Little Kos is only 50 kilometers long! Located in the Aegean Sea, it belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, which includes 11 more islands among them - and Karpathos. From Kos to Turkey is closer than to Rhodes - Bodrum and Kos are separated by only 70 kilometers.
During the long history of the island, several strongest earthquakes destroyed ancient monuments. The last, most devastating, happened in 1933.
The modern capital of the island - the city of Kos - is a new city built after the disaster.
The island of Kos is green, with wonderful parks. Ancient monuments have been preserved, mainly in the form of ruins.
Kos has become a popular resort relatively recently. The island is entirely given over to tourists. Each resort town has its own, unique look and is designed for different recreation: youth, extreme, sports, family, sightseeing.
When choosing a resort on Kos, one must take into account its features. Kos is the most democratic holiday destination in Greece. It has the most 2-star hotels, the most low prices. This island is one of the most eco-friendly resorts not only in Greece, but also in the world. It is not surprising that every year more tourists comes to Kos. In the summer, the 30,000th population of the island welcomes up to 600,000 guests!
There is everything that can attract any tourist - the cleanest sea, beaches with sand of different shades and with a deep history.
This is the island of Hippocrates, and to this day its inhabitants follow the commandments of the great healer. The healthy lifestyle of the islanders is noticeable in everything: careful attitude to land and water, which is not clogged with waste here, in the cultivation of environmentally friendly products.
Even wine is drunk here only what is good for health, and the favorite transport on the island is a bicycle.
Kos is the habitat of some rare species of animals and birds: pink flamingos, Caretta turtles, Mediterranean seals. The inhabitants of the island themselves are a peaceful and positive people.
In their environment, even tourists, exhausted during the working year, change, becoming calmer and ceasing to rush somewhere, completely surrendering to a serene rest.
How to get there
The length of the island does not exceed 50 km. Of course, like any island, you can get here by sea from the mainland and from other islands.
But Kos has his international Airport, which takes charter flights and offers all the necessary services for guests - transfer, parking, cafe, first-aid post and duty-free shop.
Hippocrates Airport is located 27 km from the capital of the island, the city of Kos, in the village of Antimachia.
A regular bus ride from the airport to the city of Kos costs 4 euros, but it does not run very often, and it does not always drive up to the airport itself, bending around it on the road around.
Therefore, many prefer to take a taxi for 35 euros.
In order to have a delicious meal, it is not necessary to go to an expensive and well-known restaurant. It is a matter of honor for the owner of any tavern to feed the guests deliciously. As for prices, here, as in most seaside resorts, the rule is that the closer to the embankment, the more expensive.
The average cost of meals is as follows:
- Greek salad - 4 euros;
- spaghetti with mussels - 6 euros;
- moussaka - 7 euros;
- kleftiko (baked lamb) - 8 euros;
- house wine (0.5 l) - 5 - 6 euros;
- keftedes (small round cutlets) - 6 - 7 euros;
- lamb ribs cooked on an open fire - 10 euros;
- a dish of freshly caught fish - 10 euros;
- grilled seafood mix - 10 - 12 euros;
- octopuses (grilled) - 8 - 10 euros;
- stuffed squid - 7 - 8 euros;
- Greek coffee - 2 euros;
- local beer - 2.5 euros;
- Greek dessert - 4 euros.
Portions are large, two (without wine) are likely to have a hearty dinner for 20 euros.
Of course, you can eat local fast food such as shawarma, its cost is 2.5 - 3 euros, but being on Kos and not trying the main dishes of Mediterranean cuisine is unacceptable.
It is problematic to exchange rubles here, as there are very few exchange offices. It is better to have euros with you in advance or use bank cards.
There are no fashion boutiques here, but there are many original and high-quality items produced by local craftsmen. In addition to the usual postcards, magnets for 1 euro and olive oil (from 3 euros per liter, they bring from Kos:
- sea sponges from - 3 euros;
- paintings with local landscapes (oil) from - 5 euros;
- ceramic products from - 5 euros;
- textiles from - 10 euros;
- leather shoes and bags from - 35 euros;
- thick and fragrant wine Shiraz - 17 euros.
Tomato jam and honey from Andimachia, cumin and cheeses from Kefalos, especially Possa goat cheese, which is stored in red wine, sweet tinctures of almonds and cinnamon - surmada and canelada (at a price of about 5 euros) are very popular.
Souvenir shops are open until late in the evening, and those that are designed for the local population may close at 17.00, on Saturdays - at 13:00 in the afternoon, and on Sunday, as a rule, they are closed.
IN Lately Europeans prefer to buy tours to Greece. In this vast and hospitable country, every piece of land is unique in its historical heritage and ancient architecture. The most popular resort areas in Greece are Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and the island cannot but admire with its ancient centuries-old history.
Let's discuss in more detail the resort of Kos, which is located in the southeast. It is famous for its wonderful virgin landscapes, colorful sandy beaches, thermal springs and amazing architectural objects. Only here tourists will be able to meet Mediterranean seals swaying on the waves, or see how turtles lay their eggs and bury them in the sand.
The climatic conditions in the resort are very favorable, it is a little cooler here (unlike the same Rhodes), a lot of elite housing of excellent quality has been built in affordable price. It is for this reason that tours to the island of Kos are becoming more and more popular every year. On this piece of land there is a harmonious balance between the modern world and pristine nature - this is a real find for those who prefer a measured and unhurried pastime.
It is famous for its special Greek atmosphere, which sets the tone for the mood. Every little thing seems fabulous and mythical. The small Greek province is rich in picturesque bays, small chapels, rocky capes and is simply saturated with the scent of jasmine. A huge advantage is the convenient geographical location relative to nearby resorts such as Leros, Samos, Rhodes, Patmos, Kalymnos and Nissiros.
Transport accessibility
Getting to the tropical resort will not be a huge difficulty, planes fly here and buses run. Ferry service is excellent. Every day, motor ships sail from its shores to any village and the center of Greece. Highways built. As you can see, there are no problems with the transport fork.
Outstanding ancient objects of the resort
One of the most ecologically clean areas is the island of Kos. Attractions are scattered throughout the resort area. Amazing creations of mankind have survived to our times. Wildlife thrives in the province: delightful flamingos, huge turtles and lazy seals live here. Kos is often called a natural and architectural reserve.
