If I’d only paid more attention in my Ancient Greek class I’d know the saga but Kos they love Heracles the Kosians are helping out.
Just like they did back in the hunky Hellenic hero’s day.
The Koans have opened up a new Irish route to their island for the first time from Tuesday, 2 May.
Where you can explore the Dodecanese (that’s 12, so I was listening Mr McCafferty) island’s Herculean history.
The story goes that Hercy and his buddies were driven ashore by a tempest after seizing the girdle of the Amazon Hippolyta.
Where he crossed swords with the renowned athlete Antagoras.
Heracles a her
Now we’re familiar with Hera the macho man but it seems he was comfy too with his female side.
And dressed in women’s clothes to protect himself and see off Antagoras.
All of which drew the attention of Chalkiope who drew a veil over Hera donning a wedding dress too for their nuptials.
Chalkiope bore Hera a son, Thessalos, father of Antiphos and Pheidippos.
Who I don’t have to tell you commanded the ten ships that Kos, Nisyros, the Calydnian islands and Kasos sent to the Trojan War.
All of which you can find out whichever Greek odyssey you take in your island hopping.
All of which may be worth reflecting on on your Aer Lingus flight to Kos.
Modern Kos
And certainly as you curl your tootsies into Kos’s golden sand or tread the old countryside paths Hera once trod.
Heracles is still revered, and rightly so, around these parts.
Where he is a traditional patron-deity of marriage and where poor couples could celebrate their nuptials in his sanctuary.
Modern-day Kos caters too for young romantics.
And we’re advised that Zia is the go-to village for Greek fare restaurants.
Where you can enjoy a plate of Pitardia, similar to lasagne.
While Averof Street in Kos Town is known for its fish taverns.
Trad dishes include Pitardia, Lambropites, Posa cheese, Marmarites, Thyme honey.
And Kanelada, a liquor made with cinnamon and Alefaskia, an island herb.
Lingus and Hellas
While for beach lovers, Lambi is the most popular on the island and Paradise Beach is more remote, but worth exploring.
All the more reason to get on board Aer Lingus’s New route, one of 53 summer excursions.
Kos they love Heracles.
