Things to Do in Kos 2025: Top Experiences & Activities to Book
Discover the top things to do in Kos with our complete guide featuring the best tours, activities, and experiences you can book. From island hopping cruises to sunset hiking adventures.
Discover the 15 best beaches in Kos, Greece: From family-friendly Tigaki Beach to secluded Paradise Beach, plus water sports, facilities, and insider tips for each stunning coastline location.
Table of contents [Show]
- 🏖️ Kos Beach Quick Facts
- 🗺️ Beach Guide Navigation
- 🌊 North Coast Beaches: Family Paradise
- 🌅 East Coast Beaches: Close to Civilization
- 🏝️ South Coast Beaches: Paradise & Adventure
- 🌅 West Coast Beaches: Sunset Spectacles
- 💎 Hidden Gem Beaches
- 🏄♂️ Beach Activities & Water Sports
- 📋 Practical Beach Information
- 🎯 Beach Activity Packages
- 🏖️ Your Perfect Kos Beach Adventure Awaits
🏖️ Kos Beach Quick Facts
- Total coastline: 112 km of pristine Mediterranean shores
- Beach types: Sandy, pebble, and mixed beaches
- Swimming season: May to October (water temp 18-26°C)
- Blue Flag beaches: 4 certified for excellent water quality
- Best for families: Tigaki, Lambi, Mastichari
- Best for water sports: Mastichari, Tigaki, Marmari
- Most Instagram-worthy: Paradise Beach, Cavo Paradiso
🌊 North Coast Beaches: Family Paradise
🥇 #1 Tigaki Beach - Best Overall Beach
Why Tigaki Beach is #1
Tigaki Beach consistently ranks as Kos's best beach for its perfect combination of natural beauty, excellent facilities, and diverse activities. This spectacular 10-kilometer stretch of fine golden sand offers something for everyone.
🏖️ Beach Features
- Sand Quality: Fine, soft golden sand perfect for walking and building sandcastles
- Water Entry: Gradual depth increase, safe for children and non-swimmers
- Water Temperature: 22-26°C in summer, ideal for extended swimming
- Beach Width: 50-100 meters wide, plenty of space even in peak season
- Natural Shade: Some areas with natural dunes and vegetation
🏨 Facilities & Services
- Sunbed Rental: €8-12 per set (2 beds + umbrella)
- Beach Bars: 6 modern beach bars with full service
- Restaurants: 8 beachfront tavernas and restaurants
- Water Sports Centers: 3 professional centers
- Parking: Free parking areas, some shaded spots
- Lifeguards: Staffed during peak season (June-September)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths to beach
🏄♂️ Water Sports at Tigaki
Tigaki is Kos's water sports capital thanks to consistent afternoon winds and excellent facilities:
- Windsurfing: Perfect for beginners and intermediates
- Kitesurfing: Wide beach ideal for kite launching
- Stand-up Paddleboarding: Calm morning waters
- Jet Skiing: Multiple rental operators
- Banana Boat Rides: Fun for families and groups
- Parasailing: Spectacular aerial views of the coast
🎯 Book Water Sports: Reserve your Tigaki Beach water sports through Mastichari.net for guaranteed equipment and best prices.
📍 Getting to Tigaki Beach
- Distance from Kos Town: 11km (15-minute drive)
- Public Transport: Regular KTEL bus service (€2.50)
- Parking: Free parking available
- Bike Rental: Popular cycling route from town
🏨 Where to Stay Near Tigaki
- Tigaki Beach Hotel: Beachfront location, family-friendly
- Gaia Palace: Luxury resort with direct beach access
- Villa Rentals: Many options within walking distance
🥈 #2 Mastichari Beach - Windsurfing Paradise
🌬️ Why Mastichari is Special
Mastichari Beach is internationally recognized as one of Europe's top windsurfing destinations. The combination of consistent thermal winds, shallow water, and professional facilities makes it perfect for wind-powered water sports.
