Kos: The Hidden Gem of the Aegean

Unpredictably unique and cosmopolitan, the island deserves to be known as a cultural mosaic.

ΤΕΧΤ: DIMITRIS STATHOPOULOS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HISTORY BOOK

Ancient Kos was built in 336 BC. The island’s Ancient Agora, reaching 41 acres of land, was one of the largest markets of the known world at the time. Remaining elements of Roman Age are located in the Western Archaeological Zone: The Stadium, the Gymnasium – with the arcade where athletes were training – and Thermes. Famous houses of the time with excellent wall paintings and mosaics have also been preserved through time. The Roman Odeon was built in the 2nd century with a capacity of 750 spectators; fully restored today, hosts performances during the summer months. On the same side of the city, one can visit the only restored residence of the Roman era, Casa Romana, including 36 rooms and 3 interior courtyards.

Where the light of the Aegean reflects between the Castle of the Knights, the buildings of the Italian domination and the Garden of Hippocrates.

One can see an important complex of castles and fortifications in Kos, most notably the Neratzia Castle located at the port, built by the Knights Ioannites in the mid-14th century. The Byzantine Castle in Paleo Pyli, built in the 11th century and situated on the slopes of Mount Dikaios, is another important construction. Inside the castle, there are three Byzantine temples: Panagia Kastriani, Saint Anthony and Taxiarches. Antimachia Castle, still inhabited until 1925, is another significant castle of the island. Intensively influenced by the Venetian architecture after 31 years of Italian domination, Kos is characterized by the distinctive urban diversity and architecture. The Town Hall, the Palazzo del Governo, the municipal market operating in a building known as Μercato delle Erbe, the Archaeological Museum and the Albergo Gelsomino Hotel, are all buildings of great architectural value. The Jewish Synagogue and Circolo Italia, where today Cafe Avra is located, are some more traces of the island’s diverse history. The Archaeological Museum, located in Eleftherias Square, hosts rare exhibits that originated in all periods of Kos’s inhabitation. It has an impressive patio, where sculptures of a rich Roman mansion are presented. The floors are covered by a mosaic that depicts the arrival of the god of medicine in the island.

One of the island’s most significant buildings, Casa del Fascio, was built in Eleftherias Square where now the Aigli Cafe operates.

IN KOS TOWN

A walk in the Avenue of the Palms, one of the most interesting remains of the Italian domination and trademark of Kos, is one of the first things that anyone should do while on the island; knights coats of arms, strong fortifications, unbelievable views and of course hundreds of visitors who want to experience the island’s cosmopolitan aura. Akti Kountourioti, one of the most central points in the city, includes everything – from tourist shops and restaurants to luxurious yachts and fishing boats. The north side leads to the beaches and the famous Averof Street with the ouzo tavernas. Heading south you will meet Akti Miaouli with the Italian buildings and the marina. The best way to explore the city is by renting a bicycle. This way of going around is very common in Kos; the island’s cycle path extends to 13 kilometers and bicycle rental stores are numerous. You will find bicycle parking stands in most of the beaches as well. Leaving the riviera behind and walking down the amazing cobbled narrow streets of the historic center. Life gets intense. Dozens of small shops, traditional tavernas and artistic workshops make a beautiful scenery. Wandering around downtown, a definite must-see is Lotzias Square where the Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha and the famous plane tree of Hippocrates are located; according to tradition, Hippocrates was teaching medicine under its shadow or even planted it himself!

TAKE ME TO THE BEACH

Kos is famous for the beaches. It has anendless coastline, with the two-thirds of it being vast sandy beaches. On the north side of the island, 11 km from the city, we meet the award-winning Tigaki Beach. It features points with umbrellas and sun loungers and free parts and also schools for water sports. Other organized beaches on the north side are Alykes, Marmari and Mastichari. On the south side, from Kefalos to Kardamena, you will find amazing beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Kamari, the immense, beautiful and full of life beach that starts from the port of Kefalos, is on the list of the beaches you must visit; the beach bar and the nearby basilica of St. Stephen, in the shade of the archeological site of the basilicas built in the 5th-6th centuries, along with the view to the islet Kastri are the reasons to do it. If you seek for tranquil moments, choose Kamila Beach. Paradise Beach, the endless sandy beach with the crystal clear waters and the cedar trees, resembles an actual paradise. Marcos sandy beach, with shallow and crystal clear waters, is ideal for families. Magic Beach, the last beach before you leave Kefalos, is also sandy with crystal clear waters. Another sandy and vast beach, as we approach Kardamena, is the Golden Beach. If you are looking for a beach nearby city, popular choices are the beach bars of the Cretan Beach, the organized beach of Zouroudi all the way to Milos Beach, and the family beach of the Nautical Club but also the beach of Lambi, all on the northern side. The Therma attracts those who love the healing waters and the wild landscape.

THE CALENDAR

One of the most interesting experiences for the visitor in Kos is to attend some fabulous festivals taking place on the island. The feast of the Holy Apostles takes place on June 29th in Antimachia and on August 15th you can attend the feast at the Panagia of Stylos Church in Kefalos. On August 28th, feast day of John the Baptist for the orthodox, a great feast with live music and dances is set in the courtyard of the temple in Mastichari. In the first week of August, the Wine Festival is held in Mastichari and during the first 15 days of August, the Feast of the Fish in Kefalos takes place, as well as the Honey Festival in Antimachia.

LOCAL GASTRONOMY

The rich gastronomy of the island is dominated by fish as well as local meat, but the island’s traditional pasta, the so-called “pitaridia”, are also prepared. These are lasagna boiled in meat broth and they do taste great. It is also worth tasting the local dolmades – vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs – as well as pastitsio with vegetables. If you hear the word “katimeria”, it is a twisted pancake with myzithra local cheese served with honey.

DAYTRIPS

Kos offers many choices of attractions, but excursions to the nearby islands are also interesting.

For the lovers of climbing routes, the island of Kalymnos is an ideal opportunity; you will have the chance to take a stroll through the narrow streets of Pothia and Emporios. The excursion to nearby Nissyros is also very popular.

The uniqueness of the volcano and the lunar-esque beaches are great attractions for any traveler seeking relaxing holidays. Symi is another excellent choice and an ideal opportunity to see and photograph the more than 2,500 colorful neoclassic buildings. Medieval Rhodes is always an ideal choice for an excursion.

Kos has a famous, enormous coastline with the most of it being vast sandy beaches.