kos_en

Population:26.400

Currency:Euro, €1 = 100 cent

Opening hours:From 8am to 2.30pm, with closurefor a siesta. The shops re-openagain from 5.30pm until 8.30pmMonday to Saturday. Many shopsare closed on Sunday, dependingwhere on the island you arevisiting. Exceptions are noted inspecific listings.

Internet:www.kos.grwww.travel-to-kos.com

Newspapers:Kathimerini (National daily)Eleftherotypia (National daily)To Vima (National daily)Don’t despair if you can’t readGreek as day-old Englishnewspapers are usually availablefrom various newsstands in Kos.Emergency numbers:Ambulance: 166Police: 100Fire brigade: 199

Tourist information:Municipal Tourist Organization ofKos IslandAddress: 1, Vas. Georgiou StreetTel: +30 242 28724 24460www.kos.gr

KOSPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-03-09 | COUNTRY CODE: GRContents: The City, Do & See, Beach Life, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife,Shopping, Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps

Copyright © 2007 Fastcheck AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com

KOSKos is one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese.The island has a well-establish tourist industry which benefitsthe visitors to the island as it is very organized.

The locals are generally friendly people and they haverealized just how important tourism is for the island. Kosoffers plenty of action in the summer, but goes rather quitein the wintertime.

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

THE CITY #THECITY#

Kos has a large selection of wonderfulbeaches which are mainly to be found onthe south coast. The swimming possibilitiesare many and it is a great place forsnorkelling or diving as the possibilities areendless. The island has some stunninglybeautiful mountain villages which caneasily be visited either by car, bus orbicycle. It is also home for some of theworld’s most interesting ancient sites andthey are worth a visit as many of thestructures still standing were builtsomewhere between 3rd – 4th century BC.It is an absolutely amazing experience.Naturally, most of the activities on theisland are based around the water, andKos is a great place for windsurfing,jet-skiing or even sailing in your ownyacht. There are several day tripper boatswhich can take you to other nearby islandsas well as to Turkey if you so wish.

DO & SEE #DOANDSEE#

The Ancient AgoraThe ruins of the Shrine of Aphrodite and

Temple of Hercules are to be found on this3rd century BC site near the Castle in Kos.

The Castle Of KnightsThe 14th century castle withstood theOttomans’ attack for a very long time andit was only destroyed by an earthquake in1495. It was later restored by the GrandMasters d’Aubuisson and d’Amboise.

Address: Leof FinikonTickets: €4

The Western Excavation SiteTwo wooden shelters standing at the westend of Kos town protect the 3rd centurymosaics of the ‘House of Europa’. The bestpreserved mosaic depicts Europa’sabduction by the Greek god of Zeus in theguise of a bull.

AsklipieionThe most important ancient site on theisland is built on a hill-top from where youcan enjoy the view of Kos town andTurkey. It consisted of a religioussanctuary to Asclepius, a healing centreand a school of medicine where studentswere lectured by Hippocrates himself.

Address: PlatiniTickets: €4

BEACH LIFE #BEACH LIFE#

Nude bathing is only legal on a very fewbeaches in Greece and it is consideredoffensive to the traditional Greeks. It isalso very bad etiquette to swim orsunbathe within sight of a church, andthere are several churches around theGreek coastline. Topless sunbathing islegal nationwide but there are severalareas which have adopted their own policyand opted out of this liberal approach byposting signs which should not be ignored.The police rarely hand out fines, but youcan end up with three days in jail if youignore the first warning.

|DESTINATION: KOSPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-03-09


The South coast of the island, between theairport and Andimahia boasts the mostbeautiful and secluded beaches on theisland. Otherwise, the most popularbeaches all offer the traditional sun bed,snack bar and jet-ski hire. The loneliestbeach is probably ‘Camel’, which is in ajet-ski free zone. ‘Camel’ is also one of thebest places on the island for snorkelling.‘Paradise’ beach on the north side isconsidered to be the best, and it strechesseveral kilometres between Lagada andChrisi Akti beach. Marmari and Masticharibeach, also on the north, offers greatopportunities for surfers.

EATING #EATING#

The trendy looking restaurants at thewaterfront in Kos town are very touristic asa rule of thumb. However, the smallbackstreets in Kos have plenty of reallygood restaurants with excellent food. Thechoice of food varies from typical Greekcuisine to the more sophisticated Frenchcuisine.

