Kos has beaches for every taste. In the north, Tigaki and Marmari have shallow sandy water, ideal for families and watersports. In the south, the Kefalos area (Paradise, Camel) has the most striking water. Near town, Therma has thermal springs. Most are reached by car, scooter or bus.
Kos has a coastline for every taste: long sandy stretches with shallow water in the north, striking bays in the south, and hot springs near the town. Most of the big beaches are organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas, and several fly the Blue Flag. Here are the top ones, organised by area, with what each is best for.
Top beaches in Kos
| Beach | Area | Best for | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tigaki | North | Families, shallow water | 12 km · bus/car |
| Marmari | North | Watersports | 15 km · bus/car |
| Therma | SE of town | Thermal springs | 12 km · car/scooter |
| Paradise (Bubble) | Kefalos (South) | Striking water | 40 km · car |
| Camel Beach | Kefalos (South) | Quiet cove | 40 km · car |
| Mastichari | West | Sunset, quiet | 25 km · car |
Beaches near Kos Town
Lambi, on the northern edge of town, is a long sandy beach with beach bars and easy access on foot or by bike. To the east, Psalidi has a more pebbly seabed and often a bit more wind — which makes it popular for windsurfing. A little further south at Therma (Embros), warm thermal water bubbles up in a natural pebble cove and flows into the sea — a unique experience, especially early morning or late afternoon when it's quieter.
Northern beaches: Tigaki & Marmari
Tigaki (about 13 km from town) and neighbouring Marmari have long, shallow, sandy water — among the island's best for families with young children. The frequent wind also makes them popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with schools and gear rental on the spot. Behind Tigaki lies the Alyki salt-lake wetland, where in spring you can even spot flamingos.
Southern beaches & Kefalos
The bay of Kefalos (Kamari) has the island's most striking water. Paradise Beach — also called Bubble Beach for the natural volcanic bubbles rising from the seabed — and Agios Stefanos, with the photogenic islet of Kastri and the ruins of an early-Christian basilica, stand out. Between them hide small coves such as Camel Beach, with a more secluded feel. They are about 40 km from town, so a car and a full day for the area are handy.
Mastichari & western Kos
Mastichari is a picturesque fishing village with a quiet sandy beach, fresh-fish tavernas and some of the finest sunsets on Kos — it's also where boats to Kalymnos depart, so it pairs easily with a day trip to the neighbouring island.
Beach practicalities
In July and August the central beaches fill up by midday — go early for a good spot. On the northern and western coasts the meltemi wind is great for surfing but calls for care with small children on very windy days. Some southern coves have a pebbly or rocky seabed, so water shoes help. Bring water and sunscreen, especially at the more remote beaches where facilities are fewer.
How to reach the beaches
The northern beaches are served by the KTEL bus and cycle paths. For the southern ones (Kefalos) and maximum freedom, a car rental or scooter is handy. See all the options in getting around Kos.
Read also: Sights & Archaeological Sites in Kos
Frequently asked questions
Tigaki and Marmari in the north, with shallow sandy water and organised facilities.
The Kefalos beaches, such as Paradise (Bubble) Beach and Agios Stefanos, are considered among the most striking.
The northern beaches (Tigaki, Marmari) are served by the KTEL bus and by bike. For Kefalos, a vehicle is better.