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Kos the island of Hippocrates, the father of Medicine, is one of the largest islands of the Dodecanese. It is situated northwest of Rhodos and very close to the shores of Minor Asia. During the last few years it has experienced huge development due to the Tourism Industry and , as a result, tourist infrastructure is being upgraded rapidly. In Kos, the famous Plane Tree, at least 2000 year old, under which Hippocrates the father of Medicine taught, still exists. It's possibly the only place on the planet where science was actually born, the most human orientated, the science of caring for your fellow human being and offering life. The Asklepion is a place of pilgrimage for Doctors all over the world, as this place here in Kos is where they come to take their sacred ''Hippocratic Oath''.
In Kos the standards of hospitality are high. That's why it's so easy to decide to visit and get acquainted with its beauties, enjoy the food, the sea, the strolls and the various Day trips.
In his narrations Homer recites:
''When the Gods of Olympus wage war on the Giants, Poseidon pursued Polyvotis all the way to Kos. There he broke of a piece of the island with his trident and thus buried the Giant under it. This piece is Nisyros and the efforts of Polyvotis to free himself are what cause the eruptions and earthquakes''.
A very important factor in the further development of these islands is the fact that after the Byzantine Age, the Nights of St. John, the Napolitans and the Turks, both Kos and Nisyros where under Italian Rule up until 1947 when they were incorporated with the rest of Greece.
The Italain Era has left behind intense cultural marks, which
are still visible up until today.
Kos lies 200 nautical miles southeast of Piraeus and is linked with daily flights to Athens and by ferries to Piraeus and other Islands. Kos Town is situated to the North of the island with a harbor for the ships and liners and a Marina for the yachts. The marina of Kos is the only marina in the Dodecanese and has a docking capability of 250 boats up to 30 meters in length. In the marina area itself, you will discover one of the best bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink together with a unique view of the sea.
The island is about 290 square kilometers and boasts 112 kilometers of shore with wonderful beaches scaterred around the island. Kos offers its guests all the modern comforts and has two faces both equally beautiful.
On one side, all that reminds you of times gone by. The area full of antiquities towards the southwest of the harbor and the ancient town glow of the past and its imposing landmarks of historic interest are sure to impress visitors and take them back on journeys to the past. As the eyes feast upon the remarkable creations of the Ancient civilization the visitor realizes the different way of life and the harsh conditions, which empowered the people of Kos and drove them to survive and flourish.
The ruins of old, which span through various chronological periods prove all the above. The walls of the ancient city, the altar of Dionysus, the ruins of the Baths ( of Greek and Roman Periods ) and the elaborate mosaics all bare testimony to the important role of Kos all through history.
The Castle with its powerful fortification to protect the inhabitants from the conquerors, just shows that through time Kos was always in the foresight of the mighty. The important history of the island is imprinted in all its landmarks to uphold its historic value.
On the other side there is the face of modern Kos. Today with its modern layout, the wide streets with the squares, the neoclassical buildings and the huge palm trees along the beachfront boulevard, Kos has acquired a different profile. The profile of a modern town that knows how to entertain its guests and leave a lasting impression on them.
Take a stroll in the streets of the town, meet the past and look ahead to the future through the view of the Aegean Sea, relax in one of its cafe places and feast your eyes with the exotic beauties of the town. When night falls, enjoy yourself and have fun all night long in the many nightspots of the town. Have a nice Holiday! |