Kos also called bicycle-island!

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.
Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Italians have passed through the island and formed the mosaic of modern Kos. Many archaeological monuments dating back to more than 3000 years can be found over the landscape, some of them being the Odeon (ancient theatre), the Roman House (Casa Romana), the Ancient Market place, the “Abduction of Europa”, the Western Excavations and many more...
The Asklepieion, located just outside Kos town, is probably the most famous and important archaeological site on the island. It is world-wide known as the centre of Hippocrates' Medical School, since it was there that Hippocrates used to practice medicine, it was there that the Hippocratic Oath was first told, a tradition that has been repeated thousands of times each time a new doctor takes its oath. It is until our days that the Hippocratic Oath can be heard every summer in the Temple of Asklepius, recited in ancient Greek, a practice that brings awe to all attendants...

Culture, history, nature, all together form the beauty of Kos. The wetland in Psalidi, a place of unique natural beauty await for you to feel the harmony, to experience the peacefulness and excitement of the contact with unspoilt nature. There you’ll feel the freshness of untouched beauty, you’ll see rare birds, hundreds of plants and long, gold beaches surrounding this small paradise.
Passed the beautiful wetland of Psalidi you’ll find Therma, a place named after the numerous hot springs of the area. Hot spring water can not only fill you with feelings of relaxation and harmony, but also help you in several health problems, since its rich sulphur content gives it great therapeutic value.

Tigaki and Marmari are the first seaside villages you will meet when leaving the town of Kos. There you will find several beaches with crystal blue waters and warm, white sand. Passing Zipari village you see Asfendiou, a complex of picturesque villages up on the mountain, an environment warm, cosy and friendly, as all Greek villages are, anyway. And by all means, don't forget to watch the breathtaking sunset from Zia, where the sun seems to merge into the sea in a feast of colours and senses.
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!
Moving on to Antimachia, a village 25 kilometres outside Kos town towards the central part of the island, you’ll see the Castle of Antimachia, the Windmill and the Traditional House museum, all of great interest. This village, carrying the same name for thirty centuries, also carries on several traditions, one of them being what else, a festival: the Honey Festival. Numerous family beekeeping businesses have made Antimachia famous for its delicious and extremely nutritious honey, something you’ll see for yourself, at the Festival!
Approximately 3 kilometres northwest of Antimachia lies the village of Mastichari, where one can find some of the most beautiful beaches on Kos. The port is always full with fishermen that provide daily the local tavernas with fresh fish. And guess what: Another festival, the Mastichari Wine Festival, where you should go if you love home made wine, local delicacies and Greek music. Mastichari is also your gate to the neighbouring island of Kalymnos, since daily cruises are available from the port of the village.

On the western edge of the island, 42 kilometres from Kos town, you’ll find the picturesque village that lies above the bay of Kamari, Kefalos and below that the islet of Saint Nicholas (Kastri). There are quite a few sites to be seen in Kefalos, such as the Basilica of Saint Stephanos, the monastery of St. John the Theologian, the ruins of Astipalea and the cave Aspri Petra. An event not to miss: the Ouzo Festival, a tribute to Greece's national aperitif, another opportunity to dance until dawn and have a real great time!

© 2008 MotoHarley, Kos, Greece.