Open the left braid menu. All about the seas of Greece Where is the island of Kos on the map

The island is located in the southeast of the Aegean Sea. Kos is considered the third largest (it is 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 point of three continents, great civilizations crossed here, creating a unique appearance of the area. Located at the mouth of Halicarnassus, Kos actively developed the cultural sphere, fueled by the influence of the peoples under whose rule it was, while he managed to save a truly Greek soul. The island played an important role in the formation of the civilization of the Mediterranean, being one of the centers of development.

With a total length of Kos 37 kilometers, its area is 290 square meters. The 112-kilometer coastline accommodates many beaches, which attracts tourists here. 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 performs the functions of the main port. The nearest port is located 200 nautical miles - Piraeus, they are connected by plying ships (the journey will take 8-9 hours) and high-speed "dolphins". Sea communication has also been established with other territories of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Kos International Airport "Hippokratis" is located 26 kilometers southwest of the island's capital. There are three daily flights to Athens, as well as to the island of Rhodes. At the same time, it will not be difficult to get to the airport: 2 hours before departure, guests of the island are delivered by a special bus.

The elongated island is predominantly flat. The highest peaks of Kos do not even reach a kilometer. However, there are many gorges and rocks on the island, which will appeal to lovers of outdoor activities. Kos is famous for its forests, where pines, cypresses, and cedars are often found. Here you can see beautiful white lilies, scarlet poppies. The fauna of the island is represented by turtles of a special kind, amphibians, 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 was formed under the influence of numerous conquerors, periods of bright flourishing followed by declines, the formation of freedom of speech and confrontations between the inhabitants and the 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 more and more popular with travelers from all over the world every year, because the Greek resort combines natural beauties and historical sights. The second place in terms of economic influence is occupied by trade, industry, agriculture, and fishing.

Rest here is a real pleasure. The prices of the island are quite adequate for a tourist point, transport links are convenient, and the development of infrastructure allows tourists to choose options for accommodation, food, a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities, entertainment and excursion programs. It is noteworthy that Kos is often referred to as the "island of bicycles." This is due to the fact that there are many bike paths on the island. Thanks to this, travelers, having rented this eco-friendly mode of transport, can not spend 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 was formed under the influence of the domination of foreign peoples. The Ottoman period of the island gave the settlements the outlines of "bazaar cities", at the same time many mosques were built, Muslim sources, which are still found today.

Italian domination brought Venetian features to architecture. The earthquake of 1933 made its changes. The Italian rulers rebuilt the capital according to the new layout. The division of the city took place 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 was inhabited by the local bourgeoisie. The Italians themselves settled in the eastern part of the city, where luxurious mansions with flowering gardens were built. 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 is experiencing a new era. The construction of various hotel complexes, necessary to provide a place of residence for the flow of tourists pouring into Kos, begins. The island is becoming a popular tourist destination, which is facilitated by low prices, convenient flights, and the beauty of the local nature. Some of the traditional buildings have been replaced by modern ones as they have suffered over time. It is still possible to see them by visiting the villages of Asfendiou, Pili, Kefalo and Antimachia, walking along the cobbled streets of the settlements. The traditional house of Kos is a low, one-story building with a wide facade, masonry and a flat roof made of stone or other roofing options. Such houses are painted white, and windows and doors give them brightness. The internal filling of residential buildings meets the needs of the rural population. A distinctive feature of the houses is kaniotihos. This is a long wall, which is hung with the necessary household items: plates, mirrors, decorative ornaments. Traveling around the island, you can notice the windmills that are typical for the area. One of the most famous is in Antimachia.

Ruins of the ancient city

Near the port of the city of Kos are the ruins of the ancient city. Here you can see the remains of Roman and Hellenistic buildings, sections of the Ancient Agora IV-III centuries. BC e., the Great Stoa (Kamara tou foru), as well as other small arcades with temples of Dionysus, Aphrodite and Hercules. Well-preserved Odeon III century. BC e., including 12 stands and arched galleries.

