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KOS
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Kos
Kos (also spelt Cos) is a Greek island in the Aegean, near the Turkish coast.
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Itineraries
Kos or Cos () (Greek: Κως; Turkish: İstanköy; Italian: Coo; formerly Stanchio in English) is a Greek island in the Dodecanese, next to the Gulf of Cos. It measures 40 km by 8 km, and is only 4 km from the coast of Bodrum, Turkey. The island has both fertile plains and infertile highlands. Population: 30,502.
Belonging to the Dodecanese group (dodeca meaning twelve and nese/nisi meaning island) in the Ægean Sea near the Carian coast;Kos island was also known as Meropis and Nymphæa. Diodorus Siculus (xv. 76) and Strabo (xiv. 657) describe it as a well-fortified port. Its position gave it a high importance for the Ægean trade; while the island itself was rich in wines of considerable fame (Pliny, xxxv. 46). Under Alexander the Great and the Egyptian Ptolemies (from 336 B.C.) the town developed into one of the great centers in the Ægean. Josephus ("Ant." xiv. 7, § 2) quotes Strabo to the effect that Mithridates sent to Kos to fetch the gold deposited there by Queen Cleopatra. Herod is said to have provided an annual stipend for the benefit of prize-winners in the athletic games (Josephus, "B. J." i. 21, § 11); and a statue was erected there to his son Herod the Tetrarch ("C. I. G." 2502 ).
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History
The island was originally colonised by the Carians. The Dorians invaded it in the 11th century BC and joined the Delian League, expelling the Persians twice. Kos was a Dorian colony with a large contingent of settlers from Epidaurus who took with them their Asclepius cult and made their new home famous for its sanatoria. The other chief sources of the island's wealth lay in its wines, and in later days, in its silk manufacture. Its early history is obscure. During the Persian wars it was ruled by tyrants, but as a rule it seems to have been under an oligarchic government. In the 5th century it joined the Delian League, and after the revolt of Rhodes served as the chief Athenian station in the south-eastern Aegean (411-407). In 366 BC, a democracy was instituted. After helping, in the Social War (357-355), to weaken Athenian power it fell for a few years to the Carian prince Maussollus. In 366 BC, the town of Kos was built, then soon after the island became part of the Roman Empire and of the Byzantine Empire. In the Hellenistic age Kos attained the zenith of its prosperity. Its alliance was valued by the kings of Egypt, who used it as an outpost for their navy to watch the Aegean. As a seat of learning it rose to be a kind of provincial branch of the museum of Alexandria, and became a favorite resort for the education of the princes of the Ptolemaic dynasty; among its most famous sons were the physician Hippocrates, the painter Apelles, the poets Philetas and, perhaps, Theocritus.
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Hotels in Kos
 | Seagulls Bay Village  |
Score 7.5 from 1 reviews | | Mastichari |  |
| The village covers an area of 20000 square metres and is comprised of three “neighbourhoods” (the Upper, Lower and Central neighborhood) that include : 18 three-story lodges - each with its own garden -, the hospitality hall, the reception area, the restaurant, the bar, the tea bar, the boutique, the library, the day care centre, the massage and aromatherapy facility and the swimming pool.
In the swimming pool area you can enjoy the beneficial attributes of hydro-massage. You can also enjoy a coffee or drink in the courtyard which is equipped with beach chairs and sun umbrellas.
The ranch features a vineyard, domestic animals, fruit trees and a vegetable garden. ... more | | |
 | Taskule Hotel |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | Plaj Cad. No:10 | |
| Taskule Hotel has fifteen (15) exquisite guest accommodations on two floors. These consist of one stately Master Suite, five Deluxe rooms and nine Special Category rooms. The Master Suite, with its authentic hardwood paneling and a fireplace in the salon has an air of muted elegance and warmth. Its large bedroom overlooks the garden, while the salon has a view of the sea. Of the five Deluxe rooms two enjoy a sea view, the remaining three face the lovely garden. Special Category rooms are furnished with double beds while the remaining five have twin beds. All of the rooms are decorated with taste and sophistication.
