Kos: The Gem of the Dodecanese

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάς Αγγλικά;
  [Milas Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fige!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astynomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ena giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να χαμηλώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na hamilosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία η ώρα
  [Ine mia i ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (δέκα)
  [Misi (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ochto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για....)
  [Ena isitirio (gia....)]

Kos, a gem in the Dodecanese archipelago, boasts a history stretching back to the Neolithic era. Archaeological discoveries, such as tools and pottery, indicate that the island has been inhabited since 3000 BCE. Kos was known in ancient times for its fertile land and strategic position, making it an important hub for trade and culture.

In the 11th century BCE, Kos was settled by the Dorians, who established one of the six Dorian cities that formed the Dorian Hexapolis. The island became a significant center for the worship of Asclepius, the god of healing, which laid the groundwork for its future as a medical hub.

Kos is famously known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine,' who was born around 460 BCE. The island's Asklepieion, an ancient healing temple dedicated to Asclepius, became a renowned medical school where Hippocrates himself is said to have taught. His legacy continues to influence modern medicine.

During the Hellenistic period, Kos flourished under the rule of the Ptolemies, who turned it into a cultural and intellectual center. The island's prosperity continued under Roman rule, with impressive infrastructure developments such as aqueducts, baths, and theaters. The Roman elite frequently visited Kos for its therapeutic hot springs and medical expertise.

Kos remained an important island through the Byzantine period and saw the construction of numerous churches and fortifications. In the 14th century, the Knights of St. John took control of the island, fortifying it further to protect against Ottoman invasions. The impressive Castle of Neratzia, located at the harbor, stands as a testament to this era.

Kos fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1523 and remained under Ottoman control for nearly four centuries. This period saw a blend of cultures and architectural styles, with significant contributions like the Defterdar Mosque and the Ottoman fountains that still decorate the island.

In 1912, Kos was seized by Italy during the Italo-Turkish War and became part of the Italian Dodecanese. The Italians invested in infrastructure and restored many ancient sites. However, during World War II, the island faced significant turmoil, including bombardments and occupations by German forces after Italy's surrender in 1943.

After World War II, Kos became part of Greece in 1947 with the rest of the Dodecanese islands. The latter half of the 20th century saw rapid development in tourism, transforming Kos into a popular travel destination. Today, visitors can explore its rich history through well-preserved archaeological sites, medieval castles, and vibrant cultural festivals.

Kos is accessible via Kos Island International Airport (KGS), which has direct flights from major European cities, especially during the tourist season from April to October. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Piraeus (Athens' port) or other nearby islands like Rhodes and Santorini. Ferries are frequent and offer a scenic journey across the Aegean Sea.

Kos has a well-connected public transport system with buses run by KTEL that cover the main towns and tourist spots. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, but make sure to agree on the fare beforehand. Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the island at your own pace. Kos Town is particularly bicycle-friendly with dedicated bike lanes.

The official currency in Kos is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas, but be aware of potential fees for international withdrawals.

Kos is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. However, like any popular tourist spot, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially in Kos Town and at major attractions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but standard travel precautions are always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Kos has a hospital located in Kos Town and several medical clinics around the island. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for a Mediterranean climate, but remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches and monasteries. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your hat when entering. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good evening). A handshake is common, and a smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine and try traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki. Don’t rush meals; dining is a relaxed and social affair in Greece.

To experience Kos like a local, visit the village of Zia in the Dikeos Mountains for stunning sunsets and traditional tavernas. Explore the local markets in Kos Town where you can buy fresh produce, local honey, and handmade crafts. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss the ancient ruins of Asklepion, an important healing center in antiquity, and the Castle of the Knights in Kos Town for a glimpse into the island’s medieval past.