🏖️ Beach Characteristics
- Sand Type: Mixed sand and small pebbles
- Water Depth: Shallow for 100+ meters - perfect for learning
- Wind Conditions: Reliable afternoon thermal winds (15-25 knots)
- Peak Wind Season: May to October
- Water Temperature: 20-25°C, comfortable year-round
🏄♂️ World-Class Windsurfing
Professional Windsurf Schools:
- Mastichari Windsurfing Center: IWA certified instructors
- Windmill Windsurf: Equipment rental and courses
- Beginner Courses: €45-60 (2-hour sessions)
- Equipment Rental: €25-40/day
- Advanced Coaching: Available for experienced surfers
🍽️ Dining & Nightlife
- Waterfront Tavernas: Fresh seafood from local fishing boats
- Beach Bars: Sunset cocktails with wind-down atmosphere
- Traditional Cuisine: Authentic Greek fishing village experience
🚢 Ferry Connections
Mastichari Harbor offers ferry connections to:
- Kalymnos Island: 45-minute crossing
- Pserimos Island: 20-minute crossing
- Day Trip Cruises: Multiple island hopping options
⛵ Island Hopping: Book your Mastichari departure cruises at Mastichari.net - departing right from this beautiful beach!
🥉 #3 Marmari Beach - Kitesurfing Haven
🪁 Kitesurfing Capital of Kos
Marmari Beach hosts international kitesurfing competitions and is considered one of the Mediterranean's premier kiting destinations. The wide beach and consistent wind conditions create perfect conditions for this exciting sport.
🏖️ Beach Features
- Beach Length: 5 kilometers of uninterrupted coastline
- Sand Quality: Fine golden sand, excellent for beach activities
- Water Conditions: Shallow entry, ideal for kite launching
- Space: Extremely wide beach, never feels crowded
- Natural Beauty: Backed by salt flats and wetlands
🪁 Kitesurfing Facilities
- Kite Schools: 3 IKO certified schools
- Equipment Rental: Latest gear available
- Beginner Courses: €80-100 for first lesson
- Advanced Coaching: Competition-level instruction
- Rescue Service: Professional safety boats
🌿 Unique Natural Features
- Salt Flats: Protected wetland area behind beach
- Bird Watching: Flamingos and migratory birds
- Nature Photography: Stunning landscape contrasts
🌅 East Coast Beaches: Close to Civilization
🏛️ #4 Lambi Beach - Town Beach Perfection
🏙️ Perfect Town Beach
Lambi Beach offers the perfect combination of urban convenience and natural beauty. Located just 3km from Kos Town center, it's easily walkable yet feels like a tropical paradise.
🏖️ Beach Highlights
- Proximity: 3km from Kos Town (45-minute pleasant walk)
- Beach Quality: Soft golden sand, regularly cleaned
- Water Entry: Very gradual, perfect for children
- Safety: Lifeguards during summer season
- Blue Flag Status: Certified for water quality and facilities
🏨 Premium Facilities
- Luxury Sunbeds: €10-15 per set with premium service
- Beach Bars: 8 modern bars with international standards
- Restaurants: Beachfront dining from casual to upscale
- Hotels: Direct beach access from major resorts
- Shopping: Beach shops for essentials and souvenirs
🌃 Evening Entertainment
- Sunset Bars: Perfect for evening cocktails
- Beach Clubs: Live music and DJ events
- Night Swimming: Well-lit and safe
- Romantic Dinners: Beachfront restaurants with mood lighting
🚶♂️ Easy Access
- Walking: Scenic coastal path from Kos Town
- Cycling: Dedicated bike lanes
- Public Transport: Regular bus connections
- Taxi: 5-minute ride from town center
🏖️ #5 Psalidi Beach - Thermal Springs Beach
♨️ Natural Spa Experience
Psalidi Beach offers a unique experience with natural thermal springs bubbling up through the seabed, creating warm pockets of therapeutic water along the coastline.
