A short drive from the airport, hundreds of peacocks and tortoises roam freely in the Plaka Forest. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy life in this peaceful forest. Great for families with kids or couples, and dotted with benches and barbecue pits.

Don’t let the beaches distract you from the treasures to be found inland. Plaka forest is a great place to escape from the sun or, alternatively, try Kos Natural Park in the village of Zia. For a change of pace, enjoy a boat trip from Kardamena to Nisyros, a tiny island with an active (but not erupting!) volcano, which dominates the landscape.

Hippocrates is said to have taught students under this tree. A historic landmark, the 500-year-old Plane Tree of Hippocrates is said to have descended from the original that stood at this spot in the 5th century. Located in the centre of town at the Castle of Knights, below the Gazi Hassan Mosque, its cuttings have travelled around the world.

Why not take a walk to the top of Mount Dikeos, the highest mountain on Kos, and enjoy panoramic views across the Aegean Sea. The idyllic village of Zia is surrounded by forested hillsides and welcomes visitors with its many tavernas, shops and churches. It is beautiful at sunset and you can view the entire island from here.

Explore a Roman amphitheatre at the Ancient Roman Odeon which was only discovered in the early 20th century. A short drive from Kos lies the Asklepieion, an ancient medical centre built in the 3rd century BC to Asklepios, the God of Health and Medicine. Probably the major ancient attraction in Kos, see the ruins of Roman thermal baths, altars and even an ancient 'spa'.

You can enjoy Kos without seeing so much as one strobe light! The former fishing village of Kefalos retains its traditional charm but now includes the modern area of Kamari, which gets lively at night. Up the hill, the pretty old town should not be missed. Classy Psalidi is small but perfectly formed, and very close to Kos Town if you want to head into the centre for a nightcap.