
Asclepieion Kos
Ancient healing sanctuary and medical school where Hippocrates practiced, offering a profound glimpse into the origins of Western medicine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid summer heat & crowds

Asclepieion Kos
Best Time
Avoid summer heat & crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient healing sanctuary and medical school where Hippocrates practiced, offering a profound glimpse into the origins of Western medicine.
"Amazing place where you can walk around for a couple of hours, taking in the beautiful views and the beauty of the architecture of the past."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven paths. Essential for exploring the terraces!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially in summer. The on-site cafe is pricey.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three Terraces
Asclepieion of Kos
Explore ancient healing rooms, temples, and Roman baths across three levels with stunning sea views.

Hippocrates' Legacy
Asclepieion of Kos
Walk in the footsteps of Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, at this historic sanctuary.

Panoramic Sea Views
Highest points of Asclepieion
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea and even Turkey from the upper levels of the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Terraces
Tickets and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven paths. Essential for exploring the terraces!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially in summer. The on-site cafe is pricey.
🚗 Easy Access by Car/Taxi
Rent a car or take a taxi from Kos Town (approx. 2 miles).
🚌 Tourist Train Option
A fun, train-like vehicle offers a sightseeing route to the Asclepieion.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven paths. Essential for exploring the terraces!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially in summer. The on-site cafe is pricey.
🚗 Easy Access by Car/Taxi
Rent a car or take a taxi from Kos Town (approx. 2 miles).
🚌 Tourist Train Option
A fun, train-like vehicle offers a sightseeing route to the Asclepieion.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic sea views are incredible, especially from the top terraces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Asclepieion for its stunning history and beautiful architecture, offering a deep connection to the origins of Western medicine. However, the site's accessibility is a significant concern due to numerous steps and uneven paths, making it difficult for those with mobility issues. The €15 entrance fee is also noted as being rather steep, especially given the basic condition of some facilities like the toilets and the pricey on-site cafe.
"Stunning history, beautiful to see, not accessible unless you can do many steps! Also €15pp..
But we did and enjoyed."
DK Green
"Amazing place where you can walk around for a couple of hours, taking in the beautiful views and the beauty of the architecture of the past . The paths are quite poor in areas, and if you have trouble walking, this could be a problem. As others have said, the price of €15 is rather steep.If they used some of the entrance fee to make it more accessible with better pathways, it would not be as bad. The toilets are really poor and are just before you get to the ticket kiosk."
Derek Booth
"Amazing Greek history that don’t want to miss
If you have knee problems it would be hard for you to climb but otherwise great views. Put on comfy shoes! You can see Aegean Sea 🌊 and Turkey 🇹🇷 from the highest points. Being a physician to visit Asclepieion is a must!
Entrance fee costs 15 € for adults.
There is a cafeteria close by if you need to grab something light to drink and eat. We took freshly made orange 🍊 juice."
Aous Karim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have several options to reach the Asclepieion from Kos Town. Taxis are readily available and the journey is short, about 2 miles.
Public transportation is also an option, with signs posted around town indicating routes. For a more unique experience, a tourist 'train' vehicle offers a sightseeing route directly to the site.Yes, driving is a convenient way to visit. Many visitors rent cars and find the site easily accessible.
Parking is generally available near the entrance.While it's only about 2 miles from Kos Town, the walk involves some uphill sections. It's feasible for those who enjoy walking, but consider the heat during summer months.
Guided tours are often available, but some visitors have noted that guides can sometimes obstruct access to information points.
It's advisable to check for tour availability upon arrival or book in advance if you prefer a structured experience.Many visitors recommend exploring the site in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the changing light on the ruins.
Taking your time to appreciate the history and the views from each terrace is key.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for adults is €15 per person.
Some visitors find this price a bit high considering the condition of some facilities.Information on specific discounts is not widely available in reviews. It's best to inquire at the ticket kiosk upon arrival or check the official site if available.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the most up-to-date hours before your visit, especially if traveling during shoulder seasons or holidays.
Online ticket purchasing options are not frequently mentioned. It's generally assumed that tickets are purchased on-site at the entrance.
The entrance fee grants access to the entire archaeological site, including all three terraces, the ruins of temples, treatment rooms, and the museum exhibits (if any are present).
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Asclepieion is built on three terraces with many steps and uneven paths, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues or knee problems.
Accessibility is limited, and visitors with walking difficulties should be aware of this before their visit.Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain and numerous steps.
Lightweight clothing is advisable, especially during warmer months, to help manage the heat.Yes, restrooms are available, but reviews indicate they are basic and located before the ticket kiosk.
From the higher terraces, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the coastline of Turkey.
The scenery is a significant highlight for many visitors.Most visitors spend a couple of hours exploring the site, taking in the history and the views.
You can easily spend more time if you wish to linger and absorb the atmosphere.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafeteria located close to the site that offers light refreshments.
However, reviews suggest that prices can be quite high for what is offered.The cafeteria offers drinks and light snacks. Freshly made orange juice was specifically mentioned by one visitor.
The closest dining options would likely be back in Kos Town. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit if you're looking for a full meal.
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea, especially if you want to avoid the on-site cafe's prices and ensure you have what you need.
For authentic Greek cuisine, consider trying local tavernas in Kos Town. Gyros are a popular and affordable option, with Ousia in Kos Town being a recommended spot.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the upper terraces are spectacular for photography.
The ancient ruins themselves, with their architectural details and the interplay of light and shadow, also make for compelling shots.Drone usage regulations can vary at archaeological sites. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone at the Asclepieion.
Late afternoon, especially closer to sunset, offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the ancient stones and the sea views.
Early morning can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, tripods or professional photography setups might require special permission. Always be respectful of the site.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the terraces and the surrounding landscape, close-ups of the ancient stonework, and atmospheric photos of the ruins against the sky or sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Medical Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birthplace of Western Medicine
This remarkable site is structured across three distinct terraces, each revealing different aspects of its historical function. The lower terraces likely housed administrative buildings and treatment rooms, while the upper levels featured temples and areas for religious ceremonies. Visitors can explore the remnants of these structures, imagining the ancient practices and the pursuit of wellness that took place here centuries ago. The strategic location on a hillside offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea, adding to the site's serene and contemplative atmosphere.
Exploring the Asclepieion's Architecture and Layout
Moving up to the middle terrace, you'll find more significant structures, including the remains of temples dedicated to Asclepius and possibly other deities like Apollo. This level would have been central to the sanctuary's religious and healing rituals. The highest terrace, often referred to as the 'upper sanctuary,' features the most prominent temple ruins and offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding island. This elevated position likely served ceremonial purposes and provided a vantage point for contemplation and healing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit