QUICK GUIDE - your essential reference to Kos

1. Navigating Kos: Transport and Connectivity

Kos offers various transportation options, though a rental vehicle is highly recommended for comprehensive exploration.

Public Transportation (KTEL & DEAS Buses):

• KTEL: Connects main points like Kos Town to popular beach resorts (Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari, Kardamena) and Zia village (for sunset). The main station is on Kleopatras Street. Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned.

• DEAS: A separate, smaller system for routes within Kos Town.

• Limitations: "The timetables can be infrequent, especially in the evenings and on Sundays." Service to remote areas like Palio Pyli or quiet villages is "either non-existent or runs only once or twice a day," making "spontaneous exploration almost impossible."

Vehicle Rental (Recommended):

• Cars: "A small car is ideal" for freedom to explore secluded coves, mountain villages, and stay out later without bus schedule worries.

• Scooters & Quad Bikes (ATVs): Popular, especially for younger visitors and coastal roads. Caution is advised: "Our roads can be narrow and winding, and some drivers are not as careful as they should be." Always wear a helmet as it is legally required and common sense.

• Road Safety: "This is probably the biggest daily risk." Be a defensive driver/rider. When walking at night on roads without pavements, walk facing traffic and use a light for visibility.

Cycling:

• Kos Town: "The best way to get around is by bicycle." The town is flat and has an "excellent network of dedicated cycle paths running along the coast, a legacy of the Italian occupation." This is a unique feature compared to other Greek islands.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing:

• Taxis: "Well-established and reliable." Official ranks at the airport, Kos Town harbour, and major resorts. Taxis are typically silver or dark blue, often modern Mercedes-Benz.

• Fares: Meters (metró) must be used for within-town journeys. For longer trips, agree on a fixed price beforehand; official price boards are available at taxi ranks.

• Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Lyft do not operate with private drivers; Uber Taxi connects to licensed taxis at standard fares. FREENOW (formerly Beat) is the most popular and recommended app in Greece for hailing licensed taxis.

Internet Access:

• Public Wi-Fi: Widely available and free in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and beach bars. Quality varies. Some municipal hotspots exist (e.g., Eleftherias Square) but are less reliable.

• Local Prepaid SIM Card (Highly Recommended): For "reliable and consistent connection," especially for data and navigation. Available at official stores of Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova in Kos Town (passport required for registration). "Tourist packages" are affordable (€15-€20 for 10-20 GB/month). This is a "simple, cheap investment that will make your holiday much smoother and save you from huge roaming fees."

2. Cultural Immersion: Traditions and Local Life

Engaging with local traditions and people is key to experiencing the "true spirit of Kos."

• Filoxenia (Love of Strangers): The islanders' attitude towards tourists is one of "welcome and professionalism." "The ancient concept of filoxenia...is a real part of our DNA."

• Language & Greetings: Learning basic Greek phrases is highly valued. "A simple 'Geia sas' (hello) or 'Geia sou'... is a sign of respect and will be met with a warm smile." Other "magic words" include "Kalimera" (good morning), "Kalispera" (good evening), "Efcharistó" (thank you), and "Parakaló" (please/you're welcome).

Interacting with Locals:

• Kafeneio: Visit a traditional coffee shop in village squares (e.g., Asfendiou, Pyli, Kefalos). "This is the heart of the community, where the old men of the village gather to drink Greek coffee, talk politics, and play tavli (backgammon)."

• Local Businesses: Shop at bakeries (fournos), family-run fruit and vegetable shops (manaviko), and butchers. "Ask the shopkeeper for a recommendation."

• Respectful Conduct: Modest dress (shoulders/knees covered) is required when visiting churches/monasteries. Shawls are often provided. Accepting "kerasma" (something "on the house" at restaurants) is a gesture of filoxenia, respond with "Efcharistó!"

Unique Experiences & Festivals:

• Hippocratic Oath Festival: A modern re-enactment of the ancient oath at the Asklepion in summer. "It’s a powerful statement of identity, and for a visitor, it’s a moment of pure, unadulterated goosebumps."

• Carnival: Features satirical, homemade floats. "The real magic is Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday)... The entire village, and indeed the whole island, is shrouded in a delicious haze from thousands of barbecues." Antimahia's party is legendary.

• Wine Harvest Festivals (Panigiria): Celebrations in villages with local bands and free-flowing wine. "Watch the yiayias and pappous (grandmas and grandpas) get up to dance the ballos."