🌊 Thermal Spring Features
- Water Temperature: Springs reach 30-35°C naturally
- Health Benefits: Therapeutic for arthritis, skin conditions
- Location: Eastern end of beach near rocks
- Access: Free, natural phenomenon
- Best Time: Early morning or evening when cooler
🏖️ Beach Characteristics
- Length: 4km of varied coastline
- Surface: Mix of sand, pebbles, and rocky areas
- Water Depth: Varies, some deep areas near thermal springs
- Natural Features: Rocky formations perfect for snorkeling
- Spa Hotels: Several wellness-focused resorts
- Thermal Spas: Professional wellness centers nearby
- Beach Resorts: Direct access to thermal areas
🏝️ South Coast Beaches: Paradise & Adventure
🌴 #6 Paradise Beach - Instagram Paradise
🏝️ Tropical Paradise in Greece
Paradise Beach lives up to its name with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand that rivals any Caribbean destination. This is Kos's most photographed beach and a must-visit for every traveler.
🌊 What Makes It Paradise
- Water Color: Stunning turquoise blue, crystal clear visibility
- Sand Quality: Fine white sand, soft underfoot
- Beach Setting: Dramatic cliffs and rock formations
- Swimming: Perfect for swimming and snorkeling
- Photography: Countless Instagram-worthy spots
🏖️ Beach Experience
- Size: Intimate beach, never overcrowded
- Facilities: Beach bar with sunbeds and umbrellas
- Food: Simple but good beach restaurant
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, natural, unspoiled
📍 Getting to Paradise Beach
- Distance: 43km from Kos Town (1-hour drive)
- Road Conditions: Paved road, final 2km on dirt track
- Parking: Free parking area near beach
- Public Transport: Limited, car rental recommended
- Tour Option: Many organized beach tours include Paradise Beach
🚌 Paradise Beach Tours: Join our organized beach-hopping tours to Paradise Beach through Mastichari.net - includes transport and guide!
🏖️ #7 Exotic Beach (Cavo Paradiso) - Secluded Beauty
🗺️ Hidden Gem Discovery
Exotic Beach, also known as Cavo Paradiso, is Kos's best-kept secret. This hidden cove requires a bit of adventure to reach but rewards visitors with unparalleled natural beauty and complete privacy.
🏖️ Beach Features
- Privacy: Often completely empty, perfect for solitude
- Natural Setting: Surrounded by dramatic cliffs
- Water Clarity: Exceptional visibility for snorkeling
- Sand: Fine white sand, naturally clean
- Size: Small, intimate cove
🥾 Adventure Access
- Hiking Required: 15-minute walk from parking
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate, requires good footwear
- Parking: Informal parking area on dirt road
- What to Bring: Water, snacks, sun protection
- No Facilities: Completely natural, no services
🤿 Snorkeling Paradise
- Underwater Visibility: 20+ meters on calm days
- Marine Life: Colorful fish, sea anemones
- Rock Formations: Interesting underwater topography
- Photography: Excellent underwater photo opportunities
🌊 #8 Agios Stefanos Beach - Historical Paradise
🏛️ Beach Meets History
Agios Stefanos offers the unique experience of swimming next to ancient ruins. This beach features the remains of two early Christian basilicas and offers both historical intrigue and beautiful swimming.
🏛️ Historical Features
- Ancient Basilicas: 5th and 6th-century church ruins
- Mosaics: Well-preserved floor mosaics visible
- Archaeological Site: Free access to ruins
- Historical Significance: Early Christian settlement
- Photo Opportunities: Unique combination of beach and history
🏖️ Beach Qualities
- Sand: Golden sand mixed with some pebbles
- Water: Clear, calm, excellent for swimming
- Size: Medium-sized beach with plenty of space
- Facilities: Beach taverna and some sunbeds
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, culturally enriching
🍽️ Dining
- Beach Taverna: Traditional Greek cuisine
- Fresh Seafood: Locally caught fish
- Atmosphere: Dining among ancient ruins
- Sunset Views: Perfect end to historical exploration
🌅 West Coast Beaches: Sunset Spectacles
🌅 #9 Sunset Beach (Karavi) - Romantic Paradise
🌅 Spectacular Sunset Views
Sunset Beach offers the most spectacular sunsets on Kos island. This west-facing beach provides unobstructed views of the sun setting over the Aegean Sea, creating magical moments every evening.
