What's interesting on the island of Kos. Kos - how and when is the season, areas, attractions, nearby islands, food

In terms of size, Kos is the third largest Greek island. Lush vegetation and beautiful parks have earned the island the nickname "Garden of the Aegean". Tourists tend here to enjoy the unique nature and relaxation in an ecologically clean place.

Go on holiday in Kos, Greece - prices, beaches, activities and attractions will impress any tourist. In addition to lush vegetation, there are many historical sites here. Lovers of entertainment will not be bored either. So the 2020 vacation on this island will be remembered by everyone.

Kos has a wide and long strip of coastline. It is about 112 km. The island's relief is dominated by hilly plains that intersect with plateaus. The eastern part is characterized by low mountains. The highest mountain is Dikeos.

Tourists will be able to appreciate the greenery and sandy beaches. Flamingos can be seen in winter. The island of Kos is mentioned in ancient Greek stories. Originally the Carians lived here. During World War II, the island was controlled by the Italians. Over the entire period of its existence, 4 large earthquakes were recorded on the territory.

Local residents have been engaged in animal husbandry, beekeeping, winemaking, agriculture for a long time. Industrial and manufacturing enterprises are completely absent. Farmers grow fruit and take care of large olive plantations. For a long time this place has been a major tourist destination. Guests come here from different parts of the country.

Kos island on the map:

Climate

Kos is characterized by a mild climate. Mostly warm and sunny days are observed, and rains are extremely rare. The shores are washed by the Aegean Sea, Turkey is located nearby. Tourists can enjoy warm weather, beautiful landscapes, swim in the warm sea.

Spring begins in March. After the winter winds, greenery, flowers, fragrant herbs begin to grow. During this period, you can enjoy the beauty of poppies, lemon balm, flowering olives, vineyards. In March, the air warms up to 15 degrees Celsius. Rains are short but heavy.

The holiday season begins in May, during this period the weather is already stable. The air temperature warms up to 25 degrees Celsius. Already at this time, a huge number of tourists arrive here who want to bask in the hot sun, bring a beautiful tan.

In the summer months, the air temperature warms up to 30 degrees Celsius and above. The days are hot and sultry. During this period, lemons and oranges are actively ripening. In such weather, you need to sunbathe in the shade so as not to get burned.

How to get there

In summer there are several direct flights from Russia. The rest of the time, tourists face certain difficulties when there are no direct flights. Before buying a charter ticket from a travel operator, it is recommended to analyze the prices of the packages. In most cases, travelers save on buying a ready-made tour. You can choose to fly with a stopover in Athens. In the period from April to October, many flights from Europe fly to this resort place. So that you can use a low cost calendar in search engines.

C is sent by the ferry that arrives at the destination. These are the two main islands. The journey takes about 3 hours. Tickets can be purchased on the official FerriesinGreece website. The cost of the ferry varies between 35 euros. Additionally, you can transport a car, but you will have to pay extra for this service. During the trip, the ferry makes a five-minute stop at the port of Symi, which attracts attention with picturesque views.

Local transport

You can get around the island by scooter or by car. Also, tourists have access to public transport in the form of buses and taxis. If you are planning a short trip, you can rent a bike. More experienced tourists recommend renting a car. This is a more comfortable and more convenient option. Tourists will be able to move freely around the island of Kos.

Buses run strictly on schedule every 15 minutes. There are working air conditioners inside. Delays with public transport are possible in extremely rare cases. Bus stops are located throughout the island. They are located in the central part, in villages, near large hotels. A large bus station is located in the capital.

Thanks to the bus, you can get to the main attractions, beautiful and picturesque places. From the capital of the same name of Kos, tourists can get to Kardamen, Zia, Antimachia. You can find out from the locals what buses go to the thermal springs.

Road trains run on the island of Kos. They were specially designed for tourists. One road train goes to the museum of the ancient hospital - Asklepion, and the other runs to all the sights of the capital. The bus schedule can be viewed at stops, contact the bus station bureau, buy a tourist guide.

Taxis can be called directly at the airport, contact the reception at the hotel. Cars are parked in different places on the streets. They have a TAXI sign. Cars are in good condition, equipped with air conditioning. The cost of the services is quite high, so more experienced tourists recommend renting a car. The price of a taxi from the airport to Kos island varies between 30-50 euros.

Where to stay

There is a wide and varied selection of hotels on the island of Kos. There is an airport in the center of the island, where tourists from all over the world arrive. And the main tourist life is in full swing on the northern and southern coast of Kos.

