Kos Town: The Jewel of the Dodecanese Islands

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yah sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαί
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Anglika?]
• 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 menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosa, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Vothia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fige!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste yatro!]
• 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 μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 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 (προς ....)
  [Ena isitirio (pros ....)]

Kos Town's history dates back to ancient Greece, around the 3rd millennium BC. The island is famously known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The Sanctuary of Asclepius, dedicated to the healing god, became a renowned center for medical practice. Here, pilgrims sought cures for ailments, and it played a pivotal role in establishing Kos as a hub for medical knowledge and education.

During the Hellenistic period, particularly under the rule of the Ptolemies, Kos Town flourished as an important cultural and commercial center. The Romans later adopted the island, integrating it into their empire, which led to the construction of impressive public buildings, including the Odeon and the Agora, showcasing the town's significance in trade and politics.

In 1309, the Knights of St. John captured Kos and fortified the town, building imposing structures such as the Castle of the Knights. This period saw the construction of defensive walls and the establishment of a military presence, which transformed Kos into a strategic outpost in the Aegean, influencing both its architecture and local governance.

The Ottoman Empire took control of Kos in 1522, leading to a period marked by cultural syncretism. The town saw the construction of mosques, baths, and markets, blending Islamic and local traditions. The influence of Ottoman architecture is evident in structures like the Defterdar Mosque, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Kos Town.

Following the Italo-Turkish War, Kos was ceded to Italy in 1912. The Italian administration initiated significant urban development, modernizing infrastructure and public services. This era left a lasting impact on the town's architecture, with many buildings reflecting Italian neoclassical styles, and fostering an environment that encouraged tourism, which continues to thrive today.

After World War II, Kos was integrated into Greece in 1947. The post-war period saw a dramatic rise in tourism, transforming Kos Town into a popular destination for travelers. The preservation of its archaeological sites and the promotion of its rich history have played a crucial role in establishing Kos as a cultural and historical landmark in the Aegean.

Kos Town is accessible via the Kos International Airport (Hippocrates Airport), located approximately 25 kilometers away. Regular bus services connect the airport to Kos Town, taking about 30 minutes. Ferries from other Greek islands, such as Rhodes and Kalymnos, also dock at the main port of Kos Town. Within the island, local buses run frequently between different neighborhoods and popular tourist spots.

Kos Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses are available for longer distances, and taxis are reasonably priced for short trips. Bicycles are a popular mode of transport, with many rental shops available throughout the town. Consider renting a scooter for a more adventurous way to explore the island.

Kos Town is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, like any tourist destination, it's important to stay alert. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, particularly near markets and tourist attractions. There are no specific high-crime areas, but maintaining awareness is advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital is situated near the center of Kos Town, and pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches and monasteries. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, removing hats and covering shoulders when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink while using public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning). A handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially seafood and traditional Greek salads. Don’t waste food; it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Kos Town like a local, visit the bustling market in the Old Town for fresh produce and artisan goods. Engage with locals at small tavernas to learn about traditional recipes. Explore the less touristy beaches like Agios Fokas for a more authentic experience. Consider renting a bicycle to navigate the scenic coastal paths and enjoy the island's natural beauty.

When dining, it is polite to wait for the host to start eating before you do. Tipping is customary in restaurants, typically around 10%. Always greet shopkeepers upon entering and thank them when leaving, as this is considered good manners.

Kos Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warm and ideal for beach activities. Be prepared for high temperatures in July and August, and bring sun protection.