And how many ancient ruins are scattered on the territory! For example, in the central part of the island, archaeologists found objects of the early Christian and Mycenaean era, which were subsequently exhibited in the Archaeological Museum. Among the expositions, a special place is occupied by a mosaic with images of Hippocrates and Asclepius. The evidence that earlier there was life on these lands is the found cemetery with buried children of different ages.
In the eastern zone, many ancient temples with amazing ornaments were found. Also found here is an altar to Hercules and the Venus pandemic. And in the western part, they unearthed the altar of Dionysus, as well as numerous buildings with unusual scientists found the Casa Romana mansion, decorated with frescoes and ancient sculptures. Valuable buildings and expositions from different eras (Roman, Hellenistic, Classical) are presented in the Archaeological Museum, which is located on Freedom Square.
Hippocratic plane tree
Acquaintance with the island, according to local residents, is better to start with a tour of the main square, where the majestic Hippocrates tree (or plane tree of desires) grows. According to unofficial sources, the ancient Greek doctor himself planted it about two thousand years ago in order to conduct debates and exercises with his friends and students under his shady crowns.
Some researchers believe that this tree is no more than 500 years old, but there are no facts confirming these assumptions yet. The circumference of the plane tree is more than 14 m, it stands on a stone structure, and its bulky branches support metal sticks. It is looked after by local residents who consider the tree the main shrine of the province. Every year in the summer season, grandiose festivals are held on the square.
Asklepion temple complex
The island of Kos, the photo of which is presented in the article, is proud of the ruins of the temple of the healer god Asclepius. After a powerful earthquake, the structure was severely destroyed, and small buildings remained in its place. Previously, Asklepion was a medical sanatorium and consisted of several levels.
There was also a medical school with spring springs and majestic arches. In the 4th century, the shrine of Asclepius was erected on the third level. A few more centuries later, wards for the sick and a cathedral of the Doric period were built.
Knights castle
The island of Kos is rightly proud of its ancient buildings. Tours of the castle leave a lasting impression on tourists. According to reliable information, the construction of the fortress began in the 14th century, and ended only in the 18th century. This was constantly hampered by attacks from the Turks. In the guise of an unusual structure, several architectural styles are visible. There are ancient sculptures, old inscriptions with altars.
The majestic castle of Antimachia
In a picturesque settlement, 3 km from the island, there is a Venetian building, which previously served as a haven for local residents. The appearance of the fortress has been completely preserved, even despite numerous attacks. The date 1494 is engraved in front of the entrance and the symbol of the knights of the Order of Malta is indicated.
The interior decoration is unremarkable. There are two cathedrals of the 16th and 18th centuries and dilapidated foundations of ancient buildings. But what a panorama opens from the walls of the building - pristine landscapes and the blue sea!
What else is remarkable about the island of Kos?
The map of the resort is presented in the article, on it you can see a small piece of land. Holy cathedrals and churches amaze with splendor and power. Numerous Muslim and Orthodox churches are of great value for the city (the Mosques of Defterdar and Haji Hassan, the Church of St. Paraskeva the Martyr).
We recommend you make an excursion to Cape Rufianos - the purest corner of nature with an interesting building, located behind the picturesque bay of Kefalos. Falls will leave an indelible impression. IN summer time tourists visit places archaeological sites in Pili. Here you will see buildings dating from the Middle Ages. You will also learn about the rich historical heritage of this place.
You can feel the atmosphere of antiquity at the "market" Agora. It was here that the local Greeks made their purchases. On the territory, the viewer is presented with the surviving remains of ancient buildings, bulky columns of original symmetry and a renovated small church. In addition to the architectural and historical heritage, the island of Kos is proud of the amazing natural objects. The sights of the resort area are represented by Thermal Springs, Salt Lake, the village of Zia, Peacock Forest.
The best beaches in the province
Almost the entire coast is covered colorful sand. Black, gray, golden and even red beaches of the island of Kos amaze with their magnificence. They are the pride of the country, and some coastlines simply dazzle with an extraordinary landscape - picturesque bays with stone structures. The environment encourages vacationers to active entertainment: windsurfing, diving, yachting and surfing. Let's take a look at the list of the most the best beaches resort.
Paradise beach is a popular place with beautiful scenery and white sand. The coastline is equipped for guests with various attractions, beach facilities, rental offices and cozy restaurants.
Termes Bay is a small-pebbled and sparsely populated coast with delightful steep archipelagos. This secluded piece of paradise has a salt lake formed by the mixing of sea water and underground sources.
The coast of Kardamena is one of the busiest resort areas. Extends for several kilometers. This is a very clean sandy beach with a gentle slope into the Aegean Sea. There are always a lot of people here, life is in full swing.
Where to stay?
The island of Kos is rich in comfortable hotels and hotels of different levels. Holidays at the resort will appeal to couples with children. Almost all recreational facilities are in excellent condition and operate according to the ALL inclusive system. Most of them occupy leading positions in the world rankings of comfort.
In addition to traditional equipment (sports fields, cafes and beaches), boarding houses are equipped with business centers, meeting rooms, water slides and water parks. Paradise conditions for living and quality service offers the island of Kos. The hotels presented in the article are considered the best, according to people.
Complex Porto Bello Royal 5*
Founded in 2004, this chic hotel with its own mooring for boats is a real oasis in the middle of a green park. There is complete harmony and luxury reigns here. Each vacationer will be able to spend their holidays in heavenly conditions, in separate bungalows. You do not have to think about food and leisure - all the worries will be taken care of by experienced and attentive employees.
Pension Marmari Palace 5*
The huge hotel is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Works on system "all inclusive". It invites discerning people who appreciate pomposity, comfort and safety. Luxurious two-room suites with access to the pool are available. Animation entertainment for young children is provided. A club and playgrounds have been opened so that the children can fully and diversify their time.
Summing up, I would like to note that the resorts of Greece are a corner where time stops its course, here in the bosom of wildlife you feel a surge of energy and forget about the worldly fuss. You can verify this only by visiting the island of Kos. The sights of the resort have been preserved since antiquity and are objects of a bygone civilization.
Basic moments
Kos is a small island, its territory is about 290 square kilometers, and the resident population is only 30 thousand people. However, this piece of land enjoys worldwide fame, primarily as the birthplace of the famous Hippocrates. He was born on Kos in 460 BC and is considered the founder of medical science. It is no coincidence that the main attraction of the island is the sanctuary of the healer god Asclepius, who was especially revered in ancient times. A plane tree, planted, according to legend, by Hippocrates himself, has survived to this day: in its shade, the great scientist shared his knowledge with his students.
