DISCOVER
KOS
Asklepeion
On the hill above the town of Kos inside of the grounds of the Hippocratic International Foundation (just before the archeological site of the Asclepeion) lies a beautiful garden where you will find the statue of the Hippocratic Altis at the end of an alley bordered by cypresses.
The International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos was founded in 1960 by Spyridon Economou, Professor of Urology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Its purpose is to promote humanistic medicine based on Hippocratic values.
This little-known place, 1km before Asklepieion, does not have the immediate ‘wow’ factor due to its modest collection. But it should. It includes a small text-heavy exhibition on Hippocrates, explaining the oath for doctors, plus ancient medical instruments, the likes of which are still used today. The highlight is the botanic garden, growing herbs and plants used in Hippocratic times.
Asclepieia (Ancient Greek: Ἀσκληπιεῖον Asklepieion) were healing temples located in ancient Greece (and in the wider Hellenistic and Roman world), dedicated to Asclepius, the first doctor-demigod in Greek mythology. Asclepius was said to have been such a skilled doctor that he could even raise people from the dead. So, according to the myth of his great healing powers, pilgrims would flock to temples built in his honor in order to seek spiritual and physical healing.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 4,8 km – 14 minutes
Haihoutes, the Kos village
Haihoutes, also known as Agios Dimitros, is a ghost village located on the island of Kos, Greece. The village was one of the smallest in Kos since the 1850’s until it’s complete abandonment in the 1970’s. The name of Haihoutes may refer to the Armenians that used to live in this area at one time (Armenians are called Haik).
In the early to mid 1900’s, Haihoutes contained only 35 to 40 houses, and only about 5 or 6 different extended families among them. During this time, a school was also founded and took place in the Church of Agios Dimitrios, which still remains intact and situated on the mountain. There were about 40 to 50 students within the school and was the first established school on the island of Kos.
The town was used as a safe point by Kos residents during WWII when fighting against the Turkish soldiers, as its high location in the mountains meant that enemy soldiers were channelled up by one steep incline path.
By the 1970’s, most people had left the town due to a severe lack of infrastructure and moved to other towns in Kos. Following its abandonment and repeated earthquakes, the town’s infrastructure completely collapsed, with houses crumbling to one or two standing walls.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 10,8 km – 26 minutes
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Kos is located in Eleftheria Square, opposite the market and the Deffendar mosque. Built by the Italians in 1936, to group together everything they had found under the rubble of the 1933 earthquake, coming from various areas of the island. Among the things to admire, a magnificent mosaic representing the arrival of Asclepius, the god of medicine, on the island of Kos.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 2,3 km – 10 minutes
Knights Castle
The Castle of Neratzia or also called the Fortress of the Knights of St. John, is located within the walls at the mouth of the port to defend the city. Built in various phases of the time of the Knights of St. John, it was completed in 1514 and stones from the ruins of the ancient city of Asklepion were used for construction. The castle actually hides within itself another fortress from the Byzantine period, built around 1450.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 3,1 km – 13 minutes
Roman House
The Roman House is located in the heart of Kos Town and consists of 36 rooms and three large atriums which were originally a source of light and air for the surrounding rooms. Most likely he belonged to an aristocratic family. To admire the internal courtyards, the colonnades present, the frescoes and the mosaic floors throughout the house which represent the love for nature and beauty.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 2,8 km – 10 minutes
Odeon
Dating back to the Roman era, the Odeon was one of the most important public buildings in Kos’ past and, restored in 1999, can accommodate up to 750 people. The building is pentagon-shaped and initially covered, with the cavea (stairs) facing north and supported by rooms with barrel vaults. Under the steps are two semicircular porticoes and a series of galleries once decorated with marble statues. Currently the Kos Odeon is used for cultural events or concerts as the acoustics are perfect.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 2,5 km – 10 minutes
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b9WozdnTdB5Hwru4A
Embros Thermae
Embros Thermae is a natural hot water spa, which over the years has become one of the most popular points for tourists on the island of Kos. The little beach is surrounded by very high cliffs, rocks and black pebbles and it is not uncommon to come across some completely free goats.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 13,7 km – 26 minutes
Pyli Village
The village of Pyli is located in the center of the island, spread over a green plain full of vegetation and olive trees, and is characterized by small stone houses built around the main square, with cafes and classic taverns. Among the sites to visit are the traditional “House of Pyli”, a source of fresh water flowing from 6 fountains and the “Harmylio” (“tomb of Harmylos) indicated with the sign “Heroon of Charmylos”, a tholos tomb from the Hellenistic period, but also the medieval chapel of Stavros with traces of an ancient temple.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 16,3 km – 28 minutes
Platani Village
The closest village to Kos town, about 2km from the island’s capital along the road that leads to the archaeological site of Asklepion. Platani (also called Kermedés, a derivation of the Turkish name Germe) boasts, together with the capital, the majority of the ethnic Turkish population present on the island.
