Kós is an historic island oasis beneath the Greek sun. Not the largest of the Dodekannissa Islands but certainly one of its most fascinating, with endless sandy beaches and an ancient heritage.

The capital of the island is Chora Kós and for two thousand years it has been the nerve centre of the island. The city once suffered devastating earthquakes and the island was plagued by numerous invaders including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, the Knights of St. John and finally, the Turks.

The Platia Eleftherìas is the main square of today’s Kós and contains the Archaeological Museum that is housed in a futuristic looking Italian building that dates back to the 1930’s.

Four kilometres from the city high in the Dikeos Mountains is one of the island’s most important sights, the Asklipion, an ancient hospital and sanctuary.

A winding road leads to the village of Kéfalos that from below looks like a small fortified complex. Its white houses and narrow alleys are free of traffic and it’s as though time has stood still. Formerly a village of fishermen, agriculture is now the main source of income for the local people. Kéfalos has much historical significance as it was built on the ruins of the first capital of the island and Hypocrates was born here in 460 B.C.

Antimáchia Castle was built in the 13th century by the Venetians and later expanded by the Knights Of St. John. Its mighty external walls are most impressive but only a few cisterns and two small chapels remain.

Fascinating landscapes and the historic monuments of many époques make the Greek island of Kós a sparkling jewel of the Aegean.