Kardámaina, or Kardámena (often written with the accents omitted) is a small seaside resort town on the island of Kos, in Greece, mid-way along the south coast of the island. Only 7km from the Kos Island International Airport at Antimacheia, it is an easy place to visit for a day if you have found a vacation rental in Kos.
Formerly a small fishing village, it remains relatively small but is also now a popular summer destination, with its population of less than 2,000 tripling in the summer months. The town has a long history, being built on the site of the ancient settlement of Alasarna, which was an important urban centre in the 2nd century BC.
Formerly a small fishing village, it remains relatively small but is also now a popular summer destination, with its population of less than 2,000 tripling in the summer months. The town has a long history, being built on the site of the ancient settlement of Alasarna, which was an important urban centre in the 2nd century BC.
Archaeological excavations of the area have uncovered a temple of Apollo, a sanctuary dedicated to Hercules, a marble temple dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, a Roman theatre and other Roman buildings, an extensive (and one of the few Greek examples) Early Christian settlement and four basilicas from the same period, including a basilica dedicated to Aghia Theotita, as well as plenty of small everyday objects from life in the area over the centuries. The temple and other sites can be visited and are fascinating insights into the past of this rich and beautiful area.
However fascinating and rich the history of the area is, as a seaside resort, the beaches cannot be forgotten. There are beautiful beaches on either side of the town and they stretch out for a kilometres, the waters are warm, clear and perfect, and the beaches are mostly soft and sandy.
However fascinating and rich the history of the area is, as a seaside resort, the beaches cannot be forgotten. There are beautiful beaches on either side of the town and they stretch out for a kilometres, the waters are warm, clear and perfect, and the beaches are mostly soft and sandy.
In addition, there are lots of other things to see and do in the area; plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars, nightclubs, ferries to the stunning island of Nisyros with its active volcano, a water park, water sports, mountain biking and horse riding.
At the end of the day, however, the biggest selling point is the fact that this is one of the most incredibly beautiful parts of Greece and the world...
At the end of the day, however, the biggest selling point is the fact that this is one of the most incredibly beautiful parts of Greece and the world...