A Dodecanese island and favourite travel destination, Kos has been described as a mini California with its sandy coves, vineyards, orchards and opulent villas on the coast. There is also a plethora of all-inclusive hotel resorts and a vibrant night life and Kos seriously rivals nearby Rhodes as a tourist hotspot.
The rule of the Knights of St. John in the 14th and 15th centuries has left its mark on Kos Town: their Castle dominates the entrance to the port. Nearby the ancient Agora was the place the Knights had built their Inns and at its north end stands the famous Hippocrates plane tree. The ancient father of medicine had established his innovative school in Kos in the 5th century BC and when he died the Asklepeion, shrine to god of medicine Asclepius, was founded at the west of town.
Lambi is an organised beach near Kos Town and there are many others, such as Thermes, a black sandy beach with hot underwater springs; Tigaki, a long white sandy beach with shallow waters; Marmari, popular beach with water sports facilities; Kardamena, popular with package holiday tourists. Alikes is a favourite spot for flamingos and a loggerhead turtle nesting area.