The city 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 II century. BC e. In the port, the tourist meets the fortress of Nerandzia. This memo is once the most important and at the same time better preserved than other fortifications.

Knights castle

The right side of the harbor contains the brightest monument of the era when the Venetians ruled the island. The Knights' Castle is an example of the 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 the construction was completed a century later.

Fortress of Antimachia

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

Archaeological Museum

Finding the museum is easy: it is located on Eleftherias Square. The exposition of the museum includes prehistoric objects, sculptures of the Hellenic era, as well as small classical statues of Aphrodite, Eros, Demeter, 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

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

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, nowadays it is used as the cemetery church of the city of Kos. Initially, the temple was a baptistery of the early Christian period, now it is the only surviving monument of this kind. Recently, researchers have discovered frescoes from the 12th-13th centuries depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist.

Cave of Aspris Petras

Aspris Petras is translated as "white stone". The estimated age of the cave is 100-140 million years. The natural attraction was discovered in 1922 by Italian archaeologists. Initially, the cave was used for worship, later people found out that the characteristics of the rocks make it possible to live here. The oldest finds of Aspris Petras date back to the prehistoric period. The researchers found here the fossils of an ancient man, a variety of vessels. Among the rare finds, a weapon consisting of blades and sharpened fragments of obsidian volcanic stone, mined on the island of Yali, stands out. Scientists also found food remains here, confirming the guess that tribes grazing animals lived on the island. 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

Next to the Hippocratic plane tree is the Temple of Hercules. From the shrine to our times, only the foundation, platform and several columns have been preserved. The name of Hercules was given to the temple thanks 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 Thermae and the baptistery.

Temple of Apollo (Kardamena)

The ancient name of the majestic building is Alasarna. The researchers found the foundation of the temple under the construction of the early Christian era, which convinced scientists of the existence of life on Kos long before the late antique 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. Three discovered buildings - the sanctuary of Apollo, an altar or sloping entrance (according to scientists) and a temple, the exact period of which is unknown, are unique monuments of the culture and art of the island.

Kos island resorts

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 coast of this area is gently sloping, which makes them suitable for bathing children. Adds to the attractiveness of the sandy beach, including small pieces of mica and pebbles. 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 of 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 luxurious complexes. Local beaches are considered among the best, and their length is 2 kilometers. The gently sloping sandy shore leads to the warm gentle sea. Trees grow right on the beach, creating shady areas. Tourists are provided with the necessary attributes of a beach holiday: umbrellas, deck chairs, sunbeds. Outdoor enthusiasts can learn at the local windsurf school, the best on the island. Other water sports are also represented. The main influx of vacationers is concentrated on the central section of the beach, so moving away you can relax in seclusion, calmly, away from the noise of tourists. Numerous taverns of Marmari welcome guests with traditional dishes.

Another tourist destination is Kefalos. Five kilometers of 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 equipment for rent, as well as equipment for practicing various water sports.

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

Moving west from the city of Kos, the tourist will find himself in Mastichari. The beach of this resort is gently sloping, it is densely covered with light-colored sand. The cleanest 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. A school also operates here, where those who wish are taught the art of dealing with the elements. Nearby there is entertainment suitable for various groups of tourists: the Lido water park, covering an area of ​​75 thousand square meters.

The 10-kilometer Tigaki beach is a great place for a family vacation. It is here that the coast is the most gentle, so young 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, in fact, is a suburb of the capital of the island. Compared to other beaches, it is much 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 service. Vacationers can rent various necessary equipment, conditions are provided for lovers of water sports.

Psalidi beach is pebbly, and the pebbles are quite large. There is a diving center here, so it is ideal for diving enthusiasts. Having driven 7 kilometers, the tourist will get to Termes, famous for its thermal springs and the beach. People come here to be treated for diseases of the joints and skin. Swimming in these springs is absolutely free.