• Therma Beach: A unique natural rock pool where volcanically heated, sulfur-rich water mixes with the cool Aegean Sea.

• Nisyros Day Trip: A "truly off-the-beaten-path option" to a volcanic island where you can "walk down into the crater of the still-active (but dormant!) volcano, Stefanos." Offers a "surreal" experience and beautiful mountain villages like Nikia.

• Kalymnos Day Trip: Known as the island of sea sponge divers and rock climbing. "A rugged, wild beauty and a very different character to Kos." Offers a "glimpse into real island life."

Local Customs & Beliefs:

• Evil Eye (Mati): A belief that someone can cause bad luck with jealousy. Symbolized by the blue and white eye charm, seen everywhere.

• "Ftou ftou ftou": A gentle spitting sound made when admiring someone (especially a baby) to ward off the evil eye. "It is not an insult! It is the exact opposite."

• Quiet Hours (Ores Koinis Isyhias): Legally mandated quiet times from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (siesta) and 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Avoid loud noises during these periods.

• Family & Children: Greece is "one of the most child-friendly places on Earth." Children are welcome everywhere, including late evenings in restaurants.

3. Kos Cuisine: A Taste of Authenticity

To "taste Kos," one must venture beyond tourist menus and explore traditional, homemade dishes rooted in the island's history and ingenuity.

Signature Dishes:

• Pitaridia: Hand-rolled, irregular pasta strips cooked in a rich meat broth, like a "deconstructed lasagna." A "quintessentially Koan" comfort food rarely found on tourist menus. Best found in traditional, family-run tavernas in mountain villages (Pyli, Asfendiou, Zia).

• Krasotyri (Posia Cheese): A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, this goat or sheep's cheese is aged in red wine sediment, giving it a "unique flavour and a wine-stained rind." Try it grilled (saganaki) or with fresh bread and olives. Age influences flavor, with older cheese being harder, saltier, and spicier.

• Katimeria: Delicate, paper-thin fried dough, often filled with unsalted mizithra cheese, drenched in local honey and cinnamon. A "bite of pure bliss," traditionally for special occasions. Should be "stretched and fried to order."

• Dolmades: Handmade stuffed vine leaves with rice, onions, dill, mint, and olive oil. "Real, handmade Koan dolmades are a different species entirely" from canned versions.

• Local Meats & Fish: Look for dishes with pligouri (bulgur wheat). Enjoy fresh barbounia (red mullet) or tsipoura (sea bream) grilled with olive oil, lemon, and oregano.

• Local Bakeries (Fournos): "Please, do not buy your bread from the supermarket. Go to a real fournos in the morning and buy a warm loaf."

Recommended Dining:

• Avoid Tourist Traps: "Leave the main waterfront promenades of Kos Town and Kardamena," where touts lure tourists to "mediocre, overpriced food." "The best restaurants don't need someone outside begging you to come in."

• Venture to Villages/Backstreets:Kos Town: Elia (tucked away, traditional dishes with modern touch).

• Zia: Oromedon (high standards of traditional cooking, spectacular views).

• Mastichari: Taverna by the harbour like Kali Kardia for fresh fish.

• Kefalos (Kamari Bay): Tavernas near fishing boats for fresh fish.

• Pyli: "O Palios Mylos" in the main square for authentic local food.

• Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday) in Antimahia: "Less of a spectator sport and more of a full-contact celebration."

• Yiannis's Loukoumades Van in Antimachia: "A living treasure" for authentic Greek donuts, found late at night near the football pitch.
  

4. Shopping and Local Products

Seek out authentic, handcrafted items and local produce to "pack the soul of Kos."

Food & Drink:

• Thyme Honey (Thymarisio Meli): "The island’s liquid gold." Look for producers in Antimachia or Kefalos, or buy directly from beekeepers on Mount Dikeos (look for "Meli" signs). It should be "darker, richer, and more intensely flavoured."

• Krasotyri (Wine Cheese): A must-buy. "Age is everything." Ask the shop owner how old it is; older cheese is prized.

• Olive Oil: "The lifeblood of the Mediterranean." Look for "humble tin cans" or simple labels, often family-produced. "Agourelaio" (unripe oil) is particularly prized.

• Wine: Kos is experiencing a wine renaissance. Visit boutique wineries like Triantafyllopoulos or Hatziemmanouil to "hear the story of their struggle and their passion."

