Kardamena
is a beautiful coastal village about 30km from the city of Kos and just 6 km
from the airport.
Ancient Alassarna, one of the six ancient cities of the
island, was an important religious center of the times, as testified by the
ruins of temple of Apollo and other, smaller temples of the ancient and
Byzantine periods. For the past 30 years or so, every summer systematic
excavations by the University of Athens take place. Neolithic, geometric and
classic era remnants indicate, consistent habitation of the area which
flourished during the Hellenistic period and retained it’s vigor in the Roman
and early Christian eras. The settlement, the cemetery and the four basilicas of
the early Christian centuries, combined with the rich findings, indicate a
thriving city with workshops,
industrial facilities and
lively commercial activity. Later residents moved to present location the
village is now, in 1865, making modern Kardamena is the youngest settlement of
the island.
Kardamena, a traditional fishing village, has now evolved
into a cosmopolitan resort. It attracts thousands of tourists of all
nationalities and can satisfy all kinds of needs.
The scenery is composed from green crops and trees on one
side and 6 km of beautiful coastline with crystal clear waters and sandy beach
on the other. All along the coast, there are organized beaches with deep, icy
waters and pebbles or shallow warm waters with sandy coasts. In several of the
organized beaches there are beach volley facilities and a range of water sports
including scuba diving and fishing.
The rich market has everything, from traditional products
to more modern options. In the same manner the choices for entertainment range
from traditional coffee and ouzo restaurants with flavors from Greece and
around the world to modern cafes , bars and nightclubs for all musical tastes.
Taking a walk on the main coastal road of Kardamena, you
must definitely visit the two permanent exhibitions housed in the Town Hall,
preserving its folklore and naval history.
During the summer months, "Alasarnia" include
many cultural events, such as theatrical performances, art exhibitions, musical
events, Sport etc. and towards the end of summer, on 8 September, the birthday
of the Virgin Mary is celebrated with a bright festival.
From the port of Kardamena one can visit on a daily basis,
the neighboring picturesque Nisyros with its famous volcano or organize trips
to the beach of Agia Irini and other nearby destinations.
Smaller sights in the region:
Basilica of Holy Deity: Found after excavations in 1900.It is considered one of the earliest Christian buildings that was found on the island of Kos, since it is dated back in 5th century AD. However it is not well maintained. According to archaeologists it was built with materials found at the temple of Apollon, also located in Kardamena, at the zone of the Holy Divinity.
