Situated in the southeastern Aegean, Kos is the third largest island with the Dodecanese. The island is quite green and filled with flowers. The island’s historic monuments and landmarks, dating back to Antiquity, the Hellenistic and Roman Times, also because the Middle Ages provide a feast for those looking for to learn far more about the island’s past. For the carefree tourist they make up a picturesque and pleasant environment in which to stroll.
Above all the island is renowned for the Asclepeion, the ruins on the sanctuary of Asclipios exactly where the father of medicine Hippocrates set up a hospital as well as a college of medicine, at the same time as for the “Platanos” an ancient tree under which Hippocrates was to have taught his students, with its ancient techniques where street vendors and little shops sell all kinds of fascinating memorabilia, handicrafts and jewelery. Other substantial historical sights are: the ancient Agora, the ancient theatre, the Kos museum with its important collection situated on the primary square opposite to the regional market place exactly where you are able to obtain all sorts of fruits, vegetables, local goods and spices, the Casa Romana (remains of a roman property) with its one of a kind set of mosaics, the medieval castles built by the knights of St. John (in Kos town, just outside Antimachia, in Palio Pyli, and also the ruins of walls in Kefalos), the remains of an early Christian basilica close to Mastichari, a few churches plus a monastery…
For those just wishing to take it easy, the island’s amazing scenery: extended sandy beaches, innumerable dunes, smaller secluded coves, gorgeous blue waters… constitute the ideal atmosphere. For the additional adventurous sorts, biking and hiking are an awesome way of taking within the scenery and discovering places off the beaten track.
Climb for the major of mount Dikaeos and visit the chapel perched on its peak, uncover the picturesque mountainside villages which have maintained their regular character, take a look at Plaka, the wood west of Antimachia, habitat in the wild peacocks, Antimachia’s windmill, the only operational windmill in Greece and the classic Greek house nearby, take a swim inside the thermal waters of Aghios Fokas…
From the island of Kos you can take a look at pretty loads of smaller sized islands:
Kalymnos, the sponge divers island may be simply reached from the tiny port of Mastichari in 20 or 45 minutes depending on the boat you choose to take. Discover every little thing in regards to the regular handling from the sponges and stroll through the key city of Pothia together with the common colourful houses, the fish taverns and the harbour promenade.
Nissiros is usually a volcanic island and can be reached after an hour’s boat trip from Kos city or Kardamena. Check out the volcano with the view with the crater, the steaming earth as well as the yellow landscape filled with sulphur and later on loosen up inside the smaller picturesque major city of Mandraki.
The trip is effectively worth it…
