Kos - what to see and where to stay on the Greek island. Open left menu city of kos

Let's go again today to the Dodecanese, which means "twelve islands".

For travelers who have chosen the island of Kos, Greece opens up from the other side: they note its more homely atmosphere than in Crete or Rhodes. In addition, on Kos, as one of the easternmost islands, Turkish monuments are still preserved, and the mixture of cultures could not but leave an imprint on the general appearance of the island.

At the same time, Kos is very Greek: there is a lot of ancient heritage and traditional color here. This versatility, combined with excellent beaches, has made Kos an island to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Kos is not only the island of Hippocrates

Lyman, Kos. Photo www.skaikairos.gr

How to get to Kos

You can get directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg in the summer, when seasonal charters start flying from May. Within Greece, you can quickly reach Kos via Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Leros and Athens. On the island, tourists are received by the Hippocrates airport. Another way to connect with Kos is by ferry from Piraeus, Rhodes, the Cyclades, Thessaloniki and Kalymnos. This is the most economical option, in addition, the receiving port is conveniently located near the center of the capital of Kos.

Attractions of the island of Kos

Asklepion and Hippocrates

Inviting tourists to rest, Kos relies on the name of the most famous native of this island - Hippocrates. And a lot is connected with it here: first of all, it is the Plane Tree of Hippocrates. It is said that the father of medicine planted it with his own hands. The tree is considered the oldest in Europe. Local residents carefully monitor the tree, caring for its branches, and tourists are happy to take pictures against the backdrop of a plane tree.

Plane tree of Hippocrates. Photo www.kos.gr

The diameter of the trunk at the base of the tree is 4.70 m, and the perimeter is about 10.5 m. Over so many centuries, a cavity similar to a cave has formed in the middle of the tree. Scientists determine the age of the tree at about 2300 years, there are two sources from the time of Turkish rule nearby.

Respect for Hippocrates on Kos resulted in the opening of a whole cultural center named after him. A small theater, an altar of Asclepius and a house in the style of that era were built on the territory. Inside there is an interior restored according to antique standards and the Demeter Museum with tools found on the island. The cultural center is surrounded by a picturesque garden with fruit trees and fragrant herbs. And in the summer, theater or dance performances are organized here.

The itinerary of tourists on Kos necessarily includes Asklepion- in ancient times, people came to this temple of Asclepius and the hospital for healing. It is believed that Hippocrates studied and then taught here, and it is here that modern medicine was born. Today, even the ruins of Asklepion look impressive. Baths, ruins of the altar and temples, statues, columns have been preserved on the territory. Asklepion is located just 4 km from the capital of the island and is also notable for its amazing views of East Kos.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius was built in the 4th century BC. and presumably destroyed subsequently during a strong earthquake. It is not known exactly when Asclepius began to be worshiped on the island, and at first a very small temple was built here with an altar and several rooms for patients. However, starting from the 3rd century BC. thanks to the patronage and generous gifts of King Ptolemy ΙΙ, who was born on Kos in 308 BC, the island is flourishing. Asklipion in the 2nd century BC becomes a rather large architectural complex with temples and residential buildings.

Reconstruction of the view of Asklepion. Photo www.studyblue.com

In ancient times, Asklepion was surrounded by a virgin forest, in which no one was allowed to be born or die. Three levels of Asklepion on the hillside occupied a significant area. The most ancient buildings are on the second level - the altar of Asclepius, to the west - a couple of columns from the temple of Asclepius, in the east - eight columns left from the temple of Apollo, nearby - a semicircular amphitheater, which served, possibly, as a meeting place for priests and doctors.

On the first level there are walls with openings, where, most likely, there were rooms for patients. Springs flowed here, from which pilgrims could drink healing water. In the distance - the remains of Roman buildings, perhaps it was the villa of the Roman governor of the island.

On the third level, in addition to magnificent views, you can see the remains of a large temple of Asclepius. It is believed that it was later used as a Christian church.

Antimachia

During the rest, it is worth taking time out and going to the town of Antimachia. The Venetian fortress of the 14th century, built by the monks of St. John, has been preserved here, with powerful walls, double gates and a symbol of knights fixed in marble. Inside, you can look at a couple of Orthodox churches of St. Paraskeva and St. Nicholas, built after the 16th century. Also, the fortress of Antimachia will please with views of the surroundings and the sea - a magnificent view of Nisyros and the surrounding islands, Turkey is visible. The fortress is well preserved and very impressive, but when wandering inside, you should be careful - there are snakes here.

Fortress of Antimachia, Kos. Photo wikimedia.org

In general, the mountain villages of Kos are very picturesque and easily accessible by car, bus or bicycle.

Knight's castle

The same knights of the Order of St. John built the Knight's Castle, which welcomes guests of the island at the entrance to the estuary. Otherwise, this castle-fortress is called Neradzia (Νερατζιά), this name comes from the abundance of orange (neradzia) and lemon trees, with which the island was planted in the 14-15th centuries.

The fortress looks at the coast of Asia Minor - in this way the knights controlled the passing ships. Together with the fortress of St. Peter on the opposite bank (Bodrum), they controlled the passage to the Holy Places of Jerusalem during the Crusades.

It was also built in the 14th century on the foundation of the walls ancient city, during the construction, materials from numerous archaeological sites were used - columns, marble, slabs.

Knight's castle, Kos. Photo www.skaikairos.gr

The Castle Bridge is located opposite the entrance to the castle itself, on the famous Palm Boulevard, and was also built in the 14th century. It is believed that the bridge connected Kos with a small island that was once located there. The bridge is made of large square stones and is perfectly preserved.

Fortress of Neradzia, Kos. Photo www.kos.gr

Muslim monuments

On Kos, as one of the easternmost Greek islands, one cannot ignore the Ottoman monuments. They are a reminder of the rich history of the island and how completely opposite cultures can intertwine. It is worth seeing the mosques of Haji Hassan and Defterdar - two colorful and well-preserved monuments.

The Defterdar Mosque was built in the late 18th century by the then finance minister of the Ottoman Empire, Ibrahim Efendi. This is a two-story square building with a characteristic dome, located on Freedom Square.

Freedom Square, Kos. Photo www.skaikairos.gr

Lodzia Mosque or Hasan Pasha was built in 1786 on the site of an earlier Christian church of St. George. It is also square in shape, and materials from numerous archaeological sites were used in its construction.

On the north-east side of the mosque there is a spring in which Muslims washed their feet before entering the mosque. It is a white marble building with 14 sides.

Ancient monuments of Kos

Agios Stefanos, Kos. Photo wikimapia.org/

The ancient city of Astypalea

The ruins of an ancient city on the island of Kos are found on the southwestern coast. It flourished in the 6th century BC. and it was called Astypalea (Αστυπάλαια). In the 4th century BC. there was a strong earthquake on the island, from which the city was badly damaged. After that, the inhabitants built a new city on the northeast side of the island.

Archaeological finds at the site of the city showed that it was quite developed for its time. Some fragments of the city walls are still well preserved, the city also had a well-defended port. In addition, there was an extensive water supply and sewerage system.

The walls of the ancient city were built in the 4th century BC. to protect against piracy. The design of the walls is still impressive - their width was from 6 to 8 meters, and they were built of huge stones.

The excavations of the ancient city are divided into several zones - the port zone, the western, eastern and central zones.

ancient agora

The ancient Agora on the island of Kos is one of the largest in ancient world, preserved parts of its eastern, western and northern sides. Its southern edge is supposed to reach the altar of Dionysus. The courtyard was surrounded by colonnades.

Ancient Agora, Kos island. Photo www.kos4all.com

Altar of Dionysus

The remains of the altar of Dionysus are on the northeast side of the Roman villa Casa Romana. It was built in the middle of the 2nd century BC. of white and gray-blue marble and is quite well preserved.

House of the Abduction of Europe

This building, located in the western excavation area, was built in the middle of the 2nd century BC. and got its name from the mosaic on the floor inside. The mosaic depicts a naked beautiful Europa being kidnapped by a bull - according to mythology, the reincarnated Zeus. Before the bull, with a torch in his hand, stands Eros.

