Six Days in Kos ; Itinerary, Beaches and Ancient Sites

September 4, 2025

Written by Ben

Six days in Kos offer a lovely overview of the riches of this Dodecanese island. Between culture, beaches and the Aegean Sea, the stay alternates discovery and relaxation.

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Six Days in Kos ; Discoveries, Beaches and Ancient Sites

The island combines ancient ruins, traditional villages and beaches washed by the Aegean Sea. This travel diary retraces a stay balanced between exploration and lazing about.

Kos ; A Must-See Island of the Dodecanese

Located in the Dodecanese archipelago, Kos charms with its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich heritage. This Greek island in the Aegean Sea is home to many ruins, including Neratzia Castle and the ancient agora. Several monuments from the Roman era also bear witness to its past. The Casa Romana attracts visitors with its remarkable, perfectly preserved mosaics. The harbour invites a stroll in a typically Mediterranean atmosphere. Between cultural discoveries, local specialities and sunny landscapes, each day reveals a new side of the island.

Six days in Kos, Greece

Six Days in Kos ; Day-by-Day Itinerary

The programme alternates days of exploration and moments of relaxation at the hotel. Scooter, car and sun loungers set the pace for discovering the island.

Day 1 ; Arrival for Six Days in Kos

The organisation of the stay is entrusted to Hotelplan, a travel specialist. This formula makes it possible to discover the island without worrying about logistics. The trip begins with a direct flight from Zurich to Kos of just under three hours. This route quickly reaches this Dodecanese island, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. On arrival, a bus transfer of about 1 h 30 leads to the Michelangelo Resort & Spa. This five-star hotel charms with its privileged setting, infinity pool and sea view.

Day 2 ; Beach and Relaxation at the Michelangelo Resort & Spa

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The half-board formula includes breakfast and dinner, to enjoy the stay with complete peace of mind. The buffet offers a wide choice of sweet and savoury specialities. Then comes the discovery of the Michelangelo Resort & Spa. Located on the east coast of Kos, this five-star hotel faces the Aegean Sea. It sits near Agios Fokas beach, a few kilometres from Kos town. Built in 2009 and renovated in 2023, it spreads over vast gardens. The hotel offers several pools, a private beach, a spa and various sports facilities. Direct access to the sea completes the amenities. Its elegant setting and panoramic views make it an ideal address to relax.

Infinity pool of the Michelangelo Resort & Spa Gardens of the five-star hotel in Agios Fokas Room with a view of the Aegean Sea Breakfast buffet at the hotel Private beach of the resort on the east coast of Kos

This first full day on the island is devoted to relaxation. Sun loungers facing the water invite you to enjoy the setting and the crystal-clear waters. The beach bar is also a pleasant spot for a break. As the hours pass, boats cross the horizon and liven up the seascape. In the distance, the coast of neighbouring Turkey takes shape. This panorama adds an extra touch to the charm of the stay. In the evening, the hotel restaurant welcomes travellers for dinner. The buffet offers dishes inspired by different cuisines, enough to satisfy everyone. The day ends in a calm and restful atmosphere.

Sun loungers facing the Aegean Sea Beach bar of the Michelangelo Resort The coast of Turkey on the horizon Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 3 ; Kos Town, Asklepion and Zia Nature Park

After breakfast, the island is explored by scooter. The rental is made at Hot Bikes, before heading to Kos town. The lively lanes are home to shops, artisans and stores selling olive oil, Greek specialities and souvenirs. The discovery continues to the Asklepion, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites. Dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, this sanctuary dates back to the 3rd century BC. It served as a place of worship, a healing centre and a school of medicine. The remains of temples and Roman baths bear witness to its importance in Antiquity. A small museum completes the visit and traces the history of this emblematic site.

