The 1935-built Italian market hall on central Platia Eleftherias shelters stalls devoted to herbs, spices, olive products, wine, honey, figs and the like, all attractively packaged, suitable for gifts and not outrageously priced.

Heard Greek sounds you like? Pick them up on CD at Ihopolis (3 Meropídos, Kos Town; tel: 22420 30404). Discounts apply for purchases over €25.

Need a newspaper, local map, guidebook or a paperback for beach reading? Find them at Newsstand, on Platía Kazouli, at the corner of Ríga Feraiou in Kos Town.

Zaharoplastio Paradosi, in Platani village, has scooped out the best Turkish-style ice cream on Kos since 1955. There are big tubs available for takeaway (if your accommodation has a freezer), and plenty of decadent pastries, too (tel: 22420 21490).