Kos Beaches, Coastline, Surfing and Water Sports

(Kos, Dodecanese, Greece)

The beaches are Kos are truly awesome and widely reputed to be amongst the most gorgeous in the whole of the Dodecanese islands. Many of the Kos beaches offer holiday makers fine day and stunning crystal-clear blue waters, being enhanced further by the picture-postcard scenery.

There are so many excellent beaches on Kos that it means that finding a good stretch of sand close to where you are staying is not likely to cause any problems. Many beaches cater very well for tourists and often provide good facilities nearby, such as restaurants, shops and also accommodation with coastal views.


Kos Town Beach is situated right next to the island's main town itself, and as such, is understandably popular, particularly during the summer months. Try to come here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and find the best place to base yourselves on the sand.

List of the main beaches and resorts on the island

• Agios Fokas Beach - around 6 km / 4 miles to the south-east of Kos Town, Agios Fokas is composed of black sand on one side, and white sand on the other. There are several reliable Greek tavernas here, although most visitors come for the windsurfing and nothing more
• Agios Stefanos Beach - extending for roughly 5 km / 3 miles, Agios Stefanos Beach resides within the Kamari Bay area and is made up of a mixture of sand and shingle. Much of the beachfront is bordered with a huge number of bars and restaurants, all competing for your business and providing refreshments with unbeatable views
• Banana Beach - one of the cleanest and most appealing beaches on Kos, Banana Beach is less popular than he neighbouring stretch of Paradise Beach, and often goes by the name of 'Laganda'. The backdrop of sand dunes and windswept junipers adds a lot of character
• Camel Beach - lying alongside the village of Kefalos, Camel is known for its fine golden sand and impressive natural rock formations and cliffs sculpted by the wind, both of which warrant a look. This charming bay is favoured by some nudists, although worth noting, access is rather steep. Kos Town is situated around 47 km / 29 miles to the north-west
• Kardamena Beach - located on the western coastline of the island around around 22 km / 14 miles directly south of Kos Town. Kardamena Beach boats beautiful white sandy, crystal clear waters and is more than 3 km / 2 miles in length. This stretch of sandy is often very busy, since Kardamena remains one of the main tourist resorts on Kos. Sun loungers and parasols can be hired here, and there is plenty of accommodation and places to eat close by
• Kamari Beach - next to Kamari and around 45 km / 28 miles to the south-east of Kos Town, Kamari Beach is home to a mixture of sand and smooth pebbles. This 5-km / 3-mile stretch is regularly frequented by wind surfers, and is lined by countless eateries, catering to the summer crowds of tourists
• Kos Town Beach - sun loungers and umbrellas are available to hire, while a number of bars and cafes are nearby should you need a little sustenance whilst you bronze
• Kefalos Beach - a beautiful sandy beach next to the village of Kefalos and just over 40 km / 25 miles from Kos Town. Kefalos Beach is very well-known amongst the islanders and the beachfront tavernas offers feature seafood on their menus. Sightseeing beach-goers may be interested to visit the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, after first topping up their tan of course!
• Lagades Beach - one of the island's most popular and noteworthy beaches, Lagades offers the very finest when it comes to Greek sunshine, sea and sand. Lagades features shallow turquoise water and suits swimmers, or those who just simply fancy a paddle
• Lambi Beach - lying alongside the town of Kos and near to the harbour itself, Lambi Beach is obviously a very popular spot and highly suitable for families. With sun loungers, beach umbrellas, scenic views and a number of adjacent snack bars, Lambi is also near to a selection of hotels
• Marmari Limnaria Beach - the sands of Marmari seem to stretch for miles and miles, so there is plenty of space for everyone. Marmari Beach is located some 15 km / 9 miles from Kos Town and around 5 km / 3 miles from Pyli. Several good Greek tavernas line the beachfront, along with outlets provide rental of equipment for various water sports
• Mastichari Beach - the white sands of Antimachia can be found around 3 km / 2 miles to the north-west of Antimachia and some 22 km / 14 miles west of Kos Town itself. There is no mistaking the tropical appearance of Mastichari Beach, which appears almost as it is has been transported from Hawaii. Sun beds and snacks are available here
• Polemi Beach - often referred to by tourists as the 'Exotic Beach', Polemi is sited on the south-western coast of Kos and is one of the island's beaches where nudists are tolerated. A separate non-nudist area known as the 'Magic Beach' is on hand if you don't fancy whipping you trunks or bikini off just yet. If you are feeling peckish, there a Greek taverna is next to the beachfront, selling freshly prepared sandwiches
• Paradise Beach - a very scenic spot around 40 km / 25 miles from Kos Town and near to the village of Kefalos, with clear water ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Other water sports on offer at the aptly named Paradise Beach even include paragliding
• Psalidi Beach - sited alongside the village of Psalidi and around 3.5 km / 2 miles to the east of the island's main town of Kos. The view of all the sun loungers lined up alongside the sea is often quite impressive
• Psilos Gremos Golden Beach - this is amongst the best beaches on Kos for those who enjoy swimming in the sea. The sand is white and the water very clear and inviting. A nearby restaurant in on-hand for you require refreshments
• Tigaki Beach - being relatively close to Kos Town, which stands some 11 km / 7 miles to the south, Tigaki Beach boasts white sand and stretches for a staggering 10 km / 6 miles. This beachfront is favoured by tourists and facilities are therefore extensive. The shallow waterfront lends itself to an array of different water sports
• Thermes Beach - around 10 km / 6 miles from Kos Town and easy to reach by road. Thermes features fine black sand, and is conveniently close to a car park and numerous hotels. This is one of the island's beaches favoured by locals, which is always a very good sign