Kos Island

The island of Kos, part of the Greek archipelago Dodecanese and the third largest in it after Rhodes and Karpathos, is nestled in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is separated from Rhodes by about 100 km, and from the largest island of Greece – Crete – by almost 240 km. Kos’s immediate neighbors are Kalymnos and Nisyros: it lies just between them.

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Video: Kos Island

Contents

Highlights

Kos is a small island, with an area of about 290 square kilometers and a permanent population of only 30,000. However, this piece of land is world-famous, primarily as the birthplace of the famous Hippocrates. He was born on Kos in 460 BC and is considered the founder of medical science. It is no coincidence that the main attraction of the island is the sanctuary of the god-physician Asclepius, who was especially revered in ancient times. A sycamore tree, planted, according to legend, by Hippocrates himself, has survived to this day: in its shade the great scientist shared his knowledge with his students.

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Modern Kos is one of the most popular resorts of the Mediterranean Sea, of which the Aegean Sea is a part. A huge number of tourists are beckoned here by the unique nature and luxurious beaches. Every year about 600 thousand vacationers visit this blessed land. The island of Kos has a developed tourist infrastructure, which also contributes to the influx of travelers from all corners of the world. It is even surprising how such a small island could accommodate such a large number of bars, restaurants, taverns and hotels, not to mention a variety of places for entertainment. All this recreation and tourism industry is able to meet the demands of the most demanding travelers.

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Separately, we would like to note that the island of Kos is one of the most environmentally friendly places on our planet. It is also one of the greenest islands in the Aegean Sea. There are also freshwater springs here, which together with the warm and mild climate creates very comfortable conditions for the existence of a large number of birds and animals. For example, in winter flamingos come here, on the southern coast settled Mediterranean seals, and on the northern coast of the future offspring are concerned about the future offspring of tadpoles loggerhead turtles, or caretta – for them this is the season of laying eggs.

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The island of Kos is rightfully called the Garden of Eden, so if you would like to be away from the centers of civilization and noisy gassy cities during your vacation, this is the place for you. Unique nature, which is a riot of greenery and colors – this is the feature that tourists emphasize when they return home, recommending Kos for a vacation to their loved ones. And the wonderful resort also attracts travelers with a huge number of attractions. The youngest and most active tourists come to this paradisiacal place with pleasure: water sports and rich nightlife allow them to have fun.

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Climate and weather

The climate on little Kos is a complex combination of subtropical and Mediterranean weather conditions. As a consequence, contrasts can be observed: while in summer the weather is clear, hot and dry, in winter it is often inclement, with long rains and strong winds.

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Summer on the island comes in early June. The average air temperature in the warm season is +27 degrees Celsius. There are also very hot days, when the thermometer creeps up to +31 °C.

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The Aegean Sea heats up to +25 °C in summer, which is a very comfortable temperature, perfect for swimming. In July, the day lengthens to a maximum of 14 hours. In summer, the night sky over the island is clear and cloudless. And if you take into account that life here does not subside neither day nor night, it may seem that daylight hours never end.

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In summer, as we said, rainfall is negligible. Hot and sweltering weather peaks between July 20 and September 21. True, sea breezes blow from the northwest direction, but they refresh the air only slightly and for a short time. During this period, vacationing on Kos is not very comfortable, although for a large number of tourists such weather conditions are not an obstacle.

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The best climatic indicators, if compared with other periods of the year, come in the twenties of September and continue until about mid-December. During the fall months, the average air temperature stays at +22 degrees. The sea begins to slowly cool down, with water temperatures dropping from +25 °C to +20 °C. Clouds gradually settle in the sky above the island and the probability of light rainfall is steadily increasing, reaching 60 mm. As a result, the weather becomes windy and inclement, with humidity reaching almost 65%. The sea begins to “awaken”. On it during this period is not uncommon unrest, and in November there are strong storms.

Winter on Kos lasts three months, but the temperatures are not winter by Russian standards. For example, in January nights the thermometer does not fall below +9 degrees Celsius, and during the day it rises to +13 °C. Winter weather in the resort is mostly inclement, clouds sometimes do not leave for several weeks in a row. The humidity reaches 75% due to the constant rains. As for the sea, winter is a time of strong, fierce storms. The water temperature in the Aegean Sea drops to +18 °C. Snow on the island is extremely rare, we would even say the rarest. The last time it fell 30 years ago!