Northern part of the island

Here is the administrative center of the island, where the main historical monuments are concentrated. They are well preserved. Although the city itself was badly damaged by one earthquake. In the city, almost all buildings have no more than two floors, and this despite the fact that it is in Kos that the bulk of the island's population lives. Not far from the city, there is a resort called Lambi, where the party life is in full swing.

To the east of Kos lies the Psalidi resort area. Here you will find many hotels nestled between the highway and the pebble beach. Here you can relax in comfort and at the same time enjoy windsurfing.

On the other side of Kos is Tigaki Beach. It is not so crowded here because the hotels are located at some distance from each other. The beaches are sandy.

South of Kos

In this part of the island, you can highlight the resort of Kafalos, where the capital used to be. This village boasts an abundance of monuments from the Greco-Roman and medieval times. There are a series of wild beaches to the east of this village.

Another tourist center of the island is located in the picturesque town of Kardamena. Here you can see the ruins of ancient temples, an amphitheater and a medieval castle.

In the south-east is the currently developing resort of Agio Fokas. New hotels and a nearby thermal spring await you here.

You can stay on the island in one of 350 hotels, apartments and guest houses. The cheapest hotels rent rooms from 23 euros per night. In more comfortable conditions, you can stay in a double room for 40 euros. If you want to stay in a comfortable hotel, you will have to pay from 110 euros per day.

Tourists will be able to choose the best option based on personal preferences. Below is a selection of the best hotels:

1. Angelos Studios Hotel. It is located in a cozy and quiet place. The promenade can be reached in just 5 minutes. The hotel has free internet access. Guests can choose room options with a large terrace, kitchen, refrigerator, necessary cooking utensils. There are apartments that are equipped for disabled guests. A ramp system facilitates access to the terrace and to the pool.
2. Archodia Studios. The hotel is located in Kefalos town. The beach is within walking distance. Tourists will be able to prepare their own food. For this, a mini-kitchen is provided with all the equipment. There is also a spacious terrace overlooking the sea. A continental breakfast is prepared in the morning. The capital is 33 km away.
3. Olympia Mare. The hotel is located in Arang, Kardamena. The beach is one minute walk from Olympia Mara. All the necessary conditions and home comfort were created for the guests. Here you can relax in a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are cleaned every day. Sandy beaches are washed by the warm waters of the Aegean Sea. Large panoramic windows offer beautiful sunset views. Tourists can go diving and other sports.
4. Fantasia Hotel Apartaments. The hotel is located in Tigaki, Kos. It is within walking distance to the sea. Guests can use the bar service. The apartments have a kitchenette with utensils and other appliances, appliances for self-catering. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory. Air-conditioned apartments have a private furnished balcony with city views. Rooms have a coffee machine, refrigerator and private bath and shower.

Guests will definitely appreciate the high level of service and maximum comfort. Near each hotel there are bars, restaurants, free public parking, shops.

Kitchen

Connoisseurs of authentic Greek cuisine should definitely come to Kos. The locals are respectful of their food intake, so they prepare only traditional dishes. You can dine at a local cafe for 15 euros, and at a restaurant for 55 euros.

There are small eateries in Kos where you can grab a quick bite.

Coffee shops

The Greeks consider it their tradition to drink coffee. They drink this drink even in the evening, before going to bed. The coffee shops offer a wide and varied selection of coffee. Many tourists make a grave mistake when ordering Turkish coffee. It is not that high quality and tastes good.

Greek coffee has the right level of thickness, is quite strong, has an incredible aroma. Strong foam collects on the surface. It is served in small cups, along with a glass of cool water. Tourists looking for a refreshing dip in hot weather can order a Greek frappe from the coffee shop. It is a cold drink that was invented especially for hot days.

Confectionery

Greek pastry shops bake excellent buns and similar desserts. Tourists should definitely try baklava. It was first mentioned in 1453. It is also worth buying sweet dough rolls from pastry shops, which are filled with milk cream.

Together with coffee, you should try jam made of figs, quince, peaches and Greek oranges. During the Christmas holidays, locals begin to actively prepare sweets and traditional pastries. These are kurabie, diples, melomakarona. For the preparation of confectionery products, natural products are used: honey, nuts, milk, dried fruits.

Bars and restaurants

A bar means a small club establishment, in which various opportunities open up for tourists. Most of them start working after 21:00 pm. They do not close until the time when there are no customers left in the institution.

The entrance to the bar is free, so tourists will be able to change from one institution to another. Visitors will be able to choose a place with good music that will match the mood, environment, cuisine, interior.

