What to see on the island of Kos? Kos is a colorful island of Greece in the Aegean Sea. What plants grow on the island of Kos

Recently, Europeans prefer to purchase tours to Greece. In this vast and hospitable country, every piece of land is unique in its historical heritage and ancient architecture. The most popular resort areas in Greece are Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and the island cannot help but delight with its ancient, centuries-old history.

Let's discuss in more detail the resort of Kos, which is located in the southeast. It is famous for its wonderful virgin landscapes, colorful sandy beaches, thermal springs and amazing architectural sites. Only here tourists will be able to meet Mediterranean seals rocking on the waves, or see how turtles lay their eggs and bury them in the sand.

The climatic conditions at the resort are very favorable, it is a little cooler here (unlike Rhodes), and a lot of luxury housing of excellent quality has been built at an affordable price. It is for this reason that tours to the island of Kos are becoming more and more popular every year. On this piece of land there is a harmonious balance between the modern world and pristine nature - this is a real find for those who prefer a measured and leisurely pastime.

It is famous for its special Greek atmosphere, which sets the tone for the mood. Every little thing seems fabulous and mythical. The small Greek province is rich in picturesque bays, small chapels, rocky headlands and is simply saturated with the scent of jasmine. A huge advantage is the convenient territorial location relative to nearby resorts such as Leros, Samos, Rhodes, Patmos, Kalymnos and Nissyros.

Transport accessibility

Getting to the tropical resort will not be too difficult; planes and buses fly here. The ferry service is excellent. Every day, ships sail from its shores to any village and the center of Greece. Highways have been built. As you can see, there are no problems with the transport fork.

Outstanding ancient objects of the resort

One of the most environmentally friendly areas is the island of Kos. Attractions are scattered throughout the resort area. Amazing creations of mankind have survived to this day. The province has thriving wildlife, with stunning flamingos, huge turtles and lazy seals. Kos is often called a natural and architectural reserve.

And how many ancient ruins are scattered throughout the territory! For example, in the central part of the island, archaeologists found objects from the early Christian and Mycenaean eras, which were subsequently exhibited in the Archaeological Museum. Among the exhibitions, a special place is occupied by a mosaic with images of Hippocrates and Asclepius. Proof that there was previously life on these lands is the discovery of a cemetery with buried children of different ages.

In the eastern zone, many ancient temples with amazing ornaments were found. An altar of Hercules and the Venus pandemic was also discovered here. And in the western part, the altar of Dionysus was excavated, as well as numerous structures with unusual Scientists found the Casa Romana mansion, decorated with frescoes and ancient sculptures. Valuable structures and exhibitions from different eras (Roman, Hellenistic, classical) are presented in the Archaeological Museum, which is located on Freedom Square.

Sycamore Hippocrates

According to local residents, it is better to start getting acquainted with the island by visiting the main square, where the majestic Hippocrates tree (or plane tree of wishes) grows. According to unofficial sources, it was planted by the ancient Greek doctor himself about two thousand years ago in order to conduct debates and teachings with his friends and students under its shady crowns.

Some researchers believe that this tree is no more than 500 years old, but there is no evidence to support these assumptions yet. The plane tree has a circumference of more than 14 m, it stands on a stone structure, and its bulky branches are supported by metal sticks. It is looked after by local residents, who consider the tree to be the main shrine of the province. Every year during the summer season grand festivals are held on the square.

Temple complex Asklepion

The island of Kos, the photo of which is presented in the article, is proud of the ruins of the temple of the healer god Asclepius. After a powerful earthquake, the structure was severely destroyed, and small buildings remained in its place. Previously, Asklepion was a medical sanatorium and consisted of several levels.

There was also a medical school with springs and majestic arches. In the 4th century, a shrine to Asclepius was erected on the third level. A few more centuries later, wards for the sick and a cathedral of the Doric period were built.

Knights Castle

The island of Kos is rightfully proud of its ancient buildings. Tours of the castle leave a lasting impression on tourists. According to reliable information, the construction of the fortress began in the 14th century, and ended only in the 18th century. This was constantly hampered by attacks from the Turks. Several architectural styles are visible in the appearance of the unusual structure. There are ancient sculptures, old inscriptions with altars.

The majestic castle of Antimachia

In a picturesque village, 3 km from the island, there is a Venetian building that previously served as a refuge for local residents. The appearance of the fortress has been completely preserved, even despite numerous attacks. The date 1494 is stamped in front of the entrance and the symbol of the Knights of Malta is indicated.

The interior decoration is unremarkable. There are two cathedrals from the 16th and 18th centuries and the dilapidated foundations of ancient buildings. But what a panorama opens from the walls of the building - pristine landscapes and the blue sea!

What else is remarkable about the island of Kos?

A map of the resort is presented in the article; on it you can see a small piece of land. The holy cathedrals and churches amaze with their splendor and power. Numerous Muslim and Orthodox churches are of great value to the city (Defterdar and Hadji Hassan Mosques, Church of St. Martyr Paraskeva).

We recommend taking an excursion to Cape Roufianos - a pure corner of nature with an interesting building, located behind the picturesque bay of Kefalos. The waterfalls will leave an indelible impression. In summer, tourists visit the archaeological sites in Pyli. Here you will see buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. You will also learn about the rich historical heritage of this place.

You can feel the atmosphere of antiquity at the Agora “market”. It was here that local Greeks made their purchases. On the territory, the viewer is presented with the surviving remains of ancient buildings, bulky columns of original symmetry and a renovated small church. In addition to its architectural and historical heritage, the island of Kos is proud of its amazing natural sites. Sights of the resort area include Thermal Springs, Salt Lake, Ziya Village, and Peacock Forest.