🌅 Sunset Experience
- Best Sunset Time: 1 hour before official sunset
- Peak Season: June-August (latest sunsets)
- Photography: Golden hour lighting perfect for photos
- Atmosphere: Romantic, peaceful, inspiring
- Crowd Level: Moderate during sunset, empty other times
🏖️ Beach Characteristics
- Setting: Rocky coastline with small sandy coves
- Swimming: Good, but rocky entry in some areas
- Size: Small, intimate beach setting
- Natural Beauty: Dramatic coastal scenery
- Facilities: Minimal, one beach bar
💑 Perfect for Romance
- Proposal Spot: Many couples get engaged here
- Anniversary Dinners: Beach bar offers sunset dining
- Couples Photography: Professional photo session location
- Private Moments: Quiet and intimate setting
💕 Romantic Sunset Cruise: Combine sunset beach viewing with a romantic yacht cruise. Book through Mastichari.net for sunset sailing experiences!
🏖️ #10 Polemi Beach - Windsurfer's Secret
🌬️ Wind Sports Paradise
Polemi Beach is a hidden gem for wind sports enthusiasts. Less crowded than the main windsurfing beaches, it offers excellent conditions for those seeking a more secluded wind sports experience.
🏄♂️ Wind Sports Conditions
- Wind Direction: Cross-shore winds, perfect for sailing sports
- Wind Strength: Consistent 12-20 knots
- Water Conditions: Choppy, exciting for experienced windsurfers
- Space: Plenty of room for kite launching
- Season: Best April to October
🏖️ Beach Features
- Sand Quality: Mixed sand and small pebbles
- Beach Size: Medium length, wide beach
- Crowds: Usually very quiet, local favorite
- Facilities: Basic, one seasonal taverna
- Natural Setting: Unspoiled, natural environment
💎 Hidden Gem Beaches
🗺️ #11 Limnionas Beach - Secret Lagoon
🏞️ Natural Swimming Pool
Limnionas Beach is like discovering a secret lagoon. This small, perfectly sheltered cove offers swimming in water so clear and calm it feels like a natural swimming pool.
🌊 Unique Features
- Protection: Completely sheltered from waves
- Water Temperature: Warmer than open beaches
- Clarity: Exceptional visibility
- Size: Very small, intimate setting
- Access: Requires short hike
🥾 Getting There
- Hiking Time: 10-minute walk from road
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, suitable for most ages
- Parking: Roadside parking available
- Best Time: Early morning for complete privacy
🏖️ #12 Camel Beach - Adventure Beach
🐪 Why "Camel Beach"?
Named for the camel-shaped rock formation that dominates one end of this secluded beach, Camel Beach offers one of Kos's most unique and photogenic settings.