In addition to bars, guests have the opportunity to visit pubs and wine glasses. Here you can find a wide range of alcoholic drinks. Locals do not like beer, so they prefer to drink wines and spirits. There are also restaurants on the island of Kos. Here tourists are offered traditional dishes and treats of other countries. In resort towns, you need to choose institutions that are located further from the central part. It is there that tourists are offered reasonable prices.

Also, do not visit restaurants visited by excursion groups. In most cases, food is cooked there in large quantities, so the quality of the food decreases, the portion size decreases.

Attractions and entertainment

The island's capital and its surroundings are home to many of the island's historical monuments. For example, here you can look at the fortress of the knights-johannite. It was built in the 15th century on the site of a demolished building of an ancient agora. Now the castle is destroyed and you can only wander through its ruins.

A tree grows near the fortress, which is considered a descendant of the plane tree Hippocrates. This plane tree is about 500 years old. Here are the ruins of the Roman agora, past which you can walk to the central square of the city. Here is the Gazi-Hasan Mosque and countless small cafes.

Shopping

The island of Kos is often visited by tourists who like to go shopping. Everyone should remember that every store has a lunch break. It runs from 13:00 to 17:00. Some shops may only be open in the morning.

The most convenient option is to visit supermarkets. They work from morning to evening, without breaks and days off. Tourists who want to shop should travel to the capital. Shops can be found near Eleftherios Square. In addition, there is a large market in the capital.

What else you need to know about rest

Before going on a trip, you need to properly pack your suitcase. In summer, the air temperature can warm up to 45 degrees Celsius. You need to bring sunscreen, panamas and hats. At lunchtime, it is advisable to give up visiting the beach and walking.

On the beach there are rental offices for umbrellas, sun canopies. Tourists who want to try active recreation on the water must comply with all safety rules, not neglect the advice of the instructors.

Communication

Payphones are installed throughout the island of Kos. At local stalls, you can buy Face cards for € 8 to make calls to your mobile phone. One card provides an opportunity to talk for 1.5 hours. You can call landline telephones from payphones. The card is valid for no more than three months, after which it is completely canceled.

Another best option is to connect to OTE cellular services. They work from Monday to Saturday. You can also use communication via roaming. The only drawback is the high cost of calls. The price should be checked with your operator. In hotels you can connect to the wireless Internet. The cost is 10-20 euros for 14 hours of use. The free network is presented in bars and cafes.

Safety

Greece ranks lowest in terms of crime. But, here you also need to take precautions. To exchange currency, you need to contact banks, special exchange offices, hotels. You should not use the services of people who offer help on the street.

To protect yourself from the theft of valuable items, you must use a safe. In places where a large number of people accumulate, you need to carefully monitor your own belongings and wallet. On the island of Kos, tourists are advised to carefully cross the road. Drivers often exceed the established speed limit, so you cannot be sure of your own safety even at a pedestrian crossing. In public places, you need to behave yourself. You cannot appear on the streets while intoxicated. The police arrest tourists and issue a fine.

Video about the island:

Everyone can have a great rest on the island of Kos. Young people and families with children often come here. To remember your vacation for a long time, before the trip you need to familiarize yourself with all the features - communication, security, where to stay and what sights there are.

Holidays in Kos 2020: attractions for tourists, features of Kos hotels and beaches, entertainment and attractions.

Kos Island is one of the pioneers of the tourism industry. Mass tourism began to develop here 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 close to the main tourist routes of the Aegean Sea, gorgeous beaches and rich nature, thanks to which Kos is nicknamed "the floating garden of the Mediterranean".

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Kos - how to get there

The compact area of \u200b\u200bKos (just over 260 km) allows you to avoid many problems with the transfer. Kos International Airport, called Hippocrates, is located in the center of the island, 25 kilometers from its capital. Therefore, tourists arriving on vacation can quickly and easily get to their hotel anywhere on the island in 20-30 minutes. Several daily flights connect Kos with the nearest island of Rhodes. Kos is also connected by air with Athens. You can see the approximate prices for flights Athens - Kos in our calendar:

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

Best Kos resorts 2020

Kos is not the largest island in Greece. However, even on a small piece of land, the variety of recreational areas can be confusing for first-time travelers:

• Kefalos resort Is a visiting card of the island of Kos. Here you will see the most picturesque bay, the most beautiful beach covered with golden sand, as well as the ruins of the ancient capital of the island - the city of Astypalea.
• Tigaki Resort - a quiet place for families with children. A wide range 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 slope into the sea.
• Lambi Resort Is a resort area in the suburb of Kos (the administrative capital of the island of Kos). The spacious beaches of Lambi are home to many young people and tourists who want to stay close to the main attractions.
• Mastichari resort Is a town known as one of the largest surf centers on the island. Calm and relatively inexpensive resort with wide sandy beaches.
• Kardamena resort Is the most famous youth resort on the Greek island of Kos. Kardamena provides tourists with an excellent choice of hotels of all stars, gorgeous sandy beaches, an abundance of water activities and an active nightlife;

Where to stay on 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 located along the wide coastline, mainly in the northern and southern parts of the island. Most of the hotels are well equipped to accommodate tourists with children: a children's menu, strollers, playpens, playgrounds, slides and swimming pools are present in almost every large hotel. However, this does not mean that Kos is positioning itself as an exclusively family resort.

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

Where to stay on Kos in the 2020 season:

• Astir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa. Large five-star complex in the resort of Tigaki. In addition to its own beach, there are 5 swimming pools, a spa center, restaurants and a huge area. Price from 6 400 RUR

  Room at Astir Odysseus Kos Resort and Spa

• Kos Aktis Art Hotel. A modern 5 star hotel in the capital of the island - the city of Kos. Service is excellent, spacious rooms are minimalist, balconies with glass facades offer views of the Aegean Sea. Price from 5 500 rubles.

  

• Nissia Kamares. Cozy apart-hotel in the town of Kardamena. A family brainchild, cozy rooms and territory, hospitable hosts. Price from 1 800 RUR

  

• Alexandra Hotel. A four star hotel in the capital of the island. Despite the fact that it is a budget option, the vacation leaves a great impression. Located 6 minutes from the beach, 200 m from the harbor. Price from 3 500 rubles.

  

• Pavlos Hotel. Thrifty tourists will like it. Located near the historic center of the capital city of Kos. Near the port, beach, shops, cafes. The quality of the hotel and the rooms is decent. Price from 3 500 rubles.

  

Kos beaches - review and photos

Without exaggeration, the island of Kos can be called one of the main centers for beach holidays 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 EU Blue Flag. 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 Psalidi.

Tigaki Resort (north coast) is great for families: gentle sandy beaches stretch for 10 km. The area is calm, hotel complexes are scattered over a fairly large area. Tourists who are going to spend their holidays on Kos with children are often advised to resorts on the southern coast, since there are more sandy beaches.

Paradise Beach (Kos, Greece)

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

It is worth noting that Kos is a fairly windy island, stronger winds blow from the north, so the waves here will be slightly larger than in the southern resorts. All beaches of Kos are municipal, sun loungers and umbrellas on public beaches are paid. Sometimes a free sun lounger is provided to guests of the tavern or bar when purchasing 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, in the central streets you can find many cafes, taverns and bars for tourists. The nearest resort Lambi is the main party center of Kos, where many young people rest.

The most famous sights of the island of Kos are associated with medicine, because it was here in ancient times that there was the largest temple dedicated to the god of healing Asclepius - Asklepion ... Its ruins have been well preserved to this day. Kos is also home to the father of medicine, Hippocrates. According to legend, the ancient plane tree on the central square of the city of Kos is the very 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 see a large concentration of surfers and kiting fans. Scuba diving, boat trips, fishing and water activities (like bananas and water skiing) are also held in high esteem. Cycling occupies a special place on Kos: there are excellent bike paths that connect many beaches and picturesque coastlines.

Attractions Kos - Asklepion

Excursions from Kos - where to go

No matter how good the hotel chosen on Kos is, the thirst for new experiences makes you pack your backpack and go to explore the surroundings. Note for curious tourists:

• The favorable location of Kos allows you to take boat trips to the nearest islands - on Patmos, Nisyros, Kalymnos and the already mentioned Rhodes.
• Located opposite the coast of Asia Minor, Kos is an excellent starting point for excursions to the ancient the city of Halicarnassus (now Turkish Bodrum). The boat trip to Bodrum from Kos lasts about an hour, after which you can start exploring the main attractions of the picturesque amphitheater city.

The island of Kos is unique in that it literally "breathes" history. On a small island, there are many historical and architectural sights of 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 is located in the Aegean Sea and is the third largest island among the Greek islands of the Dodecanese. 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 is just 4 km from Kos. The local population is about 30 thousand people, annually up to 1 million tourists visit the island.

