Kos

Located in the southeastern Aegean in Greece, is the 3rd biggest island of the Dodecanese.

Kos is the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates, which was born on the island around 460 B.C. and founded the Great School of Medicine of Kos.

With a rich history of more than 4.000 years, this amazing island in Greece has a lot more to offer than sandy beaches and scenic villages.

Getting there

By plane

The Kos International Airport Hippocrates  is located in the centre of the island near the village of Antimachia.

There are daily flights from Athens airport. From May till October charter airlines fly directly to Kos from many European airports.

By boat

If you choose to travel by boat, there are daily itineraries between Kos and Piraeus, as well as between Kos and the rest of the Dodecanese, the islands of the northeastern Aegean and Turkey.

Accommodation

Every year, many holidaymakers visit Kos. Therefore the visitor can find every kind of accommodation there, from luxurious spa resorts to traditional guesthouses. Also among the accommodation options there are charming rooms or villas for comfortable family vacations. It is worth mentioning that all the hotels and villas based on the quality of their services.

Beaches

The majority of beaches in Kos are sandy with crystal blue waters. Many of them, are organized and offer plenty of tourist facilities. You will find below a list with some of the beaches of the island.

*Lambi beach has small rocks followed afterwards by fine sand. It is a beach that usually has waves. It is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and various restaurants overlooking the sea. Some snack bar and cafes are found there.

*Paradise beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kos. Its name fully justifies its natural beauty. The beach is quite well-organized with umbrellas and sundecks and a water sport center.

*Agios Theologos  beach with white sand is ideal for spear fishing. Its name comes from the isolated chapel of Agios Ioannis Theologos .What makes the place ideal is that the entire area is full of scenic coves and smaller beaches surrounded by low rocks.

*Tigaki beach lies relatively close to the city of Kos .Its’ shallow waters are inviting and ideal for children and it is also windsurfing-friendly. Tigaki is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a refreshing swim and relaxing sunbathing. On the beach you will find many restaurants, taverns, beach bars, hotels and shops.

*Therma beach is the island’s natural spa, inspiring ultimate relaxation. It offers one of the most pleasurable experiences to relax your body and soul and consistutes a perfect therapeutic method for all visitors, especially those who suffer from muscle pains.  Hot springs are beneficial for all ages.

If you visit the island of Kos you will have the chance to discover more beaches.

Sightseeing

This Greek island has many interesting sightseeing.

Asklepieion

The Asklepieion, which is the most famous sight, it was a  medical centre  in the ancient times. Placed 4 km to the south east of Kos Town it is linked to the work of the founder of Medical Science: Hippocrates.

 Hippocrates established the Medical School of Kos, where he and his students were treating with traditional methods any known illness. Their symbol, which is also the symbol of Medicine, is the snake, since this animal has the ability to trace therapeutic  plants.

Roman Odeon

The Roman Odeon was constructed in the 2nd century BC and it has been very well preserved. It hosted crowds of people that gathered to watch fights between prisoners, like it happened in the Colosseum of Ancient Rome.

Hippocrates ‘plane tree

This perennial tree is located just across the entrance of the Nerantzia Castle and the Loggia Mosque. The fountain of the mosque bears an Arabic inscription with references to the “Water of Hippocrates”. This plane is at least 500 years old and, according to the tradition, it was planted by Hippocrates himself and he used to teach under its thick shade. 

Archaeological Museum

At the Archaeological Museum of Kos are found hundreds of findings which were brought to light from the excavations that took place in the surrounded regions. This beautiful two-storey building is located in Kos Town and the majority of the exhibits are statues, busts, sculptures, mosaics and other items from the Hellenistic and the Roman era, including the statue of Hippocrates and beautiful mosaics with the figures of Asklipeios, Orpheus and Hercules.

 Frequently the museum organizes educational programs for students and other groups in order to familiarize with the history of the island.

Folklore Museum

Preserved with great care, the items provide a glimpse into the life of people during various historical periods. It displays a rich collection of agricultural tools and objects that locals used throughout the centuries. Also the museum has a unique collection of traditional artifacts such as embroideries, intricate and stunning woven tapestries and silks.

Local products

Sweets

 Various traditional Greek sweets can be found in Kos, such as the famous baklava, the loukoumades (sort of honey puffs), halva with honey and the kourabiedes (shortbread biscuits with almonds and castor-sugar). Local sweets such as sarsoumades with honey, fruits in syrup and xerotigana (fried pastry) are also worth-trying.

The honey production is rich in the island. If you are visiting the island of Kos do not forget to buy local thyme honey.

Wine

The wine that served in Kos includes resin, white or sweet red.

Handmade Fine Art

 The island of Kos produces fine porcelains, ceramics.

Cultural events

 Wine Festival

 In the first week of August, a wine festival is held in Mastichari village.

 Hippokrateia Festival

 Hippokrateia Festival is the most cultural event in Kos. It is organized by the local municipality. The reading of the Hippocratic oath ,marks the beginning of the festival .What is next captivates the heart of the visitor as he has the opportunity to watch concerts, theatrical performances, folklore exhibitions, ancient tragedies, sculpture workshops, traditional dances and many activities for the children.