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In the last decade of March, spring weather is established on Kos. The air temperature rises day by day, reaching 17-22 degrees Celsius in April and May. Accordingly, the sea water begins to warm up. By the end of May, its temperature reaches already +21°C. Spring on Kos is also characterized by low cloudiness, with slight clarifications. The rains, typical for winter, become noticeably less, which immediately affects the relative humidity: it drops to 50%. The wind direction also changes: the south-west gives the “reins” to the north-east.

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History of Kos

The first inhabitants of Kos were settlers from Caria, a historical area on the southwest coast of the Asia Minor peninsula. Then the Minoan Cretans began to settle in these places, and already in the 14th century BC the island became the second homeland for the Mycenaeans, who grew out of the Minoan civilization. It was they who sent 30 ships from Kos to the Trojan War, which raged at the turn of the XIII-XII centuries BC. A few centuries later, the Dorians began to look at the island and founded the city of Kos around 700 BC. Together with the cities of Ialysos, Kamir and Lindos (all located on the island of Rhodes), as well as Halicarnassus (now Bodrum) and Cnidus (peninsula of Asia Minor), it was part of the Dorian Hexagradium.

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When the Persians, who invaded Kos in the 5th century BC, were subsequently defeated in Greece, the island became part of the Athenian Maritime Union in 479 BC. The famous Hippocrates was born here in 460 BC, and no less famous Asklepion was built by the islanders after the death of the founder of the first medical school. It functioned as a hospital and thousands of patients from all over the Mediterranean region came here for treatment. They received all appointments and procedures based on the techniques developed by the “father of medicine.”

The year 366 B.C. has gone down in history as the date of the foundation of the city of Kos at its present location. The former capital of the island, Astypalea, was moved here. The city, given its favorable geographical position between East and West, began to develop rapidly in the 4th century BC, reaching the peak of its economic growth and political influence. In those distant times, just imagine, 160,000 people lived on this small island. Kos was an exporter of olive oil, wine, fruit, wood and was widely known as a producer of quality silk. The production of the latter was mainly done by the Romans.

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Kos then became part of the empire of Alexander the Great. After the death of the great conqueror, it was ruled by the Ptolemies. In 308 BC here was born ruler of Egypt Ptolemy II Philadelphus, a descendant first satrap, and then Egyptian king Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I, who came to him, perhaps, a half-sister on his father.

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In 102 B.C., Queen Cleopatra, wife of Ptolemy VIII Everget, brought her grandson Alexander to the island. Here the boy received protection and education, for which the grateful grandmother presented the temple of Asclepius with rich gifts. These treasures were seized by the Persian king Mithridates. The Persians, who established a tyrannical rule on Kos, ruled the island for several centuries until the Romans liberated it in 82 BC. The Apostle Paul also set foot on this blessed land. The disciple of Christ visited it during one of his missionary journeys. He also established the first Christian communities here.

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“The power is changing again!” – would have exclaimed the hero of a popular Soviet comedy, if he had been on Kos in 1204. This and several other islands of the Dodecanese began to be ruled by the Franks. Then the power changed once again: Kos was conquered by Michael Paleologos, the ruler of the powerful Byzantine Empire. The future resort was often attacked by numerous enemies, the greatest danger was carried by the Saracens. Over time, Byzantium began to decline and could no longer hold its maritime possessions. Consequently, Kos passed to the Genoese. However, they, more looking for trade benefits, turned their eyes to the possibilities of Rhodes, and “unnecessary” Kos simply sold. The buyer was Fulk de Vilaret, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John.

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The new owners about a century later decided to erect a large fortress (it is located at the entrance to the port) and other fortifications on the island. Not only stones but also marble from ancient palaces and temples were used as building material. Barbarously treated the Knights of the Order of St. John and to the ancient mosaics, taking them to Rhodes, in the Old City, and decorated the floor in the palace of the Grand Master. However, with all the cultural heritage of Kos, the knights could not or did not have time to do away with it. Recently there have been archaeological excavations, and in different parts of the island were found other examples of mosaic art, which impressed historians with their beauty and splendor.

