The island has been known as MEGÍSTI since antiquity, because it is the largest among many small islands. It was renamed “Kastellórizo” during the Frankish rule, because of the characteristic castle of the island built atop red rocks (Kastello Rosso). Both names (Megísti and Kastellórizo) are used today. The geographer Strávon (1st century BC) called…
When the island was first colonised is unknown. It is certain, however, during the Minoan Age (3000 – 1400 BC) that the Cretans founded a commercial station in O. Chelátros. This harbour provided them with a safe shelter during the summer months and would be their first station for their voyages towards the east. Besides,…
The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age (4000 – 2800 BC). Homer called the island “INEMÓESSA”, because of the strong winds (ánemoi) in the area. There are many findings from the Minoan Age (3000 – 1400 BC). The island was the next station on from Kásos for the Cretans. The Myceneans succeeded the…
The geographer Strávon (1st century BC) recorded the island as “TELCHINÍS”, but the island had many other names. One version as to how it was called “RÓDOS” says that it was named after the daughter of Poseidónas and Amphitrítis, whose name was “Ródon” another says that it was named after the roses (“róda”) that the…
It has been proven that the island has been inhabited from prehistoric times, as pieces of obsidian rock from N. Mílos have been discovered, which bears witness to the fact that there was sea travel between here and the Cycládes. Tradition has it that the name “Chálki” came from the bronze (“chalkós” meaning copper) mines…
The island was named after Sými (daughter of King Ialysós of Ródos), who was brought to the island by god Glávkos (sea god of the Aegean islands). Výron Polýdoras, in his article in the newspaper “Kathimeriní” published July 1996, wrote that “The legend is based on two symbolic and eternal qualities of Glávkos. He could…
The name “TÍLOS” is very ancient. The island was also known as AGATHOÚSA, but the name TÍLOS prevailed. In the cave of “Charkadió”, bones from dwarf elephants (of height 1.20 – 1.60m) were found that lived on the island around 7000BC. Actually, after this discovery the island was called “Elephant island”. The island was inhabited…
The name of the island comes from antiquity, from the Pre-Hellenes, and its meaning is not known. However, Greek Mythology has it that during the war of the Titans with the Giants, god Poseidónas of the sea chased the Giant Polyvótis and caught up with him close to N. Kós, and there he cut a…
Kos is the island of the father of medicine Ippokrátis (mid 5th – mid 4th century BC). The island’s name has been Kós since antiquity. Findings in the Áspri Pétra cave (south of Kéfalos) prove inhabitance from the Early Neolithic Age (4000BC). Minoans from Crete came around the 15th century BC and colonised the island.…
The island is referred to as “KÁPARI” on old charts, possibly because there are many caper (kápari) shrubs growing here. The island has been inhabited since ancient times (an ancient settlement has been unearthed). There are Early – Christian churches dating from the 5th century in Chóra, Grafiótissa and Petrí. You will enjoy the absolute…