Kos

Kos is one of the Dodecanese islands, the southernmost group of Greek islands, scattered along the western coast of Turkey. Owing to their great distance from Athens, the Dodecanese islands have been subject to various invasions and occupations over many centuries, until they were finally incorporated into the Greek state in 1948. Kos (or Cos) is the second largest of this group, has its own airport and a population of approximately 31 000.

The father of medicine

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine and author of the Hippocratic Oath, still sworn to by medical practitioners today, was born on Kos in 460 BC. The history of settlement on Kos dates to 3000 BC and the island has a wealth of archaeological sites and ruins from antiquity, such as the restored columns of the Temple of Apollo at the Asklepieíon, dating to the 4^th century BC.

The Asklepieíon, built after the death of Hippocrates, was both temple, school and medical centre and the doctors and priests who dedicated themselves to the god Asklepios became followers of the methods and teachings of Hippocrates.

Interesting ruins

Many of the ancient ruins in the capital, Kos Town, were revealed by an earthquake in 1933. These include the ancient Agora, a site which is really a series of ruins and reveals different historical periods – Hellenistic temples, a Christian basilica and the Roman Agora.

The Agora, or marketplace, of Kos was considered one of the largest in the ancient world and was the commercial centre of the city. The ruins of the Casa Romana reveals 26 rooms, three pools, thermal baths, part of the main Roman road, and an ancient odeion or theatre. Other ruins include those of the Ancient Gymnasium and the Odeon.

Agriculture

The Island of Kos is mainly flat and fertile, with a pleasant climate, and is famous for producing the Cos lettuce. Farming is the principal occupation of many of the residents and the main crops are olives, grapes, figs, almonds, wheat, corn and tomatoes – Kos is aptly known as the “Floating Garden”. In previous times was also known for producing wines and silk.

Beaches of Kos

Most of the visitors to Kos come for its beaches, the beautiful sandy beaches on the southwest shore and the bays on the northwest which are ideal for watersport.

The island’s largest resort is Kardámaina in the south – it has a thriving nightlife with clubs and music bars, and miles of golden beaches, and is understandably very popular with young people. Other resorts include Marmári and neighbouring Tigkáki, from where a boat trip can be taken to the island of Psérimos opposite.

Accommodation

There are a number of luxury hotels on Kos, including the 5-star Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso 4 km from Kos Town, the Grecotel Kos Royal Park on Marmari beach and the Louis Helios Beach Hotel with its own semiprivate beach outside Kardámaina. The 4-star Porto Bello Beach Hotel is located along a 5 km beach, 2 km outside Kardámaina and the 3‑star Caravia Beach Hotel offers a wide range of activities, including boat trips and picnics on the nearby island of Pserimos.