Kos, Greek island in Dodecanese, Greece
Kos is a Greek island in the Dodecanese that unfolds between flat shores and a rough mountain ridge. Small coves break up the southern coast, while plains spread across the north where fields and olive groves grow side by side.
The island became known in the 5th century BC when Hippocrates founded a healing school here and laid down the foundations of Western medicine. Later, Romans and Byzantines ruled the area before Venetian and Ottoman powers took control over the following centuries.
Along the coast, windmills that once ground wheat stand as orientation points for sailors and walkers. In the inland villages, Greek coffee is still prepared the traditional way and locals drink it in shaded squares under plane trees.
An airport in the southwest connects the island to many European cities and sees most activity during summer months. Walking paths lead through the mountains and across the plains, and sturdy footwear helps when climbing over rocky terrain.
In the center of the island stands a mountain range with peaks around 800 meters that divides air currents and creates different weather patterns in the north and south. On days with strong winds, one half often stays mild while the other takes the gusts.
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