Each guest accommodation is air-conditioned, has a direct dial telephone, radio, WiFi state-of-the-art ADSL connection for your wireless laptop, PDA or cell, and an Ethernet ADSL connection. Guests may access the Internet on the Reception Office computer or may have a laptop on personal loan by special arrangement. Further, each accommodation has a bathroom with WC, hairdryer and shower with a cabin equipped with variable water jet pressure nozzles arranged in a vertical array to give your whole body a self-regulated water massage at temperatures of your choice. ... more | | |
 | Sunny View Hotel |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | | |
| Once a week Sunny View organises a BBQ and a karaoke night (more than 13000 songs). All major sporting events are broadcast live on a big-screen TV.
Children are well catered for with a play area and designated swimming pool.
Pool operating hours: 08:00 - 20:00. ... more | | |
 | Evripides Village |
Score 6.375 from 8 reviews | | | |
| Air conditioning is available at an additional cost. ... more | | |
| | Hillside Gardens Holiday Village  |
Score 7.75 from 2 reviews | | Geriş Village, Erdemil Mah | |
| Extra activities and facilities of Hillside Gardens Holiday Village:
An Aquapark
Children's Swimming Pool
Weekly Shows
Ground Chess
On site golf buggy service
... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Kos |
| Full Day Tour to Bodrum, Turkey |
9 hours |
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A holiday in Kos is not complete without taking the opportunity to visit the nearby country of Turkey.
After passport control, you will board the boat for a pleasant 45 minute journey to Bodrum. This is a small town with a lovely marina and much history. Driving from the port to a small hill over the town, your informative guide will explain the history of the town. From the top of the hill you have a panoramic view over the harbor, beach and town.
Continue to a large jewelry shop where you can see how all kinds of jewels are manufactured, and you have the opportunity to try out your haggling skills!
You will be taken back into town where you have the rest of the day free to explore Bodrum. Your guide will be happy to steer you in the right direction if you are unsure of what you would like to do.
Enjoy the time shopping and eating, or maybe with a visit to the castle. For a truly Turkish experience, you might like to visit a Turkish Bath for a little pampering.
At 4:00pm your boat departs Bodrum and returns to Kos, where the coaches are waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Kos Airport Private Arrival Transfer |
30 minutes |
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Travel from Kos Airport to your Kos Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a private taxi transfer.
Transfers are available to:
- Area 1 - Kardamena, Mastihari or Marmai
- Area 2 - Messaria or Tigaki
- Area 3 - Kos Town or Psalidi
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Kos Hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
It's that easy!
Don't forget to book your Kos Airport Departure Transfer, simply type the product code 2884GKSHTLAPT into the Keyword Box.
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details in the "Special Requirements" box:
- Airline
- Flight Number
- Departing City / Arrival City
- Arrival Time
- Hotel Name
- Hotel Address
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| BBQ Picnic Lunch on the Island of Kalymnos |
9 hours |
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Sail from the port of Mastihari for approximately 45 minutes before disembarking at Nera on the island of Kalymnos.
The island is known worldwide as the "Sponge Island", as you will find out later on in the day. However, now you have the opportunity to take a swim in the clear waters of secluded Nera beach. Relax while your BBQ lunch is prepared, or you can help out if you would like to.
Enjoy your unforgettable lunch of Greek salad, octopus and Souvlaki while sipping Ouzo (the national drink of Greece) and wine.
After lunch you will sail for a further 30 minutes to Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. Arriving into the harbor you will see colored houses arranged on the hillside and the lively port area.
It is in Pothia you will see for yourself how natural sponges are processed, and learn more about the history and technique of the local sponge fisherman.
Enjoy your cruise back to Mastihari where the coach is waiting to return you to your hotel.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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9 hours |
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One of the most interesting islands of the Dodecanese awaits you - Nissyros, the island of the volcano! Leave the port of Kardamena for a 1 hour cruise to Nissyros where the bus awaits your arrival to take you to the volcano, a short drive away. Your informative guide will be able to give you information about the volcano and the history of the island. In the crater of the volcano you will be able to feel the force of the lava rumbling deep beneath your feet. Witnessing the bubbling mud pools and steam geysers, you may think you have landed on the moon! Arriving back into the port you have the opportunity to visit the town of Mandraki. After a short walk through the narrow streets of blue and white painted houses, you can visit the monastery of Panagia Spiliani. This is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Greek Islands. Returning to town you have time for lunch (not included) or some shopping, before embarking the boat at 4:00pm for your return to Kos.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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