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The fight against this order was fought by the Turks, who were victorious first on Rhodes and then on Kos, capturing the latter in 1522. However, the power of the Ottoman Porte did not show itself at its best. On the contrary, the Turks ruled very cruelly: and not only on Kos, but in all of Greece. French historian Pukeville cites data according to which during the entire period of Turkish occupation, 11 Greek patriarchs, 100 bishops and 6 thousand ordinary clergymen died for their homeland and faith. The Ottoman Empire owned Kos until 1912, when it was replaced by the Kingdom of Italy. The Italians, understandably, did not grant the long-awaited freedom to the Greeks either. Fascist ruler Benito Mussolini dreamed of reviving the Great Roman Empire and saw the future of Greece only in the status of one of its provinces.

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In 1933, the island was hit by a terrible earthquake, which caused significant destruction. The disaster did not spare many monuments of the Middle Ages, but, as they say, there is good without good: from the depths of the earth appeared on the surface artifacts of the ancient period. Excavations continue to this day, and the more valuable finds they discover.

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In 1943, the Italians were replaced by the Germans, whose rule ended after World War II, and Kos came under the protectorate of Great Britain. The reunification of the island with its historical homeland, Greece, did not take place until 1948. This event was marked by a symbolic act: the then mayor of Athens, Ioannis Pitsikas, flew an airplane over the island and dropped the national blue and white striped flag on it. This relic is still kept today in the office of the head of the Kos municipality.

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Resorts and beaches

Kos stretches from west to east for just over 45 kilometers, and in width, this is only in the central part, almost 11 kilometers. The local airport Hippocrates is located in the center, near the village of Antimakhia. Inside the island there are also villages, many of which are very popular with tourists. To name a few: Pili, Kefalovrisi, Zia, Asfendiou. But the entire tourist infrastructure is concentrated, understandably, closer to the sea, on the southern and northern coasts.

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One of the most popular resorts, Lambi, closely adjoins the administrative center – the city of Kosu. It is here that the tourist and party life of the island’s capital is concentrated. After relaxing on the beaches, vacationers enjoy exploring the sights of the city, where more than half of the population lives. After a strong earthquake in 1933, the city of Kos literally rebuilt from the ruins, but the most famous monuments of antiquity, fortunately, have been preserved. The residential buildings are mostly two-storey.

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To the east of the administrative center is the resort area of Psalidi. The beach here is long, covered with pebbles, next to the highway. Between the beach and the road “squeezed” a series of hotels where tourists stay. In this part of the island there are often strong winds, which attracts windsurfers. On the coast near this resort there are thermal springs, the water of which contains a lot of sulfur.

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One of the most picturesque resorts of the island is Kefalos, which emerged on the site of its ancient capital. The distance between it and the current capital is 43 km. The village is notable for the fact that it has many monuments of two eras – Roman and medieval (for example, an ancient windmill). The sea on the local sandy beach, compared to others, is a bit colder, all because of the current. The village is one of the main centers of windsurfing on the island, thanks to the well-located bay, and there is a rental shop for water sports equipment. A little bit, however, let down the wind, it is not as strong as on the beaches in the northern part of Kos.

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To the east of Kefalos are the most popular beaches of the island: Paradise Beach, Kamari and Agios Stefanos. The landscape of the latter is particularly impressive, dominated by the ruins of a Byzantine basilica and a coastal islet with an old church. The water here is the clearest and the sand is soft-soft.

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More than 10 kilometers long zone of shallow sandy beaches Tigaki, which is located west of the town of Kos. It is formed around the village of the same name. Two more beach areas, Mastihari and Marmari, are also formed around villages of the same name. The first one is a small port and the second one is a fishing village. The sand here is simply gorgeous, the coast is shallow, but the sea often waves, trying to “prevent” vacationers to indulge in relaxation. On such days resort residents are fenced off from the waking waves and wind by special awnings.

Another picturesque port city is Kardamena, located on the southern coast. After Kos, it is the second largest tourist center of the island, often referred to as the “capital” of nightlife. More than half of the adjoining beaches are wild, the sand here is combined with stony areas that are not suitable for rest, and boulders can occur in the sea. Not all resort-goers are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of staying in the wilderness, so they are not lazy to overcome from one and a half to three kilometers to be on civilized, equipped with all necessary infrastructure beaches Banana Beach and Atlantis. After swimming and sunbathing, you can take time to explore the local attractions. Among them we will highlight the medieval castle, Kos amphitheater and the ruins of ancient temples.

