Open the left menu Kos city. Kos Island: attractions. Kos Island: Vacation What tourists bring from Kos Island Greece

We continue to travel around sunny Greece and discover new tourist “pearls”. Fortunately, this country does not skimp on interesting places! Today our turn is eastern Greece and the island of Kos. Thanks to the climatic, ecological, cultural and historical features of the area, Kos became one of the first Greek resorts. The island still maintains the bar of decent service and tourist attractiveness, despite its close proximity to such a giant as Rhodes. What unusual and fascinating things will travelers find here – we’ll find out in today’s article!

general information

The island of Kos on the map of Greece is located on the eastern side, near the maritime border with Turkey, and is part of the Dodecanese archipelago, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Although the name translates as “Twelve Islands,” there are actually hundreds of islets, and only 17 of them are inhabited.

Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese (after Rhodes and Karpathos). The area of the island is 287.6 km2, and the length of the coastline is 122 km. The maximum width reaches eleven kilometers, and the minimum - two. A little more than 33 thousand people live on the island, with 19,000 living in the administrative center of the same name - the city of Kos.

Kos differs from other Dodecanese islands in its super-fertile land. Agriculture is highly developed here: watermelons, lemons, tomatoes, olives, etc. are grown on plantations. No less popular are animal husbandry, winemaking, and honey collection. The favorable climate and vitamin-rich soils allow wild vegetation to bloom luxuriantly, which enriches the air with oxygen and nutrients. It is not for nothing that Kos is often called the “garden of the Mediterranean”.

The historical and cultural features of Kos are also noteworthy. The famous physician Hippocrates was born on this island, and here he founded a medical school. In memory of those events, one attraction remains, which we will talk about a little later. Also on Kos are the remains of the ancient Asklepion, early Byzantine basilicas, a knight's castle, etc.

And on the island there are dozens of beaches with golden, white and even black volcanic sand! Here you can spend a relaxing, excursion, active or beach holiday. In other words, Kos will fulfill any tourist whim!

Story

Finds discovered at archaeological excavations suggest that the first settlement of the island occurred in the Neolithic era (10-3 thousand years BC). Kos was later inhabited by Carians, Minoans, Mycenaeans, Dorians and Persians. All of them founded cities, erected temples and sanctuaries. Some of them have survived to this day.

The peak of the island's development occurred in the 4th century BC, when Greek civilization reached its power. Trade routes from East to West were actively laid through Kos, which quickly developed the city. They also produced their own goods: wine, honey, silk, vegetables and fruits. In turn, the improvement in the economic situation contributed to rapid population growth. It’s hard to imagine that in those days 160 thousand people settled on Kos!

Later Ancient Greece, and Fr. Kos, among other things, entered a period of decline. As a result of wars and natural disasters, cities were destroyed and the number of inhabitants decreased. From the end of ancient times until the return of the island to Greece (1948), at different times it was dominated by:

Persians;
Romans;
Byzantines;
Knights Hospitaller;
Turks;
Italians;
Germans.

And only after the end of the Second World War and an agreement with Great Britain, to which the territories occupied by the Germans were transferred, Kos returned to his native Greek harbor. The Greeks set about restoring and developing the island, and after a couple of decades, the towns and villages of Kos became attractive tourist resorts.

Greece, Kos island – where it is and how to get to the island

If you are planning to spend your holiday on Kos in Greece, then your path lies to the east of the country. You can get to the island by air or sea.

Nearest airport

Despite its small size, Kos has its own airfield with two terminals: one for domestic flights, and the second for international flights.

From Russia, direct flights to Kos are organized only during the high season (May-September), and then, as a rule, these are charters. Therefore, most often tourists get to the island through Athens or Thessaloniki. There are daily flights from these Greek cities. The flight duration will not exceed an hour, and the cost starts from 80 € for a one-way ticket.

People also fly to Kos on European low-cost airlines. For example, an air ticket from Kaunas to Kos with one transfer will cost only 60 €.

Kos Hippocrates Airport is located in the center of the island, so you can easily reach any resort from here. For a bus trip, depending on the distance, tourists will pay from 3 to 7 €. Ordering a taxi will cost 18-40 €.

You can also get to Kos by sea, which is incredibly well developed in Greece. It is more convenient to pave the way from the capital Athens, where the port of Piraeus is located. Ferries from the Greek capital to the island of Kos operate on two routes:

Athens - Astypalaia - Patmos - Lipsi - Leros - Kalymnos;
Athens – Syros – Santorini – Patmos – Leros.

Holidays on the island of Kos 2019: attractive aspects for tourists, features of hotels and beaches of Kos, entertainment and attractions.

The island of Kos is one of the pioneers of the tourism industry. Mass tourism began to develop here a long time ago, and now about 1 million tourists visit the island every year! The reason for the popularity of Kos is its favorable location near the main tourist routes of the Aegean Sea, gorgeous beaches and rich nature, thanks to which Kos is nicknamed the “floating garden of the Mediterranean”.

Tours to Greece from Level.Travel

Cost of last minute tours to Greece from the largest online service Level.Travel. Prices are indicated from the minimum for the next four months of the 2019 season.

Kos Island - how to get there

The compact territory of Kos (just over 260 km) allows you to avoid many problems with transfers. Kos International Airport, called Hippocrates, is located in the center of the island, 25 kilometers from its capital. Therefore, tourists arriving on vacation can quickly and easily get to their hotel anywhere on the island in 20-30 minutes. Several daily flights connect Kos with the nearby island of Rhodes. Kos is also connected by air to Athens. You can see the estimated prices for air tickets Athens - Kos in our calendar:

Another popular mode of transport - ferries, also regularly run between Kos, the largest islands of the Aegean Sea and other points. From Athens the ferry to Kos takes about 10 hours, the boat trip to Rhodes will last 2 hours.