The eastern part of the island of Kos is the resort of Agios Fokas. The hilly shore, covered with medium-sized 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 of the time there is no wind at all. Umbrellas, sunbeds, deck chairs are equipped on Agios Fokas.

The island of Kos is called the paradise of the Aegean Sea, because it is famous for its clean environment and picturesque natural landscapes. The island of Kos is cute and homely, there are small villages, a lot of greenery and very few people, there is no fuss here, because people come here primarily for relaxation.

Recently, the island of Kos has become more and more popular among Russian tourists, this 3rd largest island from the Dodecanese group is surely in the top. The first time we visited Kos was in 2010, and after 6 years we came again!

In this article I will tell you about the resorts and beaches on the island of Kos, as well as about all the interesting things of the island that we visited - about a honey farm, vineyards, an olive oil factory, old Greek houses, a cozy village in the mountains and much more. And as a highlight, I can note the fact that there is a tiny island-volcano very close by, I will also tell you more about it in this article!

So, if you are planning your beach holiday in Europe, you want maximum comfort, relaxation and a calm atmosphere, while appreciating the cleanest transparent sea and good service, then Kos is quite suitable for you. Stunning natural bays, a clean ecological environment and historical sights, all this can be found on the island of Kos!

If you read my previous article about the slightly noisy and, you will see that Kos is a completely different island with a different charm.

Only 30 thousand people live on the island of Kos, half of which are residents of the capital, while the island is quite large, the length of the coastline is already 112 km, so you can imagine what expanse it is.

The beaches here are very different - sandy, pebbly and even with black volcanic sand.

There are both public and civilized, with full infrastructure - sun loungers, cafes, restaurants, dive and surf schools, and completely wild,

or secluded, and in practice belonging to only one hotel.

There are also unusual ones, for example, with natural thermal springs. The most beautiful beach on Kos is the Paradise beach near the town of Kefalos,

There is also a large observation deck with a 180-degree view of the entire coast.

From here, from Kefalos, other famous beaches stretch - Kamari and Agios Stefanos. At the last one, we just swam, the water here is clear and clean.

Off the coast of Agios Stefanos there is a small island with the ruins of a Byzantine fortress, you can see it already at the entrance to the beach,

and once below, you certainly want to go there by boat,

Or even on a board with a paddle 🙂

In general, there are many beaches on Kos - there are youth beaches, where there are a large cluster of clubs, there are family resorts and those that are popular with surfers, windsurfers and kiters.

Historical landmarks

In the largest city of Kos, the capital of the island of the same name, only 15 thousand people live. You can get around the whole town with its sights in an hour and a half, but once the island was of strategic importance, there was one of the 4 most important temples of Greece - Asklepion (it is also a hospital, a temple and a school of medicine).

The island of Kos is called the island of Hippocrates, because it was here that the great healer was born and founded a medical school. We, of course, found that very old tree - the Hypocratic Plane Tree, the visiting card of the island (in fact, it is a descendant of the same plane tree, it is 500 years old, well, a tree cannot live 2.5 thousand years, and even look so young).

The main essence, of course, is not in the tree itself, but in the works that were created under it, and the legacy that the "father of medicine" left to our humanity. For medical tourists, probably a must-buy souvenir is the Hippocratic oath with a leaf of a historical plane tree, in the form of a letter. "Oath" is sold in all languages ​​of the world 🙂

Also, in the town itself, we visited the ancient Agora with archaeological excavations,

This is the temple of Athena, which, alas, is practically not preserved.

But the frescoes, surprisingly, are in excellent condition here, given their age.

Here you can also see the ruins of former buildings and discover a lot of interesting things, for example, that the ancient Greeks even had a clay water pipe, the pipes of which are still partially preserved!

We also looked into the amphitheater, checked out the excellent acoustics,

we walked around the old quarter with a Turkish street, where, for example, a Turkish hammam has been preserved, which now houses a nightclub-bar.

The central square with the Eleftherias market is just a pleasant place with a couple of nice cafes and the beautiful Gazi-Hasan mosque.

And of course, a promenade under palm trees along the port.