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And finally, let’s stop our attention at the resort of Agios Fokas, located in the southeastern part of the island. It is an actively developing resort area with many new hotels. From here it is not far to the popular beach Therme, which is famous for its hot spring (we will come back to it below).

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Summarizing the information about the beaches and resorts of Kos, it should be noted that, first of all, they impress with their diversity. Beaches here are found both long and very small. On some of them the sand is white, on others – golden color, on others – black volcanic. There are beaches covered with fine pebbles, with picturesque bays. In some shallow areas you can even come across natural “Jacuzzis” with countless bubbles rising from the bottom.

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In addition to windsurfing on the main beaches of all Kos resorts, there are many other activities to your liking. For example, the opportunity to go scuba diving or ride a boat, banana boat and catamaran. If you are vacationing on a public beach, you will have to pay for a sunbed. In some cases, the tariff includes the cost of a drink or snack, as such beaches are often divided into “zones of influence” between the owners of local taverns. Since tourists rarely vacation alone, the price is set for the use of two sunbeds and an umbrella and ranges from 3 to 15 euros. You can save on sunbeds only in one case – if you order food in the tavern. And if you want to save on food, in this case you will have to sacrifice comfort, moving from the “civilized” territory to the “wild” part of the beach.

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Kos Sights

Besides its resorts and beaches, Kos’ business cards are ancient monuments, ruins of ruined fortresses and small villages scattered all over the island, in the vicinity of which goats graze carefree. Travelers, especially those coming from large metropolitan areas, are captivated by this homely patriarchal way of life. It is quiet, peaceful and cozy – what else is needed for a full-fledged rest?

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But let’s get back to the sights and start our little review with the main monument of the island. This is Asklepion, located just a few kilometers from the administrative center. It is considered one of the first medical centers in the history of mankind and dates back to the 3rd century BC. Asklepion has several terraces. Patients were placed on the middle one, and prayed here: the hospital and the surrounding temples were connected to the local springs through pipes. The upper terrace was crowned with another temple. On the lower terrace, however, the physicians improved their skills. Even Hippocrates himself, according to legends, was trained here. All in all, in Greece at that time there were several hundred such hospitals, erected in honor of the god of medicine Asclepius.

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Now let’s look at the fortress of the Ioannite Knights, built in the XV century. For the construction was used materials obtained after dismantling the buildings of the ancient agora. The castle, which was located in the old part of the capital of Kos, has unfortunately not survived to this day in its original form. Its territory has long been overgrown with weeds, and walk on it should be careful, because under the walls of the former fortress is the port, where life is boiling.

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After walking around the territory, do not hurry to leave. Opposite the ruins, across the bridge, there is a tree, somehow connected with the name of Hippocrates. This is a sycamore tree, which is over 500 years old. According to the main version it was planted by the great scientist himself, and according to another it is considered a descendant of the Hippocratic sycamore, under the crowns of which about two and a half thousand years ago the founder of medicine gave lessons to his followers.

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The ruins of the aforementioned agora from Roman times have also been preserved here. After visiting them, you can head towards the central square Eleftherias. Its dominant feature is the Haji Hassan Mosque, named after the Ottoman governor of the island. Here, on the square, there are many cozy cafes, where it is nice to relax with friends. Another Greco-Roman monument in the Old Town is the villa Casa Romana, built back in the II century BC. However, its building is not the original: it was recreated from the ruins. Restorers also restored fragments of bas-reliefs, pools and even dishes.

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The island of Kos has the only hydrogen sulfide spring, Therme, which goes directly into the sea. It is located 12 km east of Asklepion, on the wild beach of the same name, devoid of any infrastructure. The natural boundary of the spring is the boulders that separate it from the sea, thus creating a pool. The spring is thermal, so the water is hot, its temperature exceeds +40…+50 degrees Celsius. To achieve a therapeutic effect, limited to one or two procedures does not make sense – you need regularity.

