Sightseeing

Kos possesses the rare and stunning combination of verdant greens and sea blues, of mountain and sea overflowing with rich flora and fauna. Bursting with blossoms and countless shades of green in spring, at times recalling the luxurious vegetation of continental Europe until the fresh salty sea breeze reminds you that you are in fact on an island, and one of the most stunning of the Aegean at that.

The long, illustrious history of the island, which has been continually inhabited since the early Helladic period (appx. 2,300 BC), has provided vivid traces of the peoples and civilizations from East and West that came through Kos. Buildings, their architectural styles, reasons for construction and uses are usually what remain to indicate and shed light on historical periods.

The island, with its unique history, numerous invaders, settlers and different civilizations all passing through and adding stones to its vast historical mosaic, is the repository of a wealth of religious constructions, with dozens of basilicas, Byzantine churches and mosques having been built throughout the ages. During the Byzantine period, ancient temples were razed to make way for Christian churches, while the Ottoman occupation witnessed the construction of mosques whose minarets rose high into the Aegean sky.

To get the most out of your stay in Kos Island do not miss to visit other main points of interest.