- The island of Kos, Greece is located in the Aegean Sea.
- The area of the island is 287 km²
- The size of the island is 45 km long, from 2 to 11 km wide
- The length of the coast is 112 km
- Population over 30 thousand people
- History. It was part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, then under the rule of the Venetians, in 1948 it became part of Greece
- Sights - Asklepion, Hadji Hassan Mosque, Hippocrates Plane Tree
- Code 22 420
- The holiday season is from April to October, very hot in summer
- Access by sea via ferry or plane
Map of Kos island Greece
An amazing island, the birthplace of Hippocrates. Kos is the third largest 
Island of the Greek Dodecanese archipelago.
One of the ecologically cleanest corners of the planet. Mild climate, beautiful sand and pebble beaches, clear Aegean Sea, exceptionally clear water, excellent opportunities for windsurfing, kite surfing, all this made the island a center of international tourism. The population deals with tourism, agriculture, vegetable and fruit growing, fishing and wine production. People here don't fuss or rush.
Kos is located in the south-eastern part of the Aegean Sea, south of Kalymnos and north of Nisyros in the ancient Gulf of Ceramico (Kerme Körfezi), at a distance of 3 nautical miles from the coast of Asia Minor, the length of the island is about 40 km, the width up tou 10 km, the area of the island 290 km².
Since prehistoric times, the island has been important for the sea routes that led from the Black Sea along the coast of Asia Minor to the islands of the Aegean and North Africa.
Kos is the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who came from here and died in 460 BC. B.C., who founded the Great Scientific School of Medicine.
Temple of Asclepius
Asklepion - the most important archaeological site on the island is located 4 km from Kos. The temple complex dedicated to the son of Apollo, the healing god Asklepios, was also a real medical facility. On a large square are the ruins of a small temple and a well, the remains of the buildings of a medical school and a hospital. Above are the ruins of the Altar of Asclepius, the Temple of Asclepius and the Temple of Apollo. The six pillars of this temple have been restored to their original form. On the upper terrace, the foundation and several columns of the Dorian-era temple of Asclepius have been preserved.
The Odeon Amphitheater is an ancient attraction in the capital of the island of Kos. - The fortress of the Knights of St. John.
- Hippocrates Sycamore.
- Archaeological Museum.
Travel around the island of KOS
Resorts of the island: Kefalos, Mastichari, Marmari, Kardamena, Psalidi, Agios Fokas. Nearby are the neighboring islands of Kos in the Dodecanese archipelago, which you can visit - Pserimos, Kalymnos and Nisyros.
From Asclepiion you can drive inland. On your way you will meet the picturesque town of Asfendiu, and from the village of Zia, located on the slope of Mount Dikteo, you can see the whole of Kos, the surrounding islands and the coast of Turkey. Nearby is the town of Pili (17 km from Kos), surrounded by orchards and green hills.
Pserimos. Rest here for lovers of peace and quiet.
Moving north, you will be taken to the sandy beaches of Tinkaki or Marmari (about 5 km from Pili) with restaurants, taverns and water sports centres. In the center of the island, near the airport, there is the village of Antimachia, 3 km to the north is the tourist center of Mastichari, and to the south - the resort of Kardamena. On the very west of the island, 43 km from Kos, lies the town of Kefalos, next to which you can admire the beautiful beaches of Kamari and Paradise Beach, the ruins of the ancient city, the monastery of St.
find John. Hotels on the savory from simple to luxurious, plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and taverns. Guided tours of the island and surrounding islands are available.
To zoom in on the image
From the history of the island of Kos
Kos was inhabited during the early Bronze Age, around 2900 - 2100 BC. In the "Iliad," Homer tells us that Kos took part in the Trojan War with his 30 ships. This period was one of the most striking and significant in the history of Kos, at the same time is building a new town - Cos (366 BC), are marble monuments (Temple of Hercules, Pandimou, the market, a gymnasium, a theater, an altar Dionysus, acropolis ...), confirming that they have been found during excavations. King of Egypt - Ptolemeos II was born in this era on the Spit. The islanders are beginning to export wine, olive oil, fruit, silk and wood.
The Byzantine period
Despite repeated earthquakes and raids of Arabs, the island continued to prosper. During the first half of the seventh century, the island was in the power of the Byzantine Empire. Only in the late 11th century, some local residents are the owners of arable land of the island.
Conquest Ionnitskimi Knights
The following centuries were marked by the conquests of foreign invaders. After a relatively short occupation of the island the Venetians in 1314 passed into the hands of Kos Ionnitskih knights. At the same time Kos has repeatedly attacked the Turkish conquerors, but they reflect the Knights attack, largely thanks to built fortifications, among whom were many castles.
The Turkish domination
In 1523 the island was completely captured by the Turks. Rhodes and Kos, in contrast to other islands dodekaneziyskih suffered from undue exactions. Kos is a province of Rhodes. Islanders have paid dearly for the Greek revolution. In retaliation, July 11, 1821 the Turks hanged many of the priests at the famous Hippocrates plane trees. Based on the records of the French traveler Pukevilya (Pouqueville) Turks beheaded a large number of Christians, up to 900 people.
Italian and German domination
May 20, 1912 the island of Kos was conquered by the Italians, all residents of the islands will automatically become citizens of Italy. The inhabitants of Kos, as did the Greeks tried to resist it. After last destructive earthquake (April 23, 1933) was built by the Italians, the Kos again.
During the excavation was found a huge number of sculptures of Classical, Hellenistic and Roman era, these relics are in the island's archaeological museum.
October 3, 1943 the Germans conquered Kos. It was marked by violence and terror.
The English occupation - the union
May 9, 1945, after signing the protocol of the German surrender, the British once again took control in their hands. People were freed from oppression and violence of Italian fascism and German Nazism.
March 7, 1948 was officially launched on accession of the island of Kos in Greece.
How to get to the island
You can get to Kos by plane (Hippocrates airport) by direct flight or via Thessaloniki, Athens, Rhodes, in the summer there are many flights. In winter it is more difficult to get to the island by plane. You can find the timetable at www.greekferries.gr.
Besides the plane, other means of transport can be reached by sea by ferry from Bodrum in Turkey or Rhodes, etc. Ferry service is very developed in Greece. The price of a catamaran ticket is 20 euros.