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Kos Travel Resources

Kos Travel Resources

Kos Dodecanese, Greece Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps OR Apple Maps

    Download offline maps of Kos for navigation without internet.

  • Google Translate

    Download the Greek offline language pack for instant translation.

  • Ferryhopper

    Indispensable for real-time ferry schedules, prices, and online booking.

  • XE Currency Converter

    Quickly convert prices from Euros to your home currency.

  • WhatsApp

    Widely used in Greece for messaging with local businesses and hotels.

Useful Websites for Planning

  • Greek National Tourism Organization

    Visitgreece.gr for general information about Greece.

  • KTEL Kos

    Ktel-kos.gr for up-to-date bus schedules.

  • Ferry Companies Websites

    Directly check Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways.

  • Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports

    Official source for information on archaeological sites.

  • Local Weather App

    Check the weather forecast for Kos regularly.

Social & Digital Content

Social Media Accounts

Search for local tourism boards or news outlets on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for travel podcasts or YouTube channels focusing on Greek islands for inspiration.

Language Learning

Prepare for your journey by learning basic Greek phrases.

Start Learning with Babbel

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

  • Obtain detailed maps of Kos at tourist offices or kiosks upon arrival.
  • General guidebooks on Greece provide useful cultural, historical, and practical information.
  • These traditional resources complement digital planning.
  • Seek out updated editions for the latest information.

Books & Local Publications

  • "The Story of Greece" by Michael Scott offers a comprehensive overview of Greek history.
  • Look for free tourist magazines or brochures at hotels for maps and event listings.
  • "Mythos" by Stephen Fry humorously retells Greek mythology.
  • Local guides offer current insights plus tips.

Further Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Watching documentaries about ancient Greece offers valuable cultural context.
  • "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" has lighthearted cultural humor.
  • Travel vlogs on YouTube can build anticipation.
  • Seek films that capture the essence of island life.

Music & Art

  • Listen to Greek traditional music, usually including instruments like the bouzouki.
  • Explore Rebetiko, a genre of Greek urban folk music.
  • Familiarize yourself with contemporary Greek pop music.
  • Discover local artists and their expressions.

Online Communities & Forums

  • Join travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor forums for Kos) for recent tips.
  • Explore Social media groups for "Greece travel" or "Kos travel."
  • These local groups permit you to ask questions to experienced travelers.
  • Connect with fellow enthusiasts and share insights.

Emergency & Medical Information

Essential Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • European Emergency Number: 112
  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance: 166
  • Fire And rescue: 199
  • Greek Tourist Police: 1571

Hospitals & Clinics

  • General Hospital of Kos: Leof. Hippokratous, Kos Town
  • Contact: +30 22420 54222
  • Several private medical centers and pharmacies are available in major resorts.
  • For non-emergencies, private clinics often provide faster service.

Embassy & Consulate

  • Most countries maintain their embassies and consulates in Athens.
  • Keep your country's embassy or consulate contact details available.
  • They assist with lost passports, legal issues, or embassy services.
  • For US citizens, the U.S. Embassy in The greek capital (gr.usembassy.gov) is the main contact.

Lost Document Procedures

Report & Contact

  • Report loss or theft immediately to local police for a police report.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Athens for emergency travel documents.
  • Always exercise caution as in any unfamiliar location.

General Safety

  • Keep copies of your documents kept separate from the originals.
  • Store digital copies in a secure cloud service.
  • Email copies to yourself and a trusted contact.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquakes

  • If an earthquake occurs, "Drop, Cover, Hold On" indoors.
  • If outdoors, move to open ground away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
  • Stay informed through local media and emergency alerts.

Wildfires & Hotel

  • Comply with instructions from local authorities during wildfires and evacuate if advised.
  • Familiarize yourself with your hotel's emergency and evacuation plans.
  • Listen to local news and official announcements.

Language Learning Resources

Apps for Learning

  1. Utilize language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise for basic Greek phrases.
  2. Dedicate a few minutes each day before your trip to learn essential greetings.
  3. Practice pronunciation through the app's interactive exercises.
  4. Apps often include vocabulary for common travel situations.
  5. Many apps offer offline modes for learning on the go.

Phrasebooks & Effort

  1. A physical phrasebook is a good resource for quick reference during your travels.
  2. Making an effort to speak local phrases is appreciated by locals.
  3. Focus on phrases like "hello," "thank you," and "please."
  4. Even a few words foster positive interactions.
  5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; locals appreciate the attempt.

Online Communities

Traveler Forums

Join travel forums for Kos on sites like TripAdvisor.

Facebook Groups

Explore Facebook communities focused on "Greece travel" or "Kos travel."

Ask Questions

These communities permit you to ask questions to experienced travelers.

Safety Advisory

For any critical situations, dial 112, the universal emergency number in the EU.

Further Exploration

Films & Documentaries

Films & Series

  • Historical Context

    Watching documentaries about ancient Greece offers valuable cultural and historical context.

  • Cultural Humor

    "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" has lighthearted cultural humor, even though not specific to Kos.

  • Video Blogs about travel

    Watching travel vlogs on YouTube can build anticipation for your trip.

Music & Art Immersion

  • Greek Traditional Music

    Listen to Greek folk music, often played live in tavernas.

  • Rebetiko Music

    Explore Rebetiko, a Greek urban folk music with historical significance.

  • Contemporary Greek Pop

    Familiarize yourself with modern Greek culture through its contemporary pop music.

Online Communities & Forums

Traveler Forums

Join travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor forums for Kos) for recent tips.

Facebook Groups

Explore Facebook groups dedicated to "Greece travel" or "Kos travel."

Ask Questions

These communities permit you to ask questions to experienced travelers.

Language Learning Resources

Apps for Learning

  • Utilize language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise for basic Greek phrases.
  • Dedicate a few minutes each day before your trip to learn essential greetings.
  • Practice listening to usual sayings.
  • Use speech recognition to refine your pronunciation.

Phrasebooks & Effort

  • A physical phrasebook is a good tool for quick reference during your travels.
  • Making an effort to speak local phrases is appreciated.
  • Focus on phrases like "hello," "thank you," and "please."
  • Even a few words create positive interactions with locals.

Further Reading & Exploration

Cultural Deep Dive

  • "Zorba the Greek" by Nikos Kazantzakis provides insights into Greek philosophy.
  • "Mythos" by Stephen Fry humorously retells Greek mythology, enriching understanding of ancient sites.
  • Explore the history of the Dodecanese islands.
  • Explore Greek culinary traditions through cookbooks.

Online Engagement

  • Online communities present recent tips and allow for asking questions.
  • Listening to local music or watching travel vlogs builds anticipation.
  • Discover travel blogs for personal narratives and hidden gems.
  • YouTube channels often share detailed guidebooks.

Planning Note

Leveraging digital tools assists in creating a smooth and enriching travel experience.

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