coastline of 112 km, and a population of over 35,000 inhabitants.

The mainland of Kos is verdant and incredibly fertile, blessed with rich soil and abundant groundwater. The island is mostly flat and has two low mountains. The tallest is Mount Dikaion, rising at an altitude of 846 meters, and the other is Mount Simpatro, which runs along the southern coast of Kos. Kos is also home to many stunning natural formations, such as the Cave of Aspri Petra, also known as the Cave of the White Stone, on Mount Zini.

The Forest of Plaka is an expansive pine forest near the village of Antimachia and a location exemplary of the lush vegetation and idyllic natural environments found on the island. The Alyki Wetland, residing between the villages of Marmari and Tigaki, is the natural habitat of a variety of flora and fauna and is protected under Natura 2000. So is the Psalidi Wetland, another important natural haven housing many species of animals.

Kos's capital and main harbor, Kos Town, is located in a verdant district. The town overlooks a natural harbor (on an open bay), on the northeastern part of the island. One of the highlights of the Town is the Tree of Hippocrates in Platanos Square, considered one of the oldest trees in Europe. Close to the Town, there are open Thermal Springs, known as thermes, with hot volcanic water.

The geography of Kos is distinguished by the huge, 112-kilometer-long coastline full of golden beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include Mastichari Beach, with its exotic atmosphere and emerald waters, the white-sanded Marmari Beach, and the aptly named Paradise Beach. Many beautiful islets lie right opposite the island’s shore, such as the scenic Kastri Islet opposite Kefalos Beach.

Discover the Map of Kos
View the map of Kos with the main villages, beaches, and sights, as well as the location of the port and the airport.
View: Map of Kos