Even in the excavation area, you can see the ruins of an ancient stadium from the end of the 4th century BC. and the building of the ancient gymnasium, which was even larger than the stadium in size.

Roman Odeon

This well-preserved amphitheater was discovered in 1929. The first nine rows of it were marble, then five more rows of stones go through a certain gap. Below the rows of spectators were niches in which statues were found, now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of the island.

Currently, the Odeon periodically hosts open-air cultural events.

Casa Romana

Roman villa, patio. Photo www.kosguide.net

100 meters from the Odeon is the perfectly preserved Roman villa Casa Romana, built on the foundations of an earlier ancient dwelling in the 2nd year AD. Its three courtyards are surrounded by beautiful columns in Doric and Ionic rhythms. In the numerous rooms of the villa you can see well-preserved mosaics and frescoes.

Mosaic in a Roman villa, Kos. Photo www.nostalgia.gr

The villa was discovered in 1933 and then restored to its present form by the Italians.

You will also remember visiting the neighboring volcanic island of Nisyros. Once, during the period, Poseidon fought the giant Polivot. He broke off a piece from Kos, threw it at the giant, and covered him. And now the giant sometimes wakes up and shakes the island, forcing the volcano to work. True, this is manifested more by hot lakes, showing that the volcano is alive. Nisyros is famous for its volcanic sand beaches and picturesque villages.

The best beaches in Kos

Among all the Dodecanese Islands, Kos got one of the the best beaches, most of which are located in the southern part of the island. Mastichari is famous for its exotic atmosphere - a beach with emerald waters and white sand.

Mastichari beach, Kos island. Photo www.cycladia.com

Here you can both enjoy a relaxing beach holiday and try water activities. The only water park on the island is located very close, which is very convenient for families. In general, Kos is exceptionally suitable for windsurfing and yachting. It is full of small boats where you can go on a one-day boat trip to the neighboring islands or to Turkey.

Probably the most famous beach on Kos is Paradise Beach. On its clean sand and in the transparent sea, you need to relax at least once during your entire vacation. On the coast there is everything that accompanies a good pastime: taverns, an entertainment center, a bar.

No less picturesque is the beach of Kefalos, surrounded by greenery. The water here is a little cooler than in general on Kos, but the sea is truly transparent and clean. Kefalos was chosen by young people, because it has an excellent sports center.

And lovers of silence prefer Limnionas beach with clean sand and rocky landscape. This natural bay is always protected from the wind and offers a carefree holiday. There are few tourists on Limnionas, but the beach is equipped with everything you need. You can often see fishermen here, so you should definitely order fresh fish in coastal taverns.

Kos island map

Find a hotel in Kos:

Gastronomy of Kos: everything you need to try

During a holiday on Kos, it is difficult to resist tasting all the dishes of the local cuisine. The first thing to do is to order katimeria - a traditional sweet pie cooked with mizithra cheese, fried and served with honey and fragrant cinnamon. Another delicacy is krasotiri cheese. Once upon a time, due to the lack of olive oil, they began to soak it in red wine. The technology has been preserved, and now krasotiri combined with watermelon and bread is a welcome product on any table.

On the coast, tourists will always be offered all kinds of seafood. Here you can choose fish or shellfish, as well as the method of preparation. After a short time tasty dish with herbs, vegetables and lemon sauce will appear on the table. And, of course, a meal on Kos is unthinkable without local wine. It is best to order Moschato with fruit and Assyrtiko with white meat or fish.

It is also worth visiting one of the local wineries, tasting the famous local wines and getting to know the process of their production. The three largest winemakers are recommended: Mores, Triandafillopoulou and Hadziemmanuel.

On the island, you can also visit local holidays, watch performances by amateur artists. On the video - the dance "pendozalis" as it is danced on Kos:

In memory of the island: what to buy on Kos?

The first thing that needs to be taken away from Kos is honey, the healing properties of which were attributed by Hippocrates. A huge number of plants grow on the island, thanks to which honey acquires a recognizable and unique aroma. You cannot leave Kos without a natural sponge. Prices for them vary: start from 3 euros and reach up to 40 euros.

Handicraft occupies a special place on store shelves. On Kos, it is not much different from what is produced in the rest of Greece. But still, it is worth buying a tablecloth from local craftswomen, olive dishes, painted ceramics with an island flavor. Tourists are happy to buy paintings with views of Kos from young artists, leather sandals and bags. And as a small souvenir, magnets with Asklepion and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates are incredibly popular.

Listen to the song about Kos performed by Notis Sfakianakis:

The island of Kos cannot be described in one article, of course. The scattering of the Dodecanese islands is like a precious necklace, where each bead-island shines with its own unique beauty. Start exploring them with Kos!

Elena Meteleva

Holidays on the island of Kos 2019: attractions for tourists, features of hotels and beaches of Kos, entertainment and attractions.

Kos Island is one of the pioneers of the tourism industry. Mass tourism here began to develop a long time ago, and now about 1 million tourists visit the island every year! The reason for the popularity of Kos is its convenient location near the main tourist routes of the Aegean Sea, gorgeous beaches and rich nature, thanks to which Kos was nicknamed the "floating garden of the Mediterranean."

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Kos Island - how to get there

The compact territory of Kos (just over 260 km) allows you to avoid many problems with the transfer. The international airport of Kos called Hippocrates is located in the center of the island, 25 kilometers from its capital. Therefore, tourists who have arrived on vacation can quickly and easily get to their hotel anywhere in the island in 20-30 minutes. Several daily flights connect Kos with the nearest island of Rhodes. Kos is also connected by air to Athens. You can see approximate prices for flights Athens - Kos in our calendar:

Another popular mode of transport is ferries, which also run regularly between Kos, the largest islands in the Aegean and other destinations. From Athens, the ferry to Kos takes about 10 hours, the boat trip to Rhodes will last 2 hours.

The best resorts in Kos 2019

Kos is not the largest island in Greece. However, even on a small piece of land, the variety of recreation areas can confuse those who travel for the first time:

• Resort Kefalos is the hallmark of the island of Kos. Here you will see the most picturesque bay, the most beautiful beach strewn with golden sand, as well as ruins ancient capital the islands are the cities of Astypalea.
• Tigaki Resort- a quiet place for families with children. Large selection of hotels of all categories, including large five-star hotels. The visiting card of the resort is a wide sandy ten-kilometer beach with a gentle entry into the sea.
• Resort Lambi is a resort area in the suburbs of Kos (the administrative capital of the island of Kos). On the spacious beaches of Lambi, there are many young people and tourists who want to stay close to the main attractions.
• Mastichari Resort- a town known as one of the largest centers of surfing on the island. Calm and relatively inexpensive resort with wide sandy beaches.
• Resort Kardamena- the most famous youth resort on the Greek island of Kos. Kardamena provides tourists with an excellent choice of hotels of any star rating, gorgeous sandy beaches, an abundance of water activities and an active nightlife;

Where to stay in Kos - hotels

In total, there are about three hundred hotels on Kos, many of them are large hotel complexes with a large territory. Kos hotels are fairly evenly distributed along the wide coastline, mainly in the northern and southern parts of the island. Most hotels are well equipped to receive tourists with children: a children's menu, strollers, playpens, playgrounds, slides and pools are present in almost every major hotel. However, this does not mean at all that Kos positions itself as an exclusively family resort.

The infrastructure is designed for all categories of tourists: these are students, and young people, and vacationers of venerable age, and married couples. This also explains the large variation in prices, and wide selection hotel class. On the island of Kos, you can find both modest apartments and chic five-star hotels of large chains.

Where to stay on Kos in the 2019 season:

Kos beaches - review and photo

Kos Island without exaggeration can be called one of the main centers beach holiday on the Aegean Sea. Its coastline stretches for 110 kilometers. The beaches on Kos are mostly sandy and very wide, almost every corner of the coast is marked with the Blue Flag of the EU. On the coast you can find sand of any color - white, golden, and dark volcanic. For lovers of clear water, the island also has a selection of excellent pebble beaches - for example, in resort area of ​​Psalidi.

Tigaki Resort (northern coast) is great for a family holiday: gently sloping sandy beaches here stretch for 10 km. The area is calm, hotel complexes are scattered over a fairly large area. Tourists who are going to spend holidays on Kos with children are more often advised to resorts on the south coast, as there are more sandy beaches.

