Away from the beaches and tourist hustle and bustle, Kos shows a completely different side in an idyllic pine forest in the heart of the island. On the way from Kos Town to Kefalos, a short visit to the Peacock Forest of Kos, the green lung of the island.
»Especially on windy and gloomy days, a trip to the Plaka Forest on Kos is a welcome change from the beach lounger.«
We have actually been to the island of Kos so many times. Almost every time we visit the small forest near Antimachia. For our little daughter it is always a highlight, and we also enjoy the fresh forest air ourselves again and again. Everything you need to know for your visit to Plaka Forest you can find out here in the article:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
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Plaka Kos: Cats, Peacocks & Turtles
A dense pine forest opens up before your eyes, home to vibrant wildlife. In addition to stray cats frolicking between the trees and turtles swimming in a stream, wild peacocks have also settled in the grove – this is how the peacock forest of Kos got its name.
The employees of Kittys of Kefalos have been taking care of the cats that have been abandoned here by locals for years. The animal welfare organization provides them with food and water and performs regular sterilizations to avoid uncontrolled reproduction. You can find more information on animal welfare and strays in Greece in our article: Stray animals in Greece
Committed locals and school classes regularly carry out clean-up campaigns in the peacock forest of Kos in order to keep Plaka clean. Since 2021, no more monetary donations may be collected on site. So beware of people who are in Plaka with donation boxes.
→ The 12 most beautiful excursions with children in Kos we will tell you in our article: Kos Island with children
After half an hour, many photos and beautiful impressions, most of the visitors are already gone. If you want to spend a little more time in Plaka Forest, you can take a leisurely walk through the forest. Exception: If Kos is experiencing a high forest fire level, you may not be able to visit Plaka.
→ Everything you need to know about the forest fires on Kos can be found here: Forest fires in Greece
Below the wooden bridge there is also a small stream, which still carries some water in spring. With a bit of luck, you will spot frogs as well as turtles, which have their home here.
In the peacock forest of Kos, it is pleasantly cool even in summer and rarely overcrowded. In the winter months, the locals like to meet on Sundays for a barbecue in the Plaka. In this way, the resident animals are cared for all year round.
💡 Environmental protection and animal welfare on Kos: Tearing out peacock feathers as a “souvenir” is cruelty to animals and also a criminal offence in Greece! Please treat all animals in the Plaka Forest with respect and take your garbage back with you for the sake of the sensitive environment.
How to get to the Peacock Forest from Kos
If you are coming from the airport on the main road towards Kefalos, a sign with the inscription “Plaka”. Turn right here and follow the asphalt road. After a few kilometers, the road turns into a gravel road and leads downhill into a depression right into the heart of the Plaka forest.
Coming from Kefalos you can follow the gravel road from the Tavern Fytorio to Plaka. The dirt road leads, among other things, past a military compound and the chapel of Agios Dimitrios just a few minutes later you will arrive at Plaka Forest. After your visit to Plaka, you can take another trip to the Kefalos region.
→ The best Excursions on the island of Kos we reveal in this article: Kos Excursions
By rental car to Plaka
Ours recommendation for car rental in Kos is Costas Car Rental – a friendly family business that we have known and appreciated personally for years. Well-maintained cars, uncomplicated service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, everything is there. Click here for the desired vehicle for Kos:
The peacock forest of Kos can only be reached by your own vehicle or bike – there is no bus to Plaka Forest. Since it is a public park, admission is free. In midsummer, a Kantina wagon is occasionally available for a small snack. There are no toilets.
Places of interest around Plaka
The forest of Plaka is located in the interior of the island, not far from the village of Antimachia and the airport. In the immediate vicinity you can see other sights of Kos. In addition, there are many beautiful beaches on the isthmus of Kefalos, which is only a few kilometers away.
→ The The most beautiful beaches of Kos can be found in this article: Kos Beaches
Windmill of Antimachia
The last active windmill on the island of Kos was once owned by the village priest. Even today, the Windmill of Antimachia Fresh flour is produced according to the traditional method, making it one of the last still functioning windmills in Greece.
O Mylos tou papa (Mill of the Priest) is more than 250 years old and was restored and put back into operation after the earthquake in 1933. The friendly owner family sells biscuits, pastries and biscuits made from the flour produced here in their adjoining shop. The interior of the windmill can be visited for a small fee.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Antimachia Folklore Museum
In Traditional House of Antimachias opposite the windmill of Antimachia you will get an authentic insight into the life of the villagers at the beginning of the 20th century. The small local history museum consists of four rooms in which typical furnishings and festive traditional costumes are shown.
Guided tours in Kos
Enclosed we have the three most popular Kos tours summarized. The tours usually start from Kos Town or sometimes also with pick-up from the hotel. Click on the links to our partner GetYourGuide* for more details about the excursions:
➲ To the 3-island tour with BBQ*
Our tavern tips near Plaka
Lovly Bar
Located about 15 minutes (13 km) north of Plaka, beach bar with an alternative flair. Owner Tassos and his team are very friendly and serve simple but tasty dishes Greek cuisine and cool drinks. The beach below the Lovly Bar is worth cooling off, but depending on the wind strength there are high waves and seaweed is also washed ashore.
Blue Beach Kos
Rustic beach bar at the so-called Blue Beach, about 10 minutes south of Plaka Forest. The journey is a little adventurous, first it goes in the direction of Robinson Club, then follow the gravel path at the Three Graces Villas. Once at the bottom, a caravan converted into a kiosk awaits you, which is covered with a shady pergola. Soft drinks, beer & simple snacks at good prices.
More articles and useful travel tips for the island of Kos can be found at:
- Kos Holidays – 11 Important information
- Kos Island -Guidebook
- Kos Beaches – our top 10
- Kos Resorts – All holiday resorts at a glance
- Best Hotels Kos
- Our highlights on Kos
- Zia Kos – Excursion to the mountain village
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