Modern Kos is one of the most popular resorts Mediterranean Sea, of which the Aegean is a part. A huge number of tourists are attracted here by the unique nature and luxurious beaches. Approximately 600,000 tourists visit this blessed land every year. On the island of Kos developed tourism infrastructure, which also contributes to the influx of travelers from all over the world. It is even surprising how such a small island could accommodate such a large number of bars, restaurants, taverns and hotels, not to mention a variety of places for entertainment. This entire industry of recreation and tourism is able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding travelers.
Separately, I would like to note that the island of Kos is one of the most environmentally friendly places on our planet. It is also one of the greenest islands in the Aegean Sea. There are also fresh springs here, which, coupled with a warm and mild climate, creates very comfortable conditions for the existence of a large number of birds and animals. For example, flamingos fly here in winter, south coast Mediterranean seals are settling, and in the north, loggerhead turtles, or carettas, are concerned about their future offspring - for them this is the season for laying eggs.
The island of Kos is rightfully called the Garden of Eden, so if during your vacation you would like to be away from the centers of civilization and noisy gassed cities, then this is the place for you. The unique nature, in which a riot of greenery and colors reigns, is precisely this feature that tourists emphasize upon returning home, recommending Kos for relaxation to their loved ones. And also wonderful resort attracts travelers with a huge number of attractions. The youngest and most active tourists also come to this paradise with pleasure: water sports and a rich nightlife allow them to have fun.
Climate and weather
The climate on the small Spit is a complex combination of subtropical and Mediterranean weather conditions. As a result, contrasts can be observed: if in summer the weather here is clear, hot and dry, then in winter it is often rainy - it rains for a long time and strong winds blow.
Summer on the island comes in early June. The average air temperature in the warm period of the year is +27 degrees Celsius. There are also very hot days when the thermometer reaches the mark of +31 °C.
The Aegean Sea heats up to +25 °C in summer, which is a very comfortable temperature, perfect for swimming. In July, the day lengthens to a maximum of 14 hours. In summer, the night sky over the island is clear and cloudless. And if you take into account that life here does not stop either day or night, it may seem that the daylight hours never end.
In summer, as we have already said, there is negligible rainfall. The peak of hot and stuffy weather falls on the period from July 20 to September 21. True, sea breezes blow from the northwest, but they freshen the air only slightly and for a short time. During this period, resting on the island of Kos is not very comfortable, although such weather conditions are not an obstacle for a large number of tourists.
The best climatic indicators, when compared with other periods of the year, occur in the twentieth of September and last until about mid-December. In the autumn months, the average air temperature is kept at around +22 degrees. The sea begins to cool slowly, the water temperature starts to drop from +25 °C and reaches +20 °C. Gradually, clouds begin to settle in the sky above the island, and the probability of light precipitation in the form of rain is steadily increasing, reaching 60 mm. As a result, the weather becomes windy and rainy, and the air humidity reaches almost 65%. The sea begins to “wake up”. Unrest is not uncommon on it during this period, and strong storms also occur in November.
Winter on Kos lasts three months, but the temperatures are not at all winter by Russian standards. For example, on January nights, the thermometer does not fall below +9 degrees Celsius, and during the day it rises to +13 °C. Winter weather in the resort is mostly rainy, clouds sometimes do not go away for several weeks in a row. Humidity due to constant rains reaches 75%. As for the sea, winter is a time of strong, fierce storms. The water temperature in the Aegean Sea drops to +18 °C. Snow on the island is an extremely rare phenomenon, we would even say the rarest. The last time it fell out was 30 years ago!
In the last decade of March, spring weather sets in on the island of Kos. The air temperature rises day by day, reaching 17-22 degrees Celsius in April-May. Accordingly, sea water begins to warm up. Its temperature reaches +21 °C by the end of May. Spring on Kos is also characterized by low cloudiness, with slight clearings. The rains characteristic of winter become noticeably less, which immediately affects the relative humidity of the air: it drops to 50%. The direction of the wind is also changing: the southwest gives way to the “reins of government” to the northeast.
History of Kos
The first inhabitants of Kos were immigrants from Kariya - historical area on the southwestern coast of the peninsula of Asia Minor. Then the Minoan Cretans began to settle in these places, and already in the XIV century BC, the island became the second home for the Mycenaeans, who grew out of the Minoan civilization. It was they who sent 30 ships from Kos to the Trojan War, which raged at the turn of the 13th-12th centuries BC. A few centuries later, the Dorians began to look closely at the island, who founded the city of Kos on the island around 700 BC. Together with the cities of Ialis, Kamir and Lind (all located on the island of Rhodes), as well as Halicarnassus (now Bodrum) and Cnidus (the peninsula of Asia Minor), it was part of the Dorian Hexagon.
When the Persians, who captured Kos in the 5th century BC, subsequently suffered a defeat in Greece, the island was destroyed in 479 BC. e. became part of the Athenian Maritime Union. The famous Hippocrates was born here in 460 BC, and the inhabitants of the island built the no less famous Asklepion after the death of the founder of the first medical school. It functioned as a hospital, thousands of patients from all over the Mediterranean region came here for treatment. They received all appointments and procedures based on the methods developed by the “father of medicine”.
366 BC went down in history as the date of the founding of the city of Kos in its current location. The former capital of the island, Astypalea, was moved here. The city, taking into account the favorable geographical position between the West and the East, began to develop rapidly in the 4th century BC, reaching the apogee of its economic growth and political influence. In those distant times, just imagine, 160 thousand people lived on this small island. Kos was an exporter of olive oil, wine, fruits, timber and was widely known as a producer of quality silk. The production of the latter was mainly carried out by the Romans.
Kos then became part of the empire of Alexander the Great. After the death of the great conqueror, the Ptolemies established dominion over him. In 308 BC, the ruler of Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, was born here, a descendant of the first satrap, and then the Egyptian king Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I, who was probably his half-sister by father.
In 102 BC, Queen Cleopatra, wife of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes, brought her grandson Alexander to the island. Here the boy received protection and education, for which the grateful grandmother presented rich gifts to the temple of Asclepius. These treasures were captured by the Persian king Mithridates. The Persians, who established tyrannical rule on Kos, owned the island for several centuries, until the Romans liberated it in 82 BC. The foot of the Apostle Paul also set foot on this blessed land. The disciple of Christ visited him during one of his missionary trips. He also created the first Christian communities here.