Best resorts in Kos 2019

Kos is not the largest island in Greece. However, even on a small piece of land, the variety of recreational areas can confuse those traveling for the first time:

Kefalos Resort- this is the calling card of the island of Kos. Here you will see the most picturesque bay, the most beautiful beach strewn with golden sand, as well as the ruins of the ancient capital of the island - the city of Astypalaia.
Tigaki Resort- a quiet place for a family holiday with children. A large selection of hotels of all categories, including large five-star hotels. The calling card of the resort is a wide, ten-kilometer-long sandy beach with a gentle entry into the sea.
Lambi Resort is a resort area in the suburbs of Kos (the administrative capital of the island of Kos). The spacious beaches of Lambi are home to many young people and tourists who want to stay close to the main attractions.
Mastichari Resort- a town known as one of the largest surfing centers on the island. A calm and relatively inexpensive resort with wide sandy beaches.
Kardamena Resort is the most famous youth resort on the Greek island of Kos. Kardamena provides tourists with an excellent selection of hotels of any star rating, gorgeous sandy beaches, an abundance of water activities and active nightlife;

Where to stay on Kos - hotels

In total, there are about three hundred hotels on Kos, many of them are large hotel complexes with large territories. Kos hotels are fairly evenly distributed along the wide coastline, mainly in the northern and southern parts of the island. Most hotels are well equipped to accommodate tourists with children: children's menus, strollers, playpens, playgrounds, slides and swimming pools are present in almost every major hotel. However, this does not mean that Kos positions itself as an exclusively family resort.

The infrastructure is designed for all categories of tourists: students, young people, elderly vacationers, and married couples. This also explains the wide range of prices and the wide choice of hotel classes. On the island of Kos you can find both modest apartments and luxurious five-star hotels of large chains.

Where to stay on Kos in the 2019 season:

Beaches of Kos - review and photos

Without exaggeration, the island of Kos can be called one of the main centers of beach holidays in the Aegean Sea. Its coastline stretches for 110 kilometers. The beaches on Kos are mostly sandy and very wide; almost every corner of the coast is marked with the EU Blue Flag. On the coast you can find sand of any color - white, golden, and dark volcanic. For lovers of clear water, the island also has a selection of excellent pebble beaches - for example, resort area of Psalidi.

Tigaki Resort (north coast) is perfect for a family holiday: gently sloping sandy beaches stretch for 10 km. The area is calm, hotel complexes are scattered over a fairly large area. Tourists who are planning to spend their holidays on Kos with children are often advised to resort on the southern coast, as there are more sandy beaches here.

Paradise Beach (Kos, Greece)

On the South Coast, the greatest interest among tourists is Agios Fokas beach , since healing thermal springs are located here. The south is also home to the second largest youth resort Kardamena with numerous bars, clubs and discos. Lovers of picturesque views should definitely visit resort area of Kefalos (western part of the island). Photos of this stretch of coastline are most often used in tourist guides to Kos, and one of the most beautiful beaches of Kos is also located here - Paradise .

It is worth noting that Kos is a fairly windy island; stronger winds blow it from the north, so the waves here will be a little larger than in the southern resorts. All beaches of Kos are municipal; sunbeds and umbrellas on public beaches are paid. Sometimes a free sunbed is provided to tavern or bar guests with the purchase of drinks or food.

Entertainment and relaxation on Kos

The administrative center of the island is the city of Kos, located on the northern coast. Here are the main historical monuments, the largest shops and markets of the island; on the central streets you can find many cafes, taverns and bars for tourists. The nearest resort of Lambi is the main party center of Kos, where many young people relax.

The most famous sights of the island of Kos are associated with medicine, because it was here in ancient times that the largest temple dedicated to the god of healing Asclepius existed - Asklepion . Its ruins are well preserved to this day. Kos is also the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates. According to legend, the ancient plane tree in the central square of the city of Kos is the same tree in the shade of which Hippocrates lectured to his students.

Kos is a real paradise for lovers of water (and other) sports. On the windiest parts of the coast you can see large concentrations of surfers and kite enthusiasts. Scuba diving, boat trips, fishing and water activities (like banana boats and water skiing) are also held in high esteem here. Cycling occupies a special place on Kos: there are excellent bike paths that connect many beaches and picturesque sections of the coast.

The island of Kos is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Historians suggest that the name of this island comes from the word “crab”. The image of this crustacean was minted on coins that first appeared in use on this island.

The island's territory is 45 km long and its width varies from 2 to 11 km. The area of the island is 290.3 sq. km. Currently on the territory of the island. Kos is home to more than 33 thousand local people. The capital of the island is the city of Kos.

The island's topography is mainly flat with small hills, although on the eastern side there are small hills with a maximum height of 0.85 km (Mount Dikeos).

The island has resorts such as Kefalos, Marmari, Kardamena, Mastichari, Tigaki, Lambi, Psalidi and Agios Fokas.

Local residents live off developed tourism, growing citrus fruits, olives and other crops. Winemaking, coastal fishing and beekeeping also flourish here. There is practically no industry on the island.

The island is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches with plenty of greenery, a huge number of attractions and at the same time very affordable prices.

Flight time:
from Moscow - from 4 hours
from St. Petersburg - from 4 hours
from Kazan - from 8 hours 20 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 40 minutes. (2 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 12 hours 15 minutes. (1-2 transfers)

Current time in Kos:
(UTC +2)

During the summer months, nature lovers can witness an amazing natural phenomenon: sea turtles laying eggs. These armored inhabitants of the deep sea are so accustomed to humans that they completely fearlessly emerge from the sea onto coastal beaches and lay eggs right in front of the amazed eyes of vacationers. And in the southern part of the island of Kos you can observe such rare animals as Mediterranean seals, which completely fearlessly bask in the waves of the Aegean Sea, sometimes racing for schools of fish.

How to get there

25 km from the capital of Kos, in a suburb called Antimachia, there is an international class Hippocrates Airport with two passenger terminals. Despite the fact that the airport was built in 1964, it has everything necessary for a comfortable stay: ample parking, a medical office, a cafe-restaurant and Duty Free, beloved by all tourists. Flight check-in begins no later than 1 hour 30 minutes. before departure.