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

During its long 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 the end of the war, this 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 in Kos

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

From June to September, the average daily temperature on the island exceeds thirty degrees, the water near the coast is 25 ° C. From the second half of September to 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, rains begin, the sea is storming. This weather lasts until March. In May, the daytime temperature is already around 24 ° C, the water in the sea is around 21 ° C. In the spring, everything on the island begins to grow and bloom, it becomes very beautiful.

The high season is considered to be 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.

Kos transport

Between Kos and Athens, Thessaloniki, Samos , Lemnos, Lesvos, Syros, Astypalea , Ferry connections operate between Mykonos and Rhodes.

You can get around the island by comfortable shuttle buses that run from the capital in the direction of all resorts and settlements. Buses run clearly on schedule. In the capital, the city of Kos, passengers are transported by city shuttle buses.

You can use a taxi, or rent a car, scooter or bicycle. For cycling in cities and even on suburban highways, special cycle paths are provided.

Areas of Kos

The city of Kos is the capital of the island, after a terrible earthquake in 1933, the city was rebuilt almost from scratch. During this development, 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 sail to other islands and to the mainland, as well as to the Turkish city of Bodrum, located a few kilometers by sea. There are many taverns, coffee shops, souvenir shops and shops in the city. The city has a spacious pebble beach with crystal clear waters.

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 excellent beaches here. Lambi is the best windsurfing spot on the island.

Kardamena is the largest resort area on the island. It is famous for its long sandy beaches. It is the noisiest and most youthful resort with an active nightlife.

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

Mastichari is characterized 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 vicinity is the picturesque village of Mastihari.

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

Attractions of Kos

Platanus of 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 plant it. Nevertheless, Hippocrates was born on the island of Kos and founded his school here.

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

Thermal spring of Embros - this place is located 10 km from the capital of the island, here hot thermal waters mix with sea water and form unique baths with a very beneficial effect for the skin, respiratory organs and blood vessels.

Castle of the Ionian Knights is located in the city of Kos. This castle was built on the ruins of an even more ancient Byzantine fortress and was surrounded by ramparts at the beginning of the 16th century. However, the island was soon dominated by the Ottoman Empire and the castle was in ruins. The fortress wall has been preserved in the best way to this day, with amazing views of the capital's port and the Old City. In addition to the Castle with the city of Kos, there are many more sights: Defterdar Mosque and Haji Hasan Mosque, Agora of the ancient city of Kos, Grigoriou Street with buildings from the Roman era.

The ancient city of Palio Pili - very picturesque ruins of an ancient Byzantine city with the remains of fortress walls, buildings and the Church of the Appearance of Christ.

Kalymnos Island - a pleasant boat trip to the island will take two hours; on the island, tourists can see the interesting exposition of the Maritime Museum and visit the sponge factory.

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

Kos Island beaches

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, silky sand to the touch. All beaches are clean and well-groomed, equipped with everything you need.

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

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 to local, often family taverns. Type establishments « fast food "on the island.

A must have lunch or dinner in a small typical Greek tavern. Most tourists enjoy Greek cuisine. In the island's taverns, you should try Greek salad, baked eggplant, moussaka and dishes that are traditional for Kos: lamb with cabbage, pork with bell peppers and leeks and couscous (bulgur) with pork. Local sweets are also worthy of attention: halva, Turkish delight, sherbet, kurabie and other delicacies will not leave indifferent any sweet tooth. And, of course, you should try aromatic Greek coffee and cold coffee drink - frappe.

Shopping on Kos

Every region of Greece and every island is famous for its peculiarities and local delicacies, which tourists willingly buy and take home. Such local delicacies on Kos are thyme honey, cheese in white wine, tomato jam and wine from local wineries.

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

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

Kos nightlife

The island's nightlife is particularly vibrant during high season. The choice of nightclubs and discos is ample. Here are some popular spots in Kos Town:

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

Other resorts on the island also have clubs, bars and discos where you can enjoy your time. A feature of the nightlife on the island is their safety. There are practically no cases of conflicts, and even more so fights. Some beach cafes turn into discos at night, where they dance and have fun until morning.

Kos Island Hotels

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

Four-star and five-star hotels and hotel complexes, as a rule, have good territory, large swimming pools, several restaurants - that is, everything that is supposed to be a hotel 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 indulge in plenty of local dishes.

Budget accommodation is suitable for active tourists who need a hotel as a place to spend the night and tidy up.