“Government is changing again!” - the hero of the popular Soviet comedy would have exclaimed if he had been on Kos in 1204. This and several other islands of the Dodecanese began to be ruled by the Franks. Then the power changed again: Kos was recaptured by Michael Palaiologos, the ruler of the mighty Byzantine Empire. Numerous enemies often attacked the future resort, the Saracens carried the greatest danger. Over time, Byzantium began to decline and could no longer hold its maritime possessions. As a result, Kos passed to the Genoese. However, they, who were more looking for trade benefits, turned their eyes to the possibilities of Rhodes, and simply sold the “unnecessary” Kos. The buyer turned out to be Fulk de Vilaret, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of Saint John.
About a century later, the new owners decided to build a large fortress on the island (it is located at the entrance to the port) and other fortifications. As building material not only stones were used, but also the marble of ancient palaces and temples. The knights of the Order of St. John also reacted barbarously to antique mosaics, taking them to Rhodes, to the Old Town, and decorating the floor with them in the palace of the Grand Master. However, with everything cultural heritage Scythe knights either could not deal with it, or did not have time. Recently, archaeological excavations were carried out here, and other examples of mosaic art were discovered in different parts of the island, which impressed historians with their beauty and splendor.
The struggle against this order was waged by the Turks, who won first on Rhodes, and then on Kos, capturing the latter in 1522. However, the power of the Ottoman Porte did not show itself from the best side. On the contrary, the Turks ruled very cruelly: and not only on Kos, but throughout Greece. The French historian Pukeville cites data according to which, over the entire period of Turkish occupation, 11 Greek patriarchs, 100 bishops and 6,000 ordinary clergymen died for their homeland and faith. The Ottoman Empire owned Kos until 1912, when it was replaced by the Kingdom of Italy. The Italians, of course, did not grant the long-awaited freedom to the Greeks either. The fascist ruler Benito Mussolini dreamed of the revival of the Great Roman Empire and saw the future of Greece only in the status of one of its provinces.
In 1933, a terrible earthquake occurred on the island, as a result of which significant destruction took place. The elements did not spare many monuments of the Middle Ages, but, as they say, there is a blessing in disguise: from the depths of the earth, artifacts of the ancient period appeared on the surface. Excavations continue to this day, and the more valuable finds they discover.
In 1943, the Italians were replaced by the Germans, whose dominion ended after the Second World War, and Kos came under the protectorate of Great Britain. The reunification of the island with its historical homeland, Greece, took place only in 1948. This event was marked by a symbolic act: the then mayor of Athens, Ioannis Pitsikas, flew over the island in a plane and dropped the national blue and white striped flag on it. This relic is still kept in the office of the head of the municipality of Kos.
Resorts and beaches
Kos stretches from west to east for a little more than 45 kilometers, and in width, it is only in the central part, for almost 11 km. The local Hippocrates airport is located in the center, near the village of Antimachia. There are also villages inside the island, many of which are very popular with tourists. Let's name some of them: Pili, Kefalovrisi, Zia, Asfendiou. But the entire tourist infrastructure is concentrated, of course, closer to the sea, on the southern and northern coasts.
One of the most popular resorts, Lambi, is closely adjacent to the administrative center - the city of Kos. It is here that the tourist and party life of the capital of the island is concentrated. After relaxing on the beaches, vacationers are happy to get acquainted with the sights of the city, which is home to more than half of the population. After a strong earthquake in 1933, the city of Kos was literally restored from ruins, but the most famous ancient monuments, fortunately, have been preserved. Residential buildings are mostly two-story.
To the east of the administrative center is the resort area of Psalidi. The beach here is long, covered with pebbles, there is a highway nearby. Between the beach and the road, a series of hotels where tourists stay is “sandwiched”. Strong winds are frequent in this part of the island, which attracts windsurfers. On the coast near this resort there are thermal springs, the water of which contains a lot of sulfur.
One of the most picturesque resorts of the island is Kefalos, which arose on the site of its ancient capital. The distance between it and the current capital is 43 km. The village is notable for the fact that it has many monuments of two eras - Roman and medieval (for example, an old windmill). The sea on the local sandy beach, compared to others, is somewhat colder, and all because of the current. The village, thanks to its well-located bay, is one of the main windsurfing centers on the island; there is a rental office for water sports equipment. A little, however, brings the wind, it is not as powerful as on the beaches in the northern part of Kos.
To the east of Kefalos are the most popular beaches of the entire island: Paradise Beach, Kamari and Agios Stefanos. The landscape of the latter is especially impressive, its dominants are the ruins of a basilica from the time of the Byzantine Empire and a coastal island with an old church. The water here is the purest, and the sand is soft-soft.
The zone of shallow sandy beaches of Tigaki, which is located west of the city of Kos, stretches for more than 10 km. It was formed around the village of the same name. Two more beach areas, Mastichari and Marmari, also formed around the villages of the same name. The first of them is a small port, and the second is a fishing village. The sand here is simply gorgeous, the coast is shallow, but the sea often worries, trying to "interfere" with vacationers indulging in relaxation. On such days, holidaymakers fence themselves off from the awakening waves and wind with special awnings.
Another picturesque port city is Kardamena, located on the south coast. After the city of Kos, it is the second largest tourist centre islands, which are often called the "capital" of nightlife. More than half of the adjacent beaches are wild, the sand here is combined with rocky areas of little use for recreation, and boulders can be found in the sea. Not all holidaymakers are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of being in the wild, so they are not too lazy to overcome from one and a half to three kilometers to find themselves on the civilized beaches of Banana Beach and Atlantis, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. After swimming and sunbathing, you can set aside time to explore local attractions. Among them, we highlight the medieval castle, the Kos amphitheater and the ruins of ancient temples.
And finally, let's stop our attention at the resort of Agios Fokas, located in the southeastern part of the island. It is an actively developing resort area, where there are many new hotels. From here it is very close to the popular Therme beach, which is famous for its hot spring (we will return to it below).
Summarizing information about the beaches and resorts of the island of Kos, it should be noted that, first of all, they impress with their diversity. The beaches here are both long and very small. On some, the sand is white, on others - golden, on the third - black volcanic. There are beaches covered with small pebbles, with picturesque bays. In some shallow areas, you can even stumble upon natural "jacuzzis" with countless bubbles rising from the bottom.