The best beaches in the province

Almost the entire coast is covered with multi-colored sand. The black, gray, golden and even red beaches of Kos amaze with their splendor. They are the pride of the country, and some coastlines simply dazzle with their extraordinary landscape - picturesque bays with stone structures. The environment encourages vacationers to engage in active recreation: windsurfing, diving, yachting and surfing. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the list of the best beaches in the resort.

Paradise beach is a popular place with beautiful scenery and white sand. The coastline is equipped for guests with various attractions, beach amenities, rental points and cozy restaurants.

Termes Bay is a small-pebble and sparsely populated coast with delightful steep archipelagos. This secluded piece of paradise has a salt lake, formed by the mixing of sea water and underground springs.

The Kardamena coast is one of the busiest resort areas. It extends for several kilometers. This is a very clean sandy beach with a gentle slope into the Aegean Sea. There are always a lot of people here, life is in full swing.

Where to stay?

The island of Kos is rich in comfortable hotels and hotels of various levels. Holidays at the resort will appeal to couples with children. Almost all recreational facilities are in excellent condition and operate on an ALL inclusive system. Most of them occupy leading positions in world comfort ratings.

In addition to traditional equipment (sports grounds, cafes and beaches), boarding houses are equipped with business centers, meeting rooms, water slides and water parks. The island of Kos offers heavenly living conditions and quality service. The hotels presented in the article are considered the best, according to people.

Complex Porto Bello Royal 5*

The chic hotel, founded in 2004, with its own boat pier, is a real oasis in the middle of a green park. Here there is complete harmony and luxury reigns. Every vacationer will be able to spend their holidays in heavenly conditions, in separate bungalows. You don’t have to think about food and leisure time - experienced and attentive staff will take care of all the worries.

Boarding house Marmari Palace 5*

A huge hotel is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Operates on an all-inclusive basis. Invites discerning people who value pomp, comfort and safety. Luxurious two-room suites with access to the pool are available. Animated entertainment for young children is provided. A club and playgrounds have been opened so that the children can have a full and varied time.

To summarize, I would like to note that the resorts of Greece are a corner where time stops its progress; here, in the lap of wildlife, you feel a surge of energy and forget about the bustle of the world. You can verify this only by visiting the island of Kos. The resort's attractions have been preserved since antiquity and represent objects of a bygone civilization.

The island is located in the southeast Aegean Sea. Kos is considered the third largest (overtaken by Rhodes and Karpathos), and based on the number of inhabitants, it ranks second among the Southern Sporades, behind Rhodes. The island is located opposite the Asia Minor coast. Kos is the meeting place of three continents, where great civilizations intersected, creating the unique appearance of the area. Located at the mouth of Halicarnassus, Kos actively developed the cultural sphere, fueled by the influences of the peoples under whose rule it was, while at the same time it managed to preserve a truly Greek soul. The island was important in the formation of Mediterranean civilization, being one of the centers of development.

With a total length of 37 kilometers, Kos has an area of ​​290 square meters. The 112-kilometer coastline contains many beaches, which attracts tourists. The population of the island is 34 thousand people.

The city of the same name is the capital of the island of Kos; it also serves as the main port. The nearest port is located 200 nautical miles away - Piraeus, they are connected by cruising ships (the journey will take 8-9 hours) and high-speed "dolphins". Sea communications have also been established with other territories of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Kos International Airport "Hippocratis" is located 26 kilometers southwest of the island's capital. There are three daily flights to Athens and also to the island of Rhodes. At the same time, getting to the airport is not difficult: a special bus delivers guests to the island 2 hours before departure.

The elongated island is predominantly flat. The highest peaks of Kos do not reach even a kilometer. However, there are many gorges and rocks on the island, which will appeal to lovers of active recreation. Kos is famous for its forests, where pines, cypresses, and cedars are often found. Here you can see beautiful white lilies and scarlet poppies. The fauna of the island is represented by turtles of a special type, amphibians, and amazing butterflies of Rhodes.

Tourism

Kos was destined to be in the tourist guide, because the great Hippocrates was born here. However, no less interesting is the local cultural life, which developed under the influence of numerous conquerors, periods of bright prosperity followed by declines, the emergence of freedom of speech and confrontations between residents and invaders - the thousand-year history of the island is filled with significant events.

Tourism is the main source of income for the island of Kos, the source of its wealth. This destination is becoming increasingly popular every year among travelers all over the world, because the Greek resort combines natural beauty and historical attractions. The second place in terms of economic influence is occupied by trade, industry, agriculture, and fishing.

Holidays here are a real pleasure. The prices of the island are quite adequate for a tourist destination, transport links are convenient, and the development of infrastructure allows tourists to choose options for accommodation, food, and a wide range of opportunities for active recreation, entertainment and excursion programs. It is noteworthy that Kos is often called the “island of bicycles”. This is due to the fact that there are many bicycle paths on the island. Thanks to this, travelers who rent this eco-friendly form of transport can avoid spending money moving around the territory.

A trip to Kos is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the unique architectural style of the island, which distinguishes it from other lands of the archipelago. The style of buildings took shape under the influence of the domination of foreign peoples. The Ottoman period of the island gave the settlements the outlines of “bazaar towns”; at the same time, many mosques and Muslim sources were built, which are still found today.

Italian rule introduced Venetian features into architecture. The 1933 earthquake brought about changes. The Italian rulers restored the capital according to a new layout. The city was divided along social lines. The northern part of the city was intended for ordinary residents; small houses were built here. The center of the capital was occupied by two-story buildings, the first floor of which was given over to shops, and the second floor was inhabited by the local bourgeoisie. The Italians themselves settled in the eastern part of the city, where luxurious mansions with flowering gardens were erected. Italian culture is also reflected in green areas throughout the capital. Venetian features are also noticeable in the public institutions of Antimachia and Kardamena. There is a striking contrast between the buildings erected before the earthquake and after it.

