Kos is located in the Aegean Sea, and despite being a Greek island it is closer to the coast of Bodrum, Turkey. Steeped in rich history, Kos is well-known as the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates.
An assortment of beaches frames the island's 290 kilometre coastline, from peaceful postcard-worthy shores to lively golden sands. It's likely that wherever you stay, your local beach will provide sun beds and snack bars, and all are blessed with crystal-clear blue sea.
The east coast, has narrow pebbly beaches but it's great for diving and windsurfing. Kefalos Bay in the south west of the island has miles of fine white sand and some of the best secluded beaches. Camel, Banana and Magic are just some of the wacky names given to these. The north coast is perfect for some peace and quiet but is windy enough for surfing, while the south coast is the busiest with water sports and tourist attractions galore.
Lively beaches
There is a range of popular beaches equipped with tourist facilities and attractions.
Kardamena Beach is one of the busiest seaside destinations on the island since Kardamena is one of the main tourist resorts. Located on the south coast it boasts 3km of golden sand, lined with countless cafes, shops and hotels. Try some seafood at Pelagos Restaurant or enjoy a cocktail, milkshake or ice cream at Calypso Bar, both overlooking the harbour. The beach is very sheltered so it's a good place for a swim and there are a range of water sports and leisure facilities on offer.
The golden Lambi Beach, northwest of Kos Town, is very popular being close to several hotels such as Blue Lagoon Resort, Gaia Garden Hotel and Diamond Deluxe Hotel. This well-organised beach has sun loungers, umbrellas and plenty of shops and snack bars, and its soft sand and gentle seas make it highly suitable for families. Grab a snack in the English themed Delon Pub or have a chilled beverage at Mylos Beach Bar.
Pure bliss
Whether you want to sunbathe on a secluded beach or bask on beautiful white sands, Kos has some of the best beaches in the Dodecanese islands.
The beaches along Kefalos Bay are the prettiest, with the most interesting names. Polemi Beach or Magic Beach has a wide, flat shore offering plenty of space to spread out and sunbathe. Lagada Beach, more commonly known as Banana Beach, is great for holiday snaps with its stunning sand dunes and windswept junipers.
Kamila Beach aka Camel Beach alongside Kefalos village is known for its fine golden sand and dramatic rock formations. This peaceful bay is in a jet-ski free zone and it's one of the best places for snorkelling. Xerokambos Beach became Exotic Beach due to the fact that nudists are tolerated, so steer clear if you don't fancy whipping your kit off.
Psilos Gremos or Markos Beach may be more to your liking with its shallow warm waters and golden sands. It's great for families and there's a restaurant on hand if you get peckish. It's also ideal for swimming, as is Sunny Beach.
In need of some solitude? Make your way to the north coast. Head to the serene Tingaki Beach for white sands, shallow waters and plenty of facilities, without the hordes of holidaymakers. A bit off the beaten track is Mastihari Beach but it's blissfully quiet, while further west is the secluded Limnionas Beach set in a peaceful cove.
Spa-like Beaches
On the south east coast is Therma Beach home of Embros Thermes. The shingly beach itself is nothing special, but take a dip in the hot springs enclosed by rocks and you'll feel like you're getting a free spa treatment. This natural hot tub is very therapeutic and is said to have healing properties. Go early to avoid the masses and take off any jewellery as the water can tarnish it.
The aptly-named Paradise Beach in Kefalos Bay is considered to be one of the best with its glorious white sands stretching several kilometres. It is also known as Bubble Beach due to the spa-like volcanic bubbles rising from the seabed. Go snorkelling or swimming to marvel at this natural phenomenon.
Water sports
Most of the popular beaches offer water sports, but Kardamena Beach has the most on offer.
Kardamena Watersports Centre, near the resort of the same name, is the biggest beach entertainment operation on the island they can be found at different stations along the main beach and Banana Beach. If you want something gentle, rent a canoe or pedalo. To have some fun with your friends, try a banana boat or fly fish ride. If you're more adventurous, give jet skiing a whirl or go parascending for panoramic views. Stay at Mitsis Blue Domes Resort & Spa or the cheaper Argiri Hotel and Apartments to be near the action.
Wind surfing and kite surfing
There's a multitude of beaches offering surfing opportunities, with the windiest spots on the north and east coast as well as Kefalos Bay.
If you're a keen wind surfer, make your way to the blustery north coast. The strong north wind (called Meltemi) creates waves 1.5m high but there is very little current so it's easy to get back to the shore. At Marmari Beach there's Marmari Windsurfing offering board rental and a choice of windsurfing courses, as well as a spacious beach to chill on afterwards. Just along the coast is the tropical-looking Mastihari Beach which has Kitesurfing Kos offering kite surfing lessons for all abilities and kit rental.
What the east coast lacks in terms of fine sandy beaches, it makes up for with its surfing opportunities. If you're staying at Mitsis Ramira Beach Hotel or Sun Palace Resort & Spa near the pebbly Psalidi Beach there's Windzone Surf Club offering both wind and kite surfing lessons. South east of here is the black shingle of Agios Fokas Beach, also good for surfing.
Beginners should head south to Kefalos Bay. As the bay is more sheltered, the water is flatter so it's great if you want to try out sailing or windsurfing, or practice your technique. Head to Kefalos Windsurfing for beginners' and children's courses as well as advanced courses.
Snorkelling and scuba diving
There is a diverse underwater world to be explored around Kos island with caves, coral and many species of fish.
People don't come to the narrow shingly beaches on the east coast for seaside fun, they come for the diving opportunities. Liamis Dive Centre located in Kos Harbour offers a range of scuba diving experiences depending on your ability, including snorkelling and wreck diving.
Further along at Psalidi Beach there's Kos Divers which has countless courses, from underwater photography to deep sea diving, and Sea Spirit does reef diving off the east coast.