Direct regular flights from Moscow are available to (Aeroflot and Aegean Airlines) and to Thessaloniki Airport (in summer, Aegean Airlines). To fly directly to Kos, you can take Aegean Airlines flights with a connection in Athens.

From June to the end of September, the number of people wishing to visit Greece increases sharply, so the number of flights per week increases and a lot of charters to the islands, including Kos, appear. Flight time averages three and a half hours.

Charter flights fly to Kos from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Samara and Kazan. The main airlines operating charter flights to Kos airport: Aegean Airlines, Ural Airlines, Transaero, Sky Express, Tatarstan, Kuban Airlines.

From Athens to Kos island

Transport

Given the compact size of the island of Kos, many tourists enjoy moving around it, while visiting a variety of attractions and interesting places.

Some vacationers prefer to rent a bicycle, scooter or bike, and you can rent a bicycle on the island of Kos directly from the hotel. Daily rental cost is 3.0 - 4.0 euros.

Getting around by taxi

The most comfortable form of transport for moving around the island of Kos is, of course, a taxi. It can be ordered from the hotel by phone, hired at special parking lots, or simply stopped on the road.

Payment for travel in any taxi is made according to the meter; it is not customary to give “tips” to the driver. Day and night tariffs differ in cost, the night tariff is 30-40% more expensive. In addition, taxi fares on holidays increase by an average of 50%.

There is a fee for getting into a taxi (approximately 1.3 euros), calling a taxi by phone automatically adds another 2 euros to the service fee. In addition, if a taxi is called by a certain time, the fare increases from 3 to 6 euros.

There is a charge for carrying luggage in a taxi. For example, luggage weighing more than 10 kg will cost 0.4 - 0.5 euros.

Some Greek taxi drivers like to “pick up” customers in the same direction. This method of transportation is, without a doubt, also beneficial for “decoy” passengers. In order to avoid getting into trouble, it is necessary to make sure that the main clients are actually on the way and inform the driver that payment will be made only for the distance actually covered.

Traveling by regular buses

Regular buses are a very popular form of transport on the island of Kos. The municipal company Ktel is responsible for all bus services on the island. The fare ranges from 1.2 to 3.0 euros.

Bus routes run regularly and strictly on schedule. There are almost never queues for rides. To travel on a regular bus, you must purchase a ticket from the driver or at the hotel reception.

By bus you can take a ferry to the nearby islands (Rhodes, Crete, Lemnos), as well as to the mainland. The cost of the ferry crossing is quite affordable: 5-11 euros.

Traveling with a rented car

It is very convenient to enjoy free movement around the picturesque places of the island of Kos with a rented car, and the cost of renting a car will be approximately 2 times lower than on the mainland.

On the island, you can rent a car in the capital, and right at the airport at the branch of the international company Hertz Car Hire. According to the rules, a driver renting a car in category A-B must be over 21 years old, and over 23 years old to rent a car in category C-D. In addition, the driver must have a minimum driving experience of 1 year.

When renting a car, a foreign tourist must provide the manager with a foreign passport (with all the necessary visas) and an international driving license. A credit card is also desirable.

When renting a car on the island, great attention should be paid to the terms of the insurance policy, which clearly states the points of compensation for losses in the event of theft or breakdown of the vehicle.

It is worth noting that the cost of parking in the central parts of cities starts from 1.50 euros. Violation of traffic rules entails a fine, in some cases quite significant (up to 700 euros).

For vacationers with low financial resources, it is more profitable to rent a car from a private company whose offices are located in close proximity to hotels, restaurants or gas stations. In addition to the attractive price for car rental, private rental owners do not require the presentation of an international license. In addition, you can always negotiate with private owners if the car is rented for a decent period.

Local businesses are happy to accept cash payments. However, even here you need to be vigilant, because private rental companies most often have a very “dilapidated” fleet of vehicles, so it is best to carefully inspect and test the car.

Having decided to spend a holiday on “four wheels”, the driver should be prepared for problematic parking: in the center of the capital, as well as in other large cities, it can be difficult to find a parking space. When traveling by car, special attention should be paid to the peculiarities of sea ferry crossing. Parking of vehicles on the ferry is quite specific - the cars are parked right next to each other, so sometimes it is not possible to get out of them.

Districts

Kefalos

In the west of Kos, approximately 40 km from the capital, is the picturesque resort of Kefalos, which has the whitest sand beach on the island. The length of the beach area is over five kilometers.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Transport

Things to do

On the island of Kos, the main activities are enjoying Greek cuisine, sightseeing on the island and, of course, lying on the beaches of Kos. However, you can not just lie on them, but also do various interesting things, such as windsurfing, kayaking, diving, surfing and much more.

Beaches of Kos

The beaches of Kos island will satisfy the most varied tastes of holidaymakers. There are large beaches here, up to several kilometers long, as well as small ones for a quiet family holiday.

Many beaches on the island can delight tourists with picturesque bays with romantic grottoes, beautiful caves, as well as parks and gardens adjacent to the beach area. Most beaches are covered with either small pebbles or volcanic sand, which can be of a wide variety of colors: snow-white, golden, ash-beige, silver-gray and even black.

Absolutely all the beaches of the island of Kos are perfectly maintained and have at their disposal all the necessary attributes for a comfortable stay - sun awnings and awnings, beach umbrellas, sun loungers, sun loungers, tables. Most beaches are equipped with fresh water showers and areas for beach recreation.

Purchases

Shopping lovers should keep in mind that almost all shops on the island have a very long lunch break (siesta), which lasts from 13.00 to 17.00 local time. And some shops on the island of Kos are even open until lunch (until 13.00 - 14.00).

In large supermarkets, the opening hours are more suitable - from 09.00 to 21.00. The most common and popular markets on the island of Kos are open from 9.00 to 13.00. But numerous kiosks selling cigarettes, newspapers, sweets and ice cream are usually open from 07.00 to 24.00.

