Kos Island

Kos is the third biggest island of the Dodecanese. It is situated in the south-east of the Aegean Sea, four kilometers from the Turkish coast, opposite the town of Bodrum.
Kos is one of the most fertile and greenest islands of the Dodecanese called “a floating garden of the Aegean Sea” in the antiquity. Pine forests of the island border on olive groves, flowery valleys – on fruit gardens, natural parks – on reserves. Kos is considered to be one of the cleanest corners of the planet. In winter many rare birds, including pink flamingos, come to brine lakes to build their nests. In summer loggerhead turtles caretta-caretta lay their eggs on the northern coast. A small population of Mediterranean seals can be found on the southern coast.
Annually the island attracts tens of thousands of tourists due to its mild climate, rich historical past and natural beauties. The south-western part of the island is famous for its excellent beaches while the bays of the north-western part of Kos are suitable for water kinds of sports and windsurfing. Kos is an ideal place for hiking and riding (it is the only island in the Aegean Sea where most roads have a special lane for cyclists).

Kos resorts

Kos is one of the most charming coastal towns of Greece. Antiquity and modernity are closely interwoven here: it combines different cultures, with castles and mosques, modern buildings, parks and squares, shops and active night life, with numerous clubs, taverns, pubs and cafes.
Kardamena is one of the most popular island resorts. You can enjoy its green hills approaching the coast, quiet sea, limpid water and sandy beaches almost six kilometer long. Joyous atmosphere reigns here but there are also enough places for a tranquil and solitary rest.
The resort of Psalidi is located on the eastern coast, near the capital and its historical centre. Pebbly beaches and crystal water are in store for you here.
On the northern coast you can find kilometers-long white sandy beaches turning into dunes near the villages of Tigaki, Marmari and Mastihari. Tigaki resort is more suitable for an active rest and the youth, Marmari is an excellent place for a calm family rest and Mastihari will be good for traditional color rest, as fishing boats providing local fish taverns with fresh sea delicacies moor here.

History in brief

The first settlements date back to III century B.C. In the Iliad Gomer mentions the participation of the Kos inhabitants in Troy siege. In VII-VI centuries B.C. Kos enters the Dorian Alliance. In the Hellenistic epoch the boom of trade and golden age of culture and arts can be observed on the island. The islanders trade wine, olive oil and silk. The capital of the island was built and lots of cultural monuments were created at that time.
In the ancient times Kos was known as a homeland of Asclepius, a god of healing and medicine. The cult of the god was popular till the end of the antiquity. Asclepion – a temple in its honor – is one of the most significant historical monuments in Greece and the most famous artifact of Kos. Here the founder of modern medicine Hippocrates whose oath is taken by all the physicians in the world was born. Hippocrates died at the age of 83 and left a precious precept to all the physicians: “Do no harm”.
Under the Roman rule the island prospered and remained an important sea trade crossroad. In the Byzantine epoch Kos undergoes Saracen forays, later the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem come here. In 1523 the island was captured by the Turks. They held their positions till 1912 when the Italians came up to take their place. Italian ideas were implanted in all the spheres. After the end of the Second World War was passed on to the Englishmen and only in 1948 joins Greece.