Paradise beach (Kos, Greece)

On the South Coast, the greatest interest among tourists is Agios Fokas beach because healing thermal springs are located here. The south is also home to the second largest youth Kardamena resort with numerous bars, clubs and discos. Lovers of scenic views should definitely visit Kefalos resort area (western part of the island). Photos of this stretch of coast are most often used in tourist guides to Kos, and one of the most beautiful beaches of Kos is also located here - Paradise .

It is worth noting that Kos is a rather windy island, stronger winds blow over it from the north, so the waves here will be slightly larger than on southern resorts. All beaches of Kos are municipal, sunbeds and umbrellas on public beaches are paid. Sometimes a free sunbed is provided to guests of a tavern or bar when buying drinks or food.

Entertainment and recreation on Kos

The administrative center of the island is the city of Kos, located on the northern coast. Here are the main historical monuments, the largest shops and markets of the island, on the central streets you can find many cafes, taverns and bars for tourists. The nearest resort of Lambi is the main party center of Kos, where many young people have a rest.

The most famous sights of the island of Kos are associated with medicine, because it was here that in ancient times there was the largest temple dedicated to the god of healing Asclepius - Asklepion . Its ruins are well preserved to this day. Kos is also the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates. According to legend, the ancient plane tree in the central square of the city of Kos is the same tree in the shade of which Hippocrates lectured to his students.

Kos is a real paradise for lovers of water (and not only) sports. On the windiest parts of the coast, you can observe a large concentration of surfers and kite fans. Scuba diving, boat trips, fishing and water activities (like bananas and water skiing) are also held in high esteem here. A special place on Kos is occupied by cycling: there are excellent bike paths that connect many beaches and picturesque parts of the coast.

Basic moments

Kos is a small island, its territory is about 290 square kilometers, and the resident population is only 30 thousand people. However, this piece of land enjoys worldwide fame, 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 healer god Asclepius, who was especially revered in ancient times. A plane tree, planted, according to legend, by Hippocrates himself, has survived to this day: in its shadow, the great scientist shared his knowledge with his students.

Modern Kos is one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean, of which the Aegean is a part. A huge number of tourists are attracted here by the unique nature and luxurious beaches. Approximately 600,000 tourists visit this blessed land every year. The island of Kos has a developed tourist infrastructure, which also contributes to the influx of travelers from all over 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. This entire industry of recreation and tourism is able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding travelers.

Separately, I 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 fresh springs here, which, coupled with a warm and mild climate, creates very comfortable conditions for the existence of a large number of birds and animals. For example, flamingos fly here in winter, Mediterranean seals settle on the southern coast, and loggerhead turtles, or carettas, are concerned about future offspring on the northern coast - for them this is the season for laying eggs.

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

Climate and weather

The climate on the small Spit is a complex combination of subtropical and Mediterranean weather conditions. As a result, contrasts can be observed: if in summer the weather here is clear, hot and dry, then in winter it is often rainy - it rains for a long time and strong winds blow.

Summer on the island comes in early June. The average air temperature in the warm period of the year is +27 degrees Celsius. There are also very hot days when the thermometer reaches the mark of +31 °C.

The Aegean Sea in summer heats up to +25 °C, which is 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 stop either day or night, it may seem that the daylight hours never end.

In summer, as we have already said, there is negligible rainfall. The peak of hot and stuffy weather falls on the period from July 20 to September 21. True, sea breezes blow from the northwest, but they freshen the air only slightly and for a short time. During this period, resting on the island of Kos is not very comfortable, although such weather conditions are not an obstacle for a large number of tourists.

The best climatic indicators, when compared with other periods of the year, occur in the twentieth of September and continue until about mid-December. In the autumn months, the average air temperature is kept at around +22 degrees. The sea begins to cool slowly, the water temperature starts to drop from +25 °C and reaches +20 °C. Gradually, clouds begin to settle in the sky above the island, and the probability of light precipitation in the form of rain is steadily increasing, reaching 60 mm. As a result, the weather becomes windy and rainy, and the air humidity reaches almost 65%. The sea begins to “wake up”. Unrest is not uncommon on it during this period, and strong storms also occur in November.

Winter on Kos lasts three months, but the temperatures are not at all winter by Russian standards. For example, on 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 rainy, clouds sometimes do not go away for several weeks in a row. Humidity due to constant rains reaches 75%. 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 an extremely rare phenomenon, we would even say the rarest. The last time it fell out was 30 years ago!

In the last decade of March, spring weather sets in on the island of Kos. The air temperature rises day by day, reaching 17-22 degrees Celsius in April-May. Accordingly, it starts to warm up and sea ​​water. Its temperature reaches +21 °C by the end of May. Spring on Kos is also characterized by low cloudiness, with slight clearings. The rains characteristic of winter become noticeably less, which immediately affects the relative humidity of the air: it drops to 50%. The direction of the wind is also changing: the southwest gives way to the “reins of government” to the northeast.

History of Kos

The first inhabitants of Kos were settlers from Kariya, a historical region on the southwestern coast of the peninsula of Asia Minor. Then the Cretans-Minoans began to settle in these places, and already in the XIV century BC, the island became the second home for the Mycenaeans, who grew up from Minoan civilization. It was they who sent 30 ships from Kos to the Trojan War, which raged at the turn of the 13th-12th centuries BC. A few centuries later, the Dorians began to look closely at the island, who founded the city of Kos on the island around 700 BC. Together with the cities of Ialis, Kamir and Lind (all located on the island of Rhodes), as well as Halicarnassus (now Bodrum) and Cnidus (the peninsula of Asia Minor), it was part of the Dorian Hexagon.

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

366 BC went down in history as the date of the founding of the city of Kos in its current location. The former capital of the island, Astypalea, was moved here. The city, taking into account the favorable geographical position between the West and the East, began to develop rapidly in the 4th century BC, reaching the apogee of its economic growth and political influence. In those distant times, just imagine, 160 thousand people lived on this small island. Kos was an exporter of olive oil, wine, fruits, timber and was widely known as a producer of quality silk. The production of the latter was mainly carried out by the Romans.

Kos then became part of the empire of Alexander the Great. After the death of the great conqueror, the Ptolemies established dominion over him. In 2083 BC, the ruler of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, was born here, a descendant of the first satrap, and then the Egyptian king Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I, who was probably his half-sister by father.

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

“Government is changing again!” - the hero of the popular Soviet comedy would have exclaimed 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 again: Kos was recaptured by Michael Palaiologos, the ruler of the mighty Byzantine Empire. Numerous enemies often attacked the future resort, the Saracens carried the greatest danger. Over time, Byzantium began to decline and could no longer hold its maritime possessions. As a result, Kos passed to the Genoese. However, they, who were more looking for trade benefits, turned their eyes to the possibilities of Rhodes, and simply sold the “unnecessary” Kos. The buyer turned out to be Fulk de Vilaret, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of Saint John.

About a century later, the new owners decided to build a large fortress on the island (it is located at the entrance to the port) and other fortifications. As building material not only stones were used, but also the marble of ancient palaces and temples. The knights of the Order of St. John reacted barbarously and to antique mosaics, taking them to Rhodes, to the Old City, and decorating the floor with them in the palace of the Grand Master. However, the knights either could not deal with the entire cultural heritage of Kos, or did not have time. Recently, archaeological excavations have been carried out here, and in different parts islands, other examples of mosaic art were discovered that impressed historians with their beauty and splendor.

The struggle against this order was waged by the Turks, who won first on Rhodes, and then on Kos, capturing the latter in 1522. However, the power of the Ottoman Porte with better side didn't show herself at all. On the contrary, the Turks ruled very cruelly: and not only on Kos, but throughout Greece. The French historian Pukeville cites data according to which, over the entire period of Turkish occupation, 11 Greek patriarchs, 100 bishops and 6,000 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, of course, did not grant the long-awaited freedom to the Greeks either. The fascist ruler Benito Mussolini dreamed of the revival of the Great Roman Empire and saw the future of Greece only in the status of one of its provinces.

