Kosis a Greek island, part of the Dodecanese island chain in the southeastern Aegean Sea, with a population of 33,388 (2011 census), making it the second most populous of the Dodecanese, following Rhodes. The island measures 40 by 8 km (25 by 5 miles). The principal town of the island is the Town of Kos. The main port and population center on the island, Kos town, is also the tourist and cultural center, with whitewashed buildings including many hotels, restaurants and a number of nightclubs forming the Kos town barstreet. The seaside village of Kardamenais the best place to head for nightlife – its streets are packed with karaoke bars, pubs and clubs, a popular resort for young holidaymakers. In addition the main villages are Kefalos, Tingaki, Antimachia, Mastihari, Marmari and Pyli. Smaller ones are Zia, Zipari, Platani, Lagoudi and Asfendiou. Inland, whitewashed villages spill down the hillsides and wild flowers blanket the fields. Then there is Mount Dikeos, whose slopes are peppered with pine forests and castles.
How to Get There
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Highlights
The Byzantine Antimachia Castle The island has a 14th c. fortress at the entrance to its harbor, erected in 1315 by the Knights Hospitaller, and another from the Byzantine period in Antimachia.
Ancient Temple of Dionysos The ruins of Dionysos Temple are located south of the Kos harbor, passing the ancient Agora, on Vasileos Pavlou Street. It is close to the Roman House.
Ancient Agora The ancient marketplace of Kos was considered one of the biggest in the ancient world. It was the commercial and commanding center at the heart of the ancient city. It was organized around a spacious rectangular yard 50 m (160 ft) wide and 300 m (980 ft) long. It began in the Northern area and ended up south on the central road (Decumanus) which went through the city. The northern side connected to the city wall towards the monumental entrance to the harbor. The shops were on the eastern side. In the first half of the 2nd c BC, the building was extended toward the interior yard. The building was destroyed in an earthquake in 469 AD. In the southern end of the market, there was a round building with a Roman dome and a workshop which produced pigments Coins, treasures, and copper statues from Roman times were later uncovered. In the western side excavations led to the findings of rooms with mosaic floors which showed beast-fights, a theme quite popular in Kos.
Archaeological Museum of Kos The Archaeological Museum of Kos stands in the heart of Kos Town. It includes findings from the Ancient Agora, the Asclepieion and other sites on the island.
HippocratesThe ancient physician Hippocrates is thought to have been born on Kos, and in the center of the town is the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, a dream temple where the physician is traditionally thought to have taught. The limbs of the old tree are supported by scaffolding. The small city is also home to the International Hippocratic Institute and the Hippocratic Museum dedicated to him. Near the Institute are the ruins of Asclepieion, where Herodicus taught Hippocrates medicine.
Beaches
With a coastline that unravels for over 290 km, the Greek island of Kos has more than its fair share of beaches. They come in all shapes and sizes, from golden swathes backed by beach bars, to hidden bays and little-known coves.
Fokas Beach is a long beach with sand on some pieces and on other pieces black sand and pebbles. Just like most of the other beaches around Kos Town is an organized beach where you can rent beach beds and umbrellas. On a small stretch of beach on the left side there are no beach beds and this part is used by the naturists.
Lambi Beach, an organized long sandy beach with various tourist facilities, restaurants and accommodations, and the necessary beach beds and umbrellas.
Psalidi, with plenty of amenities and you will find many restaurants and accommodations, and you can rent umbrellas and beach beds here. Again there is the possibility of water sports.
Thermes Beach, a beautiful pebble / sandy beach, surrounded by high cliffs. On the beach there is a sort of an artificial circular pool surrounded by boulders. Because of volcanic activity hot water comes out of the rocks and is mixed with the colder seawater. It smells of sulfur. This source attracts many visitors and is said to have medicinal use. There is a taverna by the beach.
TigakiBeach This sandy beach of Tigaki, located about 11 km NW of the capital Kos Town, is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kos. During the high season there are excursion boats from Tigaki to the opposite island of Pserimos.
Portobello Beach, which lies west of Kardamena is a large organized sandy beach, which is named after the Porto Bello Royal Hotel, situated near the beach. There are a number of other accommodations. Basically it is a village built specifically for tourists on this beach. The same applies to Mitsis Norida Beach.Blue Lagoon Beach, is situated south of the airport.