Known for its long, sandy, and always crowded beaches, this Greek island has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the Aegean Sea. From Marmari and Mastichari to Psalidi, Tigaki, and Kardamena, there’s a beach for every taste and mood. And the best part? Near to all of them, you’ll find a range of amenities, beach bars, seafood restaurants, and all manner of water sports.
Contemplate discovering the stunning beaches of Kos by hiring a car. As many of the top beaches are situated beyond the town limits, personal transportation is indispensable for a comfortable and delightful days at the beach.
In the middle of the town of Kos
Sunbathe, swim and chill at the main town’sbeaches. There’s Zouroudis Beach, Milos and the Nautical Club. They all have parasols and chairs, and beach bars that play music. The beaches of the Nautical Club and Miloshave been awarded the European Blue Flag. Another option is Nomikos-Barbayanni beach, also well-managed, where water sports are offered.
Close to the city
Tigaki
Located in the north, overlooking the island of Pserimos. It is surrounded by dense vegetation and has been awarded the Blue Flag many times. Very large, with fine, white sand and turquoise waters. It is one of the best managed beaches on the island. There are beach bars, parasols, sunbeds, lifeguards, and restaurants, and it is surrounded by large hotels. You will find water sports centres all along the beach, bicycle-rental and much more.
Lampi (Nea Alikarnassos)
A stone’s throw from the town, to the northwest. Large and well-maintained beach with sand and shallow waters, surrounded by hotels, tavernas, beach bars. It offers many options for water sports, especially windsurfing, due to the winds that often blow in the area.
Great for families
Marmari
Large beach near Tigaki, with white sand and tamarisks (shrubbery). Many options for food, entertainment, accommodation and water sports. A favourite of windsurfers.
Psalídi
Large beach to the east, very well maintained and managed. It is sand and pebble and is filled with visitors from the large hotels around it. A favourite of surfers, and diving centres operate from here.
Agios Fokas
With dark and light-coloured sand and pebbles in the east. Organaged and maintained all along its length, with many beach bars. Preferred by groups of young visitors who come here in the evenings to have fun. Water sports are offered.
Other beaches
Mastihari
This white sandy beach with turquoise waters has become a well-known tourist resort of Kos. It is locally managed, with seafood taverns and beach bars, the Lido waterpark and a pier from which small boats leave for Kalymnos. Ideal for kite and windsurfing.
Agios Theologos
The most remote of Kos’ western beaches, it is worth staying late to admire the sunset. Limnionas In a cove, with fine white sand, it is relatively quiet and the waters can be a little choppy.
Cardamena
A beach of several kilometres with white sand. It is managed in most parts, but there are also free stretches shaded by trees. The fishing village next to it has developed into a tourist destination which in recent years has been favoured by tourists from England. It has tavernas, cafes, and hotels. Boats leave for Nisyros from its small harbour.
Kohilari
A sandy beach with easy access. It is open to the northerly winds, making it ideal for wind and kite surfing.
Kamari (Kefalos)
Large and crowded, one of the most famous beaches on Kos. It is sandy, with crystal clear waters, fully maintained, with beach bars and restaurants along the beach. All kinds of water sports are offered and it is surrounded by large and small hotels. It has easy access. From here, you can take a boat to the island of Kastri. The settlement of Kefalos, on the hill, is worth a visit.
*On the road to Kefalos, where the strip of land narrows and the sea is visible to both the left and the right of the road, there are several beautiful, managed and busy beaches.
Agios Stefanos
Arguably the most beautiful of all, and well-managed, come here not just to swim, but also to see important sights: A few metres from the water are the ruins of two early Christian basilicas (5th or 6th century). Swimming near the chapel of Agios Nikolaos is not to be missed.
Empros Thermi
A surprise island is located 13 km (8 miles) southeast of the city, where you can try the unique experience of a hot bath in the sea. On the beach there is a well with a water temperature of 42-45 degrees Celsius. In the summer months it overflows, and the thermal water pours into the sea, where rocks have been positioned to create a sea-pool. Bathing there, apart from being very pleasant and relaxing, is said to be beneficial for arthritis and other ailments. The water comes from under the sea, from the volcano of Nisyros, and is sulphuric.