After the Second World War, with the unification of the Dodecanese and Greece (1948), the architecture of the island experienced a new era. The construction of various hotel complexes begins, necessary to provide accommodation for the flow of tourists pouring into Kos. The island is becoming a popular tourist destination, helped by low prices, convenient air connections, and the beauty of the local nature. Some of the traditional buildings have been replaced by modern ones, as they have suffered from time. It is still possible to see them by visiting the villages of Asfendiou, Pyli, Kefalo and Antimachia, walking along the cobbled streets of the settlements. A traditional Xhosa house is a low, single-story structure with a wide façade, masonry, and a flat roof made of stone or other coverings. Such houses are painted white, and windows and doors add brightness to them. The internal content of residential buildings meets the needs of the rural population. A distinctive feature of the houses is kaniotichos. This is a long wall, which is hung with necessary household items: plates, mirrors, decorative items. Traveling around the island, you can notice windmills characteristic of the area. One of the most famous is located in Antimachia.

Ruins of an ancient city

Near the port of Kos there are the ruins of an ancient city. Here you can see the remains of Roman and Hellenistic buildings, sections of the Ancient Agora of the 4th-3rd centuries. BC e., the Greater Stoa (Kamara tou Foru), as well as other small arcades with temples of Dionysus, Aphrodite and Hercules. The Odeon of the 3rd century is well preserved. BC e., including 12 stands and arched galleries.

The town of Kos itself is also worth considering. Directly in front of the Chapel of St. Anne is the Ancient Stadium of the first half of the 2nd century. BC e. At the port, the tourist meets the Nerandzya fortress. This monument was once the most important and at the same time preserved better than other fortifications.

Knights Castle

The right part of the harbor houses the most striking monument to the era when the island was ruled by the Venetians. The Knights' Castle is an example of traditional defensive structures of that era. The fortification is surrounded by a moat and a double wall. The castle is a monument of the 15th century, although construction was completed a century later.

Antimachia Fortress

In the very heart of the island of Kos, southeast of the village of Antimachia, there is a fortress from the Middle Ages. From here you have views of the southern coast of Kos. The fortress was built between 1322 and 1346. Sources report that in the 14th century the castle was used as a prison where convicted knights served their sentences. The fortress was restored after the earthquake of 1494, then additional layers of protection were erected. Inside the castle there are ruins of an ancient settlement left by the inhabitants, several reservoirs, and also a couple of churches.

Archaeological Museum

Finding the museum is not difficult: it is located on Eleftherias Square. The museum's exhibition includes prehistoric objects, sculptures from the Hellenic era, as well as small classical statues of Aphrodite, Eros, Demeter, and Hippocrates. The traveler will see here inscriptions and mosaics depicting episodes from the life of the inhabitants of the island, details of shrines and buildings.

Tree of Hippocrates

Legend has it that the shade of a plane tree with a trunk of about 12 meters was the place where the great scientist taught students medicine. A bridge leads from the plane tree to the Knights' Castle.

Church of St. John the Baptist

The second name of the shrine is “Seven Steps”: 7 recesses of the temple resemble sacred altars. Due to its location, it is currently used as the cemetery church of Kos. Initially, the temple was a baptistery of the early Christian period; now it is the only surviving monument of its kind. Recently, researchers discovered frescoes from the 12th-13th centuries depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist.

Cave Aspris Petras

Aspris Petras translates as “white stone”. The estimated age of the cave is 100-140 million years. The natural landmark was discovered in 1922 by Italian archaeologists. Initially, the cave was used for worship; later people found out that the characteristics of the rocks made it possible to live here. The oldest finds of Aspris Petras date back to the prehistoric period. Researchers found here ancient human fossils and various vessels. Among the rare finds, weapons consisting of blades and sharpened fragments of obsidian volcanic stone, mined on Yali Island, stand out. Scientists also discovered food remains here, confirming speculation that tribes lived on the island and herded animals. The cave is also interesting for the presence of pits with oval millstones. Aspris Petras is one of the most ancient monuments of Kos.

Temple of Hercules

The Temple of Hercules is located next to the Hippocratic plane tree. From the shrine to our times, only the foundation, platform and several columns have survived. The name of Hercules was given to the temple due to the inscription found here and the discovered objects associated with the hero of ancient Greek legends. In these places there are buildings from later eras, including the construction of the Baths and the Baptistery.

Temple of Apollo (Kardamena)

The ancient name of the majestic building is Alasarna. Researchers found the foundation of the temple under a building from the era of early Christianity, which convinced scientists of the existence of life on Kos long before the late ancient period. Alasarna was a religious center, this did not change even after the appearance of the city of Kos, dating back to 336 BC. e. Only a small part of the temple has survived to this day. The three discovered buildings - the sanctuary of Apollo, the altar or inclined entrance (according to scientists) and the temple, the exact period of which is unknown - are unique monuments of the culture and art of the island.

Resorts of Kos

The resort town of Kardamena is located near the airport (7 kilometers). It is famous for its vibrant nightlife, a large number of different bars and discos, and an extensive entertainment program, which especially attracts young tourists. 6 kilometers of Kardamena beaches is another advantage of the resort. The shores of this area are gentle, making them suitable for children to swim. The sandy shore, including small pieces of mica and pebbles, adds to the attractiveness. The sea in the Kardamena area is very calm, but the water temperature is slightly lower. The length of the coastline determines the variety of beaches: from completely wild to landscaped areas. The most famous beach in Kardamena is Paradise Beach. Everything here is created for the convenience of tourists: showers, toilets, sun loungers, umbrellas.

