Kos
Chief town: Kos
Kos (Italian Coo, Turkish Istanköy) lies at the mouth of the Gulf of Kos, which cuts deep into the coast of Asia Minor. It was separated from the Bodrum (Halikarnassos) peninsula, five km/3mi northeast, by the collapse of a rift valley in the Pliocene period. It is the largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes.
A range of limestone hills, rising to 846m/2,776ft in Mt Díkaios (ancient Oromedon), traverses the island for almost its entire length from west to east.
Kos (Italian Coo, Turkish Istanköy) lies at the mouth of the Gulf of Kos, which cuts deep into the coast of Asia Minor. It was separated from the Bodrum (Halikarnassos) peninsula, five km/3mi northeast, by the collapse of a rift valley in the Pliocene period. It is the largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes.
A range of limestone hills, rising to 846m/2,776ft in Mt Díkaios (ancient Oromedon), traverses the island for almost its entire length from west to east.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Unlike most other Aegean islands, Kos has a population that is increasing in numbers. Their main sources of income are agriculture and horticulture, the rearing of small livestock, fishing, crafts (particularly pottery and weaving) and, increasingly, the tourist trade.
Kos has been well populated since Neolithic times. About 700 B.C., together with the other five cities of the Hexapolis (Knidos, Halikarnassos, Lindos, Ialysos and Kameiros), Kos was an outpost of the Dorian League of cities on the Carian coast and the neighboring islands. The earliest capital of the island, Astypálaia, was situated in the wide bay at the southwest end; another important place, Halasama, is half-way along the south coast. The island was celebrated for the oldest cult site of the healing god Asklepios and for a medical school of which the most famous representative was Hippokrates (fifth century B.C.). The sanctuary of Asklepios was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 554, and on its ruins was built the monastery of the Panayía tou Alsoús (Our Lady of the Grove - recalling the ancient sacred grove).
The Byzantines were succeeded as rulers of the island by the Knights of St John (1309-1523), who in the 14th century established the headquarters of their order in the island's capital, Narangia (now the town of Kos).
Kos was captured by the Turks some years earlier than Rhodes. The island was occupied by Italy in 1912, during the Balkan War, but was returned to Greece in 1948.
There's an airfield at Antimákhia, 27km/17mi southwest. Regular flights Athens-Kos, daily; Rhodes-Kos and Léros-Kos, several times weekly.
Kos has been well populated since Neolithic times. About 700 B.C., together with the other five cities of the Hexapolis (Knidos, Halikarnassos, Lindos, Ialysos and Kameiros), Kos was an outpost of the Dorian League of cities on the Carian coast and the neighboring islands. The earliest capital of the island, Astypálaia, was situated in the wide bay at the southwest end; another important place, Halasama, is half-way along the south coast. The island was celebrated for the oldest cult site of the healing god Asklepios and for a medical school of which the most famous representative was Hippokrates (fifth century B.C.). The sanctuary of Asklepios was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 554, and on its ruins was built the monastery of the Panayía tou Alsoús (Our Lady of the Grove - recalling the ancient sacred grove).
The Byzantines were succeeded as rulers of the island by the Knights of St John (1309-1523), who in the 14th century established the headquarters of their order in the island's capital, Narangia (now the town of Kos).
Kos was captured by the Turks some years earlier than Rhodes. The island was occupied by Italy in 1912, during the Balkan War, but was returned to Greece in 1948.
There's an airfield at Antimákhia, 27km/17mi southwest. Regular flights Athens-Kos, daily; Rhodes-Kos and Léros-Kos, several times weekly.
Related Attractions
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Antimakhia, Greece
At Antimákhia is another castle of the Knights, prominently situated on a hill at Palaiá Antimákhia. It was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1493 (coats of arms of knights) and within its walls is another deserted village.
Archeological Sites
Southwest of the harbor on the island of Kos are the remains of Hellenistic and Roman baths. To the south and southwest of the town are remains of a temple of Dionysos, the Gymnasion and Stadion (Hellenistic), the Roman Odeion, the Hellenistic and Roman Theater and a reconstructed Roman villa of the A.D. third century, the Casa Romana, with fine mosaics.
Asfendiou, Greece
4km/2.5mi south of Zipári is the charming mountain village of Asfendíou, located in a fertile vegetable-growing area. From here Mt Díkaios can be climbed (beautiful panoramic views).
Hippokrateia Festival
The island of Kos celebrates the Hippokrateia Festival every August. The festival includes ancient drama performances, musical evenings, a flower show, a display of popular art, and a re-enactment of the Hippocratic Oath.
Kardamena, Greece
Six km/3mi from Kos airport is the fishing village of Kardámena (fruit growing, particularly melons; pottery).
Kefalos, Greece
Kéfalos is a mountain village perched high above the sea, with an ancient theater. It is the principal place in the western part of the island of Kos. Important prehistoric remains were found in the caves at the entrance to the village. Nearby is the ruined Early Christian basilica of Áyios Stéfanos. In the bay are the striking St Nicholas's Rock, with a small chapel, and St Stephen's Rock.
Palaia Pyli, Greece
At Palaiá Palaiá Pylí (4 km / 2.5 mi south of Kos town) there is the castle of the Knights of St John. In the deserted village at the foot of the castle hill is a church with Byzantine frescoes.
Pyli - Feast of St George
Pyli celebrates the Feast of St George with sports and cultural performances.
Zipari, Greece
Zipári has the early Christian basilica of Áyios Pávlos, which has a fine baptistery and mosaics.
