The Greek island of Kos (Hippocrates Island) is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea in an archipelago called Dodekanissa, i.e. in Czech, the Twelve Islands. The main, i.e. inhabited, islands here are just twelve. The third largest is Kos, after Rhodes and Karpathos. The area of the island is 290 km2, its length is 40 km and the narrowest point measures only 2 km, the widest 11 km. Around Kos there are other very charming smaller islands such as Nisyros and Kalymnos, Pserimos, where interesting boat trips are organized from Kos.

Kos is popular for its beautiful sandy beaches and quality all-inclusive hotels from where you can go on excursions. A very common destination (even several times per stay) is the island's capital, Kos. Here you will find the largest harbour on the island, dominated by the medieval fortress of the Johanites, decorated with ancient statues. The picturesque villages and beautiful beaches of this Greek island will enchant anyone who decides to take a trip to this attractive destination.

Few visitors will miss the Defterdar Mosque in Platia Eleftherias Square or the Archaeological Museum (Tue-Sun 8-20, Mon 13-20, admission €3), which houses a collection of Roman sculptures and mosaics dating back to the 3rd century. The original statue of Hippocrates found in the Odeon is also unique. In addition, Platanou Square is home to one of the oldest trees in Europe, the 700-year-old Hippocratic plane tree. From the square you can walk across the bridge over the palm tree promenade to the castle fortress, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea, the harbour and most of the capital. In addition to these sights, there are many other interesting buildings, such as the nymphaeum and the ruins of the baths. Therefore, those who are interested can make a sightseeing tour out of their stay...

The area around the harbour is the centre not only of the town, but of the whole island, and in the evening it comes alive with music from discos and clubs. The city thus satisfies all those who like to have fun and seek a lively nightlife and social life. The streets are lined with many shops and boutiques, where you can pick up the most beautiful souvenir that will remind you of the wonderful experiences of your summer holidays in the winter months. Kos has some of the most beautiful Greek villages. In spite of the heavy tourist traffic, most of the administrative buildings and dwellings have retained their traditional character, and the variety of churches, mosques, ancient and medieval buildings underlines the importance of the island to the different groups of its inhabitants.

Biking is becoming increasingly popular on the island, as it is easy to cycle not only to the beaches but also to the more hidden mountain villages, which have not yet been affected by mass tourism and live their traditional and peaceful way of life. But be careful when cycling - the roads here are often narrow and have very variable surfaces. Not to mention that not every hire car driver drives well and considerately. A cycle path has so far only been built from the Atlantis Hotel to the harbour in the main town of Kos, and then another three kilometres or so towards Agios Fokas. On the other side, a path (and at the same time a sidewalk) leads towards Lambi to the Blue Lagoon Hotel.

Although Kos is a relatively small island, it boasts a rich history. The first inhabitants were probably the Pelasgians and since then the island has been densely populated without interruption until today. In the 14th century BC, the Achaeans came from Thessaly and established a port here, which became one of the trade crossroads between Asia Minor and Crete. In the 11th century BC, it was settled by Dorian tribes. The capital of Astypalaia, located on the Kefalos peninsula, became part of the so-called Hexapolis - the "Six Cities", which together with it comprised 3 cities on Rhodes (Lindos, Kameiros and Iálysos) and 3 cities on the coast of Asia Minor (the most famous of them - Halikarnassos). Later on, Kos became part of the Athenian Naval Association, was ruled by Alexander of Macedon and was incorporated into the Roman Empire at the turn of the century. In the 8th-9th centuries it was controlled by the Arabs, and in the 11th century it was subject to the Crusaders. From 1315 to 1522 the Maltese Johannians were here and from 1523 it came under the control of the Turks. After almost 400 years of domination, the Italians took control of the island after the Italo-Turkish War in 1912. In 1943 the island was invaded by German occupiers who behaved like the Turks - looting, murdering and destroying. In May 1945, the British took over the island and finally, on 31 March 1947, the island, along with the other Dodecanese islands, was officially handed over to Greece.

Kos will not only attract you with its beautiful and varied beaches ( about 68 km), but it can offer many historical monuments. In the 5th century B.C., Hippocrates, the "father of medicine", founded a medical school here. The ancient plane tree under which he imparted his knowledge to his students can still be seen in the old town of Kos. The Askleopion complex was built in honour of Hippocrates, and extensive Roman baths were built here, where sulphur and iron springs were used for healing. We also recommend a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where finds from all over the island of Kos have been preserved.

Kos is popular for its quality services and beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. It is a good place for those who want an active summer or a suitable air tour for families and individuals. Thousands of visitors come here every year for its uniqueness, but despite this it still retains its peaceful character and charm. One of its advantages is that transport around the island works well. In addition to local buses, cars and mopeds, you can also use a bicycle, which is a very popular means of transport on Kos due to its flat terrain.

In the interior, you will find traditional villages such as Asfendiou at the foot of Mount Dikaios, the foothill village of Ziu, where an ancient dwelling has been preserved, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area.

The resort of Kefalos lies in the southwest of the island. The transfer from the airport is just 17 km. It is a quiet resort that will charm you with its sandy and pebble beaches, as well as the small island of Kastri with its little church, where there are the remains of a Hellenistic temple. Be sure to visit the beaches in the area, where even in high season you will be virtually alone and enjoy swimming and relaxing without the crowds of tourists. Kefalos is made for a quiet and family holiday. The whole bay is 3 km long. Here you will find everything you need for your holiday, taverns, shops with various goods, a pharmacy, car and motorbike rentals. In about 45 minutes you can reach the capital of Kos by bus.

