ISLAND

Kos: The green island of Hippocrates

At the Dodecanese, in the southeastern Aegean Sea, between Nisyros and Kalymnos, is located this beautiful island. Kos. With a long history on its back, combines its glorious past with modern trends of the present. Crystal clear waters, lush vegetation and significant archeological sites are the most appropriate features to describe the island of Kos. Finally, in order to enrich your knowledge on history of Kos, lets mention   that the "father" of medicine was born there in 460BC where he founded the first medical school. There, was also built the famous “Asklipiio” dedicated to the god of medicine Asclepius. A conquest followed by Alexander the Great in 336 BC and later on there was a significant peak during the Byzantine period.

Walk to the island

Town of Kos: On the northeast side of the island is the capital of Kos. A town full of green which is ideal for cycling. The palm trees along the road give an exotic character to the area. Intense is the historical figure of the island. The Enetic castle, which dominates in the northeast of the port, built with marble and stone from the ancient town, takes us through the years of the Knights. Very interesting   archaeological site is Asklipieio, the most important monument of the island. It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Medicine. At night the town shows its other face. Here beats the heart of nightlife: clubs with live music, bars and big clubs keep the town awake until the early hours. There are also restaurants, and taverns, that satisfy your gastronomic desires.

Antimachia: A beautiful village in the center of the island, with reference point the Venetian Castle which is still maintained in excellent condition. Here you can see the impressive windmills with their distinctive architecture and at the nearby seaside Mastihari you will see the remains of an old Christian church with mosaic floors.

Kardamena: Coastal village has become the most popular tourist resort. It is 25 km from the capital and 7 from the airport. The wide beach of golden sand and blue waters compose an exotic landscape. Wide range of services available at your disposal as well as several entertainment options. From Kardamena you can also visit the nearby island of Nisyros by boat during the summer. It worths!

Kefalos: In the west, 42 km from the town of Kos we meet the picturesque village Kefalos. During your stay in the village is worth visiting the ruins of ancient town Astypalea at the site "Palaces" The Cave of White Stone, the Monastery of St. John and the Folk Museum. Abundant are restaurants, the beach bar and clubs of the area.

Pili: The Mediterranean vegetation "marries" the traditional architecture, the result of that combination is Pyli. A beautiful village situated in a valley of olive groves and crops. Residents are closely tied to the traditions of the island. Taste of the Middle Age you will get if you visit the “Old Pili” with   the inaccessible Castle. The Church of  Panagia Ypapanth with the wall paintings of the 14th century and the ruins of a vaulted tomb of the mythical hero Charmylos, add a mysterious character to the area and travel the visitors to an another period.

Beaches

In Kos, you will find all kinds of beaches for all tastes. Endless sandy beaches are stretching right and left of the harbor. Agios Fokas Linopoti, Tygkaki, Kardamena and beaches around Kefalos will enchant you with their unparalleled natural beauty and crystal clear waters.

Events

Worth to attend the "Hippocratic", a series of cultural events taking place on the island every August. Moreover, every Sunday at Asklipieio there is a representation of the Hippocratic Oath. Traditional festivals take place on 15 August, on 30 June and 15 September in Antimachia. The same in Kefalos on 26 July (the Feast of the Agia Paraskevi) and in August at 29. Festivals take place on 23 April, the day of Saint George in Pili where apart from the wine and the meet which are offered, horse races take place too.

Local delicacies-Shopping

Μarvelous are the sweets of the island and the local sweet called “tomato”. Worth trying the spicy and tasty “krasotiri” and the delicious local wine. You will be impressed by the picturesque Municipal Market, not only for the variety of local products but also for the particular building of unique architecture, which refers to the Italian colonies in North Africa.

Useful information

How to get there:
By ferry from Piraeus to 13 hours and 30 minutes all year. By plane from the Olympic at Spata at 55. The airport of Kos is located in Antimachia 23 km from the capital.

Internal transport:
Most areas of the island are linked by bus from the capital. You can rent cars, motorbikes or bicycles. Of course, there are taxis.

Connections:
By Ferry Kos is all year connected with Alexandroupolis Amorgos, Astypalea, Thessaloniki, Greece, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Leros, Limnos, Mykonos, Mytilene, Naxos, Nisyros Paros Patmos, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Serifos, Symi, Syros, Tilos , Chios.
By hydrofoil from Kos to Rhodes, Tilos, Simi, Nisyros, Samos, Pythagorion, Bakeries, Leros, Patmos, Kalymnos, Ikaria, Halki, Agathonisi Lipsi.
By plane there is connection with Athens.

Useful phones

Municipality of Kos: 22420-28420
Hospital-Health Center: 22420-22300
Police: 22420-22222, 22420-28211
Olympic Airlines: 22420-28331
Airport: 22420-51444
Bus: 22420-22292
Τaxi Station: 22420-22777

Επιμέλεια: Μάγδα Λαμπρακοπούλου