Other attractions/entertainment

Traditional Greek house

If it is interesting to see how the Greeks used to live, there is such an "attraction" on the island 🙂

The house-museum is located in the village of Antimachia, not far from the airport. Inside you can see the life of a wealthy family - how people lived, where they slept, what they ate from.

Nearby is an old windmill, we have already seen such on Rhodes.

bee farm

Here we looked and learned about all the stages of honey production,

tasting different varieties

And of course, we couldn't leave empty-handed 🙂

Vineyards and wine cellars

Walk through the vineyards

and taste different types of wines,

and you can even go down to the cellar here too!

We also looked at olive factory, where its owner spoke in detail about the production process and varieties of olive oil.

Cuisine Kos

It does not differ much from the generally accepted Greek cuisine, but at the same time, Kos has its own special dishes, it is famous for lamb and pork, and of course, local fresh fish and seafood are good.

In the taverns we tried various snacks

and traditional dishes

and one evening we went to the sunset in the village of Zia.

This touristic mountain village is very popular for lunches with amazing views.

and for sunset dinners. We dined at the Oromedon Tavern

and the greek food here is great,

And the sunset view is amazing!

The mountains of the neighboring island of Pserimos, against the backdrop of the sunset sky, look magical,

and the view of Kos is also interesting.

And before dinner, you can take a walk to the old church,

or just along the streets with souvenirs.

There is also an observation deck in Zia and a nature trail in a small national park.

General issues

What to bring from Kos?

From here they bring traditional Feta cheese, olives, cheese in white wine, in fact, the wine itself, thyme honey, various spices, tomato jam and natural sponges that are extracted from the seabed.

Where else to go?

Kos is located very close to Turkey, the shortest distance between the coasts is only 4 km, and there is a regular flight from the capital's port to Bodrum, which takes about half an hour (20 km) to sail to.

So it’s quite possible to swim there in one day 🙂

Also, nearby is a stunning, unusual tiny Greek island-volcano Nisiros, we swam on it last time.

Only 1,000 people live on this island.

The island itself is simply charming - white houses, narrow winding streets, a Venetian church with a monastery of the Virgin and a pleasant port embankment with restaurants,

but the most important feature of the island is, of course, the volcano! Yes, yes, on Nissyros you can go down into the crater of a real active volcano!

Then it was the very first volcano for us, we have not yet been to and have not visited

When to go to Kos?

The hottest months on the island are July and August, the tourist season lasts from April-May to the end of October.

How to get to Kos?

This time we sailed to the island of Kos, on a large Blue Star Ferries,

and 7 years ago they flew on a charter. Regular flights from St. Petersburg and Moscow also fly here (4 hours on the way). About 1 million tourists come to the island every year. You can view flights here.

Where to stay?

The island has a good choice of both 4-5 * hotels and family hotels and apartments.

The very first time we lived near the village of Kardamena (this is the largest resort after the capital) at the Norida Beach hotel, and nearby, in the neighborhood, there was another, very cool Mitsis Blue Domes hotel, where we went to take pictures))

And this time we stayed at the new, stylish Michelangelo Resort & Spa Hotel with a stunning view of the sea,

with a large territory, its own beach, an endless infinity pool and excellent restaurants.

hotels in Kos Transport on Kos

It is most convenient to travel by car, on both visits we did just that,

we also rented bikes, the traffic on the island is very calm, there are even bike paths in the city.

So it’s easy to drive around on a two-wheeled friend - getting to a nearby beach or village is not difficult 🙂

Public transport is also developed, there is a bus service between major cities and villages.

Staying in Kos and Rhodes can be combined in one trip.

Have a great trip, friends!

About all the interesting places of Kos, as well as what Greece hooked us in general, read in these articles:

Kos is a popular Greek island where thousands of vacationers from all over the planet come during the peak season. Sandy and small-pebble beaches of the island immersed in greenery, its unique sights and developed infrastructure make Kos attractive even for especially 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 tourists occurs during 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 fine. The gentle sun and warm sea will allow you to comfortably spend time on the beaches.