• Herbs: Buy "big, fragrant, dried bunches from the local market." Crush a leaf to check potency. Look for Greek mountain tea.

• Roadside Stalls: Buy local produce like watermelon directly from farmers. "It’s the taste of a legacy."

• Local Bakeries (Fournos): For fresh, warm bread.

• Manaviko: Small, family-run fruit and vegetable shops in every neighborhood and village. "The produce might not look as perfectly polished as in the supermarket, but the taste is a hundred times better."

• Supermarkets: AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, Lidl are available for essentials and international brands, especially outside Kos Town.

Crafts & Souvenirs:

• Pottery: Look for hand-thrown pieces with finger ridges and slight asymmetry, not factory-made. Visit studios in villages like Pyli or Zia, especially those with visible kilns.

• Olive Wood Carvings: Seek out small workshops run by older artisans. Look for smooth, rustic finishes rather than thick, glossy varnish. Ask about the piece's origin.

• Weaving (Argalios): Traditionally a household art, now often seen in modern interpretations. Patterns tell stories.
  

5. Historical Layers & Unique Attractions

Kos is a "palimpsest" of civilizations, offering a rich historical tapestry.

Ancient Greek & Hippocrates' Legacy:

• Asklepion: The world's first holistic healing center, birthplace of modern medicine, founded by Hippocrates. Offers a "profound and exclusive experience" to connect with his legacy.

• Hippocrates' Plane Tree: A famous landmark in Kos Town.

• Delian League: Kos was a strategic naval base and a key player in the Greco-Persian Wars.

• Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Influence:

• Coexistence: See Roman mosaics (e.g., Casa Romana) and Ottoman mosques (e.g., Defterdar Mosque) existing side-by-side.

• Paleo Pyli (Ghost Village): The island's capital during the Byzantine era, a "raw, hauntingly beautiful collection of crumbling stone houses and Byzantine churches," abandoned due to a cholera epidemic in 1830. A "time capsule."

Knights of Saint John:

• Castle of Antimachia: A "rugged, formidable bastion" built in the 14th century, more impressive than the Nerantzia Castle in Kos Town, and famously repelled a siege in 1457.

• Italian Occupation (WWII):

• Architecture: Kos Town's grand administrative buildings and market are examples of Italian Rationalist architecture. This period, however, "hides a dark secret" due to the brutal Nazi occupation and deportation of the Jewish community.

"Off-the-Beaten-Path" Day Trips:

• Nisyros: Volcanic island where you can walk into the Stefanos crater. Explore Mandraki, and mountain villages Emporios and Nikia.

• Kalymnos: Island of sea sponge divers and rock climbing. Visit Myrties and Telendos.

"Secrets" & Local Legends:

• Underground Tunnels of Kos Town: Built by Italians in the 1930s for military use, now sealed for safety due to instability and flooding. Rumored to have been used for smuggling.

• "Hippy Cave" of Zia: A large rock overhang, a legacy of the 1970s counter-culture, still used temporarily by hikers/travelers.

• Illegal Raki Distillery (Kazanema): Homemade tsipouro/raki is a centuries-old, untaxed tradition in mountain villages like Asfendiou/Pyli. Police generally ignore it unless commercial scale or bad quality.

• "Cursed" Church of Agios Ioannis: Near Tigaki salt lake. Local folklore claims it causes lovers to break up. A "beautiful decay" and "melancholic atmosphere."

• Ayshe's Hammam: A private, traditional Turkish bath for women, preserved by the Turkish-Greek community in Platanos. Access requires introduction by a trusted local.

• Limnionas Beach: A "very deep and personal local custom" where locals "bury their secrets (literally)" – items or letters relating to personal trauma/loss, given to the sea. Considered a "sacred place of healing."

• "Mafia" Olive Grove (Zipari): Owned by a private, wealthy family, rumored to produce high-end oil or hide wartime valuables. Fuels local imagination.

• Hidden Cave of the Last Hermit (Old Man Nikos): Near Cavo Paradiso on Kefalos coast. Nikos, a WWII resistance fighter, lived there after losing his family. Fishermen looked out for him. His belongings remain as a memorial.

• "Fake" Traditional Village (Pyli): The modern village was largely reconstructed after a 1933 earthquake, designed with tourism in mind. The "real" Pyli is Palio Pyli.

• Pirate Treasure of Hayreddin Barbarossa: Legend of a sunken ship laden with loot off Kardamena. A fisherman supposedly found a chest in the 1960s and emigrated, fueling the myth.
  

