Beaches on the island of Kos

Coast of Kos and water sports

The Greek island of Kos has a very varied coastline, which includes both gentle and long sandy beaches as well as rocky stretches and steeper coastal areas, especially in the west and south-west of the island. The shores of Kos are washed by the Aegean Sea, which is known for its purity and turquoise hue.

The wind plays an important role on Kos, especially in the summer months when the northern meltemi blows. This wind is strongest on the northern coast, for example in the areas of Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari, making these beaches ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. In the south and south-east, for example in the Kardamena area or Thermes beach, the wind tends to be weaker, which contributes to a calmer atmosphere.

This makes the coast of Kos ideal for water sports. The northern beaches offer great conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to the steady winds and open sea. In the south and southeast, snorkelers and divers will find their own beaches, especially in the rockier parts or near archaeological sites such as Agios Stefanos. The sea here is clear and allows the observation of underwater life. This makes Kos a great choice for both adrenaline junkies and those who prefer a quiet swim or snorkel.

The most popular beaches on Kos

North Coast

The northern part of the island of Kos is characterised by long sandy beaches that stretch from the main town of Kos to popular resorts such as Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari. The beaches on the northern coast are mostly sandy, sometimes with gravel, with a gradual entry into the sea. This area is known for its windier conditions, making it ideal for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

In terms of visitor numbers, it can generally be said that the most popular beaches on Kos are located in its northern and north-eastern parts.

Tigaki beach, one of the longest beaches on Kos, is popular for its long sandy shores, great facilities and excellent conditions for families with children.

Marmari and Mastichari beaches offer visitors similar amenities and clear turquoise waters, but are quieter. Marmari beach is a beautiful sandy beach, spacious enough for rest and relaxation. The eastern part of the beach, known as Limnaria beach, is especially popular with water sports and adrenaline lovers, as there are several sports equipment rental shops and schools with instructors. Mastichari Beach is a charming sandy beach with beautiful scenery created by small sand dunes and spectacular sunsets. It is popular for its peaceful atmosphere and the possibility of water sports.

The town's sand and shingle beach, Akti Zouroudi, is adjacent to the main town of Kos and can be found north of the town's harbour. Zouroudi beach is very lively, with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes as well as water sports centres.

Neighbouring Lambi beach is a sandy to sand and shingle beach with crystal clear water, which is close to Kos town. It is popular for its lively atmosphere, easy accessibility and wide range of restaurants and bars.

East Coast

The eastern coast of Kos is more sheltered from the winds, which means calmer seas for swimming and snorkelling. The area is also very well developed for tourism thanks to the proximity of Kos town. There are several pebble and sandy beaches.

The eastern coast is home to the long sand and shingle beach of Psalidi, which starts south of Kos town harbour and continues to the nearby resort of Psalidi. The part of the beach near the harbour is called Psalidi - Paradiso Beach and the more distant part of the beach adjacent to the resort of Psalidi is called Psalidi - Ramira Beach. Paradiso Beach has good tourist facilities and is ideal for water sports, while Ramira Beach is more suited for relaxation. It is more gravelly, with wonderfully clear water.

Agios Fokas beach is known for its pebbles and peaceful atmosphere, offering a spectacular view of the Turkish coast.

Nearby is Thermes beach, unique for its hot springs that mix with the sea water. The beach is also known as "Black Sand Beach", referring to the beach's surface of dark, volcanic sand. This area is suitable for both nature lovers and those looking for relaxation.

South Coast

The southern part of Kos is famous for its picturesque coves and beautiful sandy beaches, often surrounded by rocky cliffs. This area is suitable for nature lovers and quiet beaches, but some are only accessible on foot or by unpaved roads.

The most popular holiday resort on the south coast of the island, Kardamena, attracts visitors for its beautiful beach, among other things. Kardamena beach is a long sandy beach with good tourist facilities and a gentle entrance to the sea, ideal for families with children.

Moving further west along the southern coast of Kos, you will discover many other beautiful and unique beaches. Turtle beach, a long sandy beach, quite lively and well-organised, is certainly worth a visit, as well as the nearby Helona beach, which in turn attracts visitors with its natural beauty and its wild appearance.

Further to the west, in a long and open bay, we find several smaller, mostly sandy beaches, which build on each other. From the secluded, purely natural sandy beach of Chryssi Akti, through the quiet and very pleasant sandy beaches of Exotic and Magic, the lightly organised beaches with beautiful natural scenery of Psilos Gremos, Markos and Lagades, the popular Paradise beach with its fine golden sand and diverse range of water sports, to the unassuming Camel beach and the unique beach of Agios Stefanos with its small archaeological site right by the sea.

Paradise Beach, often referred to as Bubble Beach, attracts tourists with its natural bubbling currents, fine sand and clear water. Magic and Exotic beaches attract visitors with their organisation, quiet friendly environment and sporting opportunities.

If you are looking for total relaxation and an escape from the busy tourist centres, be sure to visit Camel Beach. It is located in a quiet cove surrounded by rocks and offers complete privacy. Access here is a little more complicated, ensuring that the beach remains almost untouched.

Agios Stefanos Beach combines a beautiful setting with archaeological sites, located in a small bay.

West Coast

The west coast of Kos is the least visited part of the island, which means a quieter atmosphere and more natural authenticity. The coastline here is more rugged, with rocky stretches and smaller beaches.

Thus, the west coast is particularly notable for its more secluded beaches, although the Kefalos peninsula has a varied selection of beaches and is definitely worth a visit too.

We recommend visiting Cavo Paradiso beach, for example, which offers its visitors mainly tranquillity and natural beauty. Agios Theologos beach is known for its dramatic sunsets and surfing opportunities. Limnionas Beach, a quiet and attractive sandy beach with basic tourist facilities, is also a good tip for those seeking a retreat away from the crowds.

On the tip of Kefalos is also the eponymous Kefalos Beach, a long sand and shingle beach close to the resort of Kefalos, with a picturesque natural setting and beautiful sea views, including the small island of Kastri. There is also the organised sand and shingle beach of Kamari or the beach of Tripiti with excellent conditions for snorkelling.

Kos is a paradise for lovers of beach activities and for those looking for a quiet place to relax. Every part of the island has something to offer, from luxury resorts to hidden treasures, making Kos the ideal destination for a beach holiday.

The island of Kos and the average sea temperature

The sea temperature around the island of Kos varies throughout the year from around 16 °C in the winter months to 26-27 °C during the summer, usually in August. In summer, the sea off Kos is one of the warmest in the Aegean.

Differences in sea temperature in different parts of Kos are minimal, but in general the northern coast tends to be slightly cooler due to its openness to the winds of the meltemi, which cool the sea. On the other hand, the south and south-east coasts, for example around Kardamena beach or Thermes beach, where hot springs contribute to heating the water, offer warmer conditions.

Map of Kos Island - Beaches

The various beaches of Kos, both sandy and pebbly, organised and purely natural, are clearly marked on the Kos island map.