In Kalymnos, there’s a beach for everyone! With a 96km coastline, adorned with bays, cliffs, peninsulas, and fjord-like coves, you can literally spend your holidays swimming at a new beach every day.
In this short travel guide to Kalymnos, you can get a quick overview of the island’s beaches. Still, if you want to dive into secret spots and discover the most unique places, just ask the locals!
Keep in mind that, while Kalymnos Island has plenty of fashionable beaches, there are still many quiet and wild places to swim, some rated among the best in the Dodecanese.
Does Kalymnos have nice beaches?
Kalymnos has beautiful beaches all around the island. They are literally countless. Most can be accessed by car or bus, while others are only reached on foot or by boat.
The beaches in Kalymnos are offered for fun beach activities but also for relaxation and quiet sunbathing hours under the trees.
Because of the large size of the island, the beaches of Kalymnos are rarely crowded – even in high season.
It’s worth visiting Kalymnos solely for its beaches. Luckily, there are many ferry routes from Kalymnos to other islands of the Dodecanese, so you can easily visit the island all year round.
Are there sandy beaches on Kalymnos?
While many of the island’s beaches are laid with fine pebbles, there are also numerous sandy beaches on Kalymnos.
Due to its diverse geology, Kalymnos is gifted with versatile beaches: white pebbles, smooth rocks, black or grey sand… The sea waters have an amazing range of colors, from deep blue to sparkling silver and turquoise.
You will find sun loungers and dining facilities, as well as water sports centers. Some beaches are best for families, others are filled with buzzing crowds, while many remain natural and serene.
The 11 best beaches in Kalymnos Island
Here is our choice of the best beaches of Kalymnos.
1.Argironta Beach
Set in a sparsely inhabited bay among green hills that reflect on the sea, Arginonta Beach is sandy and pebbled with serene vibes. From here, you can enjoy endless views of the horizon and Emporio Bay across.
Argironta Beach is located 15km north of the port of Kalymnos, and it’s connected by bus. Above the beach, you can admire the natural landscape and steep hills. Some sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, but you can also find shade under aged trees. Accommodation and restaurants are set a few meters away.
Gefyra Beach
A funny little beach, with hideaways in the trees and the rocks and a very pleasant vibe. The beachfront has light-colored pebbles and the waters take multiple colors, ranging from deep blue to green – thanks to the trees reflecting on them.
Because it is located near Pothia port, this beach is frequented by anyone who just wants to chill at the waterfront or have a seaside coffee and snack from the canteen. This is a great spot for snorkeling and there is also a diving center nearby.
Emporio Beach
The main beach of the small village of Emporios at the north end of Kalymnos, about 24km. from the port. It is pebbled and quiet, and the road behind it is lined with traditional restaurants and cafes.
The beach is located at a beautiful bay, opposite the islet Kalavros. You can find shade under tamarisk trees, and there are also a few umbrellas to rent. On top of swimming, it’s worth spending some time in the area to stroll around the picturesque village that reminds the Greek Island life of the past.
Therma Beach
This is a great spot to swim near the port of Kalymnos – at a 2km distance. Therma is a pebbled beach, with some rocks inside the sea. The waters here are clean and clear.
Facilities include a restaurant and sun loungers, but the beach also has trees to protect you from the sun. For some extra fun, you can jump into the deep waters from a dock located on one end of the beach.
Kantouni Beach
A long, sandy beach and a locals’ favorite. Easily accessed by car or bus, this beach is located 5km west of the capital of Kalymnos. This is one of the best beaches in Kalymnos if you want to socialize. Its amazing waters and golden sand attract many visitors, so it may get crowded on weekends and during the high season.
From here, you have beautiful views of the sunset and also the village of Panormos and its famous monastery of the Holy Cross. You will also find cafes and beach bars that are popular with younger locals and travelers.
6. Kasteli Beach at Armeos
If you like secluded beaches, you should definitely visit Kasteli Beach at Armeos. This is a small, natural beach hidden amidst the rock formations of the area. Just remember to bring your own umbrella and drinks.
You can also find some tiny swimming spots next to the main beach. If you like hiking, you can reach this place via a long footpath (approx. 3,5 hrs) from Massouri. The place has impressive views of the Aegean and Kasteli Castle.
Linaria Beach
A sandy beach close to Panormos village. The sea waters are clear and turquoise, and there are some fresh fish tavernas to enjoy traditional Greek food.
Linaria is right next to Kantouni Beach, separated by a big rock.
This is probably the best beach for families in Kalymnos.
Massouri Beach
You can access the town and beach of Massouri by bus from Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. There are 2 different stops for Massouri, so check with the driver to see which bus schedule is best for you.
Massouri is one of the most popular sandy beaches, still, it is fairly quiet. It has sun loungers and umbrellas, some offered for free if you buy a drink from the seaside cafes. The beach also has dining facilities under the thick shade of tall trees. Plus, you can admire beautiful sunsets by the impressive islet of Telendos.
Melitsaha Beach
This is a cute beach with sand and pebbles. What is great about it is that you can actually rent a room virtually on the sand and spend your holidays next to the sea. A few small tavernas offer lunch and dinner.
Myrties Beach
Located on the northwest of Kalymnos, this 700m-long beach has smooth pebbles and warm, crystal clear waters. It’s frequented by locals and visitors and it’s great for families because of its shallow waters. There are some restaurants/cafes and lounging facilities, but there is also plenty of open space that remains untouched.
From the south end of the beach, small boats can take you across to Telendos Island. Ancient myths say that this islet resembles the profile of a princess, who drowned from sadness when she thought her beloved one was gone.
Platis Gialos Beach
Set 7km away from the capital, this is a charming beach with black-grey sand. There’s plenty of natural shade and also a few umbrellas for rent. Sitting on the beach, you enjoy undisturbed views of the horizon and the most amazing sunset on the island.
Because it is surrounded by sharp hillsides, the place has a wild feel. Still, you can always grab food and drinks and also spend the night at a nearby accommodation. This is one of the most famous beaches of Kalymnos. If you are in a discovery mood, there are also other pretty beaches nearby.
Traveling to Kalymnos promises amazing swimming experiences and incredible sceneries. To make the most out of your trip, it’s worth doing a bit of research to plan your time on the island.
For any information on Kalymnos and to book your ferry tickets, visit Kalymnos Tickets – your local travel agent.
