ALTERNATIVE NAMES: Kos, Cos

ISLAND GROUP: Dodecanese Islands

POPULATION: Approximately 18,000 of which about 8,000 live in the capital

GEOGRAPHY: Length about 45km from end to end and about 10.5km at the widest point. Verdant growth with lots of orleanders and bougainvillea.

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS: Busy, very accessible to tourists (approximately 1 million per year according to the Greek National Tourist Board). The Costa Brava of Greek islands.

SPECIALITIES: Cheap alcohol and perfume

TELEPHONE PREFIX: 02242

TRANSPORT: Airport in more or less centre of island, Ferry connecting with other islands in group and Piraeus (Athens), Hydrofoils in abundance.