The most suitable city for shopping on the island is its capital. The shopping center in this city is located between Nymphaion and Eleftherios Square. In this area you can buy gold products, jewelry, fashionable clothes, leather and fur products, often at discounts.

In addition to a huge variety of boutiques and exclusive shops in the city of Kos, you can visit the market, where, along with high-quality Greek-made clothing, you can buy souvenirs, aromatic spices, seashells, olives, and olive oil.

In the Old Town of Kos there are many souvenir shops and shops for every taste, where tourists stock up on unique handmade jewelry, high-quality cosmetics, oils and unique ceramic products in a truly Greek style - amphorae and jugs.

Many tourists who visit the island of Kos not for the first time prefer Greek sweets, the almond drink Surmada, and icons that are still made by hand using ancient Greek technologies.

In addition to the above, on the island of Kos you can find many interesting and original goods and food products that you cannot buy in another country: tomatoes in sugar, goat cheese in wine sauce, household items made from olive wood, carpets and rugs, wine, honey and others specialties.

Food and drink

For connoisseurs of high-quality, varied and exquisite Greek cuisine, a visit to the island of Kos is a real gift! For the local residents, eating is a whole event, a whole life, which includes traditional, but at the same time very “live” dishes, communication, relaxation, and controversy, in which guests of the island are often involved.

The cost of a standard dinner in a middle-class cafe is 10-15 euros, in a restaurant - 50-60 euros. On the island of Kos, as in other places in Greece, there are many places where you can have a snack and a solid meal.

Coffee shops on Kos island

The Greeks have a tradition of drinking coffee since childhood. Moreover, on the island of Kos they start drinking coffee from the moment they wake up until late in the evening. The best coffee can only be tasted in coffee shops.

When choosing such an establishment, you need to pay attention to the following feature: the more elderly local residents there are among the visitors, the cheaper and better quality the drink they offer.

When you find yourself in a Greek coffee shop, don’t make the mistake of ordering Turkish coffee! Greek coffee (ellinikos kafes) is an oily, thick, strong, unusually aromatic drink with a stable, strong foam. It is served exclusively in small cups with a glass of cool water.

Tourists who cannot drink hot drinks in the heat are recommended to try Greek frappe. Frappe is a cold coffee drink that was invented by the Greeks specifically for the hot season. In coffee shops it is offered in several varieties - frappe glyco (a very sweet cold coffee drink), frappe metrio (medium sweetness) and frappe sketo (no sugar).

Pastry shops on the island of Kos

Greek confectionery shops (zacharoplastio) bake a huge variety of confectionery and culinary products. Greece is the birthplace of the famous baklava (baklavas), the first mention of which dates back to 1453. In addition, it was in this country that such a delicacy as Turkish delight (loukoumades) appeared more than 400 years ago.

Guests of the island of Kos should definitely try such delicacies as: corne me crema (puff pastry filled with cream and whipped cream), galatombureko (sweet dough roll with delicate milk cream), local halva, kadefi, ravani, samali, nishallo, nogul, sherbet. Greek jam made from figs, quinces, oranges or peaches will surely surprise you with its inimitable taste. In winter, on the eve of the Christmas holidays, all of Greece is filled with traditional Christmas sweets that cannot be found in any other country - melomakarona, diples and kurabiye.

To prepare Greek sweets, natural honey, all kinds of nuts, natural milk, cheese, fresh and dry fruits are used. That is why Greek sweets are not only delicious and inimitable in taste, but also retain their freshness and taste for a long time. That is why many tourists take traditional sweets from Greece home.

Bars on Kos island

Bars on the island of Kos are small clubbing establishments with big opportunities. Many of them start working at 22.00 in the evening and work until the last client leaves the premises. In almost every bar, entry for visitors is free, and each client receives an incentive shot. Thanks to the free opportunity to visit bars, you can change several establishments per night, choosing the music, environment, cuisine and interior of the establishment that suits your mood.

In the north-eastern part of the capital of the island there is a special “Bar Street”, on which there are countless different nightlife entertainment venues. Everyone flocks to this street every evening to enjoy the fun and relaxed nightlife.

Taverns on the island of Kos

Tourists who want to taste dishes of true Greek origin should go to a tavern. Taverns are inexpensive establishments that can be either specialized (fish and meat) or with mixed cuisine.

In an ordinary tavern, customers are offered a variety of dishes from meat, fish, vegetables, salads, appetizers, national sauces, and drinks. If you decide to try exclusively Greek cuisine, you should ask the waiter for a special menu - “specialite”.

Cheese lovers are strongly recommended to try feta, a soft cheese made from whole sheep's milk, on the island. In Greek taverns, this cheese is usually served with a salad of tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, olives and onions. Also, other types of cheeses are popular on the island - saganaki, graviera, halloumi.

The world famous “Greek salad” deserves special attention in Greece. It is prepared from the same set of products, but only in Greece does this salad have a special “sound” and flavor.

In fish taverns - psarotaverns - they prepare all kinds of fish and seafood dishes. As a rule, such taverns are located in close proximity to the sea and a visit to them is highly recommended for those tourists who love freshly prepared fish.

In psistari taverns, dishes are prepared exclusively from meat, which is cooked only over live fire or charcoal. Here they offer such famous dishes as brizola (pork chop on a grill), paidakya (lamb ribs), bifteki (cutlets), kotopoulo (chicken on a skewer). You should definitely take marathopites (fennel cakes), lots of vegetables and herbs, as well as national drinks with them.

Beer houses on the island of Kos

On the island of Kos you rarely find a large selection of beer in a beer establishment. Most often, the beer assortment is represented by one or two imported beers - Heineken and Amstel (Greek production), as well as two or three types of local beer - Alpha, Mythos and Vergina.

Historically, beer is not the most popular drink among Greeks. And until some time it was generally considered a drink of the plebeians. Locals prefer wines and stronger drinks.