Shopping lanes in Kos town Shop selling Greek specialities Olive oil and local souvenirs Entrance to the Asklepion site Monumental stairs of the Asklepion Ancient columns of the sanctuary of Asclepius Remains of the Roman baths Sea view from the Asklepion Ruins of an ancient temple in Kos Olive trees around the archaeological site Small museum of the Asklepion

The exploration continues at Zia nature park, one of the best-known places in the island’s interior. Its trails and viewpoints invite relaxation. Binoculars let you observe the surroundings, while hammocks offer a quiet break. Relatively quick, the visit reveals another side of Kos, far from the coast. On the way back, an impromptu stop at Clarisse Keramik Factory reveals local craftsmanship. This ceramics workshop offers many colourful creations, ideal for bringing back an authentic souvenir. Back at the hotel, the day continues at the pool before dinner.

Trail in Zia nature park Hammock facing the Zia panorama Viewing binoculars on the heights of Kos Colourful creations from Clarisse Keramik Factory Handmade ceramics from Kos

Day 4 ; Relaxation at the Michelangelo Resort & Spa

After a day of exploring, the programme refocuses on relaxing at the hotel. The hotel has several pools, including an impressive infinity pool facing the Aegean Sea. Two jacuzzis complete the wellness facilities. Between the main pool and the wellness area, the Swim Up bar serves drinks without leaving the water. The day flows by between swims, rest in the sun and contemplation of the seascapes. Each stroll reveals a new panorama of the surroundings. On the neighbouring hills, a few wild goats can sometimes be spotted. In the evening, dinner takes place in a friendly atmosphere, enlivened that day by a themed night.

Jacuzzi facing the sea Swim Up bar in the main pool

Day 5 ; Mastihari, Kefalos and Old Pyli

For this penultimate day, the island is explored by car. The first stop leads to Mastihari, a pleasant seaside resort known for its sandy beaches and small harbour. The road then continues to Kamari, on the south-west coast. Located in Kefalos Bay, this beach is ideal for swimming. A short walk leads to the remains of the ancient theatre of Astypalaia, from the Hellenistic period. From the heights, the panorama opens onto Kamari and the coastline of the Kefalos peninsula. At lunchtime, a break at Theologos Restaurant allows you to savour some local specialities.

Mastihari harbour Kamari beach in Kefalos Bay Ancient theatre of Astypalaia

On the way back, a stop in Kefalos introduces Melissa. This family business has been on the island for more than a century. The family raises its bees and produces artisanal honey, cosmetics and local specialities. This visit offers a lovely insight into the traditions and know-how of Kos. The day continues at Old Pyli Castle, one of the island’s most emblematic historic sites. Perched at about 300 metres above sea level, this Byzantine fortress dates back to the 11th century. It overlooks the surrounding landscapes and offers superb viewpoints. The remains of the medieval village of Palio Pyli complete the visit. The church of Panagia Kastriani, still standing, bears witness to the rich past of the place. It was founded by the monk Christodoulos, future founder of the Monastery of Saint John on Patmos.

Artisanal honey from the Melissa house Old Pyli Castle on its hill Church of Panagia Kastriani

Day 6 ; Between the Aegean Sea and Relaxation

For this last full day, relaxing by the Aegean Sea remains on the programme. Swims in the crystal-clear waters alternate with moments of rest by the pools. The hotel setting naturally invites lazing about. A last drink in one of the bars lets you enjoy the place one final time. Located on the east coast of the island, the Michelangelo Resort & Spa enjoys a privileged location. Despite a few details that could be improved, the experience remains very pleasant. The hotel particularly suits travellers looking for calm and beautiful sea views.

Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea Sunset on the east coast of Kos

Six Days in Kos ; Summing Up the Stay

Over these six days in Kos, the island reveals its many sides. Historic sites, beaches and characterful villages set the pace of discovery. The Aegean Sea accompanies every stage of the stay. Kos charms with its authenticity, its gentle way of life and its peaceful atmosphere. To continue discovering Europe, Budapest also holds many treasures during a stay of five days in the Hungarian capital (in French).

Back in Switzerland, Greek flavours await in Lausanne at Le Lyrique, just below the Opera. In Lutry, the Y Grec grocery also sells feta, olive oil and other products from Greece.