KOS: THE GREEK ISLAND OF HIPPOCRATES

Hippocrates – the father of Medicine – was born there around 460 BC. He was the first to introduce the scientific observation and its analysis and the thus grounded and documented diagnosis and therapy.

Thanks to Hippocrates, Kos contributed critically to Greek thought and civilization. In the center of the island, in front of the Castle of Knights, stands a huge old plane tree, known as the Hippocrates plane tree. It is claimed that Hippocrates used to sit under this plane tree and teach his students. This plane tree has a perimeter of twelve meters, which gave it the reputation of being the largest in Europe. Water can be taken from it, even in our days.

Wellness Flavored Waters are also in the southeastern corner of the island, 13km away from the town, called Therma or Empros Thermes. The area was christened after the hot springs that have been present there for centuries.

The scenery is characterized by a wild beauty of deep gulches, rocks and black pebbles, the result of tectonic discord, and volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The waters reputably bear healing properties as they are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and sodium, elements considered instrumental in cures for skin arthritic or rheumatic diseases.

Without a doubt, despite its touristic role, Kos is in fact one of the most fertile Greek islands, with rich volcanic soil and an adequate water supply from its single mountain range.