There are four major breweries in Greece - Mythos, Hellenic Breweries of Atalanti, Athenian Brewery and Olympiaki. There are also private small breweries in the country.

All of the listed breweries produce a foamy drink with a strength of 5% in tin and glass containers with a capacity of 0.33 and 0.5 liters. The cost of 0.5 liters of standard beer is 0.5 - 0.7 euros. Draft beer is more valuable, and its cost, accordingly, is higher than 1.7 - 2.0 euros per 0.5 liter. However, on the island of Kos, in mountain villages, keg beer on tap can be purchased for 1.5 euros. So Kos Island will not disappoint beer lovers.

Glass shops on the island of Kos

You can get acquainted with national Greek alcoholic drinks in glass bars. In establishments of this kind, tourists can get acquainted with the full history of alcoholic beverages, as well as learn a lot of useful and interesting things from the history of the island.

Visitors can choose from several unique alcoholic drinks.

Ouzo- a traditional spicy alcoholic drink with an alcohol level of 40%. In addition to the alcohol base and water, its composition includes anise, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. On the island of Kos you can buy ouzo, both industrially produced and home-bottled. The cost of one bottle is 3-5 euros. Ouzo is consumed both in pure form and diluted with water or with ice. When diluted, the drink acquires a whitish tint and becomes less tart in taste. Ouzo is often one of the main ingredients for cocktails. It is also often added to coffee. On the island of Kos there are establishments called ouzeri, which exclusively serve this drink, made in various ways.

Tsipuro is a traditional Greek alcoholic drink made from grapes. To produce tsipuro, other derivatives can also be used to give the drink a special flavor - quince, apple, pear, fig and even strawberry. The history of the invention of tsipuro goes back a long way. However, it is known for certain that in 1980, tsipouro, as a national Greek product, was approved by the law of the country.

Cancers- national vodka made from grapes. Raki has a specific tart taste and is a very strong alcoholic drink. This is why raki is served in very small glasses.

Raki is one of the main components of the traditional Greek drink rakomelo. In ancient times, warm rakomelo was used to treat colds. Rakomelo contains crayfish, cinnamon, cloves and honey. In winter, rakomelo is consumed warm, and in summer, chilled.

It is very difficult to visit Greece and not try delicious Greek wines, the names of which sound like music.

Retsina- light wine with an unusual taste of fresh pine tree resin. Retsina is ideal as an addition to meat and fish dishes, as well as seafood.

Moschato- Muscat sweet wine. This is a uniquely rich-tasting wine with a long aftertaste, which is ideal with fruits and sweets.

Assyrtiko- noble white grape wine. The infinitely refined and sensitive variety “King of Santorini” is especially prized.

Moschofilero- pink foamy wine with a pronounced floral aroma.

Mandilaria- red wine with an active, rich color. This wine is light, with a balanced bouquet and a fresh aftertaste.

Kebabs on the island of Kos

The Greeks are sure that kebab is a traditional Greek dish. That is why they treat the preparation of this dish with the utmost responsibility. At a kebab shop (suvladzidiko) you can always quickly and efficiently satisfy your hunger with kebab from a wide variety of meats, eating it with fresh vegetables and washing it down with light wine. In addition, you can take away prepared meat from kebab shops.

Restaurants on Kos Island

There are a sufficient number of restaurants on the island of Kos; these establishments offer tourists dishes of various cuisines.

In the resort towns of Kos, you should choose establishments that are located away from the central streets and port. From the experience of many tourists, it is known that the cost of food there is lower.

In addition, you should avoid restaurants where excursion groups are brought for lunch. Often in such food outlets the food preparation process is streamlined, which affects both the quality and portion sizes of the dishes. And the service in such establishments leaves much to be desired.

Connection

Payphones can be found everywhere on the island of Kos. With the Face card (5-10 euros), the subscriber gets the opportunity to call mobile phones (call duration - 1 hour 30 minutes) and landline phones (3 hours). You can purchase such a card in markets and kiosks. The card is valid for 3 months from the date of activation, after which it is canceled.

It is convenient to use Greek telephone services through OTE communication offices, which are open 6 days a week (Sunday is a day off) from 09.00 to 21.00. The exception is small Greek settlements, where OTE liaison offices close at 15.00.

Communications via roaming on the island of Kos are of fairly high quality, but the prices are quite high and must be checked with your telecom operator before your trip.

Every self-respecting hotel provides its clients with Internet connection. You can connect to Wi-Fi at the reception (approximate cost 15 euros for 12 hours). In some cases, you can find a free network (near large hotels, restaurants). You can also look for a free network on the coast near popular places, bars and cafes.

Safety

According to the crime rating, Greece ranks at one of the lowest positions. However, as with everything, some precautions won't hurt. For example, it is best to change currency in banks, special exchange offices, and hotels, and not from dubious individuals on the street.

To protect yourself from theft, valuable items should be placed in a safe; in crowded places you should pay close attention to your personal belongings and wallet.

When vacationing on the island of Kos, you should carefully cross the roadway, even at a pedestrian crossing. Greek drivers, due to their temperament, often exceed the speed limit and do not always give way to pedestrians.

Indecent behavior in public places in Greece, especially when drunk, can result in arrest and a fine.

The Greeks, although they treat tourists with great respect, are accustomed to expressing their discontent and protests violently. Therefore, tourists who unwittingly find themselves in a “hot spot” should move to a calmer place as quickly as possible, and not film the incident unfolding before their eyes on a video camera.

Considering that during the season (July-August) the daytime ambient temperature sometimes reaches + 45 °C, while the breeze constantly blows on the island, there is a possibility of sunstroke or heatstroke. In order not to spoil your vacation, during the daytime from 13 to 17 hours it is recommended to stay in a cool room and drink more fresh water. If tourists need to move around the street (visiting excursions, shops, etc.), then they must cover their heads and avoid the sun.

