Kos

Kos lies in the middle of Dodecanese Islands chain and it could be characterized as one of the most touristy islands, with a high development in mass market tourism. Kos is the island that gave the world Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Sandy beaches and rich history are its major attractions, along with the vivid nightlife and it is very popular especially among the British. If you like to combinate sightseeing with clubbing and barhopping, Kos is exactly what you need.

Things to see

Kos island is not really the best holiday spot for the dedicated solitude seekers since every summer young people from all over Europe invade the island and transform it into a giant nightclub! So, when you come to Kos island, bring your beach gear and tune in to the bars, discos and a terrific nightlife! Apart from its wild nightlife, Kos is, however, really well worth visiting The third largest island of the Dodecanese, it is a very green island with an excellent infrastructure and large roads lined up with palm trees. During your visit to Kos, you must certainly visit the ancient ruins of the city that are numerous and remarkable, the ruins of 'Asklipios", the 'Castle of the Knights'and the huge tree of Hippocrates (trunk diameter is 11,5 meters!). On Kos you will find some of the finest beaches in the Dodecanese islands of Greece, many of which can be reached by bicycle!

Most of the beaches close to Kos town were the crowded, 'beach chair and umbrellas' variety. With the slowdown in the island's tourism it remains to be seen how crowded they will be but it is likely they won't be too bad and perhaps satisfying to those who don't want to be overwhelmed by crowds but still like to do a little people-watching with their bathing. Lampi beach is the closest good quality beach, about four kilometers north of the city. Beyond that is Tigaki which is long, sandy and great for windsurfing and Marmari which is a little less crowded. West of town are the beaches of Psalidi, Agios Fokas and Thermes with it's hot medicinal springs for treating rheumatism and arthritis. These hot springs flow into the sea and make it warmer than other beaches on the island.

The town of Kardamena is the second most popular resort on the island after Kos town and has a long attractive beach that in days past was packed with tourists. During the summer there are excursions boats from here to the island of Nisyros. The town of Mastihari is a port with a sandy beach that has excursion boats to the islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos as well as some inexpensive hotels and decent restaurants.

When to come

From the month of July until the August, the festival Hippocrateia takes place in the town of Kos. The festival includes a series of cultural events such as concerts by Greek artists and local groups, performances of ancient Greek and contemporary plays. The cultural events Alassarnia are taking place at the town of Kardamena. In the same village, on the 7th of August, a religious festival is celebrating the "birth of the Virgin Mary". At the beginning of August, a screening of a Theatrical play is held at the village of Antimahia. Also in Antimahia, the Honey Festival is celebrated on the 24th, of August during which visitors can taste various delicacies made with local honey. On the 27th September, an evening with traditional music.