6. Practical Information & Safety

Ensuring a smooth and safe holiday.

• Weather: "Classic dream of a Greek summer" from May to October. July/August temperatures often 30-35°C (86-95°F), sometimes 40°C (104°F).

• Sun Protection: "The sun is incredibly powerful." High-factor sunscreen (SPF 30/50), wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses are necessities. Avoid heavy sightseeing during midday.

• Water: Tap water is "technically safe to drink" but very "hard" and has an unpleasant taste. Locals universally drink bottled water. Buy large multi-packs from supermarkets (AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, Lidl) to minimize plastic waste by refilling reusable bottles.

• Health & Emergencies:Pharmacies (Farmakopoiós): Identifiable by a green cross. Highly trained professionals, excellent first port of call for minor ailments (sunburn, insect bites, upset stomach). They operate on a rotation for 24/7 service (check signs on closed pharmacies for the nearest open one).

• Emergency Number: 112 (pan-European emergency number; operators speak English). Save it in your phone.

• Safety: Kos is "very safe and peaceful" with a "low crime rate."

• Petty Theft: Be mindful of valuables, especially on beaches. "Never leave your valuables unattended on the beach." Use waterproof pouches for swimming.

• Scams:Harbourfront Restaurants: Avoid persistent touts; these are often tourist traps with "mediocre, overpriced food."

• "Friendship Bracelet" Scam: Someone ties a bracelet and demands exorbitant payment. Be firm, say no, and walk away.

• Taxis: Ensure meter is on for short trips, agree on fixed price for longer ones (check price boards at ranks).

• Environmental Responsibility:Water Conservation: "The single most critical issue for any Greek island is water scarcity." Take shorter showers, don't leave taps running.

• Marine Ecosystem: "Protecting our marine ecosystem is also vital." Do not drop anchor in Posidonia seagrass meadows (the "lungs of the Mediterranean"). Use "reef-safe" mineral-based sunscreen.

• Plastic Waste: Minimize by buying large bottles of water and refilling.

• Operating Hours:Restaurants/Tavernas: Open for lunch (12/1-3/4 PM), close, then reopen for dinner (7 PM onwards, kitchens open until 11 PM+).

• Cafes/Bars: Open early for coffee, stay open continuously until late after midnight.

• Shops: Generally follow the "tourist rhythm" in resort areas (longer hours) and "local rhythm" in villages (often close for siesta).

• Laundry: Self-service laundromats (plintíria) are available in Kos Town and major resorts. Coin-operated, instructions in English, often sell detergent. (€5-€7 per wash/dry cycle).
  

7. Glossary of Key Terms

• Agourelaio: "Unripe oil," a highly prized extra virgin olive oil made from the first green olives of the harvest, known for its peppery taste and high polyphenol content.

• Agios Ioannis Theologos: A small chapel near the Tigaki salt lake, famous in local folklore for a "curse" that causes lovers to break up.

• Amphorae: Large ancient Greek or Roman jars with two handles and a narrow neck, used for storing wine, oil, or other provisions.

• Antimachia: A village on Kos known for its traditions, including a legendary Tsiknopempti party and the location of "O Loukoumatzís."

• Apokries: The Greek Carnival season, involving festivities like parades and meat-eating celebrations.

• Argalios: A traditional Greek loom, once central to household life for weaving textiles.

• Asfendiou: A village in the mountains of Kos, mentioned as a place to find traditional tavernas and illegal raki distilleries.

• Asklepion: The ancient healing center on Kos, birthplace of modern medicine and associated with Hippocrates.

• Asthenofóro: Greek word for ambulance.

• Barbounia: Red mullet, a type of fish often grilled in Greek cuisine.

• Ballos: A traditional, flirtatious island dance in Greece.

• Barbarossa, Hayreddin: A famous Ottoman admiral and privateer from the 16th century, associated with a legend of pirate treasure off Kos.

• Cavo Paradiso: A remote part of the Kefalos coast, where the cave of "Old Man Nikos," the island's last hermit, is located.

• Casa Romana: A lavish Roman villa in Kos Town, adorned with mosaics, reflecting the Roman reverence for Greek culture.

• Cosmote, Vodafone, Nova: Main mobile phone providers in Greece, offering local prepaid SIM cards.

• DEAS: The smaller bus system for routes within Kos Town itself.

• Defterdar Mosque: A beautiful Ottoman-era mosque located in Eleftherias Square, Kos Town.