Beach holidays also require compliance with certain safety rules. When sunbathing, you should be under umbrellas and sun canopies, and use special protective creams. The refreshing breeze that constantly blows on the island of Kos gives a deceptive impression of freshness, so the likelihood of sunburn in this region is very high.

Tourists who prefer active recreation on the water (surfing, water skiing, diving) should not neglect the help of instructors, as well as advice and warnings regarding the advisability of being in the sea.

Where to stay on Kos

Booking.com offers more than 430 hotels in Kos for booking. You can select a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. .

Latest booked hotels in Kos

In addition to the traditional hotels presented above, you can, this may be convenient for some categories of tourists - families with several children, who prefer to cook for themselves, and so on.

Kos is a popular Greek island, where thousands of holidaymakers from all over the planet come during the peak season. The sandy and small-pebble beaches of the island surrounded by greenery, its unique attractions and developed infrastructure make Kos attractive even for particularly demanding tourists.

Climate

The tourist season on the island lasts from late April to October, when the air temperature warms up to +30C. The largest influx of vacationers occurs in the summer months. The swimming season opens in May, when the water warms up to +21 and cools down by the end of October. In September and October there are not so many vacationers, but the weather is still wonderful. The gentle sun and warm sea will allow you to spend time on the beaches in comfort.

Beaches of the island

The beaches on the island are almost all equipped, and there are both small and quite long. The sand can be found in golden, white, and black volcanic varieties. In shallow water there are natural “jacuzzis” when air bubbles rise up from the bottom.

The most picturesque resort on the island Kefalos offers tourists a nice sandy beach, equipped with a rental point for water sports equipment, you can rent water skis or wakeboards.

At the resort Kardamena- the second largest on the island, you can lie on a sandy beach more than three kilometers long. At night, entertainment venues open their doors here, so you won’t be bored.

The longest beach is located in Tigaki. The coast stretches for more than 10 km. The sea here is shallow, so you can safely take children on vacation. The beach is popular with surfers, as it can be quite windy here.

Also long sandy beaches are located in Mastichari And Marmari. They are almost the same, but Mastichari has an amusement park.

The Kardamena area promises a calm sea and a beach with small pebbles. And in the capital of the island there are mainly paid beaches, clean and equipped with sun loungers. There are few tourists here, so you can relax in silence.

Where to stay

The best hotels on the island are located on the seashore. Here you can find both respectable five-star and inexpensive three-star hotels near the beach. Most expensive hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.

Among the best hotels on the island it is worth highlighting the following:

BLUE LAGOON- a luxury hotel complex for tourists with “demands”. The hotel has 370 rooms of different categories, including “adults only” and for couples. The hotel beach is sandy. There are 8 restaurants serving Chinese, Aegean, Italian and other national cuisines of the world. In the evenings there is live music and a children's club.
GRECOTEL KOS IMPERIAL THALASSO- another respectable hotel, designed by designers from Europe. Tourists are offered 384 rooms in the main building and bungalows with all amenities. Many rooms have their own access to the beach, as well as a swimming pool and garden. The interior is complemented by handmade furniture.
NEPTUNE HOTELS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER- this hotel complex has been restored and updated more than once, supplemented with new buildings and restaurants. Today the fashionable hotel has 570 rooms, including two-room apartments with a private kitchen.
MARMARI PALACE HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER- the hotel complex occupies an area of 50 thousand square meters. There are 232 rooms, including free-standing bungalows. It has its own spa center, three swimming pools, and four tennis courts. Children are entertained by animators and teachers.
PORTO BELLO ROYAL HOTEL- a luxury complex with a berth for private yachts. Here you can stay not only in a standard or deluxe room, but also in a presidential suite and even a villa. Themed restaurants, four bars, and a tavern are available for guests.

What to see on Kos island

If you come to the island of Kos, be sure to get acquainted with its history and culture. The following places are definitely worth visiting:

Castle of the Knights of St. John. Ruins and ruins remain from the castle to this day, but even from them you can imagine how huge the structure was. The knights who worked on the construction of the fortress used marble and stone. The moat through which the stone bridge passed had long since dried up, but the bridge itself remained almost the same as many years ago.
Sycamore of Hippocrates. Located at the entrance to the Knights' Castle. This is a majestic tree that, according to legend, was planted by Hippocrates. True, scientists have established that the tree is relatively young, and perhaps is a shoot of the tree planted by the famous healer. The sycamore tree stands on a stone pedestal, and its heavy branches are supported by metal rods.
Temple of Asklepion. This is an ancient temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. According to legend, he learned to resurrect the dead. For a long time, in the temple, priests treated patients who talked about their dreams, based on which they made a diagnosis and selected treatment.
Haji Hassan Mosque. This is a unique cultural monument, closed to the public. But even from the outside it is impressive in its scale and reminiscent of the times when the island belonged to the Ottoman Empire.
Altar of Dionysus. Not much has survived to this day, since according to scientists, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake. However, what was found was a real discovery in archeology.

How to get to the island

Direct flights to the island operate only during the tourist season from May to October from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Flight duration is about 3.5 hours. In other months there will be a transfer in Athens; from Athens the flight to the island will take about 50 minutes.

Another way to get to Kos is by ferry via Rhodes or Athens. Ferries run between the islands of Greece very often, so getting on them is not difficult. You can find the schedule and ticket sales on the Greekferries website.

Tours to the island of Kos - what to do for tourists

For many tourists, Kos is a homely and even patriarchal place. There are small villages all around, spacious beaches with tourists. The island has all the conditions not only for passive relaxation in expensive hotels, but also for surfing, yachting, and windsurfing. In certified centers you can rent diving equipment, however, the local underwater world is not very diverse.

It is definitely worth visiting excursions to local attractions, as well as shopping in shops and souvenir shops and purchasing olive oil, wine, handicrafts, and natural cosmetics.