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

For family vacations, hotels such as:

• Grecotel Royal Park 4 * - on the territory of the hotel there are playgrounds with slides, a kids club, all-inclusive meals
• Dimitra Beach 4 * - a hotel with a good number of rooms, allowing to accommodate families with children, green area, beach with a gentle entrance to the sea, all-inclusive system
• Mitsis Norida Beach 5 * - a hotel with a large well-groomed area, there are water slides for children and adults, a children's playroom. The restaurant offers a children's menu. There is daytime and evening entertainment for children.

The island of Kos disposes to an ecological vacation 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.

After Rhodes, Kos is the second largest and most visited island in the Southern Sporades. Here, as in Rhodes, the harbor is guarded by the imposing castle of the Knights Hospitallers; streets are lined with Italian mansions and public buildings; and the minarets and palm trees emphasize the distinctly Hellenistic appearance of its settlements. Although its hinterland lacks a certain amount of wildlife beauty, Kos is the most fertile island in the archipelago and has many sources of water, so instead it has a pleasant agrarian image.

The tourist infrastructure on the island is well developed, and in any town you can find restaurants, cafes and shops. Kos is famous as a resort with a vibrant nightlife: bars are open until late at night, discos in nightclubs continue until the morning. Evening entertainment and the possibility of budget accommodation make the island popular with young people, but this does not prevent lovers of a relaxing holiday from finding secluded picturesque corners.

Kos is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the entire Dodecanese archipelago. Most of the beaches are fully equipped for relaxation and amaze with their variety: long and very small, with white, golden or black volcanic sand, pebble beaches and picturesque coves. The island has opportunities for water sports - yachting, surfing, windsurfing. Certified diving centers are located in Kardamena, Kos, Psalidi, but the underwater world is not of particular interest here. There is also a surf station on Psalidi beach.

Attractions and beaches

The capital - the town lies in an extensive gentle bay in the very northeast of the island. More than half of the islanders live here, and the districts scattered around the surroundings, a pretty harbor and many medieval buildings give it an easily recognizable look.

South Kos

The part of the island lying to the south-west of the airport and Antimachia is famous for having the most scenic and isolated coastlines. Beach Polemi (Magic) is the longest coast of the region, while remaining the widest and wildest part of the western Kos. Beach Langades (Langadhes) is considered the cleanest and most picturesque, and its juniper dunes provide a wonderful environment for relaxation. A Paradise better known as Bubble Beach due to the large number of volcanic gas exits in the intertidal zone. Beach Camila (Kemel) is the shortest and most secluded, but there is clean sand and good conditions for snorkelling.

The uninterrupted beach resumes at cape Agios Stefanos with its Club Med complex and stretches 5 km to the west, to the very Camarion - also a large spa center. And the capital of the southwest coast is a rather inconspicuous village Kefalos (Kefalos, in the western part of the island, 43 km from the city of Kos). The local sandy beach has a colder sea than others, but it is known as one of the most picturesque on the island. Despite the popularity of the resort, Kefalos retains its authentic architecture. The picturesque old part of the city is located on a hill where an old windmill rises. There is a rental office for water sports equipment, you can go wakeboarding and water skiing. Nearby there is a resort town Kamari with a 5 km long sandy beach.

From Kefalos, the paths run to Cape Krikelos, monasteries of Assuntzion and Annunziata, to the towering among the ruins of an older Byzantine temple panayia-Palatiani churches, to the classic antique theater (1 km from the village, access is not limited), to the ruins of the ancient temple of the ancient city Astypalyato the windy beach Agios Theologos (7 km from Kefalos), the monastery of Agios Ioanis Timianos (also 7 km from the village) and a nice beach Hilandriou.

North Kos

The most famous area of \u200b\u200bthe northeastern coast of the island is Bros Terma... It is a large spa resort by local standards, using hot springs flowing from a rocky grotto and collected in a large natural pool along the coastline. Here the thermal water merges with the sea water, forming an interesting "layered" effect. Interestingly, winter storms constantly destroy the wall of boulders that separates this reservoir from the sea, and every April the islanders re-lay it. As a result, this pool has a different look and water properties every year.

Two neighboring beach resorts - Tingaki (Tingaki, 12 km west of the harbor) and Marmari (Marmari, 15 km from the city) are separated by the Aliki salt bog, where thousands of migratory birds can be seen in the off-season. This coast is very windy, which also attracts people - from Cape Psalidi (Luros) to Cape Agios Fokas, a whole series of tiny villages stretches, popular primarily among windsurfers.