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Right on the beach in Agios Stefanos, belonging to the resort of Kefalos, are the ruins of a Christian basilica dating back to the 5th century. Moving into the interior of the island and up into the mountains, you will see one of the most mysterious local sights, the Byzantine fortress of Paleo Pili, which was destroyed by time, but is still of great interest today as the former capital of Kos until the mid-19th century. But the Italian fortress of Antimachia, rebuilt by the Ioannite Knights in the XV century, has been well preserved to this day. It towers over Cardamena, which is on the southern coast of the island.

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Recreation and Entertainment

Does the name “Meltemi” mean anything to you? Probably not. But if you ask the same question to windsurfers vacationing on Kos, you will get the answer immediately. This is the name of the north wind from the Aegean Sea, blowing on the island from June to the end of September, that is, all summer long. Fans of windsurfing, a popular sailing sport and water activity, owe it to the excellent conditions for sailing. Meltemi is characterized by an enviable constancy: it starts blowing in the morning, intensifies by lunchtime and subsides only after six in the evening. Sometimes it takes a few “days off” but then invariably returns.

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Almost all beach areas of Kos, including wild ones, are perfect not only for windsurfing, but also for kite surfing – kitesurfing. On the civilized beaches you can rent the necessary equipment for both sports. Many of them – Kardamena, Mastichari, Psalidi, Kefalos, Marmari – have surf stations where an experienced instructor will work with you. Two-hour individual lessons with a windsurfing instructor cost from 70 euros, group lessons are slightly cheaper – from 60 euros. A professional kitesurfing lesson will cost twice as much, from 120 euros for two hours.

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Surfers-professionals strive for places where the accelerating effect of the so-called wind tunnel is created. Such places are found on the wild beaches of the western part of the island and in the resorts of Agios Fokas and Psalidi, at the eastern end of the island. The wind blows stronger here than anywhere else on Kos, but the desired accelerating effect is achieved only in the bays. For example, in Psalidi, the “wind tunnel” occurs due to the angular position of the bay, as well as the geographical factor – opposite is the coast of Turkey. On the beaches of Kefalos, which is on the north coast – Agios Stefanos and Kamari – the “wind tunnel” in the bay is formed by the mountains to the west and the neighboring island. By the way, these beaches are very popular with Russian surfers.

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Where to go with kids

The tourist infrastructure of Kos Island is designed not only for adults, but also for children. Young vacationers, in addition to the magical sandy beaches, waiting for playgrounds, mini-pools, water slides and luna parks at the hotels.

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Be sure to take your child to the Lido Water Park. This is the only entertainment center of its kind on the island, located in the northern part of the island, in the village of Mastihari. The area of the water park is relatively small, about 75 thousand square meters. On the territory there are several pools, including areas for the youngest, as well as water slides – there are six of them. In Lido will find entertainment for adults – several attractions, which is called, with adrenaline.

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But there are no zoos in the traditional sense on Kos. But there is a reserve Plaka Forest, it is located 30 km from the administrative center of the island. Here live peacocks, which are not afraid of people. They even follow the vacationers on their heels, asking for something to feed them. What is interesting, peacocks in the reserve peacefully coexist with cats. Moreover, right in the forest area. Plaka Forest is equipped with many picnic tables. You are allowed to take food with you, but you can’t eat alone or in a small circle of friends – peacocks and cats are right there!

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Very interesting to visit and horseback riding, organized by the farm Rafael’s Horse Riding. Hotels on the island traditionally provide this event, extremely popular among travelers, free transfer. Instruction is conducted by Englishmen, they also organize tours of the stables and issue equipment. The youngest participants are given the opportunity to ride a pony. Older children usually opt for an hour-long horseback ride along the beach. More experienced riders prefer to go on a two-hour horseback ride into the mountains.

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Public transportation

Transportation around the island is mainly by bus. Route maps and timetables are posted at all stops, which, surprisingly for many, are found even in the most deserted parts of Kos. Flights are usually never canceled, but the buses are often 10-15 minutes late, or even more.

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Suburban flights are available from the capital not only to every resort, but also to every remote village. This means that it’s easy for travelers to get to the right place on their own without needing the services of an escort. In the capital of the island runs public bus transportation. Fare: in suburban trips it varies depending on the distance and ranges from 1.5 to 4.4 euros, and in the city limits – from 1.2 in hard European currency. Passengers pay cash either to the controller or directly to the driver. There is no need to shout that you are about to get off. Press a button at the exit and the driver will know to stop.

