The majestic Kos Island is located in the south-eastern Aegean Sea at the ancient Keramiko Gulf. It is on the south of Kalymnos and north of Nisyros. It is the third largest island in the Dodecanese and lies in the middle of the Dodecanese chain. It has been an important channel of the sea ways since prehistoric times and it stands proudly with wonderful sandy beaches, naturally beautiful landscapes and glorious past.
Kos town is an interesting blend of ancient, medieval and modern architecture, and it is flooded with greenery. The trees lining the wide streets provide a relaxing atmosphere to the town.
A Little Bit of History
This area was inhabited from the early Bronze Age, and Phoenicians and Achaeans passed through it.
The city prospered under the Hellenistic rule and various marble monuments were built in the new city (366 BC). The harbor was always busy, as it was the center of transit trade.
Island of Kos
In the following centuries the island was conquered by many foreigners like the Venetians, Genoans and Loannite Knights.
The Turks conquered the island in 1523 and it became a province of Rhodes. In 1912, the Italians conquered it and the locals welcomed them as their liberators.
But they suffered under Italian Fascism and were liberated from the Italians and Germans in 1945, when the English took over the authority of Kos. However, the islands were given to Greece in 1946.
Eleftherias Square (Freedom Square)
This island is the birthplace of Hippocrates, father of medicine, and he was born around 460 B.C. He found the Great School of Medicine here.
There are seven volcanoes located between Nisyros and this island, and Kos’s fertile ground is a result of its volcanic origin.
Some of the popular festivals and events of Kos are the Festival Hippocrateia, Winter Festival, International Film Festival, Beach Volley Championships and National Jet Ski Championships.
The people of this island produce fine jewelry, ceramics, porcelains and weaving.
Where is Kos?
- 265.3 miles/ 427 km from Athens, Greece
- 14.6 miles/ 23.5 km from Bodrum, Turkey
- 129.2 miles/ 208 km from Rhodes, Greece
- 348.5 miles/ 561 km from Crete, Greece
- 14.4 miles/ 23.3 km from Kos Airport, Greece
Things to See
- Asklepieion
- The Castle
- Folklore Museum
- Saint John the Baptist’s Church
- Roman Odeon
- Governor’s Residence
- Archeological Museum
- Casa Romana
- Antimachia Venetian Castle
- Hippocrates Plane Tree
Beaches
- Tigaki Beach
- Agios Theologos
- Limnionas Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Psalidi, Therma and Lambi are the other popular beaches of this island
Excursions
- Agathonisi
- Arki
Kos is a beautiful island with attractive mountainous villages, quiet nooks, great beaches and that typical Mediterranean landscape.
Along with all this the Greek sunshine makes it one among the most attractive and beautiful Greek Islands.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