PetrusClassy restaurant with a greatEuropean-Greek menu with a pinch ofFrench cuisine added in. Excellent grilledfood as well as a fantastic selection of coldsalads. The stuffed chicken with ham andparmesan is highly recommended.

Address: Ippokratus 3Phone: +30 22420 49480

BarbasSmall and busy grill house which servesfabulous Greek specialities. The chickenSouvlaki basically melts in your mouth.Barbas is also well known for its deliciousmayirefta.

Address: Evripilou 6Phone: +30 22400 27856

KarnagioProbably the best fish restaurant on theIsland. The owner of Karnagio goes fishingeveryday to ensure the customer gets thebest available. The stuffed squid, thepot-baked prawns and the fish soup areamongst the favourites.

Address: Ethelondon PolemistonPhone: +30 22420 27900

KanadhezaKanadheza serves a good selection ofgrilled food as well as a delicious pizza.Both indoor and outdoor tables areavailable.

Address: Evrypylou, cnr Artemisias

Pote Tin KyriakiThe most genuine ouzeri on the islandserves exciting delights such as friedmussels, grilled chops and pantsétta. Verypopular restaurant amongst the localpopulation.

Address: Pissandhrou 9

AmbravrisA little bit outside of town you will find thisexcellent charming restaurant with plentyof ambiance. Stay away from theEnglish-only a la carte menu and go for the‘Mezedes’ and you will get the best food onoffer.

Address: near Casa RomanaPhone: +30 22420 25696

Olympiada RestaurantUnpretentious and unfussy restaurantwhich serves several stuffed dishes.



Amongst them are stuffed tomatoes,aubergine, zucchini and vine to mention afew.

Address: KleopatrasPhone: +30 22420 23031

CAFÉS #CAFES#

The island offers several very nice andatmospheric cafés. They are the traditionalmeeting places for many of the localswhich use them as their base for doing‘people watching’.

Café AenaosAenaos is located right under the DefterdarMosque and is a great place to enjoy a cupof fresh brewed coffee. This superblocation makes it a great place for peoplewatching.

Rendez Vous Coffee BarDelicious coffee, sporting events on TV andcomputers with internet access are all tobe found in this coffee house which hasbeen around since 1990.

Address: TigakiInternet: www.rendezvouskos.com

The Marina CaféNice and relaxing café at the harbourwhich gives you the chance to watch theboats as you enjoy your drink or coffee.

Address: The marina, Kos

Strand CaféThe Strand café is located on the busiestbeach in Kos Town and is a great place to

meet up during the day or before a nightout. The Strand Café is especially popularamongst Scandinavian people.

Address: Tingaki beach

BARS & NIGHTLIFE #BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#

The nightlife in Kos town is based aroundtwo streets, Diakon and Nafklirou, and it ishere you will find most of the bars andnightclubs. Summertime action isguaranteed! Naturally, there are alsoseveral nightclubs outside Kos town andmany of the resorts have their ownnightclubs for their guests as well.

HamamThe oriental décor and the comfortablechill-out sofas makes Hamam one of theclassiest bars in town. Local DJ’sguarantees a good selection ofinternational hits being played all night.

Address: Akti Koundourioti 1

KaluaThis outdoor venue serves up a great mixof music, including R&B. If the atmospheregets too hot during the early hours, Kaluaalso boasts a swimming pool.

Address: Akti Zouroudi 3

Fashion ClubThe Fashion Club continues to be one ofthe most popular places to visit for thepartying crowd in Kos. It is one of theoldest nightclubs around on the island, butit is still going strong. The Fashion Club



has 3 bars which should make a good nightout.

Address: Kanari 2

HaremHarem is located between Lambi and Kostown and is decorated to resemble aharem. It has colourful drapes, velvetcushions, atmospheric lightning and playsgood music. You can choose between acushion on the floor or the more traditionalseating in chairs. Naturally, the Harem alsohas an outdoor area by the beach.

The Camel BarNice bar at the harbour with plenty ofatmosphere and partying people. TheCamel Bar will celebrate a 10th yearanniversary in 2007

Address: 15 Akti KountouriotiInternet: www.camelbar.gr

Tropical ClubA great daytime bar located next toHeaven. It plays good music throughoutthe day and is a fairly relaxed place duringdaytime. The temperature rises a bitthrough the evening when the crowd startsto arrive for a good night out.

