KOS
Kos City

Kos City

Kos City_{Photo: Karelj in the public domain}

Kos city - as the capital of the Greek island of the same name - attracts many holidaymakers every summer. In the high season, these are mainly young people, which is why Kos is labelled the party island, but you will notice that Kos has much more to offer as a holiday destination. All seasons have their own charm and enchant the island again and again. A stay on Kos is a party in all respects!

Location

Kos city is located in the north-eastern part of the third largest island of the Dodecanese. Actually, it should not be called a city, as it covers only a few square kilometres, yet over the years it has become the tourist and cultural centre of the island. Kos is home to several national parks, the largest of which can be found almost directly south of Kos city. Do you like to spend your holidays in the middle of overwhelming nature? Some hotels are located practically in the nature park!

Weather

The island has a warm Mediterranean climate, which ensures endless beach days and clear blue skies in the summer. In the period April to September, there is hardly any precipitation and the sun shines up to 14 hours a day! It is not without reason that the island is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. However, Kos-town is not a winter sun destination, as it is too cool and wet during the winter months, but the holiday season starts early in the year and you can have a pleasant stay here from April onwards.

History

The island has been in the hands of many different rulers throughout the centuries and has only been part of Greece since 1948. You can imagine that all these cultures have left their traces and that makes Kos a very interesting destination. Myths about Titans and Giants already tell about Kos and the island is also said to have played a role in the legendary Trojan War. Throughout time, the island has carried several names, of which 'Island of the Blessed' is the one that most reveals its beauty.

_{Kos St. John's CastlePhoto: Kallerna CC3.0 Unported no changes made}

In Kos city, for example, the 14th century St. John's Castle - with a wonderful view from the castle ramparts! - as well as the old Mandraki Harbour, which served as a trading centre for a long time.

Sights

Kos Odeon_{Photo: Kallerna CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Despite its small size, you certainly won't get bored in the lively coastal town. The Hadji Hassan Mosque was built in 1786. The mosque is closed but the minaret is still the beacon of Kos for sailors. Behind the mosque is the excavation site of the ancient agora, the old market square. Behind the bus station in the south-west of Kos town, there is another ancient part of the town with various excavations, such as a Hellenistic temple, altar of Dionysos and the Casa Romana, a restored Roman mansion. The ancient theatre in Kos-town dates back to the Hellenistic period.

Kos Asklepieion_{Photo: Heiko Gorski CC 3.0 no changes made}

The Asklepieion is one of the most important archaeological monuments on the island of Kos. This was the best and also the most famous hospital of its time. The Asklepieion is always associated with Hippocrates, one of the first important physicians. The Asklepieion is situated on a hill, four kilometres from Kos city and the view from here is spectacular. The Asklepieion consists of three large terraces connected by wide steps. Here you can see the remains of temples of Asklepios, Apollon and Xenophontas.

Kos Tree of Hippocrates_{Photo: Steven Fruitsmaak CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

In the historical city centre, you will find the Plane Tree of Hippocrates; it is said that the founder of medicine taught his students under this plane tree. The diameter of the tree is about 12 metres, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.

Kos City Lambi Beach_{Photo: Karelj in the public domain}

Close to the city centre, you can relax on Lambi beach. Fancy an outing? Not far from Kos-town, the thermal spring Embrós Thérme is absolutely worth a visit. With a temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius, the spring water flows from the rocks into a basin of about 25 square metres, where it mixes with sea water and reaches a pleasant temperature of 40 degrees. The bath is free to enter and is said to have healing properties.

Tips

Kos Mandraki Harbour_{Photo: Karelj in the public domain}

The Mandraki harbour of Kos city is a meeting place for the inhabitants and especially here you can notice that the town lives. So sit down on a terrace with a good cup of coffee and watch the fishing boats come in or the local women do their shopping on the market. No doubt you will experience the authentic island feeling! Moreover, you can relax on Lambi beach, which is located right next to the town centre. For evening entertainment you should definitely go to Kanári street, where you will find bars and the well-attended discotheque Fashion-Club.