Kos Island

Kos is known as the island of Hippocrates (father of medicine) and the third largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodos and Kalymnos. Kos features monuments of enormous historical interest, beautiful weather virtually all year round, sandy beaches accompanied by crystal clear water and a significant tourism infrastructure hosting approximately 800.000 tourists annually. Hippocrates introduced the first hospitals and a health center to the island, remainders of which can be seen at the Asclepion. The island has always been a renowned wellness and relaxation center. Group activities and excursions include visiting the Temple of Asklepieios and the various museums that reveal Greece’s heritage. Head to Dikaio for panoramic views and stop off at one of the traditional villages. Alternatively, a jeep safari provides an excellent way to explore the countryside.

You can swim in: Ag. Fokas, Ag. Theologos, Chryssi Akti, Kamari, Kamila, Kardamena, Kserokampos, Lagkades, Lambi, Limnionas, Mastichari, Meropida, Milos, Paradeisos, Polemi, Psalidi, Sun Beach, Thermes and Tingaki.

IMPORTANT FACILITIES for CHARTER YACHTS AND BOATS in Kos Island (Necessary needs and infrastructure for yachtsmen or generally for anyone who is on sailing vacation / yachting holidays onboard a sailing yacht or a motor boat).

WATER SPORTS in Kos Island

Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy some of the best sailing and surfing opportunities in the Mediterranean. Kardamena Water Sports Center located in Kardamena beach offers a wide variety of water sports like water skiing, pedaloes, canoes, jet bikes, parachuting etc. In the big hotels of the island, in Tigaki and Marmari beach, you can rent water-skiing gear; windsurfing boards, canoes, and paddleboats. Unlike in other islands, in Kos, you will find many public beaches where experienced instructors will help you get to grips with water sports. Be sure to try before you leave Kos!

SCUBA DIVING in Kos Island

There are two main scuba diving centers on the island. These are Kos Divers (Tel. 22420 21553) located in Kipriotis Village and Liamis Dive Center (Tel. 6944295830) in Kos harbour.

RENT A CAR / BIKE in Kos Island (main town and port)

AVIS Tel.: +30 22420 24272, www.avis.gr

HERTZ Tel.: +30 22420 28002, www.hertz.gr  

SIXT Tel. +30 22420 27380, www.sixt.gr

EUROPCAR Tel.: +30 22420 24070, 29448, www.europcar.com

BUDGET Tel. +30 22420 28882, www.budget.gr

KOSMOS Tel. +30 22420 28956, www.kosmos-carrental.com

HISTORY Information for Kos Island

According to many archaeological findings, the history of Kos can be traced back to more than 3.500 years as it was first inhabited by the Kares. Greek mythology also tells us that Kos was the sacred land of Asklepios, the God of healing. In order to honor the God after the death of Hippocrates in 357 BC, the inhabitants built the Asklepieion and used it as a hospital that welcomed patients from all over the Mediterranean where Hippocrates’ therapeutic methods were practiced. During the years, Kos (like most Greek islands) was under occupation from several conquerors like the Persians, the Venetians, the Turks, the Germans, the Italians and the British. Throughout the history, Kos was introduced to a cultural, educational and economic growth and it was finally was joined with the rest of Greece in 1948.

MUSEUMS AND other interesting SITES in Kos Island

In Kos Island, there are plenty of sites to visit! First visit the Neratzia Castle, which cannot be missed as it is situated at the entrance of the harbor. It is said that in past years the island where the castle lay used to communicate with the dry land through a bridge. Also visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos (Tel. 22420 28326, closed on Mondays) right in the heart of the town. Definitely worth visiting is the Asklepion, situated 4 km west of Kos town in Platani area, Asklepion is the most significant archaeological site on the island, as it was the first “university hospital” in history, that spread the healing methods of Hippocrates throughout the Mediterranean.

LOCAL THINGS & STUFF to check or BUY in Kos Island

Kos like all major Greek islands has various shops selling all kinds of products. Jewelleries, tourist shops, leather products and fur shops, handmade and fine art product shops, as well as shops selling clothes, shoes, and books. In some villages, you can also find small shops with fine handmade products such as weavings, ceramics, and embroideries, as well as shops selling local specialties such as honey, sweets, herbs, spices and wine.