Island beaches

The beaches on the island are almost all equipped, while there are both small and quite long ones. Sand is found and golden, and white, and black volcanic. In shallow water, natural “jacuzzis” come across when air bubbles rise from the bottom.

The most picturesque resort on the island Kefalos offers tourists a nice sandy beach, equipped with a rental of water sports equipment, you can rent water lyi or wakeboard.

At the resort Kardamena- the second largest on the island, you can lie down 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 stretched for more than 10 km. The sea here is shallow, so you can safely take children on vacation. The beach was chosen by surfers, as it can be quite windy here.

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

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

Where to stay

The best hotels of 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 are the following:

1. BLUE LAGOON- a luxurious hotel complex for tourists "with requests". The hotel has 370 rooms of different categories, including "adults only" and for couples. The beach of the hotel is sandy. For guests there are 8 restaurants with Chinese, Aegean, Italian and other national cuisines of the world. There is live music in the evenings and a kids club.
2. GRECOTEL KOS IMPERIAL THALASSO- another respectable hotel, which was designed by designers from Europe. Tourists are offered 384 rooms in the main building and bungalows with all amenities. Many of the rooms have their own access to the beach, as well as the pool and garden. The interior is complemented by handmade furniture.
3. NEPTUNE HOTELS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER- this hotel complex has been restored and updated more than once, supplemented with new buildings, restaurants. Today, the luxurious hotel has 570 rooms, including two-room apartments with a private kitchen.
4. MARMARI PALACE HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER- The hotel complex covers an area of ​​50 thousand square meters. There are 232 rooms, including stand-alone bungalows. It has its own spa, three swimming pools, four tennis courts. Children are entertained by animators and educators.
5. PORTO BELLO ROYAL HOTEL- a luxurious 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. For guests there are themed restaurants, four bars, a tavern.

What to see in Kos

If you come to the island of Kos, be sure to get acquainted with its history and culture. You should definitely visit the following places:

• Castle of the Knights of St. John. To this day, ruins and ruins have remained from the castle, but even from them you can imagine how huge the building 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 it had been many years ago.
• Plane tree of Hippocrates. Located at the entrance to the Castle of the Knights. This is a majestic tree, which, according to legend, was planted by Hippocrates. True, scientists have established that the tree is relatively young, and may be an offshoot of that tree planted by a famous healer. The plane tree stands on a stone plinth, and its heavy branches support metal bars.
• 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, the priests treated the sick, who talked about their dreams, according to which they made a diagnosis and selected a treatment.
• Mosque of Haji Hassan. This is a unique cultural monument, closed to the public. But even from the outside, it impresses with its scope and reminds of the times when the island belonged to the Ottoman Empire.
• Altar of Dionysus. Not much has survived to this day, since, according to the assumptions of 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 fly only during the tourist season from May to October from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Flight duration is about 3.5 hours. In other months, you will have to 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 timetables and ticket sales on the Greekferries website.

Tours to the island of Kos - what to do for a tourist

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

You should definitely visit excursions to local attractions, as well as make purchases in shops and souvenir shops and buy olive oil, wine, handicrafts, natural cosmetics.

Greece is a country where every piece of land is filled with stories. Traveling to this amazing country is an unforgettable and wonderful vacation that opens up a lot of opportunities.

Greece is always very popular among many travelers. And this is true, because in this country everyone will find their favorite place for a great vacation.

It is best to go on vacation to the Hellenic Republic from early June to mid-October. It is at this time that the swimming season opens here. The air temperature can reach 30-35 degrees Celsius. And the water temperature is 25 degrees.

The sights of Greece are distinguished by color and variety:

• Acropolis - a symbol of Athens, a sacred rock that links modernity and splendor of ancient Greek civilization;
• Parthenon - the majestic temple of the goddess Athena;
• Olympia - the site of the Olympic Games;
• White Mountains;
• Knossos Palace - which is a whole city, which is shrouded in legends and much more.

