Kos

Kos island in the Dodecanese sailing area:

Kos (or Cos) is a Greek island that lies at the heart of the Dodecanese cluster in the Aegean Sea. It is the third largest island of the group, after Rhodes and Karpathos, situated close to the Minor Asia coastline (only 4Km from the coast of Bodrum, Turkey). Kos, the island of Hippocrates, has been gifted with an abundance of unique elements. Kos is considered not only international tourist centre but also truly amazing place for sailing holidays in Greece. It is worth sailing there!
Kos is a mountainous island that consists of a series of high peaks. The distinctive feature of its ground morphology is that Kos has both fertile plains and infertile highlands creating stunning contrast to the viewer.
The capital of Kos, has the same name as the island, is the main port and the cultural and population centre of the island. It is beautiful town with both modern and traditional character. There, the visitor can find everything from archaeological sites, different architecture trends (Italian, Greek and Turkish), little alleys and many restaurants, cafes and shops. There are also several colourful villages with friendly environment and warm hospitality such as Asfendiou, Zipari, Tigaki and Marmari which all give the opportunity to live a real great time. Lastly, do not miss the breathtaking sunset from Zia village!
Kos has a great variety of white sand (or even black one from the volcano lava) or pebbled beaches and coves that scattered around the island. Most of the beaches are well-organised and provide high standard of facilities. Some of the most famous beaches in Kos are Ag. Fokas, Ag. Theologos, Chryssi Akti, Kamari, Kamila, Kardamena, Xerokampos, Lagkades, Lambi, Limnionas, Mastichari, Meropida & Milos.
Kos may be the liveliest island of the Dodecanese as regards its nightlife! Most of the bars, cafes and nightclubs are located mainly in the capital and some other touristy places too. Restaurants and taverns are also on hand around almost all the island offering delicious recipes.

Weather conditions / Climate in Kos island:

During the summer period in Kos island, the prevailing wind is the Meltemi blowing from West to North-West at force 4-6 and may reach force 7 on occasion. On the contrary, during spring and autumn the Meltemi wind frequently blows from South-East at force 2-4 beaufort scale again stronger occasionally.
Kos is sunny island all year round and the climate is the classic Mediterranean: hot, dry summers from April till November and mild, short winters. During summer months, the Meltemi winds provide some relief since the temperatures are sometimes quite high.

Moorings & Anchorages in Kos island/ Dodecanese islands:

Kos island has its private marina. Kos marina, opened in 2001, is located next to Kos’ old harbour. It is modern and safe marina which offers up to date service and facilities to the visitor.

Anchorages/ moorings in Kos: Kamares and Kefalos at the West South end of the island is sheltered bay where yachts can stay on the anchor or moor to the small dock. Mastichari, Tigaki, Lambi amd Psalidi beaches/ bays are safe only when South or no winds are blowing.

Keep in mind: The marina Kos in Kos island, the old harbour of Mandraki in Rhodos island and the Pythagorion marina in Samos island are our charter bases for the Dodecanese islands.

History / Places of interest in Kos island:

First it was the Carians who colonised Kos island. The Dorians invaded around 1053 BC, who allied with the Delians and fought the Persians successfully twice. The town of Kos was built in 366 BC and a couple of decades later the island stood under the Roman Empire and of the Byzantine Empire.
Like most islands in the Dodecanese, Kos was conquered by the Venetians, who then sold it to the Knights of Rhodes. Around 1440 the Knights abandoned the island threatened by the Turks. The Ottoman Empire ruled Kos for 400 years until it was given to Italy in 1912. During the World War II, the Germans bombed the island and in 1945 Kos became a protectorate of the United Kingdom, who then ceded it to Greece in 1947.

There are plenty of archaeological sites and monuments, castles and churches to pay a visit in Kos Island!  Visit the Neratzia castle at the entrance of Kos harbour, the Asklepion (Hippocrates’ ancient hospital), the archaeological museum and the church of Agia Paraskevi at the capital.

Activities in Kos island:

There is a wide variety of watersports opportunities that can be practiced in Kos island. Visitors can joy activities such as water skiing, kite surfing, paragliding, banana rides, ring boats, jet skiing, pedaloes, canoes, parachuting, jet bikes and scuba diving in most organised beaches and hotels. There are also several watersport centres (such Kardamena water sports centre in Kardamena beach) where experienced instructors offer, the appropriate equipment, for renting. There are many possibilities to rent a car, bike, motorbike mostly around the capital of Kos as well.