• Delian League: A powerful ancient Greek alliance led by Athens, of which Kos was a member during the Greco-Persian Wars.

• Dikeos (Mount): The highest mountain on Kos, mentioned in connection with thyme honey production and hidden raki distilleries.

• Dodecanese: A group of Greek islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, including Kos and Kalymnos.

• Dolmades: Stuffed vine leaves, a traditional Greek dish, often made with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): An option offered by ATMs to be charged in the cardholder's home currency, which typically results in a poor exchange rate.

• Efcharistó: (eff-kah-rees-TOH) - Greek for "Thank you."

• Eleftherias Square: A central public area in Kos Town, with municipal Wi-Fi and historical layers.

• Elia: A recommended traditional Greek restaurant in Kos Town, tucked away in an alley.

• Emporios: A mountain village on Nisyros island, recommended for its authentic atmosphere.

• Euronet: A common brand of standalone, non-bank ATMs notorious for high withdrawal fees.

• Farmakopoiós: Greek word for pharmacist.

• Filoxenia: The ancient Greek concept of hospitality, meaning "love of strangers," deeply ingrained in local culture.

• Fournos: A local bakery, recommended for fresh, warm bread.

• FREENOW: (formerly Beat) The most popular taxi-hailing app in Greece.

• Ftou ftou ftou: A gentle "spitting" sound and motion used by Greeks to ward off the evil eye, often when admiring someone or something.

• Geia sas / Geia sou: (YAH-sahs / YAH-soo) - Greek for "Hello/Goodbye" (formal/group vs. informal/single person). "Geia" is an all-purpose friendly greeting.

• Haihoutes: An abandoned village on Kos, home to the café "To Kafenio tou Hagiouti."

• Hammam: A traditional Turkish bath, with a "secret" private one mentioned in Kos Town.

• Hatziemmanouil: A boutique winery on Kos, part of the island's winemaking renaissance.

• Hima: Rustic, homemade bulk wine, traditionally consumed locally on Kos.

• Hippocrates: The "father of modern medicine," born on Kos, whose legacy is central to the island's identity.

• Hippocratic Oath Festival: A modern theatrical re-enactment of the ancient oath, held at the Asklepion.

• Kafeneio: A traditional Greek coffee shop, often a central gathering place in villages.

• Kaiki: A traditional Greek wooden fishing boat.

• Kalimera: (kah-lee-MEHR-ah) - Greek for "Good morning."

• Kalispera: (kah-lee-SPEHR-ah) - Greek for "Good evening."

• Kali Kardia: A recommended taverna in Mastichari, known for fresh fish.

• Kalymnos: A nearby Dodecanese island, recommended as an off-the-beaten-path day trip, known for sponge divers and rock climbing.

• Kamari Bay: A bay in Kefalos with tavernas where fresh fish can be found.

• Kardamena: A popular beach resort and nightlife hub on Kos.

• Katimeria: A sweet, traditional Koan dish of delicate, fried dough, often with cheese, honey, and cinnamon, reserved for special occasions.

• Kazanema: The traditional process of making homemade tsipouro/raki in autumn.

• Kazánia: The hidden stone huts or stills used for illegal raki distillation in the mountains.

• Kefalos: A village and peninsula on Kos, known for fishing villages, authentic honey, and the location of Limnionas Beach.

• Kerásma: A gesture of hospitality where something (dessert, coffee, drink) is offered "on the house" at the end of a meal.

• Kese: A rough exfoliating glove used in a traditional hammam.

• Kleopatras Street: The location of the main bus station in Kos Town for intercity routes.

• Krasotyri: See Posia Cheese.

• KTEL: The main intercity bus system on Kos.

• Laiki agora: A weekly farmer's market, a social ritual where locals buy fresh produce.

• Lambi: A beach area near Kos Town, accessible by bicycle.

• Lidl: A supermarket chain on Kos, known for competitive prices.

• Limnionas Beach: A beach on the Kefalos peninsula where locals practice a deep, personal custom of burying secrets.

• Liomazoma: The autumn olive harvest, a traditional communal ritual.

• Liotrivi: A village olive press.

• Loukoumades: Greek donuts, golden fried dough balls drenched in syrup or honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

• Malagouzia: An indigenous Greek grape variety being revived in Kos winemaking.

• Mandraki: The charming main port of Nisyros island.

• Manaviko: Small, family-run fruit and vegetable shops.

