This island of the Dodecanese group has been taken over almost
completely by tourism, catering especially for family holidays.
Aside from the drawcard of beautiful beaches, Kos has an abundance
of interesting ruins to explore, and is easily reached from Rhodes
or Bodrum (Turkey) by ferry. Kos was prominent in antiquity because
of its healing temple of Asclepius, founded after the death of the
famed physician Hippocrates, who allegedly taught students on the
island. The island also features the remains of temples for other
healing deities, including Isis and Sarapis, and appears to have
historically been an island healing retreat. The island boasts a
tree that is reputedly the oldest in Europe and Hippocrates is said
to have held lecture sessions in its shade. The island also has
several archaeological remains of Persian, Turkish, Roman and
Byzantine conquerors that all added their bit during a long
history. Kos has busy bars and an entertaining nightlife, and there
are some pleasant towns and beaches outside the capital, but those
looking for empty beaches should head for quieter islands.