At a distance of 14 kilometers from Kos is the resort of Marmari. Tourists are offered a wide variety of hotels - from the cheapest to luxury complexes. Local beaches are considered one of the best, and their length is 2 kilometers. A gently sloping sandy shore leads to the warm, gentle sea. Trees grow right on the beach, creating shady areas. The tourist is provided with the necessary attributes of a beach holiday: umbrellas, sun loungers, sun loungers. Fans of active recreation can learn at the local windsurf school, the best on the island. Other types of water sports are also represented. The main influx of vacationers is concentrated on the central section of the beach, so if you move away you can relax alone, calmly, away from the noise of tourists. Numerous Marmari taverns warmly welcome guests with traditional dishes.

Another tourist place is Kefalos. Five kilometers of snow-white silky sand frame the sea surface. Thanks to the undercurrent, the water always remains clean. Kefalos itself is a fishing town, but nearby is the tourist village of Kamari. The local, well-maintained beach provides travelers with rental equipment for various water sports.

The eastern territories of Kefalos are occupied by Agios Stefanos. The beach is named after the basilica located near the seashore. From here you can see the Church of St. Nicholas from the neighboring island of Castries. This view has become the hallmark of Kos, included in booklets and guidebooks.

Moving west from the city of Kos, the tourist will find himself in Mastichari. The beach of this resort is flat and densely covered with light-colored sand. The clear sea is not suitable for swimming with small children, as the constant strong wind raises high waves. It is for this reason that thousands of windsurfers from all over the world come here. There is also a school here, where those interested are taught the art of dealing with the elements. Nearby there is entertainment suitable for various groups of tourists: the Lido water park, which occupies an area of ​​75 thousand square meters.

The 10-kilometer Tigaki beach is a great place for a family holiday. It is here that the coastline is most flat, so small children can swim without fear. Winds in Tigaki are not uncommon, but they are weak and therefore not dangerous. The beach is equipped with amenities and numerous trees provide shade. The white beach is sometimes painted black due to the dark sand of volcanic origin carried out by the surf.

Lambi is essentially a suburb of the island's capital. Compared to other beaches, it is significantly smaller (only 1 kilometer), but it is one of the most comfortable. Local hotels, restaurants and taverns are also noted for their high level of services. Vacationers can rent various necessary equipment, and conditions are provided for water sports enthusiasts.

Psalidi beach is pebble, and the pebbles are quite large. There is a diving center here, so it is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts. After driving 7 kilometers, the tourist will find himself in Termes, famous for its thermal springs and beach. People come here to be treated for joint and skin diseases. You can swim in such springs absolutely free.

The eastern part of the island of Kos is the resort of Agios Fokas. The hilly coast, covered with small pebbles, is equipped with paths for the convenience of vacationers when moving along the beach. The sea here is quite calm, sometimes there is a light wind that does not raise waves. Most often there is no wind at all. Umbrellas, sun loungers and sun loungers are provided at Agios Fokas.

One evening, our Greek friend Nikos, the owner of the sailing yacht “Eolos”, called and asked for help in moving her to the island of Kos.

Every year he rents out a yacht to a charter company for the entire summer season. We happily agreed. Who would refuse a pleasant boat trip under sail, and even to an island where we have long dreamed of visiting?

The departure of "Eolos" was scheduled for the next morning, and there was very little time left to get ready. While we were getting ready, we began to remember what we know about the island.

General information about the island

Kos is part of a group of twelve so-called Dodecanese Islands. Translated from Greek, Dodecanese means twelve islands. Kos got its name from the Carian word “kion”, which means sheep, since long-haired sheep have long been bred on the island. However, there is another, mythological, version of its name.

Kos was once called Merops, and its inhabitants were called Meropites, named after the king who ruled the island. This name translated from ancient Greek means mortal. King Merops loved his wife Echemea very much, and when she died, he decided to commit suicide. But the goddess Hera did not allow this to happen, turning Merops into an eagle. She forced him to rise high into the sky to Olympus itself, and asked almighty Zeus to grant the king immortality. Zeus placed Merops forever in the night sky in the form of the constellation Aquila. And the island was renamed in honor of the beloved daughter of Merops and Echemea - Ko.

Kos is the third largest in the Dodecanese archipelago, and the second most populous.

The Greeks love to spend their holidays on this amazing island, famous for its resort areas and rich history. Today's Kos is a modern tourist center.

Here you can relax, heal, have fun, surf or dive, or simply enjoy the sun and sea on the beaches of the island, each of which is unique in its own way.

Nature lovers have nicknamed the island the Garden of the Gods for its protected forests, where you can walk among numerous trees and admire the sunset.

History buffs call it the island of Hippocrates, in honor of the ancient Greek doctor, a native of Kos.

Animal lovers can expect to see pink flamingos and tame peacocks, carriage turtles and harbor seals that live on the island.

In short, the journey promised us many pleasant moments.

Beginning of the sea voyage and arrival on the island

In the morning our yacht left the yacht dock. The weather was beautiful, there was a light breeze, the sun was shining brightly, and our spirits were high. But towards the end of the boat trip, we found ourselves in a strong storm. The main sail was torn by strong wind gusts. With a damaged sail, we moored at the yacht marina of the city of Kos.

The mood was no longer as cloudless as at the beginning of the trip. It was impossible to rent out the yacht to a charter company. Nikos announced that repairing the sail would take several days, and he had urgent business awaiting him in Athens. What to do? We volunteered to stay on the island and hand over the repaired ship to the company.

Sights of Kos Island

Early in the morning, while the sun was not yet burning, but was just gently caressing with its rays, we, having bought a map, began to decide where to start our journey. Kos is an island with a long history, traces of which can be found at every step.

And, despite the fact that the historical fate of Kos largely repeats the fate of other Dodecanese islands, the special specificity of the history of the island is associated with the name of Hippocrates and the ancient sanctuary of Asklepion.

Therefore, our journey through the sights of the island of Kos began with him.