In addition to windsurfing, on the main beaches of all the resorts of Kos, there are many other entertainments to your liking. For example, the opportunity to go diving or ride a boat, banana and catamaran. If you are relaxing on a public beach, you will have to pay for a sunbed. In some cases, the cost of a drink or snack is included in the tariff, since such beaches are often divided into "zones of influence" between the owners of local taverns. Since tourists very rarely rest alone, the price is set for the use of two sunbeds and an umbrella and ranges from 3 to 15 euros. You can save on sunbeds only in one case - if you order food in a tavern. And if you want to save money on food, in this case you will have to sacrifice comfort by moving from the “civilized” territory to the “wild” part of the beach.
Attractions Kos
The visiting cards of Kos, in addition to its resorts and beaches, are ancient monuments, the ruins of ruined fortresses and small villages scattered throughout the island, in the vicinity of which goats graze carelessly. Travelers, especially those who come from large metropolitan areas, are touched by this homely patriarchal way of life. It is quiet, calm and comfortable here - what else do you need for a good rest?
But back to the sights and start our short review with the main monument of the island. This is Asklepion, located just a few kilometers from the administrative center. It is considered one of the first hospitals in the history of mankind and dates back to the 3rd century BC. Asklepion has several terraces. The sick were placed on the middle, and they prayed here: the hospital and the surrounding temples were connected to local sources through pipes. The upper terrace was crowned with another temple. But on the lower terrace, doctors improved their skills. Even Hippocrates himself, according to legend, studied here. In total, in Greece at that time there were several hundred such hospitals, built in honor of the god of medicine Asclepius.
Now let's turn our attention to the fortress of the Knights of St. John, built back in the 15th century. The materials obtained after the analysis of the buildings of the ancient agora were used for the construction. The castle, located in the old part of the capital of Kos, unfortunately has not survived to this day in its original form. Its territory has long been overgrown with weeds, and you should walk along it carefully, because under the walls of the former fortress there is a port where life is in full swing.
After walking around the territory, do not rush to leave. Opposite the ruins, across the bridge, there is a tree, one way or another connected with the name of Hippocrates. This is a plane tree that is over 500 years old. According to the main version, the great scientist himself planted it, and according to another, he is considered a descendant of the Hippocratic plane tree, under the crowns of which about two and a half thousand years ago, the founder of medicine gave lessons to his followers.
The ruins of the aforementioned agora from Roman times have also been preserved here. After examining them, you can head to the central square of Eleftherias. Its dominant feature is the Hadji Hasan Mosque, named after the Ottoman governor of the island. Here, on the square, there are many cozy cafes where you can relax with friends. Another Greco-Roman monument in the Old City is Casa Romana, built in the 2nd century BC. However, her building is not the original: it was recreated from the ruins. The restorers also restored fragments of bas-reliefs, basins and even dishes.
The island of Kos has the only source of hydrogen sulfide Therme, which goes directly into the sea. It is located 12 km east of Asklepion, on the wild beach of the same name, devoid of any infrastructure. The natural boundary of the source is the boulders that fence it off from the sea, due to which a pool was formed. The source is thermal, so the water is hot, its temperature exceeds +40...+50 degrees Celsius. To achieve a therapeutic effect, it does not make sense to limit yourself to one or two procedures - regularity is needed.
Right on the beach in the town of Agios Stefanos, belonging to the resort of Kefalos, there are the ruins of a Christian basilica dating back to the 5th century. Having moved into the depths of the island and climbing into the mountains, you will see one of the most mysterious local attractions - the Byzantine fortress of Paleo Pili. Time did not spare her, she was destroyed, however, even today she is of great interest as former capital Spit until the middle of the XIX century. But the Italian fortress of Antimachia, rebuilt by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, has survived quite well to this day. It rises above Kardamena, which is on the southern coast of the island.
Recreation and entertainment
Does the name "Meltemi" mean anything to you? Most likely no. And if you ask the same question to windsurfers vacationing on Kos, you can get an answer right away. This is the name of the north wind from the Aegean Sea, blowing on the island from June to the end of September, that is, all summer. It is to him that fans of windsurfing, this popular type of sailing and water entertainment, owe excellent conditions for skiing. Meltemi is remarkable for its enviable constancy: it starts to blow in the morning, intensifies by lunchtime and subsides only after six in the evening. Sometimes he takes a few “days off”, but then invariably returns.
Almost all beach areas of the island of Kos, including wild ones, are great not only for windsurfing, but also for kite surfing - kite surfing. On civilized beaches, you can rent the necessary equipment for both sports. Many of them - Kardamena, Mastichari, Psalidi, Kefalos, Marmari - have surf stations where an experienced instructor will work with you. Two-hour individual lessons with a windsurfing instructor cost from 70 euros, group lessons are slightly cheaper - from 60 euros. A professional kitesurfing lesson will cost twice as much, from 120 euros for two hours.
Professional surfers tend to places where the accelerating effect of the so-called wind tunnel is created. There are such places on the wild beaches of the western part of the island and in the resorts of Agios Fokas and Psalidi, which is at its eastern tip. The wind here blows stronger than anywhere else on the Kos, but the desired accelerating effect is achieved only in the bays. For example, in Psalidi, a "wind tunnel" arises due to the angular position of the bay, as well as the geographical factor - the coast of Turkey is located opposite. On the beaches of Kefalos, on the northern coast - Agios Stefanos and Kamari - the "pipe" in the bay is formed by mountains in the west and the neighboring island. By the way, these beaches are very popular with Russian surfers.
Where to go with children
The tourist infrastructure of the island of Kos is designed not only for adults, but also for children. Young vacationers, in addition to magical sandy beaches, are waiting for playgrounds, mini-pools, water slides and amusement parks at hotels.
Be sure to take your child to the Lido water park. This is the only entertainment facility of its kind on the island, located in its northern part, in the village of Mastichari. The area of the water park is relatively small, about 75 thousand square meters. There are several pools on the territory, including areas for the smallest, as well as water slides - there are six of them. Lido also has entertainment for adults - several rides, as they say, with adrenaline.
But there are no zoos in the traditional sense on Kos. But there is a reserve Plaka Forest, it is located 30 km from the administrative center of the island. Peacocks live here, which are not at all afraid of people. They even follow vacationers on their heels, asking with all their appearance to be fed with something. Interestingly, peacocks in the reserve coexist peacefully with cats. Moreover, right in the forest zone. Plaka Forest has plenty of picnic tables. You are allowed to take food with you, but eating alone or in a narrow circle of friends will not work - peacocks and cats are right there!