In 1933, a terrible earthquake occurred on the island, as a result of which significant destruction took place. The elements did not spare many monuments of the Middle Ages, but, as they say, there is a blessing in disguise: from the depths of the earth, artifacts of the ancient period appeared on the surface. Excavations continue to this day, and the more valuable finds they discover.

In 1943, the Italians were replaced by the Germans, whose dominion ended after the Second World War, and Kos came under the protectorate of Great Britain. The reunification of the island with its historical homeland, Greece, took place only in 1948. This event was marked by a symbolic act: the then mayor of Athens, Ioannis Pitsikas, flew over the island in a plane and dropped the national blue and white striped flag on it. This relic is still kept in the office of the head of the municipality of Kos.

Resorts and beaches

Kos stretches from west to east for a little more than 45 kilometers, and in width, it is only in the central part, for almost 11 km. The local Hippocrates airport is located in the center, near the village of Antimachia. There are also villages inside the island, many of which are very popular with tourists. Let's name some of them: Pili, Kefalovrisi, Zia, Asfendiou. But the entire tourist infrastructure is concentrated, of course, closer to the sea, on the southern and northern coasts.

One of the most popular resorts, Lambi, is closely adjacent to the administrative center - the city of Kos. It is here that the tourist and party life of the capital of the island is concentrated. After relaxing on the beaches, vacationers are happy to get acquainted with the sights of the city, which is home to more than half of the population. After a strong earthquake in 1933, the city of Kos was literally restored from ruins, but the most famous ancient monuments, fortunately, have been preserved. Residential buildings are mostly two-story.

East of administrative center located resort area Psalidi. The beach here is long, covered with pebbles, there is a highway nearby. Between the beach and the road, a series of hotels where tourists stay is “sandwiched”. Strong winds are frequent in this part of the island, which attracts windsurfers. On the coast near this resort there are thermal springs, the water of which contains a lot of sulfur.

One of the most picturesque resorts of the island is Kefalos, which arose 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 old windmill). The sea on the local sandy beach, compared to others, is somewhat colder, and all because of the current. The village, thanks to its well-located bay, is one of the main windsurfing centers on the island; there is a rental office for water sports equipment. A little, however, brings the wind, it is not as powerful as on the beaches in the northern part of Kos.

To the east of Kefalos are the most popular beaches of the entire island: Paradise Beach, Kamari and Agios Stefanos. The landscape of the latter is especially impressive, its dominants are the ruins of a basilica from the time of the Byzantine Empire and a coastal island with an old church. The water here is the purest, and the sand is soft-soft.

The zone of shallow sandy beaches of Tigaki, which is located west of the city of Kos, stretches for more than 10 km. It was formed around the village of the same name. Two more beach areas, Mastichari and Marmari, also formed around the villages of the same name. The first of them is a small port, and the second is a fishing village. The sand here is simply gorgeous, the coast is shallow, but the sea often worries, trying to "interfere" with vacationers indulging in relaxation. On such days, holidaymakers fence themselves off from the awakening waves and wind with special awnings.

Another picturesque port city is Kardamena, located on the south coast. After the city of Kos, this is the second largest tourist center of the island, which is often called the "capital" of nightlife. More than half of the adjacent beaches are wild, the sand here is combined with rocky areas of little use for recreation, and boulders can be found in the sea. Not all holidaymakers are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of being in the wild, so they are not too lazy to overcome from one and a half to three kilometers to find themselves on the civilized beaches of Banana Beach and Atlantis, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. After swimming and sunbathing, you can set aside time to explore local attractions. Among them, we highlight the medieval castle, the Kos amphitheater and the ruins of ancient temples.

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, where there are many new hotels. From here it is very close to the popular Therme beach, which is famous for its hot spring (we will return to it below).

Summarizing information about the beaches and resorts of the island of Kos, it should be noted that, first of all, they impress with their diversity. The beaches here are both long and very small. On some, the sand is white, on others - golden, on the third - black volcanic. There are beaches covered with small pebbles, with picturesque bays. In some shallow areas, you can even stumble upon natural "jacuzzis" with countless bubbles rising from the bottom.

In addition to windsurfing, on the main beaches of all the resorts of Kos, there are many other entertainments to your liking. For example, the opportunity to go diving or ride a boat, banana and catamaran. If you are relaxing on a public beach, you will have to pay for a sunbed. In some cases, the cost of a drink or snack is included in the tariff, since such beaches are often divided into "zones of influence" between the owners of local taverns. Since tourists very rarely rest 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 a tavern. And if you want to save money on food, in this case you will have to sacrifice comfort by moving from the “civilized” territory to the “wild” part of the beach.

Attractions Kos

The visiting cards of Kos, in addition to its resorts and beaches, are ancient monuments, the ruins of ruined fortresses and small villages scattered throughout the island, in the vicinity of which goats graze carelessly. Travelers, especially those who come from large metropolitan areas, are touched by this homely patriarchal way of life. It is quiet, calm and comfortable here - what else do you need for a good rest?

But back to the sights and start our short 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 hospitals in the history of mankind and dates back to the 3rd century BC. Asklepion has several terraces. The sick were placed on the middle, and they prayed here: the hospital and the surrounding temples were connected to local sources through pipes. The upper terrace was crowned with another temple. But on the lower terrace, doctors improved their skills. Even Hippocrates himself, according to legend, studied here. In total, in Greece at that time there were several hundred such hospitals, built in honor of the god of medicine Asclepius.

Now let's turn our attention to the fortress of the Knights of St. John, built back in the 15th century. The materials obtained after the analysis of the buildings of the ancient agora were used for the construction. The castle, located in the old part of the capital of Kos, unfortunately has not survived to this day in its original form. Its territory has long been overgrown with weeds, and you should walk along it carefully, because under the walls of the former fortress there is a port where life is in full swing.

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

The ruins of the aforementioned agora from Roman times have also been preserved here. After examining them, you can head to the central square of Eleftherias. Its dominant feature is the Hadji Hasan Mosque, named after the Ottoman governor of the island. Here, on the square, there are many cozy cafes where you can relax with friends. Another Greco-Roman monument in the Old City is Casa Romana, built in the 2nd century BC. However, her building is not the original: it was recreated from the ruins. The restorers also restored fragments of bas-reliefs, basins and even dishes.

The island of Kos has the only source of hydrogen sulfide 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 source is the boulders that fence it off from the sea, due to which a pool was formed. The source is thermal, so the water is hot, its temperature exceeds +40...+50 degrees Celsius. To achieve a therapeutic effect, it does not make sense to limit yourself to one or two procedures - regularity is needed.

Right on the beach in the town of Agios Stefanos, belonging to the resort of Kefalos, there are the ruins of a Christian basilica dating back to the 5th century. Moving into the depths of the island and climbing into the mountains, you will see one of the most mysterious local attractions - the Byzantine fortress of Paleo Pili. Time did not spare her, she was destroyed, however, even today she is of great interest as the former capital of Kos until the middle of the 19th century. But the Italian fortress of Antimachia, rebuilt by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, has survived quite well to this day. It rises above Kardamena, which is on the southern coast of the island.

Recreation and entertainment

Does the name "Meltemi" mean anything to you? Most probably not. And if you ask the same question to windsurfers vacationing on Kos, you can get an answer right away. 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. It is to him that fans of windsurfing, this popular type of sailing and water entertainment, owe excellent conditions for skiing. Meltemi is remarkable for its enviable constancy: it starts to blow in the morning, intensifies by lunchtime and subsides only after six in the evening. Sometimes he takes a few “days off”, but then invariably returns.

Almost all beach areas of the island of Kos, including wild ones, are great not only for windsurfing, but also for kite surfing - kite surfing. On 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.

Professional surfers tend to places where the accelerating effect of the so-called wind tunnel is created. There are places like this wild beaches the western part of the island and in the resorts of Agios Fokas and Psalidi, which is at its eastern tip. The wind here blows stronger than anywhere else on the Kos, but the desired accelerating effect is achieved only in the bays. For example, in Psalidi, a "wind tunnel" arises due to the angular position of the bay, as well as the geographical factor - the coast of Turkey is located opposite. On the beaches of Kefalos, on the northern coast - Agios Stefanos and Kamari - the "pipe" in the bay is formed by mountains in the west and the neighboring island. By the way, these beaches are very popular with Russian surfers.