Sanctuary Asklepion

So, in the southwest of the city of Kos, on the slope of a hill surrounded by green cypress trees, with a beautiful view of the sea, is located one of the most famous sanctuaries of the island - the Asklepion temple complex.

In ancient times, this was a place of worship of the god Asclepius, the patron of medicine, whose cult was brought to the island by the Dorians. The ancient Greeks greatly revered the god Asclepius. Throughout Greece, special temples were built in honor of God - asklepions, and his priests were called asklepiads and were engaged in healing. Temples were located in sacred cypress groves, most often in the mountains. A prerequisite was the presence of rivers or mineral springs near the temple.

Not only the temples, but also the very surroundings around them were considered sacred. Access to them was allowed only after special preparations. First of all, the sick fasted for several days, and then were fumigated and washed in sacred springs. After this, they were allowed inside the temple itself, where the ritual of sacrifice was performed in honor of the god Asclepius. The sick were left in the temple to spend the night on the skin of a sacrificial animal, and then they told the priests their dreams. They, in turn, interpreted them and prescribed treatment.

The methods used to treat patients were very unusual. Patients were prescribed to take the blood of a sacrificial animal internally or externally, or bloodletting was prescribed. Many were recommended a special diet and even visiting theaters, listening to sacred chants, riding or hunting. The priests compiled tables describing the course of the disease and methods of treating it.

Thus, over the centuries, priceless knowledge was accumulated in the Asclepions, passed on by the priests to their students, and only members of their families, whose roots went back to Asclepius himself, could be students.

Entire medical schools appeared. A student and then a minister of one of them was the world famous Hippocrates, who later founded his own school.

Just think - it was the 5th century BC. e. Hippocrates outlined his views on the symptoms of diseases and methods of treating them in his medical collection, which consisted of 59 essays. Where various sections of medical science were presented, such as anatomy, physiology, pediatrics, dietetics, surgery, gynecology, as well as medical ethics, and the methods of Hippocrates became the source of modern scientific medicine. He also came up with the famous oath that doctors all over the world take.

During archaeological excavations in 1902 on the island of Kos, the remains of an ancient sanctuary were discovered.

The temple buildings are located on three levels. This architectural style was typical for buildings in the countries of the East and was borrowed during the time of Alexander the Great.

Unfortunately, only small fragments of the buildings have survived to this day. Much has been looted in different historical eras.

After examining the monument and admiring the beautiful view, we move on.

Antimachia

Heading to Kefalos, we could not help but stop at the town of Antimachia, which is located almost in the middle of the island. Antimachia is a traditional Greek village. Its hospitable residents are engaged in agriculture.

This quiet, cozy place is interesting because here you can get an idea of ​​the life of a Greek villager.

In a real Greek house there is an exhibition “Antimakhiko spiti”, where objects of Greek life are collected. The house is decorated with handicrafts. And opposite the exposition there is a nice windmill.

The day was hot. We wanted to swim and eat fish and we decided to stop at Mastichari, where there are many fish taverns and a beautiful beach.

At the tavern, after chatting with the owner over lunch, we learned that colorful honey festivals are held here at the end of August.

And in early September, a lot of guests gather for a festival of wine and winemakers with tasting of local wines, traditional folk festivities take place, accompanied by music and dancing until the morning. Having thanked Kostas for the delicious food and interesting story, we decided to move on to the legendary Kefalos.

Kefalos

The city received its current name Kefalos (in Greek - head) due to the role it once played as the capital of the island. The city seems to be divided into two parts. The first is Kamari, a typical seaside resort with many bars, restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and chic shops.

The second part of Kefalos has a long history. Previously it was called Astypalea, and it was the first capital of the island. Among the historical attractions, it is worth highlighting the ancient Christian Basilica of St. Stefanos, located in the town of Palatea. Here are also the ruins of the ancient temple of the goddess Demeter, the patroness of fertility and agriculture. Next to the temple is an even more ancient theater, dating back to the era of early Hellenism, and the ancient temple of St. Palatiani.

Drank

In the very central part of the island there is a place called Pili. The olive groves and lush blooming gardens surrounding the town seem to have been painted by a talented landscape artist. The white stone houses are located around the picturesque town square with its cafeterias, bars, taverns and restaurants, where everyday city life takes place.

In the taverns you can enjoy local traditional dishes or baked goods - curd pies with honey and cloves, called katimeria, as well as goat cheese cooked in red wine, with aromatic additives from mountain herbs. At a distance of one hundred meters from the square there is a beautiful city fountain with six springs. And very close by you can see the domes of the Church of the Holy Cross, built on the site of a temple and an ancient burial place of the Hellenistic era, associated with the name of the local hero - King Harmil.

The biggest impression on us was made by the old town - Palio Pili.

At the top of Dikeos Hill there is a dilapidated and abandoned fortress, built during the Byzantine imperial dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 11th centuries. Later, during the reign of the Ionite knights on the island, the walls of the old fortress were strengthened, and the fortress itself became one of the main defensive outposts of the island. Nearby is the Byzantine Church of John the Baptist with stunning frescoes.

But we climbed to the top of the hill not only to examine the ancient ruins. From here you have a fantastic view of the Turkish coast and the city of Bodrum, located directly opposite. The sun was setting. The sea waves rustled below, and we listened to the song of the sea and admired this unforgettable marvelous spectacle.

Kos Town - the capital of the island

We decided to devote our second day on the island to walking around the city of Kos.

The entire history of the island has left its mark on the appearance of the capital. The mixture of cultures, eras and religions reminded us of ancient Babylon.

The ruins of the old city are located literally a stone's throw from the yacht marina where our yacht was moored.

That's where we headed.

Ancient Agora

In ancient Greek and Roman cities, the agora, the central market square, has always played an important role in the political, spiritual and religious life of the city.