Basic information:

• Greek name: KOS (Κως)
• Capital: KOS
• Island area: 295 km2
• Population: over 30 000
• The highest peak: Dikeos – 846 m n. m.
• The patron of the island: Hippokrates

RESORTS ON KOS

KARDAMENA

Originally a fishing village, it has been transformed into a modern town over the last few years. The dominant feature is the harbour for boats sailing to the nearby volcanic island of Nisyros, which you can enjoy the view of in one of the countless cafes, restaurants or bars standing right on the shore. A beautiful beach with light, fine sand stretches out to sea. Of course, there is also a wide range of water sports on offer.

Distance from the airport: approx. 7 km. Distance from Kos: approx. 30 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

GOURNIATIS/KARDAMENA

The very quiet area of Gourniades is known for its long sandy beach, which offers a beautiful view of the island of Nisyros, rising out of the Aegean Sea. According to myth, it was here, at Cape Lakitir, that Hercules was shipwrecked on his return from Troy. The famous resort of Kardamena is about 3 km away.

Beach: sandy. Distance from the airport: approx. 7 km. Distance from Kos: approx. 35 km. Rating of the area: suitable for a quiet relaxing holiday

MASTICHARI

Mastichari is a picturesque and not too big fishing village with an idyllic harbour and a golden sandy beach. The main street is lined with several cosy tavernas, restaurants and souvenir shops. We recommend ordering an authentic Greek coffee, brewed in a java, at the local café (kafenion) and enjoying the view of the action in the harbour. You may also be tempted by the aroma of freshly grilled fish specialties served with a light white wine. The village is connected to the capital by regular bus services and by boat to the island of Kalymnos. There is a water park approximately 3.5 kilometres from the resort.

Distance from the airport: approx. 6 km. Distance from Kos: approx. 18 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

MARMARI

A smaller quieter resort, situated between Tigaki and Mastichari. A pleasant sandy beach stretches along the sea with a wide range of water sports. The main street runs through the village, where there are several markets, one larger supermarket, several restaurants and tavernas with local specialties. We recommend individual visits to Kos by the town bus, which runs quite frequently. We also recommend walks or excursions to the surrounding area (in the resort of Tigaki, about 5km away, there is the salt lake of Alikes, where water birds nest and winter. Once upon a time, salt was mined here).

Beach: sandy. Distance from the airport: 14 km. Distance from Kos: approx. 15 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

TIGAKI

This very popular, lively, sought-after resort on the north-east coast has been one of the stalwarts of tour operators' offers for years. The local sandy beach is well-maintained and there is a wide range of water sports on offer. The resort has a wide range of restaurants, taverns, cafés, cafes, pastry shops, clubs, discos, grocery stores, fresh fruit and vegetables and, of course, souvenir shops.
The surroundings near Tigaki are also nice, we recommend walking in the area, nearby is the salt lake Alikes, where water birds nest and winter. Once upon a time, salt was mined here.

Beach: sandy. Distance from the airport: about 17km. Distance from Kos: approx. 10km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

TOWN OF KOS

The island's legal centre is becoming increasingly desirable, especially during the tourist season, which runs from May to October. The town's dominant feature is the harbour bay with its 15th-century Johannite fortress, in whose masonry are sculptures and inscriptions from the ancient period. Other valuable sights include the Chatz-Hassan Mosque and the so-called Hippocratic plane tree, under which the father of medicine is said to have taught. The trunk of this tree has a circumference of an impressive 5 metres, but it is actually only about 700 years old. Another of the mosques, the Defterdar Mosque, with Hellenistic and Byzantine columns, is also well known, but only Muslims are allowed to enter both of them, and then only during Ramadan. The archaeological museum, open daily, also attracts visitors, with more recent finds from Asclepius. By the way, the Asklepion (open daily 8am-8pm, entrance fee €4) can be reached by tourist train for about €5/person. Other attractions include the Odeon from the 2nd century BC, which can be visited for free.
> Dozens of boats, ships, barges and sea giants are moored in the harbour. There is no shortage of daytime and nighttime entertainment options in the centre. Every evening tourists from all over the world meet in the local bars, clubs and discos. During the day it is very pleasant to sit in one of the restaurants or taverns, which are famous for their fish specialties. An ice-cream sundae or a refreshing coffee is sure to be enjoyed in one of the stylish cafes or patisseries along the coast. Many hotels are located in the tourist area of Lambi right by the sea.

Beach: sand and shingle. Distance from the airport: about 25km. Resort rating: suitable for those who want to be in the centre of the action.

PSALIDI

The area of Psalidi is a quiet tourist area where several hotels, hotel complexes and smaller hotels are built. Ideal for a relaxing holiday combined with walks around the area and exploring the island by rented car or bike. Along the long beach there are several restaurants and tavernas offering fresh fish and Greek specialties. For shopping and entertainment, it's ideal to head to the capital. There is a very frequent public bus service to the centre, which takes less than 15 minutes.

Beach: long pebble beach with small pebbles at the entrance to the sea. Distance from the airport: approx. 33 km. Distance from Kos: approx. 7 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations

AGIOS FOKAS

A peaceful resort where you can enjoy an undisturbed holiday. The beaches with small pebbles are beautiful, clean, long and safe. The sea is crystal clear and bordered on the other side (over the horizon) by the Turkish coast. We can recommend this part of the island for all generations, even for those who would like to rest and relax during the day and enjoy the lively nightlife at night. There is a public bus to Kos town centre almost every ten minutes, the journey takes less than 15 minutes. Kos has countless restaurants, tavernas, patisseries, bars, souvenir shops and entertainment options throughout the day and night. The area around Agios Fokas will be loved by all nature lovers and tourists.

Beach: long with small pebbles. Distance from the airport: approx. 34 km. Distance from Kos: approx. 8 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.