Of an island population of over 26,000, some 15,000 live in the capital, Kos Town, which hugs the coast for 2 mls from NW to SE, stretching inland around ¾ ml at its widest point. Over the centuries, ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Venetians, Ottomans and the Knights of St John have all left their impression on this long-standing port, creating an interesting mix of modern and historic. Minarets and domed mosques, ancient temples, early Christian churches and Roman ruins share space with the newer tourist developments, bars and restaurants, although there are no unduly massive or high-rise buildings. The harbour is particularly relaxing, with its near-complete ring of older buildings enhanced by dense clumps of trees, colourful fishing boats and the smart yachts of the town's wealthier visitors. The harbour is dominated by a still impressive 14th-century castle with a huge plane tree to one side which is said (quaintly but falsely) to have shaded the town's most illustrious citizen, Hippocrates, as he taught his principles of medicine to his disciples. In addition to its history and culture, Kos Town is also well known for its nightlife and, after dark, the waterfront throbs with the bright lights of smart, expensive restaurants and the music of numerous bars and discos. However, there are quieter areas outside the centre with the mainly flat, tree-lined avenues extending to the seaside suburbs of Lambi and Psalidi, to the N and S respectively.

Suits couples, families with older children and the younger market. A lively base offering a mixture of culture and nightlife.

A preponderance of small to medium hotels of modest standard; the 7 or 8 A-class establishments are just outside the town.

To the S, a long, very narrow strip of shingle supplemented by imported sand. N of the harbour at Lambi is a better broad and sandy beach. Both are well equipped with amenities and offer a range of water sports.

Meat, vegetables and groceries from the castellated market; a post office, banks and tourist office are nearby. Souvenir shops in considerable numbers, with leather, jewellery and natural sponges being specialities. Smart boutiques in the harbour area.

Daytime: beach- and water-based activities, including water-skiing, jet-skiing and sailing; cycling; exploring the town, including a Roman amphitheatre, villa and baths, Temple of Dionysos, the ancient market (agora), archaeological museum and Castle of the Knights of St John. Nightlife: many lively discos, bars, clubs and pubs, concentrated in 2 streets in the centre and around the waterfront.

Generous choice of tavernas and restaurants, with the greatest concentration around the harbour; cheaper options near the beaches. Mediocrity generally rules.

2 to 5 buses per day to the principal inland towns and other resorts. Minitrain around town. Taxis. Car, motorbike and mountain-bike hire.

Half day: Thermes hot springs; archaeological site of Asklepeion, an ancient healing centre; hiking around Mt Dikeos. Full day: beach at Tingaki; old towns of Pyli and Kefalos; 14th-century castle of Antimachia in the centre of the island; boat trips to the islands of Pserimos, Kalymnos, Patmos or Leros, the volcanic island of Nissyros, and Bodrum in Turkey; catamaran trips. Water park.

On the NE coast, 17 mls across the water from Bodrum (Turkey). 15 mls NE of the airport.

On the N coastal plain, clustered around the port in a roughly triangular shape; backed by a range of steep hills which run the length of the island.

Telephone Area Code: 22420

Airport : Kos Airport
Airport Code: KGS
Flight time from ther U.K.: 4 hrs.