Antimachia: Village History and Experiences on Kos

Antimachia is a small settlement on Kos, 25 kilometres from Kos Town. The Antimachia Folk Museum and a historic windmill give the place its own cultural character. Kos Hippocrates International Airport (KGS) is also located in Antimachia. These are clear reference points when looking for an apartment: the village’s history and the island’s experiences can be different focal points of your trip.

Village history around Antimachia

Weaving courses are offered at the Antimachia Folk Museum during the winter months. If you would like to plan this seasonal activity, check the latest details before your trip. This will help you time your visit to fit your stay, without mistaking the winter courses for a year-round offering.

A prominent historic building is the Traditional Windmill of Antimachia, also called Priest’s Windmill or Amallou Windmill. It dates from the 19th century and was restored after the 1933 earthquake. The different names refer to the same windmill; its restoration is part of its history and reflects the rebuilding after the earthquake.

Nearby, four kilometres from the village, is Antimachia Castle. The medieval fortress was built in the late Middle Ages by the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John. Together with the Folk Museum and the windmill, it offers another historical point of interest for anyone wishing to discover not just the landscapes of Kos, but also the history of its settlements.

Kos by bike, on foot and on the water

Beyond Antimachia, Kos offers a range of options for active days. The island has ten cycling routes with different profiles: completely flat, mountainous, mixed, unpaved and steep. This range is more useful for planning than the idea of a single typical bike ride; it opens up different ways to experience the island by bike.

Hiking on Kos also has its own landmark: at 846 metres, Mount Dikeos is the island’s highest mountain. A well-maintained, marked hiking trail starts in Zia. Zia is therefore a specific starting point for planning a hike on Kos.

Water sports are widely available on Kos: facilities for water sports and water-based leisure activities can be found at almost every beach. The Psalidi region offers all kinds of water sports. Anyone particularly interested in these activities can compare this island-wide overview with the specific offerings in Psalidi.

Island nature and flavours

The Psalidi wetland is a seasonal refuge for migratory birds. Lush vegetation and designated wildlife-watching paths shape this natural area. Its seasonal character makes it a different experience from the historic buildings in and around Antimachia: here, the focus is on nature and wildlife watching.

Local products also offer a glimpse of Kos’s culinary side. During visits to beekeeping businesses on the island, you can taste honey and learn about the production process first-hand. Another speciality is Kos Krasotyri: this white cheese, protected under the PDO designation, is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and matured in grape pomace for at least one month. Tasting honey and learning about a protected cheese offer two different ways to experience the region’s food culture.

Antimachia as a base for your trip

Local KTEL buses run from every settlement on Kos, with numerous regular connections to Kos Town. Check the timetable for your specific journey. If you are considering Antimachia as a base for your apartment stay, you can make your decision based on your own interests: in the village, the history and seasonal weaving courses take centre stage, while cycling routes, the hiking trail from Zia, water sports and wildlife watching offer different ways to explore the island. The contrast between Antimachia’s cultural character and the experiences on Kos can thus become part of your trip planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pali, Marmari, Mandrákion, Kos, Tigkaki, Mastichari, Kardámaina, Asfendiou.

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