Good to know
Good to Know
- Kalymnos has approximately 96 km of coastline with diverse beach types (white pebbles, smooth rocks, black/grey sand) and water colors ranging from deep blue to turquoise.
- Organized beaches with amenities cluster in the northwest (Myrties, Massouri, Kantouni) while quieter, secluded coves exist elsewhere and some are boat-accessible only.
- Family-friendly beaches near Pothia include Geyfira (calm waters) and Kasonia (shaded with trees, direct access); Linaria is quieter and suited for families.
- Party atmosphere found at Kantouni (beach bars with lively music open most of day) and Massouri (developed resort with activities).
- Water sports facilities available at Massouri (canoes, soccer field), Emporios (windsurfing, kayaking, diving), and other locations; windsurfing particularly popular due to wind patterns.
- Taxi-boats from Myrties depart every 30 minutes in summer to nearby islet Telendos (car-free volcanic island with its own beaches).
- Best time to visit is June–September with warm temperatures and sea breezes.
- Some remote beaches (Almyres, Drasonta, Pezonta, Palionisos, Sikati, Petronta) are accessible only by boat for those seeking maximum seclusion.
Beaches
Massouri
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Local buses from Pothia
- Distance From Center
- 9 km northwest of Pothia
- Description
- Popular tourist resort with sandy beach. Most developed resort on the island with wide range of modern amenities.
Facilities
- sunbeds and umbrellas for rent
- watersport facilities
- water sports centers
- beach soccer field
- snack bars
- restaurants
- hotels and apartments
- shops
Designations
- full-service
- party
Myrties
- Type
- pebble
- Access
- Local buses from Pothia
- Distance From Center
- 8 km northwest of Pothia
- Description
- Popular beach resort welcoming numerous bathers in summer. Fine pebbled beach with tavernas and cafes.
Facilities
- organized beach
- tourist facilities
- accommodations
- taverns
- cafes
- taxi-boats to Telendos island (departing every 30 min in summer)
Designations
- full-service
- party
Kantouni
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Provincial road, local buses from Pothia
- Distance From Center
- 5-6 km northwest of Pothia
- Description
- Long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, popular with younger crowd. Beach bars open almost all day with lively music.
Facilities
- beach bars
- restaurants
- trees providing shade
- easy road access
Designations
- party
Arginonta
- Type
- sandy and pebbled
- Access
- Connected by bus
- Distance From Center
- 15-16.5 km north of Pothia
- Description
- Sandy and pebbled beach in sparsely inhabited bay with serene vibes. One of the most famous beaches with natural landscape and steep hills.
Facilities
- sunbeds and umbrellas for rent
- shade from aged trees
- restaurants
- accommodations
Designations
- quiet
Emporios
- Type
- pebble and sandy
- Access
- Bus from Pothia or boat from Myrties
- Distance From Center
- 24 km northwest of Pothia
- Description
- Quiet and serene beach in beautiful bay with pebbled and sandy spots. Ideal for water sports including windsurfing, kayaking, and diving.
Facilities
- umbrellas and sunbeds at center
- trees providing shade
- restaurants
- taverns
- small hotels
- windsurfing facilities
- diving opportunities
Designations
- quiet
Therma
- Type
- pebble
- Access
- Walking distance from Pothia
- Distance From Center
- 2 km southeast of Pothia
- Description
- Close to port with pebbly beach and rocks. Organized with amenities. Features unique sulfur springs and dock for diving into deep waters.
Facilities
- restaurant
- sun loungers
- trees providing natural shade
- diving dock
Designations
- family
Gefira (Geyfira)
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Near Pothia
- Distance From Center
- near Pothia
- Description
- Calm bay near Pothia offering relaxing baths. Ideal for families with children.
Facilities
- tamarisk trees for shade
Designations
- family
Platys Gialos
- Type
- black sand
- Access
- Easy road access
- Distance From Center
- 7 km northwest of Pothia, near Panormos
- Description
- Famous beach renowned for striking black sand contrasting with azure water and spectacular sunsets. Tamarisk trees provide shade.
Facilities
- tamarisk trees
- restaurants
- taverns
Designations
- quiet
Linaria
- Type
- sandy with small pebbles
- Access
- Road access
- Distance From Center
- northwest Kalymnos
- Description
- Quiet and calm beach much suited for families. Good for relaxing.
Designations
- family
- quiet
Vlychadia
- Type
- sandy and pebbly
- Access
- Road access
- Distance From Center
- 5 km southwest of Pothia
- Description
- Fine sandy beach with two distinct beach areas. Suitable for fishing and swimming.
Facilities
- taverns
- snack bar
Designations
- family
Kasonia
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Direct road from Pothia
- Distance From Center
- closest to Pothia
- Description
- Long sandy beach with tamarisk trees offering natural shade. Preferred by families with children and local residents.
Facilities
- tamarisk trees for shade
- direct road access from Pothia
Designations
- family
Melitsahas
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Paved road
- Distance From Center
- 7 km northwest of Pothia, near Myrties
- Description
- Beautiful long sandy beach with clean waters.
Facilities
- apartments to rent
- taverns
- traditional Greek cafes
Designations
- quiet
Akti
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Road access
- Distance From Center
- 7 km east of Pothia, toward Vathy valley
- Description
- Nice and quiet beach with fine sand and crystalline waters. Golden sand beach.
Facilities
- fish tavern
Designations
- quiet
Panormos
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Road access
- Distance From Center
- northwest Kalymnos
- Description
- Quiet and green place with limited tourism services.
Facilities
- accommodations
- cafes
- taverns
- shops
Designations
- quiet
Kalamies
- Type
- sandy
- Access
- Road access
- Distance From Center
- 20 km northwest of Pothia, near Emporios
- Description
- Calm and picturesque beach on northern side of island.
Facilities
- taverns
- snack bar
Designations
- quiet
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Kalymnos
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.