Kos

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Revision as of 14:13, 3 June 2009

Kos

Coords: 36°54′N, 27°17.4′E Chartlet: Chartlet Gallery: Photos

Satellite view of Kos
Click for larger view

Background

Kos (Κώς) is a fairly large and elongated island of the Dodecanese group, with an area of 290 km². Its highest peak is 845 m (2772 ft) located on its NE end. In antiquity Kos was famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Near the town (about 5 km) there are the substantial ruins of the Aesclepion where the ancient god of medicine Aeslepios, the son of Apollo, was worshipped.

The modern town is dominated by the castle built by the Knights of Rhodes after the crusades. Later, in 1523 it was taken from the Knights of Rhodes by the Ottomans who held the island until 1912 when Kos with the rest of the Dodechanese were taken over by the Italians who held it until 1948, after WW II, when it became part of Greece.

Unfortunately, this nice island has been overrun by tourists, it is extremely noisy and very mercenary.

Charts

BA

872 Kalimno to Rhodes, including the Gulfs of Kos, Doris, and Symi

1604 Gulf of Kos, Doris and Simi

Imray-Tetra

G35 Dodecanese and the Coast of Turkey

NIMA

54407 Nisos Kalymnos to Kadriga Burnu

54408 NIsos Kos To Nisos Tilos

NIMA 54413 Nisos Kalimnos & Nisos Kos (Western Part)

Greek

451 Leros to Rhodos

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 & Tel. +30 2420 28 507
• Olympia Radio - VHF channels 01 and 63 (on the N side of the island)

Approach and Navigation

Warning: There are dangerous shoals N of Cape Kum and the sea can be very confused around the cape. Also, with a B meltemi there are very violent gusts near the SE shore of the island. Maintain a good distance off-shore.

Check-in facilities

See Ports

Ports and Popular Stops

Kos Harbor

GPS: 36°54′N, 27°17.4′E Kos is the main harbor on the island. It is a large and safe harbor although it is subject to N-NE winds which can cause considerable swell within the large harbor. In the last few years the harbor has been changed with new extensions. Now yachts can moor on either the E side of the harbor under the castle or on the NE side, outside the harbour, when the weather is settled. The S side where yachts used to anchor is now reserved for the many day-trip caïques. Go wherever there is room. Expect the harbor to be crowded during the summer months. Anchor in about 5 m depths and go stern-to to the quay. Excellent holding on mud. The quay under the castle now has water and electricity outlets, although these are only available during peak season (July - September) when the quay is manned and a charge is made. Outside those months mooring is free but there are no facilities. Many supplies can be obtained in the town, but due to the extremely large number of tourists the town has lost its soul. View of the Kos harbor Click for larger view

Chart of Kos harbor - Chartlet Click for larger view

Mastichari

GPS: 36°51.1′N, 27°04.7′E Mastichari is small fishing village on the NW coast.

Chart of Mastichari Click for larger view

Kardamena

GPS: 36°47′N, 27°08.8′E Kardamena is a small fishing village on the SE coast. It has the reputation as the most picturesque village in the island.

Chart of Kardamena - Chartlet Click for larger view

Kamares Bay

GPS: 36°44.1′N, 26°58.4′E Kamares (Καμάρες) or Kamari is a small and fairly attractive harbor on the S end of the island. It offers good shelter from the meltemi. You can go to the quay side-to, if there is room, or stern to. Alternatively you can anchor N of the quay in 5 m. It does get deep very fast. There are a few tavernas and several large hotels within sight. It can get rather noisy at night. Marinas & Yacht Clubs Kos Marina Routes/Passages To/From Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Chart of Kamares - Chartlet Click for larger view

Tourism & things to do ashore

The Aesclepion
Click for larger view

The most important site on the island is the Aesclepion, one of the most important temples of the ancient world. It is situated about 5 km from the town of Kos. One can easily spent a whole morning exploring the ruins of the various buildings.

In town is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, Kasa Romana, a Roman villa, and the Neratzia Castle of the Knights of Rhodes.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

• Fuel - In the marina there is a fuel dock, in the main harbor a mini tanker may deliver diesel fuel on the quay
• Water - Water outlets on the quay (marina and main harbor)
• Electricity - Outlets on the quay in the marina

Laundry

In the marina.

Grocery Stores

Supermarkets in the town and in the marina

Eateries

In general, food in Kos is very bad and overpriced.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

In town.

Marine Stores & Facilities

In the marina.

Repairs

In the marina.

Transportation

There are daily flights to Athens, ferries, and hydrofoils to other islands.

References & Publications

See Greece.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

• Kos (Wikipedia)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this marina & this page's details validated:

• August 2004 --Istioploos 18:27, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

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