Lying in the interior of the island, on the northern slopes of Mount Dikeos (845 m), the villages are usually united under a single term Asfendiou (Asfendhiou) in honor of the main settlement of the area. These wooded areas give a clear picture of what Kos was like before mass tourism came. The village is worth visiting here Zia (Zia) with its majestic sunsets (up to six evening tourist buses arrive here every day just for this), isolated Kefalovrisi (Kefalovrissi) with lovely taverns, fun colored archannelos Church in Asomatos (Lower Asfendiou), an attractive church near Agios Dimitrios, or Haihoute (Ayios Dhimitrios, Haihoute), antique necropolis of Armilio (Geroon-Charmilos) and medieval chapel Stavros near the village of Pyli, as well as the Byzantine capital of Kos - a town Paleo Pili (Paleo Pyli) 3 km southeast of its modern "descendant".

The least expensive of the northern resorts - Mastichari (Mastihari, for some reason it is called Mastihari on Russian maps) has a pretty good beach and is regularly visited by ferries from the port. Not far from Mastichari is the popular Lido Waterpark.

At the outskirts of the village (5 km southeast of Mastichari) lies the island's international airport, so many departing passengers prefer to spend a couple of hours here and visit one of the many restaurants on the southwestern outskirts.

The town, located just south of the castle (31 km from the city of Kos), is the largest resort on the island after the capital. From here numerous boats and kaiki depart to and from the rocky shores of the southern part of Kos.

Transport

Hippocrates International Airport is located 22 kilometers from the capital of the island. There are regular flights to Athens and the island of Rhodes. In summer, the airport receives direct charter flights from other countries. You can get to the capital and popular cities from the airport by regular buses or taxis.

The island has a well-developed bus service. The main bus station is located in the capital city of Kos. There are many flights from the capital to the main resorts and cities every day from early morning until late at night. The cost of tickets for intercity buses ranges from 1.30 to 3 euros. In addition, a city bus runs in the capital.

A regular ferry service connects the island of Kos with Alexandroupolis in northern Greece (the journey takes about 22 hours), the Athenian port of Piraeus (10 hours), as well as the Greek islands of Astypalea (4 hours), Lesvos (12 hours), Lemnos (16 hours), Mykonos (9 hours), Rhodes (3 hours), Syros (6.5 hours) and Samos (5 hours). In summer, numerous boat trips to the neighboring islands and to the coast of Turkey are offered.

Accommodation

The island of Kos offers a choice of hotels of various price categories: modern hotel complexes with a high level of service and opportunities for family recreation, as well as for holding business meetings and conferences; cozy family hotels in a traditional style; small budget hotels. In addition, it is possible to rent apartments and rooms. When choosing a hotel, do not forget that short distances and developed transport links allow you to easily visit the most interesting corners of the island, regardless of where you live.

Volcano Nisyros is considered a dormant volcano. It is located in the Aegean Sea, in Greece. It was previously an active volcano. It last erupted about 700 years ago and last breathed over 12 years ago. In the central part of the island of Niseros there is a caldera, which is 2.5 kilometers long and almost 1 kilometer wide.

It arose during a volcanic eruption. This was not the only eruption. In fact, the island is the southeastern end of the Kos underwater caldera, which is located on the opposite side - the western edge of Kos.

Today it is a well-watered green island with fertile soil.

Coordinates: 36.59664900,27.16198000

Platanus of Hippocrates

The plane tree of Hippocrates is a famous tree in the city of Kos, planted, as you know, by the great Hippocrates. According to legends, under a sycamore tree, a doctor wrote out prescriptions and lectured to his students.

The tree is located at the entrance to the Fortress of John, which is also a famous landmark of Kos. The plane tree has an impressive scale - its circumference is 14 meters, and its age has already crossed the line of two thousand years. There is also a skeptical opinion - some believe that the tree has nothing to do with the great healer, that it is no more than 700 years old, however, according to many sources, this plane tree is indeed the oldest tree in the world.

It is amazing that the tree of Hippocrates managed to survive for so many centuries. Currently, the Greeks are trying with all their might to prolong the life of the plane tree of the ancient doctor. To prevent the branches from touching the ground, there are now supporting structures made of metal under them, which do not allow them to fall.

Coordinates: 36.89252700,27.28829400

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Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora is a picturesque historical site, the ruins of which date back to the Hellenistic and Byzantine eras. The word "agora" is translated from Greek as "bazaar". In ancient times, the Agora was not only a marketplace, but also a religious, cultural and political center.

In the Agora one can find the ancient temple of Hercules III, the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, mosaic floors with images of Hercules and Orpheus. There is also an ancient Christian basilica next to them.