What are the seas in Greece?

The Hellenic Republic is located on numerous islands in the Mediterranean Sea and in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country is amazing in that it is washed by three seas at once: in the east - the Aegean Sea; in the south - the Mediterranean; in the west - Ionian. Also, historically, the following seas stood out here (and now they are not indicated on any map): the Cretan Sea, which is located between the island of Crete and the Cyclades; the Myrtoan Sea, located between the Cyclades and the Pyloponnese; in the north - the Thracian Sea.

• The total area of ​​the country is 132 thousand square meters. kilometers, of which the island part belongs to 25 thousand square meters. kilometers. The coastline has a length of about 4100 kilometers and is almost completely indented.
• In the north, Greece borders on such countries as Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania; and to the east it borders on Turkey.
• The largest islands of the Hellenic Republic are the Cyclades, the Northern Sporades, Samothrax, Thassos, Corfu, Rhodes, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Samos, Lesbos, Lemnos, Crete and Ikaria.

The geographical position of Greece has always been extremely advantageous, as the country is located at the crossroads of trade routes, and natural harbors for ships were created thanks to the indented coastline with numerous bays and bays.

The seas surrounding the islands of Rhodes, Crete, Kos and Corfu

• Greece, Crete: which sea?

Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It is located 300 kilometers from Africa, 175 kilometers from Asia and 110 kilometers from Europe. Its total area is 8262 sq. km, and 1046 - the length of the coastline.

The island is washed by three seas at once: in the west - by the Ionian Sea; in the south - by the Libyan Sea, in the north - by the Cretan Sea.

• Greece, Rhodes: which sea?

Rhodes is the fourth largest Greek island. It is located in the south-east of the country and is part of the Dodecanese group of islands. The total area of ​​Rhodes is 1397 sq. km.

Rhodes is the owner of 2 seas: in the east it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and in the south by the Aegean Sea.

These two seas are fundamentally different from each other. The Mediterranean Sea is characterized as calm and quiet, while the Aegean, on the contrary, is violent. Therefore, the Mediterranean Sea is suitable for lovers of a relaxing beach holiday, and the Aegean Sea is suitable for fans of windsurfing. Also, sand is most common in the Mediterranean Sea, and pebbles in Egeskomm.

The main resorts of Rhodes include Lindos, Kolymbia, Faliraki and Kallithea.

• Greece, Kos island: which sea?

Kos is the third largest Greek island after Karpathos and Rhodes. Its total area is 223 sq. km, 112 km - the length of the coastline. Kos is part of the Dodecanese group of islands, and is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea.

Basically, the entire territory of the island is flat, and mountains can be seen only in the northwest. Kos is best known for the fact that the great ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (the founder of modern medicine) was once born here.

• Greece, Corfu: which sea?

Corfu is the second largest Greek island among the Ionian Islands. Its total area is 592 square kilometers, and the length of the coastline is 217 kilometers. In the northeast it borders with Albania, and in the west with Spain.

The island is washed by 2 seas at once: in the eastern part - the waters of the Ionian Sea, and in the western part - the waters of the Adriatic Sea.

According to ancient Greek mythology, this island was founded by Poseidon - God and ruler of the seas.

Corfu is known for its magnificent landscapes: olive groves, numerous forests, green hills.

The island of Kos (Greece) is one of the largest and most picturesque in the country. Nowadays, it is extremely popular with vacationers. Everything here is conducive to a pleasant pastime: wonderful small-pebble and sandy beaches, historical sights, a well-developed infrastructure of comfortable hotels and the bustling life of modern cities. This picturesque piece of land is one of the ten cheapest tourist destinations, which makes it even more attractive.

How to get to the island?

The island of Kos (Greece), the map of which is published in this article, is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Dodecadence archipelago. Four kilometers east of the island is the coast of Ionia (now Turkey), the area of ​​​​the resort area of ​​\u200b\u200bBodrum.