The island is located in the southeast Aegean Sea. Kos is considered the third largest (overtaken by Rhodes and Karpathos), and based on the number of inhabitants, it ranks second among the Southern Sporades, behind Rhodes. The island is located opposite the Asia Minor coast. Kos is the meeting place of three continents, where great civilizations intersected, creating the unique appearance of the area. Located at the mouth of Halicarnassus, Kos actively developed the cultural sphere, fueled by the influences of the peoples under whose rule it was, while at the same time it managed to preserve a truly Greek soul. The island was important in the formation of Mediterranean civilization, being one of the centers of development.

With a total length of 37 kilometers, Kos has an area of 290 square meters. The 112-kilometer coastline contains many beaches, which attracts tourists. The population of the island is 34 thousand people.

The city of the same name is the capital of the island of Kos; it also serves as the main port. The nearest port is located 200 nautical miles away - Piraeus, they are connected by cruising ships (the journey will take 8-9 hours) and high-speed "dolphins". Sea communications have also been established with other territories of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Kos International Airport "Hippocratis" is located 26 kilometers southwest of the island's capital. There are three daily flights to Athens and also to the island of Rhodes. At the same time, getting to the airport is not difficult: a special bus delivers guests to the island 2 hours before departure.

The elongated island is mostly flat. The highest peaks of Kos do not reach even a kilometer. However, there are many gorges and rocks on the island, which will appeal to lovers of active recreation. Kos is famous for its forests, where pines, cypresses, and cedars are often found. Here you can see beautiful white lilies and scarlet poppies. The fauna of the island is represented by turtles of a special type, amphibians, and amazing butterflies of Rhodes.

Tourism

Kos was destined to be in the tourist guide, because the great Hippocrates was born here. However, no less interesting is the local cultural life, which developed under the influence of numerous conquerors, periods of bright prosperity followed by declines, the emergence of freedom of speech and confrontations between residents and invaders - the thousand-year history of the island is filled with significant events.

Tourism is the main source of income for the island of Kos, the source of its wealth. This destination is becoming increasingly popular every year among travelers all over the world, because the Greek resort combines natural beauty and historical attractions. The second place in terms of economic influence is occupied by trade, industry, agriculture, and fishing.

Holidays here are a real pleasure. The prices of the island are quite adequate for a tourist destination, transport links are convenient, and the development of infrastructure allows tourists to choose options for accommodation, food, and a wide range of opportunities for active recreation, entertainment and excursion programs. It is noteworthy that Kos is often called the “island of bicycles”. This is due to the fact that there are many bicycle paths on the island. Thanks to this, travelers who rent this eco-friendly form of transport can avoid spending money moving around the territory.

A trip to Kos is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the unique architectural style of the island, which distinguishes it from other lands of the archipelago. The style of buildings took shape under the influence of the domination of foreign peoples. The Ottoman period of the island gave the settlements the outlines of “bazaar towns”; at the same time, many mosques and Muslim sources were built, which are still found today.

Italian rule introduced Venetian features into architecture. The 1933 earthquake brought about changes. The Italian rulers restored the capital according to a new layout. The city was divided along social lines. The northern part of the city was intended for ordinary residents; small houses were built here. The center of the capital was occupied by two-story buildings, the first floor of which was given over to shops, and the second floor was inhabited by the local bourgeoisie. The Italians themselves settled in the eastern part of the city, where luxurious mansions with flowering gardens were erected. Italian culture is also reflected in green areas throughout the capital. Venetian features are also noticeable in the public institutions of Antimachia and Kardamena. There is a striking contrast between the buildings erected before the earthquake and after it.

After the Second World War, with the unification of the Dodecanese and Greece (1948), the architecture of the island experienced a new era. The construction of various hotel complexes begins, necessary to provide accommodation for the flow of tourists pouring into Kos. The island is becoming a popular tourist destination, helped by low prices, convenient air connections, and the beauty of the local nature. Some of the traditional buildings have been replaced by modern ones, as they have suffered from time. It is still possible to see them by visiting the villages of Asfendiou, Pyli, Kefalo and Antimachia, walking along the cobbled streets of the settlements. A traditional Xhosa house is a low, single-story structure with a wide façade, masonry, and a flat roof made of stone or other coverings. Such houses are painted white, and windows and doors add brightness to them. The internal content of residential buildings meets the needs of the rural population. A distinctive feature of the houses is kaniotichos. This is a long wall, which is hung with necessary household items: plates, mirrors, decorative items. Traveling around the island, you can notice windmills characteristic of the area. One of the most famous is located in Antimachia.

Ruins of an ancient city

Near the port of Kos there are the ruins of an ancient city. Here you can see the remains of Roman and Hellenistic buildings, sections of the Ancient Agora of the 4th-3rd centuries. BC e., the Greater Stoa (Kamara tou Foru), as well as other small arcades with temples of Dionysus, Aphrodite and Hercules. The Odeon of the 3rd century is well preserved. BC e., including 12 stands and arched galleries.

The town of Kos itself is also worth considering. Directly in front of the Chapel of St. Anne is the Ancient Stadium of the first half of the 2nd century. BC e. At the port, the tourist meets the Nerandzya fortress. This monument was once the most important and at the same time preserved better than other fortifications.

Knights Castle

The right part of the harbor houses the most striking monument to the era when the island was ruled by the Venetians. The Knights' Castle is an example of traditional defensive structures of that era. The fortification is surrounded by a moat and a double wall. The castle is a monument of the 15th century, although construction was completed a century later.

Antimachia Fortress

In the very heart of the island of Kos, southeast of the village of Antimachia, there is a fortress from the Middle Ages. From here you have views of the southern coast of Kos. The fortress was built between 1322 and 1346. Sources report that in the 14th century the castle was used as a prison where convicted knights served their sentences. The fortress was restored after the earthquake of 1494, then additional layers of protection were erected. Inside the castle there are ruins of an ancient settlement left by the inhabitants, several reservoirs, and also a couple of churches.

