Kos

Kos

• About Kos

  The Greek island of Kos is one of the major European tourist destinations, and is especially popular with the British, hundreds of thousands of them visiting each year. This long thin island is surrounded by magnificent sandy beaches, covered with lush vegetation and holds some stunning archaeological sites.

• At A Glance

  Kos, part of the Dodecanese group of islands in the Aegean Sea, is about 60km long and is mainly flat and low lying. The flat plains of Kos have made cycling a popular tourist attraction and there are thousands available for hire. The main resorts, such as Kos Town, are lively, providing good shopping and nightlife, but there are also plenty of secluded villages to explore. With an abundance of beautiful beaches, restaurants, clubs, resorts and classical ruins to enjoy plus other nearby islands to investigate, such as Rhodes, Kos offers a holiday package which is most people's idea of heaven.

• Recommended Resorts

  Kos Town

  Kos Town is the capital, main port and major tourist centre of the island. Expect pretty whitewashed buildings and numerous hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. There are also a number of historical and cultural attractions. The town's most impressive sight is the 14th Century fortress overlooking the harbour. It was built in 1315 by The Knights of Saint John of Rhodes.

  Pserimos

  Pserimos is a small island about half way between Kos and Kalymnos. It is an idyllic paradise although it can be busy in summer. If you can find somewhere to stay it is a firm recommendation, especially just outside the peak season when it is quieter. The main beach is a stunner and the small harbour is very picturesque and charming.

  Kefalos

  Kefalos provides a holiday alternative to the busy resorts of Kos Town and Kardamena although there is still a good choice of bars, taverns and holiday accommodation. Kefalos is a charming and tranquil hillside village resting below an ancient fortress in the picturesque Kamari Bay. In the centre of the bay there is the tiny island, Kastri, which you can visit by boat. Kefalos is about 40 km from Kos Town to the South West.

  Platani

  To be found inland from Kos Town this is the home for Kos's Turkish community. Here you will find Turkish shops but visitors can also choose between cafes, clubs, taverns and some excellent fish restaurants. There is a very nice beach in a relaxing bay, offering panoramic views of the lush greenery which surrounds it. Many visitors pay their respects at the old Jewish Cemetery, nearby, which is surrounded by Pine trees.

• Did You Know?

  The ancient physician Hippocrates was born on Kos.

• Attractions

  Plane Tree of Hippocrates

  This tree is considered the oldest tree in Europe and stands in front of the entrance to Kos Castle. Its trunk has a circumference of about twelve meters. It is also thought to be the site where the physician taught. In Kos you will also find the International Hippocratic Institute and the Hippocratic Museum, also dedicated to the father of modern medicine.

  Asklepion

  The impressive ancient ruins of the first medical school in the world. It can be found on an elevated site with brilliant views of the town and coast. Hippocrates founded the first medical school in the late 5th Century BC. For nearly a thousand years after his death physicians were consulted here as well as the gods. It was discovered in 1902.

  Kos Castle

  Standing on the right side of the harbour is this stunning Venetian fortification. The Castle of The Knights was built by the Knights of St John in the 15th Century. The Castle consists of an inner and outer wall and is in good condition, providing a first-rate example of defensive fortresses in the 15th Century. Displays of ancients can be seen inside.

  Odeum

  The impressive Roman Odeum was built in the 3rd Century AD. A main feature is the eighteen marble steps which are in very good condition. The classic construction of this Amphitheatre was formed on vaulted arcades. When it was excavated in 1929 inside the Arcades archeologists found several ancient statues, including one of Hypocrites, which can be seen in the museum.

  Kos Museum

  This is a superb little archaeological museum which was built by the Italians in the 1930s to display Greek and Roman sculptures, potteries and mosaics from the island. It provides a reminder of what an important strategic and cultural centre Kos was for ancient Greece and Rome. The museum's atrium includes a mural/mosaic showing the history of how Hippocrates welcomed Asklepius, the god of healing, to the island.