The village is cute and liveable, in the main square there is an Ottoman fountain with numerous Turkish taverns ideal for an alternative evening to the more worldly Kos city.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 3,3 km – 11 minutes
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EmhCwH7PaWTKxtUt5
Zia Village
In stark contrast to the sweet melancholy of abandoned Agios Dimitrios is charming Zia’s southernmost slope, whose superb location makes it the perfect spot for viewing spectacular sunsets and gazing at the nearby islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos as well as the Turkish coast in the distance.
This small beautiful village is located 16 km southeast of Kos town and close to Asfendiou village at a high altitude in the mountain side of Dikeos. Zia lies hidden among the lush green forests and running waters and is regarded as a pole of attraction for many visitors, tourists and Greek tourists. Its idyllic location on the slopes of Mountain Dikeos offers some breathtaking views to the entire Kos island.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 16,8 km – 36 minutes
Alikes Salt Lakes
The Alikes Salt Lakes (Igroviotopos Alikis) are located not far from Tigaki on the north coast of Kos, about 15 kilometers west of Kos town. Table salt was produced here in a large saltworks until 1989. After the salt production ended a permanent lagoon of salt and brackish water formed in the basin, which has now been left to its own devices. The unique nature serves as a nesting place for a large number of wild and water birds as well as for wintering, even flamingos have been observed. The presence of herons in the autumn, who meet here alongside sea turtles and sea snakes is a rare experience.
In addition to birds, sea turtles, sea snakes and numerous other animals also found a home in and around the salt lake. The landscape, which is now under nature protection, is not only interesting for bird lovers, the unique landscape is also interesting for nature lovers. Also the high salt content of the air is pleasant for many. In summer, the lake dries up to a large extent, salt crusts cover its edges, and from some perspectives it seems unreal as if it were from another planet. Right next to the lake on the coast there is a very beautiful beach.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 11,3 km – 21 minutes
Lambi Beach
Lambi beach offers a 1 km long sandy beach, well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars and water sports, both in the most crowded areas and in the free areas.
Given its proximity to the city of Kos, the beach is very popular and frequented by many tourists. Lambi is very well shaded and surrounded by greenery, easy to reach and with good restaurant services.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 950 m – 6 minutes
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rS78eykYHERVogCJ9
Agios Fokas Beach
To the south of Kos, about 6 km, we find this quiet pebble beach with little sand and, continuing for about 2 km, the famous thermal baths of Thermes. Agios Fokas is organized with umbrellas and deckchairs, but it is a little frequented beach, as beaches closer to the city center and less pebbly are preferred. Here, however, the landscape is delightful and, especially at sunset, as in Psalidi, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Aegean which is enriched with new shades of colour.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 10,1 km – 22 minutes
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wPVpt8X9kHyE94ZV7
Marmari Beach
Marmari beach is located on the north coast of the island about 15 km from Kos and is separated from Tigaki beach by the Alyki salt marsh. Like Tigaki, Marmari beach has also boasted the Blue Flag for years and offers a splendid golden sandy beach with dunes, at the western end, extremely long and organized with umbrellas, deckchairs, sunbeds, all the necessary material for water sports, hotel facilities, taverns, bars and restaurants. The waters are crystal clear and bright blue, with shallow waters and views of the islands of Pserimos, Kalymnos and the Bodrum peninsula.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 16,3 km – 28 minutes
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ti8dzn42M2ra4aWd9
Tigaki Beach
Tigaki beach is among the most famous and popular beaches on the island not only for its length of 10 km, but also for having always been awarded the Blue Flag, for its cleanliness, extreme organization, for the white sandy beach, with shallow transparent waters that make it ideal for families with children. Here it is possible to enjoy organized chalets, umbrellas with sunbeds, excellent fresh fish taverns and restaurants along the entire length of the beach.
Tigaki Beach boasts a unique landscape with clear views of Turkey’s Bodrum peninsula and the islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 11,3 km – 21 minutes
Hippocrates garden
The Ancient House – Hippocrates Garden is a cultural center on the island of Kos built as an exact replica of an ancient Greek settlement from the 5th century BC, the century in which Hippocrates, a famous doctor born and lived on the island, lived. You can also attend theater shows or take part in seminars and courses in Greek cuisine, ceramics, philosophy and other disciplines.
DISTANCE & MAP link
Distance from the shop by bike: 4,1 km – 13 minutes
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