Kos forms part of the Dodecanese archipelago and is the third largest island after Rhodes and Karpathos. It is actually the result of a range of mountains sinking, following a colossal seismic shift back in the distant past. The nearby islands of Kalymnos and Nyssiros share the same origin, being remnants of the same mountain ridge.
The lovely climate, with the sun shining all year round, and above all the beautiful beaches, make Kos one of the most appealing destinations for travelers.
The Kos coastline is 112 kilometers long with an abundance of beaches of crystal clear waters – pebble beaches in the north of the island, and fine golden sand beaches in the south. Although some of the terrain is mountainous (the highest point is Mount Dikeos at 875 meters), there are also plenty of fertile plains where grapevines, almond, olive and fig trees, as well as tomatoes, wheat and corn are cultivated.
In 460 B.C. the man considered the father of medicine was born on Kos. The brilliant Hippocrates, who, with that impressive capacity for pragmatism and reason that characterized all the great scientists, statesmen, artists and philosophers of the century of Pericles, established the fundamentals of modern medicine. In the Kos archaeological museum, located in the historic part of the capital, is a full body statue of Hippocrates. Nowadays the town of Kos houses the International Institute of Hippocrates and a museum dedicated to the “first doctor of antiquity”.
Kos – the capital and main port of the island – is an extremely attractive town that was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1933 and thus has lush and beautiful green spaces, its streets and avenues adorned with endless flowers and palm trees leading to the spectacular beaches stretching along the coastline. The imposing fortress that was commissioned to be built in the 15th century by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Rhodes is located to the east of the port and connected to the rest of the city by a bridge crossing the Avenue of the Palms.
The main towns in Kos are connected by a road that crosses the island longitudinally from north east to south east. Make sure to visit the delightful villages dotted around the slopes of Mount Dikeos, the highest on the island. You can go hiking, admire the traditional rural architecture and pretty little churches perched upon rocks, and enjoy the delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
The island’s best views can be seen from Antimajia, also famous for its picturesque windmills. To the south you can visit the village of Kefalos, popular for its superb beach of crystal clear waters and clusters of little narrow white houses. Very close by is the Saint Nicholas Monastery. Another tourist haunt of this region, with so many great beaches, is Agios Stephanos, whose beach is a mix of pebble and sand, but whose main attraction is undoubtedly the two small fifth century Christian churches on the beach itself as well as a nearby islet with the ruins of a castle, lending it an unmatchable charm.
To all this must be added the many beautiful nature spots where visitors can be in contact with abundant nature, surrounded by a typical Mediterranean ecosystem of breathtaking beauty. A stroll around the island of Kos is well worth the effort!
“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a hotel on the island of Kos, the 5-star IBEROSTAR Odysseus which offers an all-inclusive option so that guests will have every detail taken care of on their vacation.”
Comments