It was a vast space where the male part of the population gathered to not only shop or sell their goods, but also learn the latest news about politics, discuss everyday city events and just chat.

After 366 BC, the city of Kos became the capital of the island and its agora, located near the seaport, became the “heart” of the city.

It had the traditional appearance of an ancient market and consisted of three main galleries - northern, western and eastern, converging on the central square. They housed shops where they sold various goods for the needs of the townspeople. Around the Agora you can see the remains of wide city streets and private houses, fragments of temple buildings dedicated to Hercules and Aphrodite, as well as the altar of the god Dionysus.

In the southern gallery of the ancient market there is a well-preserved domed structure, which housed a dyeing workshop in the Roman era. Here, during excavations, ancient coins and bronze figurines were discovered.

Villa Casa Romana (Roman House) on Kos

One of the most impressive monuments of the ancient city is the Roman villa Casa Romana. Its ruins were found during excavations after a strong earthquake in 1933 by Italian archaeologists. Greece almost immediately began restoration, which lasted until 1940, but it was finally restored only 60 years later.

The size and rich decoration of the villa indicate that it belonged to one of the Roman aristocratic families who lived here around the beginning of the 3rd century. In front of the main entrance to the house there is a pedestal on which the inscription “Apelixikakos” (he who drives away evil) is visible.

The building has 26 rooms. Almost all rooms of the house have fragments of mosaic and marble decorations.

In the villa's courtyard there is a fountain decorated with a mosaic depicting a panther devouring a deer.

The naturalistic motifs of the mosaic panels that line the floors in all rooms imitate the seabed. On some you can see an image of a dolphin, on others a mermaid riding a seahorse.

All of them are perfectly preserved.

Ancient Roman Odeon

The Roman Odeon was one of the most significant public buildings in the city of Kos. It is believed that this building served not only for holding music competitions, but was also simultaneously used for meetings of the City Council (designed for 750 people). The Odeon was built in the classical style of ancient semicircular amphitheaters. The structure once had a domed roof, which has not survived. Below is a place for the orchestra - round in shape with a marble floor.

During excavations on the territory of the Odeon, 18 marble sculptures were found. The most interesting of them is the statue of Hippocrates, which can now be seen in the archaeological museum of the city. Every year in the summer, symphonic music concerts are held here, in which orchestras from all over the world take part.

Fortress of the Ionite Knights

Near the port, protecting its waters, rise the majestic walls of the Fortress of the Ionite Knights. The gates of the fortress are decorated with the coat of arms of the Grand Master of the Order, Fernandez de Heredia. The castle was built in the 15th century. It is a rectangular structure with tall towers at the corners. The fortress was built to control the sea passage to the Holy Land during the Crusades.

The Turks, who subsequently captured the fortress, used it as a barracks for a military garrison and the residence of the governor, and in 1816 the fortress was almost completely destroyed when a gunpowder warehouse exploded. And only in the 40s of the 20th century, Italian archaeologists restored the structure. Then the German occupiers built a prison within the walls of the fortress, and a few years after the end of World War II, in 1948, the building was declared a historical monument and taken under the protection of UNESCO.

Tired after a long walk, we wandered towards the port. People were walking along the embankment.

Multilingual speech and sounds of music could be heard from bars, taverns and cafes. And sadness crept into our hearts.

Tomorrow we will leave this amazing island...

Kos did not have time to reveal to us even a small part of his charm. We didn’t see all of its grandiose monuments, didn’t enjoy sea bathing, didn’t take part in the traditional festivals in honor of wine and the god Dionysus, didn’t attend folk music and dance concerts...

And we decided that we would definitely return here! See you later, Kos!

The island of Kos is unique in that it literally “breathes” history. The small island contains many historical and architectural sights from different eras. In addition, Kos is a place with excellent ecology, where the sea breeze mixes with the clean air of the mountains.

General information

Kos Island is located in the Aegean Sea, it is the third largest island among the Greek Dodecanese Islands. The length of the coast is about 112 km, the island is flat, only in the eastern part there is a small mountain range. The Turkish coast from the island of Kos is only 4 km. The local population numbers about 30 thousand people, and up to 1 million tourists visit the island every year.

In ancient times, Kos was called the “Garden of the Aegean Sea” for its lush vegetation. Nowadays, magnificent forests cover mainly the mountainous part of the island; on the plains, active logging during the Italian occupation greatly changed the landscape. Forests are gradually being restored in accordance with the state program.

Over its centuries-old history, the island belonged to the Greeks, Venetians, the Ottoman Empire and Italy. During the Second World War, Kos was occupied by the Germans, and at its end the land was returned to Greece.

There is no industry on the island; the local population is engaged in agriculture and works in the tourism industry.

Weather on Kos island

The island's climate is quite typical for the Mediterranean: summers are hot and dry, winters are accompanied by rain and strong winds. Although the winds, especially on the coast, do not stop in the summer. Only in summer the breezes are more pleasing, as they save you from the stuffiness.

From June to September, the average daily temperature on the island exceeds thirty degrees, the water off the coast is 25 °C. From the second half of September until the end of October it is very comfortable: the daytime air temperature is about 26 °C. At the end of October, the weather begins to gradually deteriorate: the air temperature gradually decreases, it begins to rain, and the sea is stormy. This weather lasts until March. In May, the daytime temperature is already about 24 °C, the sea water is about 21 °C. In spring, everything on the island begins to grow and bloom, and it becomes very beautiful.

The high season is considered to be the time from the second half of June to mid-September. For those who do not like too hot weather and want to save money, it is better to choose May-June or September-October for travel.

Transport on Kos Island

Between Kos Island and Athens, Thessaloniki, Samos Islands , Lemnos, Lesbos, Syros, Astypalaia , There is a ferry service between Mykonos and Rhodes.