It is also very interesting to visit the horse rides organized by Rafael’s Horse Riding. The island's hotels traditionally provide a free shuttle service to this event, which is extremely popular among travelers. The briefing is carried out by the British, they also organize tours of the stable and give out equipment. The smallest participants are given the opportunity to ride a pony. Older children usually choose to ride on the beach for an hour. More experienced riders prefer to go on a two-hour horse riding into the mountains.
Public transport
Moving around the island is carried out mainly by buses. Route maps and timetables are posted at all stops, which, surprisingly to many, are found even in the most deserted parts of Kos. Flights, as a rule, are never canceled, but buses often arrive with a delay of 10-15 minutes, or even more.
Suburban flights can be reached from the capital not only to every resort, but also to every remote village. And this means that it is easy for travelers to get to the right place on their own, they do not need the services of escorts. City bus transport runs in the capital of the island. Fare: in suburban flights it varies depending on the distance and ranges from 1.5 to 4.4 euros, and within the city - from 1.2 in hard European currency. Passengers pay in cash either to the controller or directly to the driver. There is no need to shout at the whole salon that you are going out soon. Press the button at the exit and the driver will know to stop.
An equally common mode of transport on Kos is a taxi. A checkered car can be called by phone at the time you need, which will automatically add 2-4 euros to the fare, ordered directly in the parking lot or caught by “voting” directly on the road. A trip for a distance of less than 10 km will cost a passenger from 7 to 10 euros, and for a 20 km journey you will have to fork out for 22-25 euros. The fare for a taxi from the airport to the main resorts of the island is from 34 euros.
On the coast, the most popular means of transport is the bicycle. Many hotels provide vacationers with a two-wheeled horse for free, as a bonus. There are also rental shops on the island of Kos, there are a lot of them. Taking a bike for 2-3 hours will cost 2-3 euros, so it is more profitable to rent a bike for the whole day for 5 euros.
Another type of transport on Kos, very original, is tourist trains without rails, designed for two or three open wagons. There are four routes in total. One runs through the city center, the other three lead from the capital to Asklepion, Tigaki and the surrounding villages, respectively. A round trip will cost from 5 euros.
What to bring to memory
There are no exclusive goods or souvenirs that cannot be found in other regions of Greece on Kos. The only exception is olive oil or local bottled wine. Basically, tourists bring with them the so-called traditional “Greek” set from here, which includes halloumi and feta cheeses, olive oil and canned olives, halvah, honey, hygiene products with olive oil, cosmetic products and various souvenirs.
Local wine costs from 3 euros. Moreover, many hotels have their own branded wine, which is served to guests. But olive oil is much more expensive, so in order to save it, it is recommended to buy it directly from farmers. The cost is from 15 euros for one and a half liters.
It should be remembered that prices in chain stores - for example, in Konstantinos, Spar and others - are always lower than in small private stores and shops. Such here on Kos there is an unspoken rule that is strictly observed. Mini-markets are littered with clothes and shoes, the assortment is mainly imported from Turkey - after all, it’s a stone’s throw to neighboring Bodrum, a little more than 20 km away. The product is inexpensive, but its quality is not at a high level.
Communication and Internet
The island of Kos may seem to someone lost in the sea, but you can’t call it cut off from the “mainland”. This small piece of land provides a stable reception of the main Greek mobile operators: Wind, Cosmote and Vodafone. The latter has a particularly stable coverage, the signal is not lost even in mountainous areas, so all Russian mobile operators signed roaming contracts with Vodafone. You can only purchase prepaid tariffs from local mobile operators, which do not involve paying a monthly fee. An amount from 5 to 10 euros is usually credited to the account.
A minute of conversation with Russia will cost from 13 to 15 euro cents. Local operators sometimes offer packages of minutes for calling abroad at a discounted price of 8 to 9 euro cents per minute. Many tourists get a Greek SIM card upon arrival in order to be able to connect to the mobile Internet outside of roaming. For example, the Wind operator deducts 5 euros from the account for 1 GB of traffic. A 5 GB package will cost 15 euros.
Most local cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi, although it "catches" it is somewhat worse than in Crete and Rhodes. Disappointing that free wireless internet access is not available in major shopping malls and even in international chain stores. There is no Wi-Fi in the public transport of the island, and there is no Wi-Fi in public places either. Hotels are gradually moving away from the practice of paid distribution of wireless access. However, there is free Wi-Fi at the airport.
Hotels and accommodation
Kos Island boasts over 350 hotels, guest houses and apartment complexes. In this heavenly place, you can also rent private housing: a room or a whole house. In the simplest economy class apartments and two-star hotels, a room for two people in the high season will cost 23 euros.
Accommodation in three-star hotels and superior apartments varies from 40 to 50 euros per night in a double room. But double rooms in four-star and five-star hotels with half board or all-inclusive system cost 110-120 euros.
There are many chain hotels with a high level of service on Kos. They have a huge territory with swimming pools, water slides, sports and playgrounds, and even entire water parks. The cost of living in such hotels, of course, is higher and ranges from 160-180 euros.
Most hotels have their own parking lots. Free Wi-Fi is available to guests not only at the reception, but also in the apartments. And, as mentioned above, many hotels offer their guests free bike rental as a bonus, moreover, for a few days.
How to get there
During the high season, that is, in June-September, there are direct charter flights to the island of Kos from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Samara and other million-plus cities. The cost of a round trip ticket is from 200 to 260 euros. Travel time also varies: if you set off from the capital Vnukovo, you will spend 3 hours and 30 minutes in the air, and if you leave from St. Petersburg Pulkovo, then all 4 hours.
Regardless of the tourist season and time of year, there are flights to Kos with transfers in Athens or Thessaloniki. From Russia with one or two transfers you can get through Vienna, Munich, Dusseldorf. A round trip will cost you from 290 euros.
All planes arriving in Kos are accepted by the only local airport, Hippocrates, which is located in the very center of the island. The air harbor connects with each of the resorts bus route, the ticket price is 3-7 euros. You can also take a taxi, but it will cost more, from 18 to 40 euros.
