Local information

Local information

The town of Kos was founded in 366 BC, in the same area where modern Kos nowadays is to be found. It climaxed during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, being a crossroad between civilisations, between East and West, the meeting point for both culture and trade. Its public market was of great fame during the antiquity and still is thriving in our days.

When entering the harbour of Kos town the imposing medieval Castle of Neratzia is bound to draw your attention. This castle is connected to the mainland by a bridge that crosses the Palm Tree Avenue, the same one that connects the Castle to the Platanos, the large plane tree under which Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used to teach.

All around Kos town you can find signs of the past, reminders of the civilisations that passed through its harbour. Numerous buildings, built in imitation of the Italian architecture of the colonies in N. Africa, most typical being the Country Hall.

In order to take a taste of the antiquity wonders that Kos has to offer, make a stop at the Archaeological Museum, located at Eleftherias square, exhibiting a wide collection of archaeological treasures, such as the mosaic of Hippocrates, the Hellenistic sculptures of Aphrodite, Eros and one believed to be of Hippocrates himself.

Archaelogical Sites on Kos

HIPPOCRATES

In the 5th century BC, Kos was taken by the Persians, but after their defeat in mainland Athenian League (479 BC). In 460 BC, Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, whose name is known throughout the world, since he was the founder of the first school of medicine, was born in Kos. After his death (357 BC), the people of Kos built the famous Asklepeion, in honour of the god Asklepios, which operated as a hospital, admitting thousands of patients from all over the Mediterranean and applying the methods of therapy taught by Hippocrates.

ASKLEPEIO
Situated 4 km west of Kos, Asklepeio is the most significant archaeological site on the island. The excavations here began in 1902, by Iakovos Zaraftis from Kos and Hertsok from Germany. Asklepeio was built in a green area full of cypress trees. During the ancient years, it served as a sanatorium and it was dedicated to Aesculapius, son of Apollo, protector of health and medicine. Many significant people taught and worked here, one of them being the father of Medicine, Hippokrates. Due to the steep ground, Asklepeio consist of four connecting levels, called "andira". The first is characterized by ruins of Roman constructions of the 1st century AD. The second, where the medical school is said to have been housed, is known for its arches and statues. The spas were here and they were watered from the spring of King Halkon and the spring of Vournika on Mount Dikeo. The third level is where the Temple of Aesculapius of Kiparissios Apollo (4th century BC) used to be. Excavations in the surrounding area brought to light an invaluable treasury for visitor's offerings, a semi-circular platform and a small Roman temple dedicated to Neron. The fourth level was constructed in the 2nd century BC and included a large temple of Doric style along with the chambers of the patients.

Tigaki lies just away from Kos town on the North part of the island. Is is a long 10 km of white sand beach. The shallow waters make Tigaki ideal for safe swimming and games.

Marmari is the first seaside village you will meet when leaving the town of Kos. There you will find several beaches with crystal blue waters and warm, white sand. There are quite a number of restaurants to choose where to have dinner.

KARDAMENA
Kardamena is a village located 30 kilometres from Kos town and 5 kilometres from "Hippocrates" International Airport. There are many interesting archaeological treasures to be seen, such as the Temple of Apollo, the early Christian Basilicas and the Ancient Theatre. And since you’ll be needing some rest after sightseeing, Kardamena also offers beautiful sandy beaches with a variety of water sports and daily boat services to Nisyros, the neighbouring volcano island that you ought to visit. At summer time, at Kardamena's White Bait Festival, join locals at a tradition that promises a lot of dancing and incredible fun!

LAMBI
Lambi beach, Kos town. Located in Kos town this beach stretches from right next the harbor for a distance of more than one km. Here you'll find an umbrella and bed to relax and a number of restaurants you can enjoy a snack or full meal after you have enjoyed the sun and beach. For the action seakers many watersports like jetski, parachute jumping are available.

KEFALOS
Probably the most beautiful beach in Kos and the most famous one. Chances are that the picture that travel agency advertised Kos with was the small island of Castri in Kefalos village. One of Kos symbols. A beautiful white sand and crystal blue waters. The monastery of Agios Nikolas is that close that you can easily swim to it. Kefalos is located at the SW part of the island and the distance from Kos town is 45 km and it is connected by regular bus.