You can get around the island itself on comfortable shuttle buses that run from the capital in the direction of all resorts and settlements. Buses run strictly on schedule. City shuttle buses transport passengers around the capital, Kos.

You can use a taxi, or rent a car, scooter or bicycle. There are special bike lanes for cycling in cities and even on suburban highways.

Districts of Kos

The city of Kos is the capital of the island; after the terrible earthquake in 1933, the city was rebuilt almost from scratch. During this construction, many interesting archaeological finds were made. The city is very clean and green, in the central part of the city there is a port from where ships depart to other islands and to the mainland, as well as to the Turkish city of Bodrum, located a few kilometers away by sea. The city has many taverns, coffee shops, souvenir shops and shops. The city has a spacious pebble beach with crystal clear water.

Psalidi is a resort located 4 km from the capital of the island. It features wonderful gardens and picturesque sea views.

Lambi - located on the outskirts of the capital. There are great beaches here. Lambi is the best windsurfing spot on the island.

Kardamena is the largest resort area of ​​the island. Famous for its long sandy beaches. This is the noisiest and most youthful resort with an active nightlife.

Marmari - the resort has a clean two-kilometer beach, many hotels, and a windsurfing school.

Mastichari is distinguished by an extensive sandy beach that turns into dunes. There are excellent fish taverns here. The resort has a water park "Lido Waterpark", and in the surrounding area there is the picturesque village of Mastichari.

Agios Fokas is a fairly young thermal resort with small pebble beaches. In the vicinity of the resort is the monastery of Agios Georgios.

Sights of Kos Island

Sycamore Hippocrates- a tree that, according to legend, was planted by the famous healer himself. Research, however, has shown that the tree is no more than seven hundred years old, so Hippocrates could not have planted it. Nevertheless, Hippocrates was born on the island of Kos and founded his school here.

Asklepion is an ancient medical complex that included the temples of Apollo and the god of medicine Asclepius, the altar of Asclepius, a medical school, an anatomical theater and thermal baths. The complex is well preserved and dates back to approximately 357 BC.

Ambros thermal spring - this place is located 10 km from the capital of the island, here hot thermal waters are mixed with sea water and unique baths are formed with a very beneficial effect on the skin, respiratory system and blood vessels.

Castle of the Ionite Knights is located in the city of Kos. This castle was built on the ruins of an even more ancient Byzantine fortress and surrounded by walls at the beginning of the 16th century. However, the island soon became dominated by the Ottoman Empire and the castle fell into ruins. The fortress wall has been preserved in the best possible way to this day, offering amazing views of the capital’s port and the Old Town. In addition to the Castle in the city of Kos, there are many more attractions: the Defterdar Mosque and the Hadji Hassan Mosque, the Agora of the ancient city of Kos, Grigoriou Street with buildings from the Roman era.

Ancient city of Palio Pyli - very picturesque ruins of an ancient Byzantine city with the remains of fortress walls, buildings and the Church of the Apparition of Christ.

Kalymnos Island - a pleasant boat trip to the island will take two hours. On the island, tourists can view the interesting exhibition of the Maritime Museum and visit the sponge factory.

Nisyros Island - of volcanic origin, tourists can go here on an interesting excursion from the island of Kos. Twelve years ago, the Nisyros volcano was, as volcanologists say, “breathing.” Tourists go to the crater of the St. Stephen volcano, they are shown hot sulfur and mud springs. A tour of Nisyros includes a rich and interesting program and is definitely worth a visit.

Beaches of Kos

The beaches of the island are notable for the fact that they are very different: there are small pebble and pebble beaches, there are beaches with black and silver-gray volcanic sand and beaches with snow-white and golden-beige sand, silky to the touch. All beaches are clean and well-groomed, equipped with everything necessary.

The coast of the island is very picturesque, the landscape is enlivened by caves, small grottoes and cozy coves, and the beaches are adjacent to gardens and parks.

Kos Island Restaurants

The island's cafes, bars and taverns offer traditional Greek and European cuisine. All establishments can be divided into exclusively tourist ones, where locals do not go, and local, often family taverns. Establishments type « There is no fast food on the island.

It is definitely worth having lunch or dinner in a small typical Greek tavern. Greek cuisine appeals to most tourists. In the island's taverns you should try Greek salad, baked eggplant, moussaka and dishes traditional to Kos: lamb with cabbage, pork with sweet peppers and leeks and couscous (bulgur) with pork. Local sweets are also worthy of attention: halva, lokum, sherbet, kurabiye and other delicacies will not leave any sweet tooth indifferent. And, of course, you need to try Greek aromatic coffee and cold coffee drink - frappe.

Shopping on Kos island

Each region of Greece and each island is famous for its characteristics and local delicacies, which tourists willingly buy and take home. Such local delicacies on Kos include thyme honey, cheese in white wine, tomato jam and wines from local wineries.

In addition to local delicacies, you can buy on the island:

• natural Greek cosmetics based on honey and olives;
• natural sponges, caught from the sea and processed by hand;
• olive oil and olives;
• Greek "cognac" - metaxa;
• paintings;
• Greek fur coats.

Nightlife on Kos Island

Nightlife on the island is especially vibrant during high season. The choice of nightclubs and discos is quite sufficient. Here are some popular places in Kos Town:

• Hamam Club - located near the historical center of the city. The club is decorated in oriental style. There are usually a lot of people here, since the club is quite popular and conveniently located;
• Disco Kalua - youth club with appropriate music;
• Blues Brothers - nightclub for blues lovers;
• Gemini - a club with modern dance music;
• Bar 1960 is a themed club.

Other resorts on the island also have clubs, bars and discos where you can have a good time. A special feature of nightlife establishments on the island is their safety. There are practically no cases of conflicts, much less fights. Some beach cafes turn into discos at night, where they dance and have fun until the morning.

