If you’re a fan of long sandy beaches then you’ll love Kos. The coastline of this Dodecanese island is blessed with kilometres of the good stuff. It’s definitely one of the best Greek islands for beaches.
Here are 10 of the best beaches on Kos that you shouldn’t miss if you’re on the island:
Golden Beach
Golden Beach – or Chryssi Akti in Greek – is one of the island’s natural highlights. Located on the south coast in Kefalos Bay, there’s beach as far as the eye can see.
This huge sandy bay encompasses lots of smaller beaches such as Paradise Beach, Markos Beach, Magic Beach, and Exotic Beach.
There are organised and unorganised sections – the eastern end is quieter than the west. In the summer the seas are usually calm.
Agios Stefanos
Agios Stefanos – also in the Bay of Kefalos – is one of the most unique beaches on Kos. It has the requisite golden sand and blue seas, but on top of that it also boasts the scenic ruins of an ancient Christian basilica.
A short distance offshore is Kastri, a small and photogenic islet with a blue-roofed church.
Kardamena
Kardamena is the liveliest beach resort on Kos and there’s a cracking sandy town beach just next to the harbour.
If you’re looking for a good-time vibe and a wide selection of bars and restaurants then Kardamena fits the bill.
It’s sandier than Kos Town beach which has a similar atmosphere.
Tigaki
Tigaki is one of the most popular resorts on Kos thanks to its long beach of perfectly fine sand.
Like many of the beaches on Kos, it’s so soft it almost feels like ash. The beach is organised near the resort but extends out in either direction – overall it’s around 10km long.
The downside of these north coast beaches is the frequent wind in the summer months.
Mastichari
Mastichari is a laid-back beach village on the north-west side of Kos. The sand is vast and powdery with some big dunes to the south, and the beach is lined with large trees providing pleasant shade.
It has a chilled-out vibe and has long been popular with the windsurfing crowd. In most parts sea is very shallow and there are lots of sports and play facilities on offer too.
Marmari
The resort of Marmari is just beyond Tigaki and the sand continues in a similar fashion. Take the wooden boardwalks through soft dunes and tamarisk trees to reach a wide pale sand beach.
The sand is impeccably soft. Day beds and sunloungers are available.
Camel Beach
Camel Beach is a small enclosed pebbly cove on the other side of Paradise Beach (it’s better to drive than to walk though).
There are sunloungers and watersports on offer, and there are two tavernas at the top of the hill for when hunger strikes. Camel Beach much less visited than its neighbour and has a tranquil vibe.
Limnionas
Limnionas is a small north-facing spot in the west of the island. It has a headland with a beach on either side – one small sheltered cove and a longer sandy beach looking out over the small islet Vrachonisida Prasso.
It’s an incredibly scenic spot with a restaurant just behind the beach for that all-important seafood lunch.
Cavo Paradiso
Located on the far west of the island, Cavo Paradiso is an untouched natural beauty. It’s located far from the island’s resorts and bus routes so it’s significantly quieter than the other beaches and you’ll need your own wheels (preferably 4×4) to reach it.
Cavo Paradiso is surrounded by steep cliffs and mountain vistas. There’s one beach shack in the summer season adding to the blissful vibes.
Cap Helona
Helona Beach is tucked away in between popular Kardamena and the long undeveloped Golden Beach.
The beach is a mix of course sand with some pebbles. It’s a quiet and rugged stretch of coast, with some walking trails amongst the cliffs.
There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Helona providing loungers for their guests but it never gets too busy. The sandier bits are on the Kardamena side.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Kos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Beach-Hopping on Kos (By Bus and Bike)
How to Get Around Kos Without a Car
Mastichari, the Most Laid-Back Beach Resort on Kos
15 Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Enjoyed this post? Click to save to Pinterest:
Image credits:
Helona Beach: © Thomas Jastram / Adobe Stock
Tigaki: © kvika / Shutterstock
Limnionas: © r_andrei/ Adobe Stock
Cavo Paradiso: © Vladimir Semenov / Adobe Stock
All other images ©The Mediterranean Traveller