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Retail therapy

During the Hellenistic period, Kos was a production centre for unrefined silk, oars and amphorae. Nowadays, options seem endless on this relatively large Greek island, which is blessed with internationally acclaimed beaches, mountainous villages and a fascinating main town, also called Kos. The central and main market of the island can be found in Kos town, where most stores operate all year round and souvenir shops or stores offering beach essentials are only available from May until early November. Travellers in Kos can either enjoy the comfort of luxurious hotels and pamper themselves at upscale hotel boutiques or visit its old-fashioned villages and discover the secrets of local craftsmanship. Some settlements, like the popular seaside Kardamena, or Tigaki feature smaller local markets and stores to accommodate their visitors’ needs.

Spend a morning (or afternoon) strolling around town, admiring the open sights and soaking up the atmosphere. The scenic promenade stretches along the sea and is lined with cafes and restaurants, ideal to escape the intense summer sun. A stroll through the charming alleys of Kos’ Old Town, nature-decorated by iconic fuchsia bougainvillaea, is considered a must. Dozens of shops, offering a vast variety of merchandise, from organic products to beach essentials, will make for a well-spent afternoon in the heart of Kos Island. Cafes, restaurants, charming bakeries and gelato shops are also found scattered around the broader area of Kos town. Make sure to pay a visit to the local market of Kos, or municipal market, located in central Eleftherias square, in order to buy local vegetables, seasonal fruits, honey, dry nuts or souvenirs.

If you wish to squeeze in a few hours of quality retail therapy on your trip, concept stores are now a trend so you will probably see the few that recently popped on the island, showcasing high-end inspiring Greek designers and handcrafted Greek products. Casual chic clothing, sophisticated caftans, artsy accessories, greek-leather sandals, creative home items, fine handcrafted jewellery and much more, can be found all over the island to attract, satisfy and retain even the most demanding customer.

Last but not least, do not leave the island unless you have bought yourselves (or your loved ones) some traditional ceramics, made by talented local artisans. Kos Island has a long lasting tradition when it comes to pottery and nowadays, offers loads of traditional ceramic items, some with contemporary twists. As visitors walk through the picturesque alleys of the mountainous Zia village, colourful handmade Greek ceramics, tiny miniatures, magnets and paintings are also on display by a handful of souvenir shops, for visitors looking for a unique gift to take back home, as a reminder of their holiday to Kos.

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