• Marmari: A popular beach resort on Kos.

• Mastika: A Greek liqueur flavored with mastic resin.

• Mastichari: A fishing village and port on Kos, with tavernas known for fresh fish.

• Mati: The evil eye, a belief that someone can cause bad luck or illness by looking with jealousy or envy.

• Meli: Greek for honey.

• Meze platter: A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, often with ouzo.

• Metró: The taxi meter.

• Mizithra cheese: A traditional Greek whey cheese, often unsalted when used in Katimeria.

• Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish layered with minced meat, eggplant, and béchamel sauce.

• Myrties: A beautiful resort on Kalymnos, with views of Telendos.

• Ne: (neh) - Greek for "Yes."

• Nerantzia Castle: The famous castle in Kos Town, built by the Knights of Saint John.

• Nikia: A mountain village on Nisyros, perched on the caldera rim with stunning views.

• Nisyros: A volcanic island, recommended for a unique day trip to its active (dormant) volcano.

• Óchi: (OH-hee) - Greek for "No."

• O Palios Mylos: A traditional taverna in the village square of Pyli, recommended for authentic local food.

• Ores koinis isyhias: Legally mandated "quiet hours" in Greece, typically afternoon and night.

• Oromedon: A taverna in Zia, known for high standards of traditional cooking and spectacular views.

• Ouzo: An anise-flavored aperitif widely consumed in Greece.

• Paleo Pyli: An abandoned Byzantine "ghost village" and former capital of Kos, high on Mount Dikeos.

• Panigiri: A traditional Greek village festival, often celebrating a saint's day, with music, dancing, and food.

• Parakaló: (pah-rah-kah-LOH) - Greek for "Please / You're welcome."

• Períptero: A kiosk or small convenience shop.

• Pitaridia: Handmade, rustic, lasagna-style noodles cooked in a rich meat broth, a quintessential Koan comfort food.

• Platanos: A historical area near Hippocrates' Plane Tree in Kos Town, historically the Turkish quarter.

• Plintíria: Self-service laundromats.

• Pligouri: Bulgur wheat, often used in Koan cuisine instead of rice.

• PDO (Protected Designation of Origin): A certification indicating that a product's quality and characteristics are due essentially to a particular geographical environment and human factors. Krasotyri has this status.

• Posia cheese: (also Krasotyri or "wine cheese") A goat or sheep's cheese aged in red wine sediment, unique to Kos and a Protected Designation of Origin product.

• Pothia: The main town on Kalymnos island, described as a vibrant, working Greek port.

• Psarotaverna: A fish tavern.

• Psalidi: A beach area near Kos Town, accessible by bicycle.

• Pyli: A modern village on Kos, considered a "fake" traditional village by locals due to its post-earthquake reconstruction.

• Saganaki: A Greek dish of fried cheese, often made with Krasotyri.

• Signómi: (seegh-NO-mee) - Greek for "Sorry / Excuse me."

• Sklavenitis: A major supermarket chain on Kos.

• Soumada: A traditional local almond drink.

• Souvlaki: Popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer.

• Stefanos: The name of the still-active (but dormant) volcano crater on Nisyros island.

• Tavli: Greek backgammon, a popular pastime in kafeneios.

• Telendos: A mysterious, cliff-faced island near Kalymnos, accessible by water taxi.

• Therma Beach: A unique natural rock pool where volcanically heated, sulfur-rich water mixes with the cool Aegean Sea.

• Thimari: Wild thyme, abundant on Kos and giving local honey its distinct flavor.

• Tigaki: A popular beach resort on Kos.

• Ton logariasmó, parakaló: (ton loh-gah-ree-ahs-MO, pah-rah-kah-LOH) - Greek for "The bill, please."

• Triantafyllopoulos: A boutique winery on Kos, part of the island's winemaking renaissance.

• Tsipoura: Sea bream, a type of fish often grilled.

• Tsipouro/Raki: A strong, clear pomace brandy, often distilled illegally in the mountains of Kos.

• Tsiknopempti: (Smoky Thursday) The official start of the meat-eating festivities before Greek Carnival, characterized by barbecues.

• Yiayia: (YAH-yah) - Greek for "grandmother."

• Yiorgos: A common Greek name, used generically in the text to refer to raki distillers.

• Zia: A mountain village on Kos, famous for its sunsets and traditional tavernas, also home to the "Hippie Cave."

• Zipari: A village on Kos where a mysterious "Mafia" olive grove is located.