Kos (Greece)

The pleasant climate and the island's beautiful scenery were appreciated as far back as the times of the Greeks and Romans: during Antiquity, Kos was one of the most famous spa resorts in the Mediterranean.
It was not only the famous Asclepieion of Hippocrates that drew in crowds desiring alleviation and healing, the sulphurous thermal springs also played a role. Nowadays, bathers are still able to simply climb into a large basin of warm water of the northwesternmost point of the island. The Embrós thermae mix the water from the earth's interior with fresh seawater, allowing for pleasant temperatures in which to bathe. The healing waters should assist in alleviating skin and breathing complaints above all else.
As with many islands in the Mediterranean, Kos was continually being conquered by foreign powers. All foreign rulers have left their traces on the island and in the mentality of the inhabitants.
The majority of the island's population are very aware of tradition and maintain a strong cohesion. Family, church and village life still play an important role here in the lives of the population, as do kafeníons. Men meet here to drink coffee or ouzo, talk politics, chat and play Tavli, the Greek version of backgammon. Church life also takes a central role: on the numerous church festivals the village community meet up for the liturgy, followed by an extravagant feast, merry music and dancing.