KOS TOWN
Area: Kos
Country: Greece


Location:
On the N coastal plain, backed by a range of steep hills which run the length of the island.

Telephone code from UK:
30 22420

Description:
Of a population of 18,000, some 8,000 live in Kos town, capital of the island. Romans, Egyptians, Venetians, Ottomans, Saracens and the Knights of Saint John all made their impression on this ancient port, the most important remains being: the Roman baths; a Temple of Dionysos; a gymnasium and stadium; a Roman theatre and villa. The harbour, almost perfectly circular, is dominated by the still impressive 15th century Castle of the Knights. Modern Kos is an interesting mix of modern and historic. Minarets, towers and domed mosques share the skyline with the newer developments of the tourist industry, but there are no unduly massive or high-rise buildings. The harbour is particularly relaxing, with its near complete ring of low-rise, older buildings enhanced by dense clumps of trees. The colourful fishing boats, built to a design unchanged for centuries, share quarters in this broad haven with the smart new yachts of wealthier visitors. On the S side of the castle is the huge plane tree, said (quaintly but falsely) to have shaded the town's most illustrious citizen, Hippocrates, as he taught his disciples. The present and the past come together dramatically after dark when the waterfront is awash with the bright lights of smart, expensive tavernas and restaurants, and cacophonous with the music of numerous bars and discos. Hippocrates got out just in time. The tree-lined streets of the town are, for the most part, flat, extending to the seaside suburbs of Lambi and Psalidi, to the N and S respectively. Cycling is an ideal way of getting around.

Suitability:
A lively base with a mixture of culture and nightlife.

Accommodation:
A preponderance of small to medium hotels of modest standard; the 7 or 8 A-class establishments being just outside the town.

Shopping:
Meat, vegetables and groceries from the castellated market; post office, banks and Tourist Office near here too. Souvenir shops in considerable numbers, leather, jewellery and natural sponges being specialities. Smart boutiques in the harbour area.Nightlife: many discos.

Beach:
To the S a long, very narrow strip of shingle supplemented by imported sand. N of the harbour is a better beach, broad and sandy at Lambi. Both are well equipped.

Entertainments:
Greatest concentration round the harbour; cheaper options near the beaches. Mediocrity rules.

Eating:
Well-paved roads with 2 to 5 buses per day to the principal inland towns and the other resorts listed here.

Public-transport:
Tingaki Beach; hot springs near Agios Fokas; old towns of Pyli, Kefalos; archaeological site of Asklepeion; day trips to the islands of Kalymnos, Patmos, Leros; volcanic island of Nissyros; offshore beach island of Pserimos; mountains of Dikeos.

Local-excursions:
On the NE coast, 17 miles across the water from Bodrum (Turkey). 15 miles NE of the airport at Antimakhia.