Address: Lambi

SHOPPING #SHOPPING#

The island of Kos offers a proud heritage oftraditional Greek products together withwhat you normally will find in populartourist destinations. A stroll through the

old town of Kos offers you everything fromolive oil soap and a jar of locally producedhoney to the latest game console for thekids.

Kos is also a great place to shop forjewellery, leather goods, ceramics andtextiles and there are plenty of good dealsto be found. The more traditional artworkand craft items are also widely availablethroughout Kos. The supermarkets have anarray of traditional products but the mainsquare in Kos town hosts a fruit andvegetable market and that is the place tofind fresh local produce.

The bakeries in Kos fill the morning airwith an unmistakable aroma of freshlybaked bread. They are definitely worth avisit as there are several delicious cookiesand pastries available. The morefashionable shops and all the big brandsare located in the modern part of KosTown. It is here you will find the latestdesigner gear along with a few very goodjewellery shops.

Many of the mountain villages offerbeautiful handmade ceramics as well asexquisite hand-woven fabrics andembroidery. The village of ‘Pili’ is knownfor its fantastic selection of high qualitycheese products. The ‘red cheese’ comeshighly recommended as it is a cheesebaked in red wine.



SLEEPING #SLEEPING#

EXCLUSIVECleopatra Superior HotelA new stylish hotel situated in the beautifulvillage of Kardamena, offering a relaxingand enjoyable environment for bothchildren and adults to enjoy. The resortoffers various facilities including lots ofbars and restaurants, excellent nightlifeand leisure activities.

Address: KardemenaPhone: +30 22420 92257/8/9Internet: www.cleopatrahotels.com

GOOD VALUEHotel MaritinaThe recently refurbished Hotel Maritina isconveniently located in the centre of Kostown. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibar, telephone and radio. Maritina also hasa good restaurant and a cosy bar.

Address: 19 L. Vironos , KosPhone: +30 22420 23511Internet: www.maritina.gr

Hotel HermesHermes is located on the hillside of Kefalosand overlooking the sea. It has Englishspeaking staff, 24 hour service and adelightful swimming pool and a fullyfurnished sun terrace.

Address: Diakogiannis Sevastianos, KefalosPhone: +30 22420 71102Internet: www.kefalos.com/hermes.htm

BASICKoala HotelVery friendly family owned hotel in Kos

Town. All the rooms have been recentlyrefurbished with air-conditioning, TV andradio plus their own balcony. Koala alsoboasts a good bar, an excellent swimmingpool and plenty of sun beds.

Address: 21 Harmilou St, KosPhone: +30 22420 22897Internet: www.koalahotel.gr

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

AirportKos Island International Airport is located24km southwest of Kos Town in the centreof the island.

If you arrive with Olympic Airways you cancatch the shuttle bus into Kos Town, butotherwise you will have to find your ownmeans of transport. The easiest thing to dothen will be to catch a taxi which isavailable from the airport arrival gate, or,you can head out to the big roundaboutoutside the airport gate and catch theorange and cream coloured KTEL bus. Enroute to Kos town the bus stops atMastihari, Kardhamena and Kefalos.

Internet: www.hcaa-eleng.gr/kos.htm

Public transportThe municipality of Kos runs their own busservice, DEAS, through the beach suburbsand up to Asklepion. The ticket andinformation office can be found at AktiKoundouriotou 7.

The island can easily be explored bymountain bike, as it is relatively flat. If youdon’t like the physical involvement of a



mountain bike there are several places tohire either a scooter or a car.

TaxiTaxis are available nearby the office as themain taxi stand is located at the east endof Koundouriotou.

Pyli

Phone: +30 22420 41333

Kardamena

Phone: +30 22420 91465

PostOfficec are located at Vassilèos Pavlou 14and El. Venizelou Street in Kos town.

PharmacyThere are several pharmacies in Kos townand generally they can also to be found inthe resorts.

Kavouklis Sevastianos is one:

Address: 21 Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, Kos TownPhone: +30 2240 28397

DentistAt the main hospital in town centre.

TelephoneCountry code: +30

Area code: 22420.

Electricity220 volt, two pronged round plugs

Tourist TrapsThe most common tourist trap on Kos isoverly-expensive taxi rides and it istherefore a good idea to insist that all faresare shown on the meter.

Some restaurants overcharge on the bill soit is generally a good idea to check your billbefore you pay the amount requested.However, most establishments arereasonably honest.

#ESSENTIALINFORMATION#


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