The island has its own international airport. Kos (Greece) is connected by regular and charter flights with all countries of the world. You can get here from Moscow or St. Petersburg without transfers only during the holiday season - from May to October. The flight will take approximately three hours. The rest of the year, you can only get to the island with a stopover in Athens.

Popular resorts

Greece is famous all over the world for its magnificent resorts. Kos is an island where there are also a lot of them. On the southern coast of this part of the land there are famous places for recreation - Kamari and Kardamena. Here are pleasant sandy beaches, clean and clear water, calm, peaceful sea. Fans of an active lifestyle can go kite or windsurf at Kefalos Bay, located nearby. Kamari has a beautiful beach with the promising name of Paradis. Once having visited it, you will certainly want to return there again.

In the vicinity of the city of Kos, in the east, there is a resort Psadili. The beach here is pebbly, but this does not detract from its merits. The sea in these parts has a stunning emerald green hue, thermal springs can be found in a ten-minute drive, and a magnificent view of the Turkish health resort of Bodrum opens from afar.

In the northern part of the island there are resorts: Marmari, Mastichari, Tigaki. Beaches with sandy shores, stretching into the gentle waves of the Aegean Sea, stretch for tens of kilometers. The waters here are restless due to constant winds. However, this has its advantages. The resort of Marmari, for example, is great for water sports: waveriding and windsurfing.

The most famous youth resorts that Greece (Kos) can boast of are Tigaki, Psadili and Kardamena.

Attractions

Greece occupies one of the leading places in the world in terms of the number of historical monuments. Kos, whose sights are described in this article, is also not deprived of them. The most famous objects of close attention of tourists are the temple of the god Asclepius (Asklepion), the plane tree of Hippocrates, the temple of Hercules (ancient Agora), the Hadji Hassan mosque, a nature reserve, a thermal spring, an archaeological museum, the island of Patmos, the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, the Roman villa of Casa Romana, the ruins of the ancient city of Pili, etc. Let us dwell on the description of some attractions in more detail.

Hippocratic plane tree

The island of Kos (Greece) is the birthplace of one of the greatest men on earth, the great Hippocrates. The healer founded his first school of medicine here. According to legend, a tree grows on the island, which Hippocrates planted with his own hands, and then taught his students under its crown. The plane tree is really impressive with its impressive size. The diameter of its trunk is 10 meters. However, meticulous researchers have established that the tree is only 700 years old, and it can in no way be a contemporary of Hippocrates, who lived in the 5th century BC. e. Nevertheless, both the plane tree and the legend associated with it are worthy of attention.

Asklepion

Greece can be considered the birthplace of modern medicine. Kos has the most famous Asklepion of the three hundred that existed in the country. This is the place where ancient healers treated their contemporaries. It got its name in honor of the god of medicine Asclepius. The ancient medical complex was built in 357 BC. e. It consists of those terraces connected by imposing staircases. There are temples dedicated to Asclepius and Apollo, a fountain, an anatomy museum, a medical school, baths with water from thermal springs, etc. In the ancient Greek hospital, they treated according to the principles founded by Hippocrates. The symbolism of the cult of Asclepius featured a snake, which is still the emblem of medicine.

Citadel of the Knights of Malta

The battlefield between representatives of two different cultures - the Islamic world and Western civilization - was sunny Greece in the Middle Ages. Kos is a place where the blood of noble knights and fearless Saracens was spilled more than once. As a reminder of those distant times, the castle of the Ionite knights and the remains of the walls of a monumental defensive fortress rise on the island. This building was built at the beginning of the 14th century on the site of an ancient Byzantine citadel. In the 16th century, a high wall was erected around the castle. In 1514, construction was completed, but nine years later the Turks managed to break through the defenses of the Knights of Malta and destroy the fortress. Since then, the castle has been in picturesque ruins, which ubiquitous tourists seek to visit. From the walls of the citadel offers a panoramic view of the city of Kos and the seaport.