Where to go with children

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

Be sure to take your child to the Lido water park. This is the only entertainment establishment of this kind on the island, located in its northern part, in the village of Mastichari. The area of ​​the water park is relatively small, about 75 thousand square meters. There are several pools on the territory, including areas for the smallest, as well as water slides - there are six of them. Lido also has entertainment for adults - several rides, as they say, with adrenaline.

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. Peacocks live here, which are not at all afraid of people. They even follow vacationers on their heels, asking with all their appearance to be fed with something. Interestingly, peacocks in the reserve coexist peacefully with cats. Moreover, right in the forest zone. Plaka Forest has plenty of picnic tables. You are allowed to take food with you, but eating alone or in a narrow circle of friends will not work - peacocks and cats are right there!

It is also very interesting to visit the horse rides organized by Rafael’s Horse Riding. The island's hotels traditionally provide a free shuttle service to this event, which is extremely popular among travelers. The briefing is carried out by the British, they also organize tours of the stable and give out equipment. The smallest participants are given the opportunity to ride a pony. Older children usually choose to ride on the beach for an hour. More experienced riders prefer to go on a two-hour horse ride in the mountains.

Public transport

Moving around the island is carried out mainly by buses. Route maps and timetables are posted at all stops, which, surprisingly to many, are found even in the most deserted parts of Kos. Flights, as a rule, are never canceled, but buses often arrive with a delay of 10-15 minutes, or even more.

Suburban flights can be reached from the capital not only to every resort, but also to every remote village. And this means that it is easy for travelers to get to the right place on their own, they do not need the services of escorts. City bus transport runs in the capital of the island. Fare: in suburban flights it varies depending on the distance and ranges from 1.5 to 4.4 euros, and within the city - from 1.2 in hard European currency. Passengers pay in cash either to the controller or directly to the driver. There is no need to shout at the whole salon that you are going out soon. Press the button at the exit and the driver will know to stop.

An equally common mode of transport on Kos is a taxi. A checkered car can be called by phone at the time you need, which will automatically add 2-4 euros to the fare, ordered directly in the parking lot or caught by “voting” directly on the road. A trip over a distance of less than 10 km will cost a passenger from 7 to 10 euros, and for a 20 km journey you will have to fork out 22-25 euros. The fare for a taxi from the airport to the main resorts of the island is from 34 euros.

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

Another type of transport on Kos, very original, is tourist trains without rails, designed for two or three open wagons. There are four routes in total. One runs through the city center, the other three lead from the capital to Asklepion, Tigaki and the surrounding villages, respectively. A round trip will cost from 5 euros.

What to bring to memory

There are no exclusive goods or souvenirs that cannot be found in other regions of Greece on Kos. The only exception is olive oil or local bottled wine. Basically, tourists bring with them the so-called traditional “Greek” set from here, which includes halloumi and feta cheeses, olive oil and canned olives, halvah, honey, hygiene products with olive oil, cosmetic products and various souvenirs.

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

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 shops. Such here on Kos there is an unspoken rule that is strictly observed. Mini-markets are littered with clothes and shoes, the assortment is mainly imported from Turkey - after all, one can say that neighboring Bodrum is just a stone's throw away, a little more than 20 km away. The product is inexpensive, but its quality is not at a high level.

Communication and Internet

The island of Kos may seem to someone lost in the sea, but cut off from " mainland"Don't name him. This small piece of land provides a stable reception of the main Greek mobile operators: Wind, Cosmote and Vodafone. The latter has a particularly stable coverage, the signal is not lost even in mountainous areas, so all Russian mobile operators signed roaming contracts with Vodafone. You can only purchase prepaid tariffs from local mobile operators, which do not involve paying a monthly fee. An amount from 5 to 10 euros is usually credited to the account.

A minute of conversation with Russia will cost from 13 to 15 euro cents. Local operators sometimes offer packages of minutes for calling abroad at a discounted price of 8 to 9 euro cents per minute. Many tourists get a Greek SIM card upon arrival in order to be able to connect to the mobile Internet outside of roaming. For example, the Wind operator deducts 5 euros from the account for 1 GB of traffic. A 5 GB package will cost 15 euros.

Most local cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi, although it "catches" it is somewhat worse than in Crete and Rhodes. Disappointing that free wireless internet access is not available in major shopping malls and even in international chain stores. No wifi in public transport islands, it is not in public places either. Hotels are gradually moving away from the practice of paid distribution of wireless access. However, there is free Wi-Fi at the airport.

Hotels and accommodation

Kos Island boasts over 350 hotels, guest houses and apartment complexes. In this heavenly place, you can also rent private housing: a room or a whole house. In the simplest economy class apartments and two-star hotels, a room for two people in the high season will cost 23 euros.

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.

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 playgrounds, and even entire water parks. The cost of living in such hotels, of course, is higher and ranges from 160-180 euros.

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 free bike rental as a bonus, moreover, for a few days.

How to get there

During the high season, that is, in June-September, there are direct charter flights to the island of Kos from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Samara and other million-plus cities. The cost of a round trip ticket is from 200 to 260 euros. Travel time also varies: if you set off from the capital Vnukovo, you will spend 3 hours 30 minutes in the air, and if you leave from St. Petersburg Pulkovo, then all 4 hours.

Regardless of the tourist season and time of year, there are flights to Kos with transfers in Athens or Thessaloniki. From Russia with one or two transfers you can get through Vienna, Munich, Dusseldorf. A round trip will cost you from 290 euros.

All planes arriving in Kos are accepted by the only local airport, Hippocrates, which is located in the very center of the island. The air harbor with each of the resorts is connected by a bus route, the ticket price is 3-7 euros. You can also take a taxi, but it will cost more, from 18 to 40 euros.

A ferry service is also established with the island of Kos. The largest local carrier Blue Star Ferries sends ferries from the capital of Greece and through the island of Syros, the most populated island in the Cyclades archipelago, located 140 km southeast of Athens. On the ferry you will spend from 8.5 to 10 hours, the fare is 45 euros. Most ferries arrive in the capital and at the same time the main port of the island - the city of Kos.

The island of Kos (Greece) is one of the largest and most picturesque in the country. Nowadays, it is extremely popular with vacationers. Everything here is conducive to a pleasant pastime: wonderful small-pebble and sandy beaches, historical sights, a well-developed infrastructure of comfortable hotels and the bustling life of modern cities. This picturesque piece of land is one of the ten cheapest tourist destinations, which makes it even more attractive.

How to get to the island?

The island of Kos (Greece), the map of which is published in this article, is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Dodecadence archipelago. Four kilometers east of the island is the coast of Ionia (now Turkey), the area of ​​​​the resort area of ​​\u200b\u200bBodrum.

The island has its own international airport. Kos (Greece) is connected by regular and charter flights with all countries of the world. You can get here from Moscow or St. Petersburg without transfers only during the holiday season - from May to October. The flight will take approximately three hours. The rest of the year, you can only get to the island with a stopover in Athens.

Popular resorts

Greece is famous all over the world for its magnificent resorts. Kos is an island where there are also a lot of them. On the southern coast of this part of the land there are famous places for recreation - Kamari and Kardamena. Here are pleasant sandy beaches, clean and clear water, calm, peaceful sea. Fans of an active lifestyle can go kite or windsurf at Kefalos Bay, located nearby. Kamari has a beautiful beach with the promising name of Paradis. Once having visited it, you will certainly want to return there again.

In the vicinity of the city of Kos, in the east, there is a resort Psadili. The beach here is pebbly, but this does not detract from its merits. The sea in these parts has a stunning emerald green hue, thermal springs can be found in a ten-minute drive, and a magnificent view of the Turkish health resort of Bodrum opens from afar.

In the northern part of the island there are resorts: Marmari, Mastichari, Tigaki. Beaches with sandy shores, stretching into the gentle waves of the Aegean Sea, stretch for tens of kilometers. The waters here are restless due to constant winds. However, this has its advantages. The resort of Marmari, for example, is great for water sports: waveriding and windsurfing.