🏖️ Beach Characteristics
- Sand: Fine golden sand
- Water: Crystal clear, excellent for swimming
- Rock Formations: Dramatic natural sculptures
- Size: Small but perfectly formed
- Facilities: None - completely natural
🥾 Adventure Access
- 4WD Recommended: Rough dirt road access
- Hiking Option: 20-minute walk from paved road
- What to Bring: Everything you need
- Reward: Complete privacy and stunning beauty
🏄♂️ Beach Activities & Water Sports
🌊 Water Sports by Beach
🏄♂️ Best Beaches for Each Water Sport
Windsurfing:
- Beginners: Tigaki Beach (shallow water, steady winds)
- Intermediate: Mastichari Beach (reliable conditions)
- Advanced: Polemi Beach (challenging conditions)
Kitesurfing:
- Learning: Marmari Beach (wide launch area)
- Freestyle: Tigaki Beach (consistent winds)
- Wave Riding: Various south coast beaches
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP):
- Calm Water: Psalidi Beach (protected areas)
- Beginner Friendly: Lambi Beach (lifeguards present)
- Scenic Tours: Paradise Beach (crystal clear water)
Snorkeling:
- Best Visibility: Paradise Beach, Exotic Beach
- Marine Life: Agios Stefanos (rocky areas)
- Easy Access: Psalidi Beach (thermal springs area)
Scuba Diving:
- Beginner Sites: Psalidi Bay (5-15m depth)
- Advanced Sites: Brothers Islands (boat trip required)
- Night Diving: Lambi Beach (organized tours)
🎯 Water Sports Booking & Prices
💰 2024 Water Sports Pricing
Windsurfing:
- Equipment Rental: €25-40/day
- Beginner Lesson: €45-60 (2 hours)
- Advanced Coaching: €60-80/session
- Weekly Package: €150-250
Kitesurfing:
- Equipment Rental: €40-60/day
- Beginner Course: €180-250 (3 days)
- Single Lesson: €80-100 (2 hours)
- Advanced Coaching: €70-90/session
Stand-Up Paddleboarding:
- Board Rental: €15-20/hour
- Half-Day Rental: €25-35
- Guided Tour: €35-45/person
- Lesson: €30-40 (1 hour)
Jet Skiing:
- 30 Minutes: €30-50
- 1 Hour: €50-80
- Guided Tour: €60-90/person
- Sunset Tour: €70-100/person
Parasailing:
- Single Flight: €40-60 (10-15 minutes)
- Tandem Flight: €70-90
- Photo Package: +€15-20
- Sunset Parasailing: €60-80
🎯 Book Water Sports: Reserve all beach activities and water sports through Mastichari.net for guaranteed availability, professional instruction, and best prices on Kos!
🏖️ Beach Equipment & Services
🏖️ Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals
- Premium Beaches (Lambi, Tigaki): €10-15 per set
- Standard Beaches: €6-10 per set
- Remote Beaches: €5-8 per set (where available)
- Luxury Resorts: €15-25 per set with service
🚿 Beach Facilities
- Showers: Available at all organized beaches
- Changing Rooms: Most major beaches
- Toilets: All organized beaches
- Beach Bars: Drinks, snacks, full meals
- Water Sports Centers: Equipment rental and lessons
📋 Practical Beach Information
🚗 Getting to Kos Beaches
🚌 Public Transportation
KTEL Bus Routes:
- Kos Town - Tigaki: Every hour, €2.50 (15 minutes)
- Kos Town - Mastichari: 6 times daily, €3.00 (25 minutes)
- Kos Town - Lambi: Every 30 minutes, €1.50 (10 minutes)
- Kos Town - Psalidi: Every hour, €2.00 (15 minutes)
- Paradise Beach: No public transport (tour or car required)
Bus Tips:
- Buy tickets from driver or kiosks
- Summer schedule: May to October
- Reduced service on Sundays
- Check current timetables at bus station
🚗 Car Rental & Driving
Car Rental Costs:
- Economy Car: €15-25/day
- Compact Car: €20-35/day
- SUV/Jeep: €35-55/day (recommended for remote beaches)
- Scooter: €10-18/day
Driving Tips:
- Drive on the right side
- Most beaches have free parking
- Remote beaches may require 4WD
- GPS recommended for hidden beaches
- Fuel up before heading to remote areas
🚴♂️ Bicycle Rentals
Bike-Friendly Beaches:
- Lambi Beach: 3km coastal bike path
- Tigaki Beach: 11km, mostly flat
- Psalidi Beach: 6km, easy cycling
Rental Costs:
- Standard Bike: €5-10/day
- E-Bike: €15-25/day
- Mountain Bike: €8-15/day
☀️ Beach Safety & Preparation
☀️ Sun Protection (Critical in Greek Sun)
Essential Sun Protection:
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ minimum, reapply every 2 hours
- Hat: Wide-brimmed for face and neck protection
- Sunglasses: UV protection essential