Kos Island Hotels

You can stay on the island in a large hotel complex, small family hotels and budget hotels. You can rent an apartment or a room.

Four- and five-star hotels and hotel complexes, as a rule, have good territory, large swimming pools, several restaurants - that is, everything that is expected of hotels of this class.

Renting an apartment gives complete freedom to those tourists who choose this type of accommodation. The opportunity to cook yourself or eat in local taverns allows you to experience the life of the island and pamper yourself with local dishes.

Budget accommodation is suitable for active tourists who need a hotel as a place where they can spend the night and get ready.

The island of Kos is quite suitable for families with children due to its mild climate. In addition, there is no need to worry about outbreaks of childhood infections, which often happens in nearby Turkey.

The following hotels are suitable for a family holiday:

• Grecotel Royal Park 4* - the hotel has playgrounds with slides, a children's club, all-inclusive meals
• Dimitra Beach 4* - hotel with good room capacity, allowing families with children to be accommodated, green area, beach with a gentle entrance to the sea, all-inclusive system
• Mitsis Norida Beach 5* is a hotel with a large, well-kept area, water slides for children and adults, and a children's playroom. The restaurant offers a children's menu. There is daytime and evening children's animation.

The island of Kos is conducive to an eco-friendly holiday in harmony with nature and has a beneficial effect on health, especially if you spend a couple of weeks here. Lovers of antiquity will also find a lot of interesting things on the island.

Little Kos is only 50 kilometers long! Located in the Aegean Sea, it belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, which includes 11 more islands, including Karpathos. From Kos to Turkey is closer than to Rhodes - Bodrum and Kos are separated by only 70 kilometers.

Over the long history of the island, several strong earthquakes destroyed ancient monuments. The last, most devastating, happened in 1933.

The modern capital of the island, the city of Kos, is a new city built after the disaster.
The island of Kos is green, with wonderful parks. Ancient monuments have been preserved mainly in the form of ruins.

Kos has become a popular resort relatively recently. The island is entirely given over to tourists. Each resort town has its own, unique appearance and is intended for different recreation: youth, extreme, sports, family, excursion.

When choosing a resort on Kos, you need to take into account its features. Kos is the most democratic holiday destination in Greece. There are the most 2-star hotels here and the lowest prices. This island is one of the most environmentally friendly resorts not only in Greece, but also in the world. It is not surprising that every year more and more tourists come to Kos. In summer, the island's population of 30 thousand welcomes up to 600,000 guests!

There is everything that can attract any tourist - the clearest sea, beaches with sand of different shades and with a deep history.

This is the island of Hippocrates, and to this day its inhabitants follow the commandments of the great physician. The healthy lifestyle of the islanders is noticeable in everything: caring for the land and water, which is not clogged with waste, and growing environmentally friendly products.

Even wine here only drinks what is good for health, and the favorite transport on the island is a bicycle.

Kos is the habitat of some rare species of animals and birds: pink flamingos, Caretta turtles, Mediterranean seal. The inhabitants of the island themselves are peace-loving and positive people.

In their environment, even tourists exhausted from the working year change, becoming calmer and ceasing to rush somewhere, completely surrendering to a serene vacation.

How to get there

The length of the island does not exceed 50 km. Of course, like any island, you can get here by sea from the mainland and from other islands.

But Kos has its own international airport, which accepts charter flights and offers all the services necessary for guests - transfer, parking, cafe, first-aid post and duty-free store.

Hippocrates Airport is located 27 km from the capital of the island, Kos, in the village of Antimachia.

Travel by regular bus from the airport to the city of Kos costs 4 euros, but it does not run very often, and it does not always approach the airport itself, going around it along the road.
Therefore, many people prefer to take a taxi for 35 euros.

In order to have a delicious meal, you don’t have to go to an expensive and famous restaurant. For the owner of any tavern, providing delicious food to guests is a matter of honor. As for prices, here, as in most seaside resorts, the rule applies - the closer to the embankment, the more expensive.

The average cost of meals is:

• Greek salad - 4 euros;
• spaghetti with mussels - 6 euros;
• moussaka - 7 euros;
• kleftiko (baked lamb) – 8 euros;
• house wine (0.5 l) - 5 - 6 euros;
• keftedes (small round cutlets) - 6 - 7 euros;
• lamb ribs cooked over an open fire - 10 euros;

• a dish of freshly caught fish - 10 euros;
• seafood mix, grilled - 10 - 12 euros;
• octopus (grilled) - 8 - 10 euros;
• stuffed squid – 7 – 8 euros;
• Greek coffee - 2 euros;
• local beer - 2.5 euros;
• Greek dessert - 4 euros.

The portions are large; two people (without wine) can easily have a satisfying dinner for 20 euros.

Of course, you can eat local fast food like shawarma, its cost is 2.5 - 3 euros, but being on Kos and not trying the main dishes of Mediterranean cuisine is unacceptable.

It is problematic to exchange rubles here, since there are very few exchange offices. It is better to have euros with you in advance or use bank cards.

There are no fashion boutiques here, but there are many original and high-quality items produced by local craftsmen. In addition to the usual postcards, magnets for 1 euro and olive oil (from 3 euros per liter, they bring from Kos:

• sea ​​sponges from - 3 euros;
• paintings with local landscapes (oil) from – 5 euros;
• ceramic products from - 5 euros;
• textiles from - 10 euros;
• leather shoes and bags from – 35 euros;
• thick and aromatic Shiraz wine - 17 euros.

Very popular are tomato jam and honey from Andimachia, cumin and cheeses from Kefalos, especially Possa goat cheese, which is stored in red wine, and sweet liqueurs of almonds and cinnamon - surmada and canelada (priced about 5 euros).

Souvenir shops are open until late in the evening, and those that cater to the local population may close at 17:00, on Saturdays at 13:00, and are usually closed on Sundays.