The most famous youth resorts that Greece (Kos) can boast of are Tigaki, Psadili and Kardamena.

Attractions

Greece occupies one of the leading places in the world in terms of the number of historical monuments. Kos, whose sights are described in this article, is also not deprived of them. The most famous objects of close attention of tourists are the temple of the god Asclepius (Asklepion), the plane tree of Hippocrates, the temple of Hercules (ancient Agora), the Hadji Hassan mosque, a natural reserve, a thermal spring, an archaeological museum, the island of Patmos, the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, the Roman villa of Casa Romana, the ruins of the ancient city of Pili, etc. Let us dwell on the description of some sights in more detail.

Hippocratic plane tree

The island of Kos (Greece) is home to one of the greatest people on Earth, the great Hippocrates. The healer founded his first school of medicine here. According to legend, a tree grows on the island, which Hippocrates planted with my own hands, and then under his crown taught his students. The plane tree is really impressive with its impressive size. The diameter of its trunk is 10 meters. However, meticulous researchers have established that the tree is only 700 years old, and it can in no way be a contemporary of Hippocrates, who lived in the 5th century BC. e. Nevertheless, both the plane tree and the legend associated with it are worthy of attention.

Asklepion

Greece can be considered the birthplace of modern medicine. Kos has the most famous Asklepion of the three hundred that existed in the country. This is the place where ancient healers treated their contemporaries. It got its name in honor of the god of medicine Asclepius. The ancient medical complex was built in 357 BC. e. It consists of those terraces connected by imposing staircases. There are temples dedicated to Asclepius and Apollo, a fountain, an anatomy museum, a medical school, baths with water from thermal springs, etc. In the ancient Greek hospital, they treated according to the principles founded by Hippocrates. The symbolism of the cult of Asclepius featured a snake, which is still the emblem of medicine.

Citadel of the Knights of Malta

The battlefield between representatives of two different cultures - the Islamic world and Western civilization - was sunny Greece in the Middle Ages. Kos is a place where the blood of noble knights and fearless Saracens was spilled more than once. As a reminder of those distant times, the castle of the Ionite knights and the remains of the walls of a monumental defensive fortress rise on the island. This building was built at the beginning of the 14th century on the site of an ancient Byzantine citadel. In the 16th century, a high wall was erected around the castle. In 1514, construction was completed, but nine years later the Turks managed to break through the defenses of the Knights of Malta and destroy the fortress. Since then, the castle has been in picturesque ruins, which ubiquitous tourists seek to visit. From the walls of the citadel offers a panoramic view of the city of Kos and the seaport.

Island capital

Hospitable Greece welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Kos, whose attractions include not only natural sites, but also the impressive cultural heritage of the country, is always ready to receive new visitors. In the capital of the island you can find a lot of interesting things. The stay of the city for four hundred years under the rule of the Ottoman Empire left a special imprint on it. It has many well-preserved Muslim temples. One of them - the Defterdar Mosque - is located on Eleftherias Square, the other - the Hadji Hassan Mosque - is located near the Hippocrates tree. Orthodox churches on the island of Kos also deserve attention. There are over a hundred of them here. The most famous - the Church of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva - is located in the center of Kos. Its construction dates back to 1931-1932. In addition, the capital of the island is replete with evidence of the heyday of Hellenic culture. After the earthquake in 1933, the ruins of the ancient city of Kosbyl were found, the architectural splendor of which can be appreciated from the surviving fragments of the temple of Aphrodite, the gallery of the Forums and the sanctuary of Hercules.

Kalymnos Island

Fifteen kilometers from the island we are describing is another one - Kalymnos. The maritime museum, founded by Captain Stavros, is of interest here. This man has been catching sponges since childhood. And the museum presents a lot of treasures he extracted from the sea: corals, shells, plants, the remains of an ancient ship, a German machine gun, fragments of a combat aircraft of the Second World War, etc.

The city of Potia is a must to visit. Here is the sponge factory - the main source of income for the small island. You will be happy to be told about the process of catching and processing these rare seafood during the tour.

Island hotels

The island of Kos (Greece), the photos of which are published in this article, boasts the most modern and comfortable hotels. One of the most rated is the four-star Kipriotis Village 4 *. It is located on the sea coast, three kilometers from the city of Kos and twenty-five from the local airport. The area of ​​the hotel is 135 thousand square meters. This beautiful holiday destination strikes the perfect balance between the typical architecture of a Mediterranean village and the services of a modern four-star hotel. The territory decorated with lush greenery and developed infrastructure allow vacationers to completely abandon their daily worries. The hotel has 651 rooms for every taste and budget.

At any time of the year, sunny Greece, the island of Kos, is a great place to relax. Hotels in this beautiful place are characterized by increased comfort and friendly staff. Dimitra Beach Resort 4 * is no exception. It is located eight kilometers from the capital of the island, on the cape of Agios Fokas, and two kilometers from the thermal springs. The hotel can offer 256 comfortable rooms with a magnificent view of the sea coast. This is perfect place for a relaxing time.

The five-star Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso 5 * hotel was built in 2002. It consists of a main building and a complex of cozy bungalows. The resort is well located on the beach. For those who want to take a break from the scorching heat in the shade of trees, there is a wonderful garden with green lawns and fancy fountains. Three pools, with rivers and waterfalls, form a delightful water network that gives coolness on the hottest afternoon. For those wishing to plunge into the sunny waves of the Aegean Sea, there is a sandy Psadili beach. The Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso 5 * resort has a lot of entertainment, but if they seem too bland to you, then you can go to the nearby city of Kos to go to a nightclub or other entertainment venue.

Prices on the island

Accommodation prices on the island of Kos are relatively low. For accommodation in a standard room of a two-star hotel, you will need to pay from 15 euros per person. During the holiday season, this figure is approximately doubled.

You can eat in Greek taverns. Moussaka (vegetable casserole in a clay pot) will cost from 7.5 to 10 euros, Greek salad - from 4 to 6.7 euros. On the street you can buy local shawarma, gyros, for 2-3 euros. The same pleasure in a restaurant will cost 7-9 euros. The freshest grilled fish with vegetables costs from 12 euros. Saganaki mussels prepared according to a traditional recipe - from 10 to 12 euros. Sweets (baklava, frappe) will cost 2-3 euros.

You can rent a car on the island. For one day of rent (from 9.00 to 20.00) at the box office they take from 40 to 60 euros. Gasoline here costs 1.85-1.87 per liter. The island is small, so fuel costs no more than 15 euros per day.

Kos is the second largest island after Rhodes in terms of size and number of visitors, and therefore, at first glance, both islands seem similar. Kos also has a harbor dominated by the imposing fortress of the Knights of St. John, the streets are lined with grandiose public buildings erected under the Italians, and Hellenistic and Roman antiquities alternate with minarets and slender palm trees. True, the central part can hardly boast of the untouched beauty that is characteristic of the hinterland, but on Kos there is an abundance ground water and fertile land, the most generous in the archipelago.

Mass tourism has prompted the population (over 28 thousand people) to largely abandon their former agricultural way of life, but the universal tourist complexes that arise here for tens of thousands of places bring almost nothing to the economy of the island. Independently traveling tourists outside the cities of Kos and Mastichari are rare, and from the beginning of July to the beginning of September it is considered a rare success to rent at least some accommodation without booking or purchasing a ticket. The tourism industry is bizarrely combined with cows roaming the meadows among hay bales and Greek army tanks practicing maneuvers in the vacant lots around the airport.

Despite all this, it is still worth spending a few days in Kos if you are touring the islands of the archipelago: here you will find charming mountain villages, excellent tourist infrastructure (there is not only a regular bus service, but also such luxury as cycle paths) and endless opportunities for swimming - almost half of the coastline is occupied by sandy or pebble beaches of various sizes and colors.

Temple of Asklepion and Platani village (Kos)

The island of Kos is rightfully proud of its native Hippocrates - there is not only a tree, a park, a statue and an international medical institute named after him, but also Asklepion (June-August Tuesday-Sunday 8:00-18:30, September-May 8:30 -14:30; 3 €), 4 kilometers south of the city - there are only three such temples in Greece, and this is the main one on Kos. You can get there by a green and white miniature train - or by bus of the local company DEAS to Platani, from where it is a 15-minute walk to the ruins. Asklepion has a small snack bar, but you can have lunch along the way, in Platani.