On this square, buildings and temples were built: baths, ancient theaters, a gymnasium, a Roman villa with frescoes and mosaics and other buildings that are an integral heritage of the island of Kos. Traveling through the Agora will leave unforgettable impressions and a sea of \u200b\u200bpositive emotions from the seen antiquities.

Coordinates: 36.89355600,27.28973900

The abandoned city of Byzantine times, Palio Pili is called a ghost town. It was built on the top of an impregnable mountain during the Trojan War. From the abandoned city today, only the ruins of the fortress walls remain, which can be seen from the foot of the cliff.

But even the ruins look majestic when combined with the mountainous landscape. Legend has it that in these places Jesus very often appeared to people, and therefore the Church of the Appearance of Christ still operates here. It was built near Palio Pili by Blessed Christodulus in the 11th century. The locals are proud of this beautiful temple, as well as the healing magical spring next to it, many pilgrims visit the sacred area.

In the village of Pili, next to the rock, there is a tilos - an ancient burial of 12 underground crypts, it is believed that a mythical hero - King Harmil lies here. The church of Stavros was built over the crypts.

Coordinates: 36.83769500,27.18592600

Temple of Asklepion

Greek Asklepion - a temple with a school and a hospital, which was built after the death of Hippocrates in 357 BC.

On the lower terrace of the temple are the remains of the porticoes that surrounded it on three sides and a powerful wall that supports the middle terrace. On the middle terrace there is an altar and several other temples dedicated to Apollo, on the upper one there is the temple of Asclepius, to which a monumental staircase leads. Not only walls, but also columns and even statues have survived to this day.

In the temple of Asclepius, doctors and priests of the cult of Asclepius practiced methods of treating Hippocrates, because patients from all over the world came here. The symbol of the cult of Asclepius was a snake, which was sometimes attracted to search for certain types of medicinal plants. Interestingly, the snake is still a symbol of medicine.

Coordinates: 36.87562900,27.25722300

Plaka peacock forest

Plaka Peacock Forest is an amazing natural area and one of the main attractions of the Greek island of Kos. The forest is famous for the fact that many peacocks live freely in it, and many tourists come to admire them.

Plaka pine forest can be called a real kingdom of peacocks - there are a lot of them here! There are no cages or open-air cages here, like in a zoo, peacocks live in the wild, but at the same time the birds are completely tame - they can be easily hand-fed or even taken in your arms and photographed with them. There is no limit to the delight of children, and these beautiful birds make a strong impression on adults.

In addition to peacocks, there is a huge population of wild cats and small freshwater turtles. There is a picturesque lake in the middle of the forest, which is also recommended to visit - these places are very beautiful.

In general, the Plaka peacock forest should appeal to everyone - both elders and younger ones. This is one of the most beautiful places in Kos.

Coordinates: 36.78985200,27.06563200

Volcanic island of Nisyros

Nisyros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, which is a huge stratovolcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. Island cruises are extremely popular with wildlife enthusiasts.

The volcanic island of Nisyros has a relatively modest size - its area is slightly more than forty square kilometers, and the permanent population does not even reach 1000 people. Nevertheless, the volcano that gave the island its name provides this place with a constant influx of tourists. Nisyros is a very picturesque place. The terrain here is mountainous, very spectacular, the coast of the island is covered with multi-colored volcanic sand, and five volcanic craters often throw jets of hot gas and steam into the sky.

Thrill-seekers can descend directly into the thirty-meter funnel of one of the craters, where among the crystals of sulfur there are voids leading directly to the mouth of the fire-breathing mountain. The spectacle is unforgettable, and the impressions after visiting Nisyros will last for a long time. Of course, excursions to the island are very extreme in nature, and are unlikely to be suitable for lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. But seekers of strong impressions will surely be delighted with the contemplation of the volcanic beauty of the island of Nisyros.

Coordinates: 36.57824800,27.16832500

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Limnionas bay

Limnionas bay is very picturesque. This is not surprising, because the Greek islands with their bays and beaches are simply mesmerizing and do not leave anyone indifferent - everyone strives to take pictures of beautiful landscapes and sunbathe on the warm sand of a clean beach.

Limnionas Bay combines Greek white and red fishing boats as well as turquoise waters and cliffs. A boulder pier has been built in the bay to protect the boat dock from storms that often occur on the northern side of the island.

There are many benches on the coast of the bay where you can relax and admire the beautiful views of the rocks and the sea. In the tavern located in the bay, you can always order fresh fish and other Greek dishes, taste wine and watch the sunset when the sun sets right into the sea.

Coordinates: 36.77326700,26.96216600

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