Kos Day Trip from Bodrum

Today I want to share my guide to a Kos day trip from Bodrum with you. Traveling to this Greek island from the coast of Turkey is easy, and visiting is a fun way to explore the Dodecanese islands.

There’s something mythical about the Greek islands. Maybe it’s the history or the mountainous landscapes, maybe it’s the fact that the ruins of ancient civilizations pop up on every street corner.

Whatever it is, I like it. So much so that while I’m traveling in Bodrum, I take a day trip to the island of Kos in Greece.

Ferry from Bodrum to Kos

The daily ferry from Bodrum to Kos departs in the morning and transports my friend and me over choppy seas on the hour-long journey to Greece.

The ferry deposits us at the small immigration office, where our passports are stamped and we’re let loose to discover the Greek island.

Things to Do on a Day Trip to Kos

Like Bodrum, Kos is a pretty port town with a marina full of boats and lots of seaside cafes. Narrow streets radiate out from the waterfront like the spokes of a wheel, each one lined on both sides with souvenir shops and food stalls.

On one side of the marina sits the castle, much like Bodrum’s. Behind it is the famous Tree of Hippocrates, an ancient plane tree where the father of medicine supposedly taught his students.

Across the street are the ruins of one of the largest markets in the ancient world. My friend and I start our Kos day trip from Bodrum by wandering through them, imagining what the agora would have looked like in its heyday.

Farther up from the water are more vestiges of ancient civilizations, from the columns of the acropolis to the steep steps of a small amphitheater.

Some offer better signage than others, but all point to the fact that Kos has seen its share of human activity for many thousands of years.

And that’s what I find so amazing about Greece. The layers of history, the many different civilizations that have passed through, and the legends that surround it all are captivating.

When we finish marveling at mosaics, we continue our Kos day trip from Bodrum with a wander back into the busy market squares to have lunch at a cafe called Aegli.

We’re intrigued by it, as there are signs explaining that it’s run by an all-female co-op.

Sitting down at a table, we learn that the restaurant is a social enterprise set up to employ at-risk women, and that the prime location in the heart of one of the town’s busiest squares has been donated by the city.

The food is good, too. We order Greek salads (we can’t help it), and they’re fresh and flavorful. At 5 euros each, they’re also refreshingly affordable given we’re in the heart of the tourist area.

We leave satisfied on all levels, and happy to see a social enterprise helping women in need.