- Clothing: Light, long-sleeved cover-ups
- Timing: Avoid 11 AM - 4 PM peak sun hours
Hydration:
- Drink water constantly, even if not thirsty
- Avoid alcohol during peak sun hours
- Sports drinks for extended beach days
- Seek shade regularly
🌊 Water Safety
Swimming Safety:
- Lifeguards: Only at major organized beaches
- Flag System: Green (safe), Yellow (caution), Red (dangerous)
- Currents: Some beaches have strong undertows
- Marine Life: Generally safe, watch for sea urchins in rocky areas
- Emergency: Call 112 for all emergencies
What to Bring:
- First aid kit for minor cuts
- Vinegar for jellyfish stings
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Snorkeling gear for clear water beaches
📅 Best Times to Visit Beaches
🗓️ Seasonal Beach Guide
Peak Season (July-August):
- Pros: Perfect weather, all facilities open, vibrant atmosphere
- Cons: Crowded beaches, higher prices, extreme heat
- Water Temperature: 24-26°C (perfect)
- Best for: Water sports, beach parties, full beach experience
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October):
- Pros: Perfect weather, fewer crowds, better prices
- Cons: Some facilities may be closed
- Water Temperature: 20-24°C (comfortable)
- Best for: Peaceful beach days, photography, romantic getaways
Off-Season (November-April):
- Pros: Complete privacy, dramatic coastal scenery
- Cons: Cool weather, most facilities closed, limited swimming
- Water Temperature: 16-20°C (cold)
- Best for: Beach walks, photography, peaceful contemplation
⏰ Daily Beach Timing
Best Times of Day:
- Sunrise (6-8 AM): Empty beaches, perfect for photography and peaceful walks
- Morning (8-11 AM): Comfortable temperatures, good for families with children
- Midday (11 AM-4 PM): Peak heat, seek shade, beach bars busy
- Afternoon (4-7 PM): Wind picks up (great for wind sports), cooling down
- Sunset (7-9 PM): Magical lighting, romantic atmosphere, perfect for west coast beaches
💰 Beach Budget Planning
💳 Daily Beach Costs (Per Person)
Budget Beach Day (€15-25):
- Free beach access
- Own towel and shade
- Snacks and water from supermarket
- Public transport to beach
Standard Beach Day (€35-55):
- Sunbed and umbrella rental (€8-12)
- Beach bar lunch and drinks (€15-25)
- Transport (bus or taxi) (€5-10)
- Small water sports activity (€10-20)
Luxury Beach Day (€80-150):
- Premium sunbed with service (€15-25)
- Full beach restaurant meal (€25-40)
- Water sports activities (€30-60)
- Car rental for remote beaches (€15-30)
- Premium cocktails and snacks (€15-25)
🎯 Beach Activity Packages
Save Money with Beach Packages!
For the best beach experience value, consider booking package deals through Mastichari.net:
- Beach Hopping Tour: Visit 3 best beaches in one day
- Water Sports Package: Multiple activities at discounted rates
- Sunset Beach & Cruise Combo: Beach day + evening yacht trip
- Photography Tour: Professional guide to most Instagram-worthy spots
🏖️ Your Perfect Kos Beach Adventure Awaits
Kos offers an incredible diversity of beaches that cater to every taste, budget, and adventure level. From the family-friendly perfection of Tigaki Beach to the hidden paradise of Exotic Beach, from the historical intrigue of Agios Stefanos to the romantic sunsets at Sunset Beach, this remarkable Greek island delivers beach experiences that rival any destination in the Mediterranean.
Each beach tells its own story - whether it's the ancient thermal springs at Psalidi, the world-class windsurfing at Mastichari, or the Instagram-perfect paradise of Paradise Beach. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sand, and dramatic coastal landscapes create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Pro tip: Don't limit yourself to just one beach during your Kos vacation. Each offers unique characteristics and experiences. Consider renting a car or joining organized beach tours to explore multiple coastlines and discover your personal favorite paradise.
Ready to start your beach adventure? Book your Kos activities, water sports, and beach tours through Mastichari.net for expert local knowledge, best prices, and guaranteed unforgettable experiences on the beautiful beaches of Kos!
