subject: The Culture Of Kos [print this page] Located in the Aegean Sea, Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese Islands and lies just off the coast of Turkey, despite being Greek. Kos Town is the capital of the island and lies just 15km from the islands airport meaning transfer times here are kept to a minimum.
Kos Town is often associated with boozy Brits, lager louts and neon lit clubs and pubs, however there is so much more on this island if you just look a little closer.
While you cannot deny that the centre of town is a party hot spot, the outskirts are much more civilized and friendly. There is a variety of shops and restaurants, many with children's menus, along the tree lined promenade. The quaint harbour area has fishing boats glistening in the bright sunlight and cruise boats waiting to take you island hopping or over to the Turkish mainland for the day.
There are plenty of water sports to choose from on the sand and pebble beaches or just spend time relaxing and working on that all important tan.
Whilst the new part of town is modern and lively the old part has some wonderful Venetian styled buildings and Roman Baths. Explore the pedestrianised area at your leisure or stop and relax at one of the street cafes or open terraces and just watch the world go by.
Kos Town is built on the ancient city of Polis and its ruins can still be seen here today. Discover the majestic Castle of the Knights of St John at the edge of the town, now joined to the mainland but once only accessible by a small stone bridge. As the years went by the build up of earth meant the island joined the main land however some of the bridge is still visible today.
Just close by is the Plane Tree of Hippocrates where the legend himself was thought to have taught his eager students. The current tree is thought to have been born from the original and is 500 years old; however some of the branches now have to be held by scaffolding.
So remember to take time out from your partying to discover some of the not so hidden gems that this island has to offer. The best time to travel is between May and September when rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are high. The best time to find cheap Kos holidays would have to be early or late season when the resorts are a little quieter and the weather much more bearable.