Asklepion was actually created immediately after the death of Hippocrates, but no one doubts that the techniques used here were inherited from the great healer himself. Served as the temple of Asclepius (the god of healing, son of Apollo), and the famous medical institution, this ancient building with its beautiful location - on three man-made terraces on a mountain slope overlooking Anatolia - reflects ancient views on the importance of the environment for the healing process. To this day, two fountains supply the site with clean drinking water and you can see many sections of the ancient clay pipeline going underground.

Little has survived to this day - at least on the surface: earthquakes on Kos are not uncommon, and the Knights of St. John used the ancient temple as a quarry. There were always few buildings on the lower terrace: rituals were performed on this site every four years, accompanied by athletic and musical competitions - these festivities were called Asclepias. The altar on which sacrifices were made to Asclepius is the oldest structure of the temple, its foundation is still visible in the middle of the second terrace. The Corinthian columns, to the east, are the remains of a Roman temple from the 2nd century BC and have been restored by the nationalist Italians.

A mighty staircase starting at the altar leads to the Doric temple of Asclepius, built on the uppermost terrace in the 2nd century BC - this is the last and largest of the several sanctuaries that existed on this site. In the village of Platani (or Kermedes, from the Turkish name of the village - Germe), the remnants of the Turkish population of the island still live (the Turks also live in the city of Kos). Until 1964, the Turkish community numbered almost 3,000 people, but the deterioration in relations between and after the crisis in Cyprus caused mass emigration to Anatolia, and now there are not even a thousand Muslims left here.

But for now, at the main fork with a functioning Ottoman fountain and around it, excellent taverns owned by the Turks still work: Arap (only in summer), across the road - Asklipios and Sherif - also only in summer, and Gin's Place ( all year round) - everywhere they cook mezedes in Anatolian taste (fried vegetables with yogurt, burekakya, and so on) and kebabs - and the food is much better than in almost all taverns in the city of Kos. Opposite "Arapa" is Zaharoplastio Iy Paradhosi with the best ice cream on the island.

Immediately at the exit from Platani, on the road to the port, in a dark coniferous grove, there is an abandoned Jewish cemetery, from which it is 300 meters from the Muslim cemetery. Dates on tombstones with inscriptions in Hebrew and Italian end in 1940 - after that, none of the local Jews were allowed the luxury of dying of natural causes, and in the summer of 1944 all Jews were deported from the island. The former synagogue (“havra”), an example of rationalist style with an oriental slant, built in 1934 at 4 Alexandru Diacu Street, has been turned into a municipal hall for various events, but a memorial plaque tells about the original purpose of the building.

Eastern part of the island of Kos (Greece)

If you want to find a more or less deserted beach near the capital of the island, take the DEAS bus going to one of the resorts in any direction from the city, or rent some kind of vehicle, to the east, to Cape Psalidi, it is best to ride a bicycle . Bus routes along the east coast usually end 8 kilometers southeast of the city of Kos, in Agios Fokas, although sometimes - 4 kilometers further, at the unusual and isolated place of Bros Terma (last flight around 18:00). When leaving on your own transport, be prepared for a meeting with a dirty dirt road on the last kilometer of the journey.

Bros Terma is famous for its very popular hot springs (best to dive in at or shortly after sunset), which spout from the grotto and flow into the boulder-lined dam near the shore, warming the sea water to a pleasant temperature. Winter storms usually destroy the boulder cover, but every year in April it is restored, so that the outline of the dam changes. On the way up from there, you can treat yourself to fish at the long-standing Psarotaverna Therma, though the rest of the menu is underwhelming. Downstairs, right by the dam, there is a cafe with drinks and ice cream.

• Resorts Tingaki and Marmari on the island of Kos (Greece)

The two neighboring beaches of Tingaki and Marmari are separated by the marshy Aliki salt marsh, which also has water, so migratory birds, in particular flamingos, stop in the swamp and live until June after a wet winter. There is always wind on the shore, that is good conditions for windsurfing, and, therefore, in the summer they rent boards at every resort, and in the distance the silhouettes of the islands, Pserimos and the Turkish peninsula flaunt. If you are going to one of the local resorts, the safest and most enjoyable way - especially on two-wheelers - is along the country road starting from the southwestern corner of the city (look for the sign to the Vasiliadi supermarket).

All the way to Tingaki is paved, the turns are marked, and the distance is the same as on the highway. A similar paved rural road links the inland parts of Tingaki and Marmari. The lively coastal resort of Tingaki, preferred by the British, is 12 kilometers west of the port. Oddly enough, hotels (more than a dozen) of medium size and level, as well as studios (there are more of them), are scattered far from the sea, among grain fields and pastures with cows.

The best tavern here is Ambeli (summer daily; winter Friday, Saturday evening, Sunday lunch), 2.5 kilometers east of the main crossroads on the coast, but easy to find by signs. Among the dishes are piniguri (crushed wheat grains), bekri meze pork, salted fir pork, yaprakya - a local version of dolmades (Greek stuffed cabbage from grape leaves), young lamb in arnaca ambelurgu grape leaves and all this - 60 varieties of wine. It is recommended to rent cars from Sevi, which even delivers cars to the customer in.

On a long and narrow beach - White sand, and the farther to the southwest, the more the beach moves away from the coastal highway - and it gets better. Marmari, 15 kilometers from the city, is smaller than Tingaki, but the beach is wider, especially to the west, where small dunes rise (and where windsurfing courses operate). The hotels are mostly taken over by tourist groups from, but you can try your luck in good hotel Esperia, on the road leaving the island highway.

• Villages of Asfendiou on the island of Kos (Greece)

The outback of Kos is interesting, first of all, for the villages on Mount Dikeos, located in the only natural forest islands - they are usually called the villages of Asfendiu. These villages give a good idea of ​​what Kos looked like before the invasion of tourism and concrete, however, most of their inhabitants moved to the coast. The villages are reached by a winding road from Zipari (8 kilometers from the city of Kos), a not very well marked road to Lagoudi from the highway, as well as a short branch to Pili.

If you choose the road from Zipari, the first village on the way will be Evangelistria, where from the main intersection at the parish church and the tavern of the same name, roads diverge to Lagoudi and Amaniou (to the west), to Asomatos (to the east) and to Zia (uphill). Famed for its sunset views, Gia attracts up to six busloads of sightseers each evening, but barely a dozen families live in the village permanently, and the neglect that catches the eye in daylight seems to intensify year by year. The best of the dozen local taverns is the modest Kefalovrissi near the top of the village: mezedes and the changing dishes of the day, such as panzetta and bacalharos, are excellent, and they are served with red wine Hatziemmanouil (Hatziemmanouil).

The route leading to the top of Dbkeos (846 mtnhjd above sea level) begins in Gie. The ascent and descent takes at least 2.5 hours, at first along the track, but mostly along the path. The path is easily discernible, and the views from the medicine-bottle-like Metamorphosis chapel at the top are quite a worthy reward for climbing. On the same peak, you will be amazed by the outlandish giant crucifix made of PVC water pipe and filled with concrete. The roads to the east from Zia and Evangelistria converge in the village of Asomatos, where, in addition to 30 local villagers, strangers also live, who are gradually restoring abandoned houses.

Evening views from the pebble-mosaiced Church of Archangelos compare well with those around Zia, but you can only eat at the kafenio. The village of Agios Dimitrios, 2 kilometers east along the highway, is marked on some maps under its old name, Haihutes, and now they live in only one house, next to a beautiful church, in a narthex where photographs hang, convincing that before the village was crowded, and during the war years it became the center of resistance to the German invaders. After another 3.5 kilometers you will find yourself at a fork in the road connecting Platani with the island's garbage dump.

• Drinking on the island of Kos (Greece)

Pili can be reached from the road passing through Lagoudi and Amaniou, or from the duck-loved Linopotis Pond on the island's main highway. Opposite the pond, in Ouzeri Iy Limni (Karamelengos), they prepare excellent mezedes from seafood. And in the upper of the two residential districts of Pili, 100 meters from the square with the church, in a simple tavern Iy Palia Piyi, next to a huge cistern-fountain (piyi), they serve inexpensive, but mouth-watering grilled meats and mezedes from fried vegetables.

