Kos Island lies midway in the north – south chain of Dodecanese Islands. Rhodes is at the southern end of the chain, Samos to the north. Bodrum, Turkey can be seen 10 miles west across a narrow stretch of the Aegean Sea.

Peoples whose names are nearly forgotten settled Kos: Minoans, Achaeans and Dorians; followed by Persians and the Athenians who took control of the island during the battle of Salamina. According to the Greek mythology, Kos is the sacred land of Asclepius, the god of healing. Hippocrates the father of Medicine was born here in 460 BC.

Although large walls remain from its early fortifications, the old town of Kos is welcoming with its bougainvillea lined streets of cafes, small winding alleys and jumbles of ancient ruins almost at each corner. Lively restaurants and pubs are available across from the main harbor

Kos Archeological remains

Cafes on Kos side streets

Outside the walls and along the shore towards the marina, there are cafes along the beaches and swimming areas. Bikes can be rented to tour around town and the island.

Kos Dodecanese Sail