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When you think of Greek islands, your mind invariably thinks of golden, dazzling beaches and all year round sunshine. But for tourists that want to experience something a little more off the beaten track, flights to Kos will surprisingly provide just the ticket.

Quite a few religious feasts are celebrated on Kos at which the island's old customs and usages are revived, some of which will certainly be of interest to the visitor due to their peculiarity. One such example is 'The Hippocratia', organized by the Municipality of Kos from July to September. This lively and vibrant festival set against the backdrop of Greece's unmistakable iridescent blue skies and inviting cool waters make this the perfect place to experience Greeks rich and varied history.

The long festival includes the reading of the Hippocratic Oath, which is still used by doctors today. Expect classical and other music concerts, theatrical works, ancient tragedies, folklore exhibitions, art, sculpture and photography exhibitions, traditional dances and song. In fact, this festival will take you on a whirlwind whistle stop tour, showing you Greece's cultural heart at its best!

If you still have some energy left after the festival, Kos is an ideal place to take in the archaeological sites. There are numerous excavations dotted around the island and the plane of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, where he supposedly taught and read, as well as the Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha from 1786, are all recommended trips.

The natural beauty of Kos is also fantastic for hiking and mountain climbing, and the fact that Kos is blessed with a mild climate virtually all year round makes it ideal to pay a visit to at any time of the year. If you are travelling with the kids, take them on a bike ride around the island. It will wear them out and the good news is that the terrain is relatively flat! Be adventurous, if you fancy a tour of the stunning surrounding islands such as Samos, Naxos, or even Rhodes, then you can rent a boat from the local marina, complete with guide who can fill you in on the local history of the islands mythology and folklore.

After all this activity, make sure you visit the Agios Fokas region some 12 km from Kos where you can take advantage of the natural therapeutic qualities of the thermal springs. The springs have been in use since the 5th century BC, and have been bathed in by no other then Cleopatra herself! Feel like a royalty while blissfully soaking up the views of the sea, perhaps sipping on the local honey wine while watching the hazy sunsets retreat.