Another attraction of Pili is Harmilio (Harmil's grave), the path to which is indicated by the sign "Heroon of Charmylos" in the upper part of the village. The "Hero's Grave" is an underground vaulted niche (surrounded by a fence), probably a family burial vault from the Hellenistic era. Above the "Heroon" in the medieval chapel of Stavros, you can see fragments of an ancient temple. Paleo Pili (old, that is, medieval), about 3 kilometers southeast of its current namesake, was the capital of Kos in Byzantine times.

Heading there through Amaniu, from the fork with a sign to the left to Zia and Lagoudi, go straight. The fortress on the rock is noticeable from afar - focus on it. The neglected road will end at the spring, opposite which you will see a staircase - in 15 minutes it will lead you to the roof of the fort. Along the way, you will pass by an abandoned village clinging to a mountain slope, and three churches of the 14th-15th centuries with surviving fragments of frescoes. In the very first on the way - Archangelos - the murals are best preserved - mostly scenes from the earthly life of Christ.

Western part of the island of Kos (Greece)

Near the waterless and deserted center of the island, where you can see only a lot of military facilities, from a major road junction at the airport, paths diverge to the northwest - to Mastichari, to the northeast - to the capital of the island, to the southwest - to Kefalos, and southeast to Kardamena. Those who need beaches in the south tend to choose the turn to Kefalos.

• Mastichari resort and Andimahya village (Kos)

The least developed by the tourism industry and the most inexpensive of the resorts on the north coast is Mastichari with a short wide beach stretching to the west, at the far end of which the ruins of the basilica of Agios Ioannis of the 5th century have been preserved - there are several such dilapidated churches on the island. It is worth looking for a quieter lodging for the night and overlooking the western beach - for example, Kyma hotels or Hotel Fenareti, a little higher, with rooms and studios in a pleasant garden. Of the several taverns, the best are Makis, a block from the waterfront, and Kali Kardia at the head of the pier: both are good for fresh fish and mezedes, while Kali Kardia has majirefta and desserts.

Mastichari is also a port from where small ferries leave for Kalymnos: 3-4 trips a day in both directions most of the year. Their schedule is more or less drawn up taking into account the flight schedule with, but the KTEL buses connecting the airport with Kos do not always (maybe on purpose) match the flights. The unremarkable village of Andimahya, 5 kilometers southeast of Mastichari, is spread over several mountain slopes, and its only concession to tourism is the line of uzeri and snack bars on the southeastern outskirts, which are easily accessible from the airport (you need to cross the road and walk through the car park) if your flight is delayed.

To the east of Andimakhia, along a marked road, you can walk (2.8 kilometers) to a huge triangular knight's castle, from where you can see the strait between Kos and Nisyros. Passing through the imposing gate on the north side of the fortress (free entrance), you can walk along the well-preserved western wall and enter two chapels inside the citadel: in one, there is an interesting fresco with St. with ribs. graveled walking paths, lighting and a ticket office appeared in the fortress in 2001, but all this is used only occasionally when concerts are held here.

• The village of Kardamena on the island of Kos (Greece)

31 kilometers away from the city of Kos, the village of Kardamena on the southeast coast is the largest holiday resort on the island (after the main city), and in the summer there are twenty times more visitors (mostly young British) than local residents, - these tourists tend to come here to get as drunk as possible and for the least possible money. The rebuilding that took place here was stopped and banned by law in an attempt to save at least something of its former charm - but the village managed to turn into an ugly cluster of bars, knick-knack shops, tour agencies and street vendors.

The beaches stretch on both sides of the village, on the southwest there is more sand, but there are many reefs and there is a road to the northeast nearby, Tolari and Koss are large resort complexes. The most valuable thing is Kardamena, as a port from which you can go on a ship to. In summer, there are two flights a day: a morning kaik with a tourist excursion departs at 9:00-9:30. Another ship, cheaper and less advertised, is either Ayios Konstandinos or Nissyros between 2:30 pm and 8:00 pm, depending on the day of the week.

• The beaches of the southern coast of the island of Kos (Greece)

The sparsely populated part of Kos, southwest of the airport and Andimahya, boasts the most beautiful and secluded beaches, as well as several antique monuments, albeit a minor one. The southern beaches with interesting English names on tourist maps are sometimes depicted as separate beaches, but in fact they are a single long strip, bordered by rocks, on which there are many sun loungers, a snack bar and jet ski rentals. The longest, widest and quietest beach, officially called Polemy, with a decent car park tavern, no jet skis, but a nudist area - called Exotic Beach - to the east.

From Magic Beach, it is easy to walk to Sunny Beach, which is indicated on Greek signs as Psilos Gremmos, where there is another tavern and water ski rental. Langades is the cleanest and most picturesque, with junipers on the dunes and also with water skiing. Paradise Beach is also called "bubble" (Bubble Beach), because the outlets of volcanic gases are located here in the surf, and at high tide the sea water gurgles and hisses. This part of the coast is small and is completely filled with sunbeds.

The shortest and most isolated beach (without water skis) is called "Camel" - Camel, in Greek Camila. He is saved from crowds by the steepness of a dirt road passing by a tavern on a mountainside. The coast here is clean, the sand is fine and on both sides of the bay you can perfectly swim in a mask. The uninterrupted beach stretches beyond the promontory of Agios Stefanos, over which the huge Club Med complex towers, for 5 kilometers to the west, reaching Kamari. A marked access road descends to this beach, which flanks a small peninsula topped by the ruins of two 6th-century basilicas, each with three naves.

Although these are the best-preserved ancient buildings on the island, several columns have collapsed since the 1980s, and a wonderful mosaic with birds is hidden by a “protective” layer of gravel. Opposite them is the tiny but striking island of Kastri with a chapel. Theoretically, it is easy to swim to it (sometimes wade) from the more western beach, and near the rocks there are almost the best conditions on Kos for snorkeling, but you will have to go through the line of boats and yachts that gather at the local water sports center.

• Far West of Kos (Greece)

Kamari, essentially the coastal suburb of Kefalos, is a cluster of cinder-block houses like Kardamena. Now it is not only a holiday resort, but also the largest water sports center, as well as another starting point for a voyage to Nisyros (in summer). The most “Greek” local tavern is Faros, on the far (southwestern) edge of the resort, at the beginning of the road uphill, at the very end of which, 43 kilometers from the city of Kos, is the village of Kefalos. In this dreary village, located on the top, from where you can see almost the entire island, the bus route ends and the journey deep into the mountainous peninsula begins, leading to Cape Krikelo, which strikes with spectacular scenery.

This trip takes half a day, start from Kefalos on the road south along the mountain range, and most vivid impressions on your way will be the Byzantine church of Panagia Palatiani, built among the ruins of a larger ancient temple, 1 kilometer from Kefalos. The former classical theater (free entry) with two rows of surviving seats, an ancient Hellenistic temple 500 meters from the road along an unmarked path, from an unlocked gate, and the Aspri-Petra cave (it was inhabited in the Neolithic) - the path to it is poorly marked, but you can walk from the road in half an hour.

The paved road starting behind Astypalaia goes west to the beach, where the wind often blows, and to the chapel of Agios Theologos, 7 kilometers from Kefalos. The Ayios Theologos tavern there is full of locals, especially on weekends, despite the high prices (portions are generous though). Keeping to the end of the main road, you will come to the beautiful (though usually closed) monastery of Agios Ioannis Timyanos, also 7 kilometers from the village. A dirt track behind the monastery leads (4 kilometers) to the beach of Cavo Paradiso with 250 meters of soft sand, but there are only sunbeds from the amenities.

1.5 kilometers north of Kefalos, a narrower paved road leaves the road over the highest ridge on Kos, leading after 2.7 kilometers to Limnionas, the only north-facing beach and port for fishing boats in this part of the island. The prices at the Limionas fish tavern are fair, although there are no other establishments nearby. Small sandy beaches are located on both sides of the local peninsula.

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