A guide to the best beaches in Kos
Kos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that you’ll discover on Greek island holidays. And with more than 20 to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding that perfect spot of sand to unwind on. The majority of Kos’ beaches have stunning white sands and clear turquoise water, giving you that exotic island feeling. The more popular beaches have plenty of tourist facilities to help you make the most of your time here. Away from here, you’ll find coasts almost untouched by tourism. Some of these areas are frequented by naturists working on their full body tan.
Paradise Beach
A favourite among beach-goers in Kos, this long expanse of coastline is located near Kefalos village. With fine white sand and calm waters it’s a popular spot for families to come and snorkel in the shallows or to build sandcastles.
This beach is tailored towards tourists, with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as many traditional Greek and international restaurants lining the shore. Paradise Beach is also sometimes known as Bubble Beach due to volcanic gasses that rise from the seabed. This unusual phenomenon provides a natural hot tub experience.
Mastichari Beach
Long lines of trees shade the surrounding area of this beach, offering welcome respite from the hot Grecian sun. Mastichari Beach’s colourful sunbeds and umbrellas to rent cater to travellers seeking a slower pace of existence on Kos holidays.
Skirting the beach are restaurants, cafes, bars and fish houses. These seafood joints serve up delicious fresh fish caught the very same day from Mastichari Beach. They providing the chance to indulge in the ultimate fried or grilled fish dish as you look onto the Aegean Sea.
Agios Stefanos
Agios Stefanos is a pebble beach that is surrounded by a rocky landscape rich with vegetation. This coast is likely to prove more of a hit with those seeking out a little adventure and history, rather than with sun-worshipers.
As you make your way onto the beach you’ll be greeted by historic ruins built thousands of years ago, and gazing out across the water it’s possible to see a small island that’s home to a grand old church.
Visitors to the beach often come to make the swimming excursion to the island and to ring the bell in the church, a marker of their accomplishment. If you’re not convinced of your swimming ability, pedalos are available for hire.
Kardamena Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Kos is Kardamena. Great for families, this coastline has tons of watersports to offer, including banana boats to ride and paragliding excursions. There are also lots of restaurants nearby serving up classic Greek dishes. Boats depart from Kardamena daily, travelling to Agia Irini, an island known for its therapeutic thermal springs.
Tingaki Beach
This 10-kilometre long sandy beach has warm waters and incredible views out to mountains across the sea. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire as well as jet skis and pedalos, and windsurfing equipment. Shops, restaurants and Greek tavernas surround Tingaki Beach and are a relatively affordable way to dine during cheap holidays to Kos, supplying everything you need for a great day out by the sea.
Therma Beach
A sand and pebble floor leads to Therma Beach’s main attraction, its therapeutic geothermal hot springs. These natural springs are encircled by stones to stop the colder sea water from infiltrating the heat. The springs are thought to have healing power and are frequented by locals and holidaymakers alike.
This beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs, with the only way down to the water by walking down the hillside path, meaning this spot is not suited to those requiring mobility assistance. Looking up from the spring it’s possible to catch sight of goats grazing among the cliffs.
Polemi Beach
Also known as Magic Beach, this secluded stretch of coastline is located near Kefalos and has a long strip of uninterrupted sand. Polemi, a naturist beach, provides plenty of room to enjoy your own private patch of sand. Because of the unspoilt nature of this coastline there are few facilities available, so be sure to pack a lunch, plenty of water and don’t forget the suntan lotion.