Island capital

Hospitable Greece welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Kos, whose attractions include not only natural sites, but also the impressive cultural heritage of the country, is always ready to receive new visitors. In the capital of the island you can find a lot of interesting things. The stay of the city for four hundred years under the rule of the Ottoman Empire left a special imprint on it. It has many well-preserved Muslim temples. One of them - the Defterdar Mosque - is located on Eleftherias Square, the other - the Hadji Hassan Mosque - is located near the Hippocrates tree. Orthodox churches on the island of Kos also deserve attention. There are over a hundred of them here. The most famous - the Church of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva - is located in the center of Kos. Its construction dates back to 1931-1932. In addition, the capital of the island is replete with evidence of the heyday of Hellenic culture. After an earthquake in 1933, the ruins of the ancient city of Kosbyl were found, the architectural splendor of which can be appreciated from the surviving fragments of the temple of Aphrodite, the gallery of the Forums and the sanctuary of Hercules.

Kalymnos island

Fifteen kilometers from the island we are describing is another one - Kalymnos. The maritime museum, founded by Captain Stavros, is of interest here. This man has been catching sponges since childhood. And the museum presents a lot of treasures he extracted from the sea: corals, shells, plants, the remains of an ancient ship, a German machine gun, fragments of a combat aircraft of the Second World War, etc.

The city of Potia is a must to visit. Here is the sponge factory - the main source of income for the small island. You will be happy to be told about the process of catching and processing these rare seafood during the tour.

Island hotels

The island of Kos (Greece), the photos of which are published in this article, boasts the most modern and comfortable hotels. One of the most rated is the four-star Kipriotis Village 4 *. It is located on the sea coast, three kilometers from the city of Kos and twenty-five from the local airport. The area of ​​the hotel is 135 thousand square meters. This beautiful holiday destination strikes the perfect balance between the typical architecture of a Mediterranean village and the services of a modern four-star hotel. The territory decorated with lush greenery and developed infrastructure allow vacationers to completely abandon their daily worries. The hotel has 651 rooms for every taste and budget.

At any time of the year, sunny Greece, the island of Kos, is a great place to relax. Hotels in this beautiful place are characterized by increased comfort and friendly staff. Dimitra Beach Resort 4 * is no exception. It is located eight kilometers from the capital of the island, on the cape of Agios Fokas, and two kilometers from the thermal springs. The hotel can offer 256 comfortable rooms with a magnificent view of the sea coast. This is the perfect place for a relaxing time.

The five-star Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso 5 * hotel was built in 2002. It consists of a main building and a complex of cozy bungalows. The resort is well located on the beach. For those who want to take a break from the scorching heat in the shade of trees, there is a wonderful garden with green lawns and fancy fountains. Three pools, with rivers and waterfalls, form a delightful water network that gives coolness on the hottest afternoon. For those wishing to plunge into the sunny waves of the Aegean Sea, there is a sandy Psadili beach. The Grecotel Kos Imperial Thalasso 5 * resort has a lot of entertainment, but if they seem too bland to you, then you can go to the nearby city of Kos to go to a nightclub or other entertainment venue.

Prices on the island

Accommodation prices on the island of Kos are relatively low. For accommodation in a standard room of a two-star hotel, you will need to pay from 15 euros per person. During the holiday season, this figure is approximately doubled.

You can eat in Greek taverns. Moussaka (vegetable casserole in a clay pot) will cost from 7.5 to 10 euros, Greek salad - from 4 to 6.7 euros. On the street you can buy local shawarma, gyros, for 2-3 euros. The same pleasure in a restaurant will cost 7-9 euros. The freshest grilled fish with vegetables costs from 12 euros. Saganaki mussels prepared according to a traditional recipe - from 10 to 12 euros. Sweets (baklava, frappe) will cost 2-3 euros.

You can rent a car on the island. For one day of rent (from 9.00 to 20.00) at the box office they take from 40 to 60 euros. Gasoline here costs 1.85-1.87 per liter. The island is small, so fuel costs no more than 15 euros per day.