Archaeological Museum

Finding the museum is not difficult: it is located on Eleftherias Square. The museum's exhibition includes prehistoric objects, sculptures from the Hellenic era, as well as small classical statues of Aphrodite, Eros, Demeter, and Hippocrates. The traveler will see here inscriptions and mosaics depicting episodes from the life of the inhabitants of the island, details of shrines and buildings.

Tree of Hippocrates

Legend has it that the shade of a plane tree with a trunk of about 12 meters was the place where the great scientist taught students medicine. A bridge leads from the plane tree to the Knights' Castle.

Church of St. John the Baptist

The second name of the shrine is “Seven Steps”: 7 recesses of the temple resemble sacred altars. Due to its location, it is currently used as the cemetery church of Kos. Initially, the temple was a baptistery of the early Christian period; now it is the only surviving monument of its kind. Recently, researchers discovered frescoes from the 12th-13th centuries depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist.

Cave Aspris Petras

Aspris Petras translates as “white stone”. The estimated age of the cave is 100-140 million years. The natural landmark was discovered in 1922 by Italian archaeologists. Initially, the cave was used for worship; later people found out that the characteristics of the rocks made it possible to live here. The oldest finds of Aspris Petras date back to the prehistoric period. Researchers found here ancient human fossils and various vessels. Among the rare finds, weapons consisting of blades and sharpened fragments of obsidian volcanic stone, mined on Yali Island, stand out. Scientists also discovered food remains here, confirming speculation that tribes lived on the island and herded animals. The cave is also interesting for the presence of pits with oval millstones. Aspris Petras is one of the most ancient monuments of Kos.

Temple of Hercules

The Temple of Hercules is located next to the Hippocratic plane tree. From the shrine to our times, only the foundation, platform and several columns have survived. The name of Hercules was given to the temple due to the inscription found here and the discovered objects associated with the hero of ancient Greek legends. In these places there are buildings from later eras, including the construction of the Baths and the Baptistery.

Temple of Apollo (Kardamena)

The ancient name of the majestic building is Alasarna. Researchers found the foundation of the temple under a building from the era of early Christianity, which convinced scientists of the existence of life on Kos long before the late ancient period. Alasarna was a religious center, this did not change even after the appearance of the city of Kos, dating back to 336 BC. e. Only a small part of the temple has survived to this day. The three discovered buildings - the sanctuary of Apollo, the altar or inclined entrance (according to scientists) and the temple, the exact period of which is unknown - are unique monuments of the culture and art of the island.

Resorts of Kos

The resort town of Kardamena is located near the airport (7 kilometers). It is famous for its vibrant nightlife, a large number of different bars and discos, and an extensive entertainment program, which especially attracts young tourists. 6 kilometers of Kardamena beaches is another advantage of the resort. The shores of this area are gentle, making them suitable for children to swim. The sandy shore, including small pieces of mica and pebbles, adds to the attractiveness. The sea in the Kardamena area is very calm, but the water temperature is slightly lower. The length of the coastline determines the variety of beaches: from completely wild to landscaped areas. The most famous beach in Kardamena is Paradise Beach. Everything here is created for the convenience of tourists: showers, toilets, sun loungers, umbrellas.

At a distance of 14 kilometers from Kos is the resort of Marmari. Tourists are offered a wide variety of hotels - from the cheapest to luxury complexes. Local beaches are considered one of the best, and their length is 2 kilometers. A gently sloping sandy shore leads to the warm, gentle sea. Trees grow right on the beach, creating shady areas. The tourist is provided with the necessary attributes of a beach holiday: umbrellas, sun loungers, sun loungers. Fans of active recreation can learn at the local windsurf school, the best on the island. Other types of water sports are also represented. The main influx of vacationers is concentrated on the central section of the beach, so if you move away you can relax alone, calmly, away from the noise of tourists. Numerous Marmari taverns warmly welcome guests with traditional dishes.

Another tourist place is Kefalos. Five kilometers of snow-white silky sand frame the sea surface. Thanks to the undercurrent, the water always remains clean. Kefalos itself is a fishing town, but nearby is the tourist village of Kamari. The local, well-maintained beach provides travelers with rental equipment for various water sports.

The eastern territories of Kefalos are occupied by Agios Stefanos. The beach is named after the basilica located near the seashore. From here you can see the Church of St. Nicholas from the neighboring island of Castries. This view has become the hallmark of Kos, included in booklets and guidebooks.

Moving west from the city of Kos, the tourist will find himself in Mastichari. The beach of this resort is flat and densely covered with light-colored sand. The clear sea is not suitable for swimming with small children, as the constant strong wind raises high waves. It is for this reason that thousands of windsurfers from all over the world come here. There is also a school here, where those interested are taught the art of dealing with the elements. Nearby there is entertainment suitable for various groups of tourists: the Lido water park, which occupies an area of 75 thousand square meters.

The 10-kilometer Tigaki beach is a great place for a family holiday. It is here that the coastline is most flat, so small children can swim without fear. Winds in Tigaki are not uncommon, but they are weak and therefore not dangerous. The beach is equipped with amenities and numerous trees provide shade. The white beach is sometimes painted black due to the dark sand of volcanic origin carried out by the surf.

Lambi is essentially a suburb of the island's capital. Compared to other beaches, it is significantly smaller (only 1 kilometer), but it is one of the most comfortable. Local hotels, restaurants and taverns are also noted for their high level of services. Vacationers can rent various necessary equipment, and conditions are provided for water sports enthusiasts.

Psalidi beach is pebble, and the pebbles are quite large. There is a diving center here, so it is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts. After driving 7 kilometers, the tourist will find himself in Termes, famous for its thermal springs and beach. People come here to be treated for joint and skin diseases. You can swim in such springs absolutely free.

The eastern part of the island of Kos is the resort of Agios Fokas. The hilly coast, covered with small pebbles, is equipped with paths for the convenience of vacationers when moving along the beach. The sea here is quite calm, sometimes there is a light wind that does not raise waves. Most often there is no wind at all. Umbrellas, sun loungers and sun loungers are provided at Agios Fokas.