Kos has long stretches of sand along its northern and southern coasts, with many beaches offering shallow water and organised facilities. Tigaki, on the north coast, has a wide sandy shore backed by a seaside settlement. Nearby Marmari offers similar conditions, with long beaches, areas of open sand and facilities for water sports. Mastichari, a fishing village farther west, has another sandy beach exposed to the northern winds.

The southern coast has a different setting. Around Kefalos, a village at the western end of the island, Agios Stefanos Beach combines sand and clear water with the remains of two early Christian basilicas. The small islet of Kastri, with its white chapel, stands just offshore. Paradise Beach, farther along Kefalos Bay, offers fine sand and organised swimming areas.

Closer to Kos Town, the main port and capital, Lambi provides easy access to sandy beaches, while Psalidi has a mixture of pebbles and coastal facilities. On the south-east coast, Agios Fokas leads towards the darker, rocky shore of Therma Beach.

Kos has a strong connection with ancient medicine through Hippocrates, who was born on the island in the fifth century BC. The Asklepieion, on a hillside outside Kos Town, was an ancient sanctuary of healing dedicated to Asclepius. Visitors can walk through its three terraces and see temples, an altar and other structures overlooking the coast. The site developed after the lifetime of Hippocrates.

In Kos Town, the main port and capital, the Ancient Agora preserves streets, columns and foundations from the ancient commercial centre. The Roman Odeon, a small theatre, and the Archaeological Museum add further detail to the island's Greek and Roman history. Near the harbour stands the Castle of Neratzia, built by the Knights of St John. Its walls and towers remain a prominent part of the waterfront.

The island also has medieval fortifications inland. Near Antimachia, a village in central Kos, a large fortified castle overlooks the surrounding countryside. The site contains defensive walls, old cisterns and two small churches.

Cycling is part of everyday life on Kos. Kos Town, the main port and capital, has a coastal cycle lane extending towards Psalidi, a seaside area to the south-east. Beyond the town, ten published cycling routes lead through olive groves, villages, forest tracks and the slopes of Mount Dikaios. They include gentle rides near Tigaki and more demanding mountain routes.

The island's summer winds also support windsurfing and kitesurfing. Organised schools and equipment rental are found around Psalidi, Mastichari and Kefalos, with conditions suitable for different experience levels. Scuba diving is available through island-based dive centres. Sites around Kefalos include Kastri Islet, the rocky coast near Agios Stefanos and Limnionas, a small bay on the western side of the island.

Hiking routes lead from Zia towards Mount Dikaios and through woodland to Palio Pyli. Sailing is another established activity, with yacht charters departing from Kos Marina, an organised harbour with moorings and services for sailing boats.

Away from the coast, several villages preserve the island's rural architecture and traditions. Zia, on the slopes of Mount Dikaios, has narrow streets, stone houses and views across northern Kos. Its village centre has small shops, cafés and tavernas, making it a regular stop on drives into the mountains. Nearby Asfendiou preserves older neighbourhoods, including Asomatos and Evangelistria, with traditional houses, churches and narrow lanes.

Pyli, in the central countryside, is known for its village square, stone houses and historic spring with six water spouts. Above it, the former settlement of Palio Pyli stands among wooded slopes beside a medieval castle.

Farther west, Antimachia is a village associated with traditional rural life and local architecture. Kefalos, near the western end of the island, has a hillside village with closely built houses and narrow streets. Its coastal settlement, Kamari, lies below the village beside the bay. These inland and hillside communities offer a different experience from the island's larger seaside resorts.

The interior of Kos rises towards Mount Dikaios, a limestone mountain reaching 846 metres. Its slopes include pine and cypress woodland, olive groves and rocky ground. Marked paths lead through the mountain landscape, with views across the island and towards neighbouring Aegean islands. The countryside changes from cultivated fields in the lower areas to steeper wooded slopes above the villages.

On the north coast, the Tigaki Salt Lake, also called Alykes, is a protected wetland behind the sandy shore. Flamingos and other waterbirds use the shallow water during migration. Another protected wetland lies at Psalidi, south-east of Kos Town, where visitors can observe birds near the coast.

At Therma Beach, south-east of the island's capital, natural hot springs emerge beside the sea. The warm mineral water mixes with seawater inside a small pool enclosed by stones. Dark pebbles, steep cliffs and the neighbouring volcanic landscape give this part of the coast its distinctive appearance.

Kos produces a range of traditional foods from its farmland, vineyards and dairy farms. One of its characteristic products is krasotyri, also known as possa, a cheese matured in wine lees that give its outer surface a dark colour. It is served in local tavernas and sold in food shops. Another local speciality is tomato spoon sweet, made by preserving small tomatoes in syrup.

Traditional dishes include makarounes, handmade pasta served with meat, and stuffed courgette flowers. Visitors can also find local honey, olive oil and seasonal fruit in markets and shops across the island.

Wine tasting is another established experience. Several vineyards and wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings, offering wines made from Greek and international grape varieties. These visits provide an introduction to local wine production, while countryside tavernas serve dishes based on the island's agricultural produce.