Kos Greece - One of the Most Popular Islands of Dodecanese

Kos Greece - One of the Most Popular Islands of Dodecanese
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_Moutop]Alex Moutop

Kos Island belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands. It lies on the Aegean Sea between Kalymnos and Nysiros. Just like Rhodes, its popularity among travelers makes it one of the well-known places among the Greek islands. Its extended coastline stretches from east to west. The landscape of the region is varied as the mountains cover major portion of the land surface. The slopes are dotted with beautiful hamlets. As these slopes merge with the plains, they are altered into golden sandy beaches with emerald blue waters.

There are plenty of coastal villages in Kos which have become major tourist resorts due to the increasing number of visitors that the island gets each year. The tourism infrastructure of Kos island has developed quite fast, keeping in mind the various necessities and facilities that might be in demand in tourism. The island has a rich and fertile land which results in varied local produce and bountiful vegetation. It enjoys the typical Mediterranean climate with long spells of hot sunny days. Even so, the water temperatures are quite warm and enjoyable for swimming at sea.

It is believed that the fertile land of this island served as the main attraction for its prehistoric settlers. Legend has it that Asclepius, the ancient god of healing, resided on this island. Centuries later, it was also the home of the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates. The island was once dominated by the Minoans, Achaeans, Dorians, Persians and the Athenians. Its military support to Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431 - 404 B.C. led to the Spartan invasion in 411 B.C. In the later years, it saw the Macedonian, Byzantine, Roman, Venetian, Turkish and Italian invasions.

The earthquake of 1934 devastated the entire island and when it was struggling to survive this disaster, the Germans arrived at the scene in 1943, during the Second World War. The Germans stripped the island of its wealth and resources and inflicted inhuman suffering to its dwellers. This horrendous affair came to an end when the Germans lost the War and then the British quickly took over the scene. Finally, the island gained its independence on 7th March, 1948 when it got the opportunity to unite with Greece.

These civilizations that once inhabited this island are today nonexistent but the architectural concepts and splendid monuments and buildings found on the island bear testimony to their past existence. The ancient site of Agora, the Roman Odeon and the Ancient Gymnasium points to the prehistoric establishment of the ancient settlers. The Turkish architectural patterns are visible in the numerous mosques and fountains that adorn the island. The typical Venetian pattern of architecture used in military defense can be viewed when you visit the Venetian Castle of the Knights of Saint John, whereas the Town Hall and other buildings in the island signify the Italian style of architecture brought here by the Italian architects.

Apart from these foreign architectural concepts, you will be amazed to see the beautiful traditional local architecture so evident in the numerous mountainous and coastal villages of Kos. You are bound to come across the gigantic windmills too that are scattered throughout the island. Most of the houses are painted white and they have coloured doors and windows with cemented roofs.

The various museums, churches and monasteries also add to the architectural grandeur of Kos. The ancient era is well preserved in these museums. It entails the different by gone societies, their norms, customs, beliefs, religious practices, utilitarian objects and architectural achievements as well. The two most famous museums on the island that must be visited include the Archaeological Museum of Kos Town and the Folk Museum of Kefalos.

Apart from a rich culture, Kos also has a gorgeous coastline. Kos beaches serve as the primary hotspot for hanging out with friends and families. People from different countries and places can be seen relaxing and sunbathing underneath the umbrellas or on the sundecks or enjoying meals and drinks at the taverns, bars and restaurants along the beach area. You will also find many of the tourists engaged in adrenalin rushing water sports as these facilities are readily available at most of the beaches. You also have swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving as the most popular options among tourists.

Beach parties are common when there are young crowds. The beach tourist resorts handle most of these parties. The main town provides the young revelers with various party options at the numerous bars and music clubs, which play loud music till the early hours.

Kos Island with its intriguing history and modern cosmopolitan outlook can set a wonderful background for your holidays. Well connected with other Greek islands, you can also island hop to nearby islands.

More information about [http://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/kos/index.htm]Kos island and also book your [http://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/kos/hotels/index.htm]Kos hotel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Moutop http://EzineArticles.com/?Kos-Greece---One-of-the-Most-Popular-Islands-of-Dodecanese&id=2591112