Kos Town is the Capital and main port of the island, situated in the North-eastern corner approx 15m from the airport. It's a chaotic mix of old and new, open air nightclubs mix among archaeological sites some dating back to 366BC. Many of which were unearthed by the 1933 earthquake, have now excavated and restored by the Italians. The Italians were also responsible for the palm lined avenues. Over half of Kos's population reside in Kos Town this and the fact this end of the island is flat, cycling has become a popular means of transportation. You must also try the 'Noddy' trains which depart from the harbour for a guided tour around Kos Town.

Kos Town is a very popular holiday destination with a vast influx of tourists every year so if you wish to see what remains of authentic Greek life in Kos Town you must rise very early before the masses are up and out of their beds for the next round of libation. One cautionary word unless your only concern is how much beer you can swill down it might be an idea to avoid the Eksaria area. With its end to end bars in the summer season it can be jam packed with loutish tourists on their All-Inclusive package deals. This being said the vast influx of tourists does give the visitor a huge choice of hotels, tourist facilities, restaurants and a wide variety of shops, supermarkets and boutiques in the capital. Rising early will be worth your while, to explore the beautiful Italianate squares, the flower and palm strune streets, the Marina, the promenade behind the beach, Eleftherias Square which has been pedestrianised along with the one-way traffic system, Defterdar Mosque, see other Italianate buildings one of which houses the Archaeological Museum with its small but excellent collection of 3rd century Roman sculptures and mosaics. The square also houses a motley collection of Market stalls to enable you to purchase a souvenir to remember your holiday.

Just across the Square is what's said to be the oldest tree in Europe the Plane Tree, 50ft in diameter if reports are to be believed, it is said that Hippocrates himself was taught in its shade - a somewhat shady claim that would date the tree at 2,500 years. It was once supported by elegant marble pillars but nowadays must make do with ugly modern scaffolding. The island's famous tree has been dated to 600 years, so it is probably an offspring of the original.

In July/August the Hippocrates Festival is held this consists of cultural events such as traditional and modern dancing, concerts and other artistic performances.

Behind the tree is the Venetian Castle of the Knights, built in the 14th century. The castle is approached over a bridge that spans a splendid avenue of palm trees marching along what used to be the moat. Through an impressive 16th century gateway is an inner set of walls and a large compound liberally littered with crumbled statues and pillars. The castle walls are a patchwork quilt of stone, much of it plundered from the Agora and while, not particularly high, they are worth a walk to take in the views across the town and harbour. The Agora, an archaeological site, a sunken bowl filled with ruins which used to be the town market. The other excavated archaeological area is to the south, though it is called the Western excavation. It is by far the most interesting. Ruins include a Roman nymphaeum, with mosaic floors, and the remains of some fine houses. The best of these is the House of Europa where a floor mosaic depicts a well endowed Europa being carried off by a bull. There are a couple of paved marble streets and restored colonnades. A low and ugly block of buildings turns out to be the Casa Romana - a 3rd century Roman villa completely rebuilt and restored. It has three courtyards, some swimming pools, and even more mosaics. Nearby too is the Roman Odeon, a splendid theatre now beautifully restored, many of the movies shown are in English.

 If your feeling peckish after all the sight seeing you will find most of the restaurants are around the harbour area, allowing you have a relaxing meal while watching the movements of the many boats and yachts, this is where you can catch boats to other parts of the island. If you're at a loose end how about a day trip to Turkey, for the price you get a bus tour of Bodrum and Gumbet thrown in. On Saturday's they visit Turget Reis to visit the Saturday Market. But if you're trying to keep the purse strings tight, head to the beachfront or inland. You will find many traditional Greek tavernas, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and fast food joints - Kos Town has it all. In the tavernas, seafood is a speciality - you'll find it fresh, good value and served in various delicious recipes. 

Kos Town comes to life at night with its many restaurants some with traditional Greek dancing, Irish and English themed pubs, Karaoke bars and a varied selection of clubs some open air a must in the sweltering summer months. Ride the only Rodeo bull at Shenanigans, or see the light and laser show at The Fashion Club.

Kos town beach marks the start of a long trail of sand leading all the way south to the cape at Agios Fokas. Nearer town the beach is narrow and noisy with edge-to-edge sun beds as far as the eye can see (this area will be discussed in other areas of the site). 

The list of things to do and places to visit are endless my suggestion is book your flight know and experience Kos Town for yourself