A ferry service is also established with the island of Kos. The largest local carrier Blue Star Ferries sends ferries from the capital of Greece and through the island of Syros, the most populated island in the Cyclades archipelago, located 140 km southeast of Athens. On the ferry you will spend from 8.5 to 10 hours, the fare is 45 euros. Most ferries arrive in the capital and at the same time the main port of the island - the city of Kos.
One evening, our Greek friend Nikos, the owner of sailing yacht"Eolos", and asked for help to overtake her to the island of Kos.
Every year he rents a yacht to a charter company for the entire summer season. We gladly agreed. Who will refuse a pleasant sailing trip, and even to the island, where we have long dreamed of visiting?
The departure of the Eolos was scheduled for the next morning, and there was very little time left for preparations. While we were getting ready, we began to remember what we know about the island.
General information about the island
Kos is part of a group of twelve, the so-called Dodecanese Islands. Dodecanese means twelve islands in Greek. Kos got its name from the Carian word "kion", which means sheep, as long-haired sheep have been bred on the island for a long time. However, there is another mythological version of its name.
Once Kos was called Merops, and its inhabitants - Meropites, after the name of the king who ruled the island. This name, translated from ancient Greek, means mortal. King Merops loved his wife Ehemea very much, and when she died, he decided to commit suicide. But the goddess Hera did not allow this to be done, turning Merops into an eagle. She made him rise high into the sky to Olympus itself, and asked the almighty Zeus to grant immortality to the king. Zeus placed Merops forever in the night sky in the form of the constellation Aquila. And the island was renamed in honor of the beloved daughter of Merops and Ehemea - Ko.
Kos is the third largest in the Dodecanese archipelago, and the second largest in terms of population.
Greeks love to spend their holidays on this amazing island, famous for its resort areas and rich history. Today's Kos is a modern tourist center.
Here you can relax, heal, have fun, go surfing or diving, or just enjoy the sun and the sea on the beaches of the island, each of which is unique in its own way.
Nature lovers have nicknamed the island the Garden of the Gods for its protected forests, where you can walk among the many trees and watch the sunset.
History lovers call it the island of Hippocrates, in honor of the ancient Greek physician, a native of Kos.
Fans of the animal world are waiting for a meeting with pink flamingos and tame peacocks, carriage-carriage turtles and sea seals that live on the island.
In short, the trip promised us many pleasant moments.
The beginning of the sea voyage and arrival on the island
In the morning our yacht left the marina. The weather was beautiful, a light breeze was blowing, the bright sun was shining, and our mood was upbeat. But towards the end of the boat trip, we got into a strong storm. The mainsail was torn by gusts of strong wind. With a damaged sail, we moored in the yacht marina of the city of Kos.
The mood was no longer as cloudless as at the beginning of the journey. It was impossible to rent a yacht to a charter company. Nikos announced that the repair of the sail would take several days, and urgent business awaited him in Athens. What to do? We volunteered to stay on the island and hand over the repaired ship to the company.
Attractions of the island of Kos
In the early morning, while the sun was not yet burning, but only gently caressing with its rays, we, having bought a map, began to decide where to start our journey. Kos is an island with a long history, traces of which can be found here at every turn.
And, despite the fact that the historical fate of Kos largely repeats the fate of other Dodecanese Islands, the special specificity of the history of the island is associated with the name of Hippocrates and the ancient sanctuary of Asklepion.
Therefore, our journey through the sights of the island of Kos began with him.
Sanctuary of Asklepion
So, in the southwest of the city of Kos, on the slope of a hill immersed in the greenery of cypresses, with a beautiful view of the sea, one of the most famous sanctuaries of the island is located - temple complex Asklepion.
In ancient times, it was a place of worship for the god Asclepius, the patron saint of medicine, whose cult was brought to the island by the Dorians. The ancient Greeks greatly revered the god Asclepius. Throughout Greece, special temples were built in honor of the god - asklepions, and his priests were called asklepiads and were engaged in healing. The temples were located in sacred cypress groves, most often in the mountains. A prerequisite was the presence of rivers or mineral springs near the temple.
Not only the temples, but the very surroundings around them were considered sacred. Access to them was allowed only after special preparations. First of all, the sick fasted for several days, and then they were fumigated and bathed in sacred springs. After that, they were allowed inside the temple itself, where a ritual of sacrifice was performed in honor of the god Asclepius. The sick were left in the temple to spend the night on the skin of a sacrificial animal, and then they told the priests their dreams. Those, in turn, interpreted them and prescribed treatment.
The methods by which the patients were treated were very unusual. Patients were instructed to take orally or externally the blood of a sacrificial animal, or bloodletting was prescribed. Many were recommended a special diet and even going to the theatre, listening to sacred chants, riding or hunting. The priests compiled tables describing the course of the disease and methods of its treatment.
Thus, priceless knowledge was accumulated in the asclepions over the centuries, passed on by the priests to the students, and only members of their families, whose roots went back to Asclepius himself, could be students.
Entire medical schools sprang up. A student and then a minister of one of them was the world-famous Hippocrates, who later founded his own school.
Just think - it was the 5th century BC. e. Hippocrates outlined his views on the symptoms of diseases and methods of their treatment in his medical collection, which consisted of 59 essays. Where various sections of medical science were presented, such as anatomy, physiology, pediatrics, dietetics, surgery, gynecology, as well as medical ethics, and Hippocratic methods became the source of modern scientific medicine. He also invented the famous oath, which is given by doctors all over the world.
During archaeological excavations in 1902 on the island of Kos, the remains of an ancient sanctuary were discovered.
Temple buildings are located on three levels. Such an architectural style was typical for the buildings of the countries of the East and was borrowed during the time of Alexander the Great.
Unfortunately, only small fragments of buildings have survived to this day. Much was plundered in different historical epochs.
Having examined the monument and admiring the beautiful view, we rush further.
Antimachia
Heading to Kefalos, we could not help but stop by the place Antimachia, which is located almost in the middle of the island. Antimachia is a traditional Greek village. Its hospitable inhabitants are engaged in agriculture.
This quiet, cozy place is interesting because here you can get an idea of the life of a Greek peasant.
In a real Greek house, there is an exposition "Antimahiko Spiti", which contains items of Greek life. The house is decorated with handicrafts. And opposite the exposition is a pretty windmill.
The day was hot. I wanted to swim, eat fish, and we decided to turn to Mastichari, where there are many fish taverns and a beautiful beach.
In the tavern, having chatted with the owner over lunch, we learned that colorful honey festivals are held here at the end of August.