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An equally common form of transportation on Kos is the cab. A car with checkers can be called by phone for the time you need, which will automatically add 2-4 euros to the fare, order directly from the parking lot or catch a “vote” directly on the road. A trip of less than 10 km will cost the passenger from 7 to 10 euros, and for 20 km of travel will have to shell out 22-25 euros. A cab ride from the airport to the main resorts of the island costs from 34 euros.

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On the coast, the most popular means of transportation is a bicycle. Many hotels provide vacationers two-wheeled horse completely free of charge, as a bonus. There are on the island of Kos and rental shops, there are a lot of them. Take a bicycle for 2-3 hours will cost 2-3 euros, so it is more profitable to rent for a full day for 5 euros.

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Another mode of transportation on Kos, very original – tourist steam trains without rails, designed for two or three open cars. There are four routes in total. One runs through the city center, the other three lead from the capital to Asklepion, Tigaki and surrounding villages, respectively. Round-trip fare costs from 5 euros.

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What to bring back as a souvenir

There are no exclusive goods or souvenirs that cannot be found in other regions of Greece. The only exception is olive oil or locally bottled wine. In general, tourists take with them from here the so-called traditional “Greek” set, which include cheese Haloumi and feta, olive oil and preserved olives, halva, honey, hygiene products with olive oil, cosmetics and various souvenirs.

Local wine costs from 3 euros. Moreover, many hotels have their own specialty wine, which indulge guests. But olive oil is much more expensive, so in order to save money it is recommended to buy it directly from farmers. The cost from 15 euros for a liter and a half.

It should be remembered that prices in chain stores – for example, in Konstantinos, Spar and others – are always lower than in small private stores and stores. Such is the unspoken rule on Kos, which is strictly observed. Mini-markets are full of clothes and shoes, the assortment is mainly imported, from Turkey – because the neighboring Bodrum, you can say, just a hand’s throw away, the distance is a little more than 20 km. The goods are inexpensive, but their quality is not at a high level.

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Communication and Internet

The island of Kos may seem lost at sea to some, but it is not detached from the “big land”. This small piece of land provides stable reception of the main Greek mobile operators: Wind, Cosmote and Vodafone. Especially stable coverage of the latter, the signal is not lost even in mountainous areas, so all Russian cellular operators roaming contracts concluded with Vodafone. Local cellular operators offer only prepaid tariffs without subscription fees. The amount of 5 to 10 euros is usually credited to the account.

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A minute of talk time with Russia costs from 13 to 15 euro cents. Local operators sometimes offer packages of minutes for calls abroad at a discounted price of 8 to 9 euro cents per minute. Many tourists upon arrival get a Greek SIM-card to be able to connect to mobile Internet outside roaming. For example, the operator Wind charges 5 euros for 1 GB of traffic. A 5GB package costs 15 euros.

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Most local cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi, although “catches” it and a little worse than in Crete and Rhodes. It is disappointing that free wifi is not available in large shopping centers and even in international chain stores. There is no wi-fi in the island’s public transportation, nor is there it in public places. Hotels are gradually abandoning the practice of paying for wireless access. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, though.

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Hotels and accommodation

The island of Kos boasts over 350 hotels, guesthouses and apartment complexes. In this paradisiacal place you can also rent private accommodation: a room or a whole house. In the simplest economy-class apartments and two-star hotels a room for two people in high season will cost 23 euros.

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Accommodation in three-star hotels and superior apartments varies from 40 to 50 euros per night in a double room. But double rooms in four-star and five-star hotels with half board or all-inclusive system cost 110-120 euros.

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There are many chain hotels with a high level of service on Kos. They have a huge territory with swimming pools, water slides, sports and children’s playgrounds and even entire water parks. The cost of living in such hotels, of course, is higher and ranges from 160-180 euros.

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Most hotels have their own parking lots. Free Wi-Fi is available to guests not only at the reception, but also in the apartments. And, as mentioned above, many hotels offer their guests as a bonus free bicycle rental, and for several days.

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