And in early September, a lot of guests gather for a festival of wine and winemakers with a tasting of local wines, traditional folk festivals are held, accompanied by music and dancing until the morning. Thanking Kostas for the delicious food and interesting story, we decided to move on to the legendary Kefalos.
Kefalos
The current name of Kefalos (in Greek - head) the city received due to the role that it once played as the capital of the island. The city seems to be divided into two parts. The first is Kamari, a typical seaside resort with numerous bars, restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and chic shops.
The second part of Kefalos has a long history. Previously, it was called Astypalea, and it was the first capital of the island. Of the historical sights, it is worth highlighting the ancient Christian basilica of St. Stefanos, located in the town of Palatea. Here are the ruins of the ancient temple of the goddess Demeter, the patroness of fertility and agriculture. Next to the temple is an even more ancient theater dating back to the era of early Hellenism, and the ancient temple of St. Palatiani.
drinking
In the very central part of the island there is a place called Pili. Olive groves and lush gardens surrounding the town, as if painted by a talented landscape painter. The white stone houses are located around the picturesque city square with its cafeterias, bars, taverns and restaurants, where everyday city life takes place.
In taverns you can enjoy local traditional dishes or pastries - curd cakes with honey and cloves, called katimeria, as well as goat cheese boiled in red wine, with aromatic additions from mountain herbs. At a distance of one hundred meters from the square there is a beautiful city fountain with six springs. And very close you can see the domes of the church of the Holy Cross, built on the site of a temple and an ancient burial place of the Hellenistic era, associated with the name of a local hero - King Kharmil.
The biggest impression on us was made by the old town - Palio Pili.
At the top of the Dikeos hill there is a dilapidated and abandoned fortress built during the years of the Byzantine imperial dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 11th century. Later, during the reign of the Ionite Knights on the island, the walls of the old fortress were fortified, and the fortress itself became one of the main defensive outposts of the island. Nearby is the Byzantine Church of John the Baptist with stunning frescoes.
But we climbed to the top of the hill not only to inspect the ancient ruins. From here you have a fantastic view of the Turkish coast and the city of Bodrum, located directly opposite. The sun was going down. The sea waves rustled below, and we listened to the song of the sea and admired this unforgettable marvelous spectacle.
Kos city - the capital of the island
We decided to dedicate the second day on the island to walking around the city of Kos.
The whole history of the island has left its mark on the appearance of the capital. The mixture of cultures, eras and religions reminded us of ancient Babylon.
The ruins of the old city are located literally a stone's throw from the yacht marina where our yacht was.
That's where we headed.
ancient agora
In ancient Greek and Roman cities, the agora, the central market square, has always played an important role in the political, spiritual and religious life of the city.
It was a vast space where the male part of the population gathered not only to shop or sell their goods, but also to get the latest news on politics, discuss everyday city events and just chat.
After 366 BC, the city of Kos became the capital of the island and its agora, located near the seaport, became the "heart" of the city.
It had the traditional appearance of an ancient market and consisted of three main galleries - northern, western and eastern, converging to the central square. They housed shops where they traded various goods for the needs of the townspeople. Around the Agora, you can see the remains of wide city streets and private houses, fragments of temple buildings dedicated to Hercules and Aphrodite, as well as the altar of the god Dionysus.
In the southern gallery of the ancient market there is a well-preserved domed building, which in the Roman era housed a dye shop. Here, during excavations, ancient coins and bronze figurines were discovered.
Villa Casa Romana (Roman House) on Kos
One of the most impressive monuments of the ancient city is the Roman villa Casa Romana. Its ruins were found during excavations after a strong earthquake in 1933 by Italian archaeologists. Greece almost immediately began the restoration, which lasted until 1940, but it was finally restored only after 60 years.
The size and rich decorations of the villa indicate that it belonged to one of the Roman aristocratic families who lived here around the beginning of the 3rd century. In front of the main entrance to the house rises a pedestal on which the inscription "Apeliksikakos" (the one who drives away evil) is visible.
The building has 26 rooms. Almost all rooms of the house have fragments of mosaic and marble decorations.
In the courtyard of the villa there is a fountain decorated with a mosaic depicting a panther devouring a deer.
The naturalistic scenes of the mosaic panels that line the floors in all rooms imitate the seabed. On some you can see the image of a dolphin, on others a mermaid riding a seahorse.
All of them are perfectly preserved.
Ancient Roman Odeon
The Roman Odeon was one of the most significant public buildings in the city of Kos. It is believed that this building was used not only for music competitions, but also at the same time was used for meetings of the City Council (designed for 750 people). The Odeon was built in the classical style of ancient semicircular amphitheatres. Once the building had a domed roof, which has not been preserved. Below is a place for the orchestra - a round shape with a marble floor.
During excavations on the territory of the Odeon, 18 marble sculptures were found. The most interesting of them is the statue of Hippocrates, now it can be seen in the archaeological museum of the city. Every year in the summer, symphonic music concerts are held here, in which orchestras from all over the world take part.
Fortress of the Knights of Ionites
Near the port, protecting its water area, the majestic walls of the Fortress of the Knights of Ionites rise. The gates of the fortress are decorated with the coat of arms of the Grand Master of the Order of Fernandez de Heredia. The castle was built in the 15th century. This is a rectangular building with tall towers at the corners. The fortress was built to control the sea passage to the Holy Land during the Crusades.
The Turks, who later captured the fortress, used it as a barracks for a military garrison and the residence of the governor, and in 1816 the fortress was almost completely destroyed when a gunpowder depot exploded. And only in the 40s of the XX century, Italian archaeologists restored the structure. Then the German invaders set up a prison within the walls of the fortress, and a few years after the end of World War II, in 1948, the building was declared historical monument and taken under the protection of UNESCO.
Tired after a long walk, we wandered towards the port. People were walking along the embankment.
From bars, taverns and cafes came the multilingual speech, the sounds of music. And sadness crept into our hearts.
Tomorrow we will leave this wonderful island...
Kos did not have time to reveal even a small part of his charm to us. We didn’t see all its grandiose monuments, didn’t enjoy sea bathing, didn’t take a walk at traditional holidays in honor of wine and the god Dionysus, didn’t attend folk music and dance concerts ...
And we decided that we would definitely return here! See you soon, Kos!
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 - representing 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. His total area equals 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 master of 2 seas: in the east it is washed by 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 calm beach holiday, and the Aegean is 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.
