Sun, Sea and Serenity on a Greek Island Like No Other
Kalymnos is an island that surprises. While its reputation has been built largely on rock climbing and sponge diving, those who take the time to explore its coastline quickly discover something equally extraordinary: a collection of beaches so varied, so beautiful, and so unspoiled that they alone would justify the journey from almost anywhere in Europe.
From organised, family-friendly shores with sunbeds and tavernas to wild, secluded coves accessible only by car or boat, the beaches of Kalymnos cater to every taste and travel style. This guide covers the best of them, so you can plan your days, hit the road, and find your perfect spot on the Aegean.
Myrties Beach
Located approximately eight kilometres from the capital Pothia on the western coast of the island, Myrties is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Kalymnos. The shoreline is made up of small, smooth pebbles and the water is shallow, calm, and crystal clear, making it an excellent choice for families travelling with young children.
The beach is well organised with sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire, and the village immediately behind it offers a good selection of tavernas, cafes, and shops. The view from Myrties is also one of the finest on the island, looking directly across the narrow channel to the dramatic silhouette of Telendos islet, which rises from the sea just a few hundred metres offshore.
The taxi boat to Telendos departs from the small pier at Myrties throughout the day, making it easy to combine a morning on the beach with an afternoon exploring the islet.
Massouri Beach
Just north of Myrties, Massouri is a lively tourist village with its own stretch of pebbly beach and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The beach itself is pleasant and well maintained, with clear water and easy access directly from the village centre. Massouri is also one of the main bases for rock climbers visiting the island, which gives it a cosmopolitan, international energy that sets it apart from quieter spots further along the coast. The main road through the village is lined with restaurants, bars, and equipment hire shops, making it a convenient base for exploring the northern part of the island. The coastal drive between Massouri and Arginonta to the north is widely considered one of the most scenic roads on Kalymnos, particularly in late spring when the oleanders along the roadside are in full bloom.
Arginonta Beach
Further along the western coast, beyond Massouri, lies Arginonta, one of the most beautiful and rewarding beaches on the entire island. Nestled within a wide bay and surrounded by imposing hills that tumble steeply down to the water’s edge, Arginonta combines natural drama with a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. The beach is made up of a mix of sand and fine pebbles, and the water is a remarkable shade of turquoise that seems almost too vivid to be real. It is well organised during the summer season with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a small beachside taverna serving fresh food and cold drinks throughout the day. Arginonta is best visited in the late afternoon. As the sun drops behind the western hills, the light on the water becomes quite extraordinary, and the sunsets here are among the finest on the island. A car is required to reach Arginonta comfortably, as public transport in this part of the island is limited.
Kantouni Beach
Located on the western coast, a short drive from Pothia, Kantouni is a long, organised beach that is particularly popular with local families and visitors staying in the central part of the island. The shoreline here is more generous than at many other beaches on Kalymnos, with softer sand mixed in among the typical Aegean pebbles. The water at Kantouni is calm, clear, and relatively shallow for a good distance from the shore, making it a safe and comfortable option for swimmers of all abilities. The beach is fully organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are several tavernas and cafes within easy walking distance. A short hiking trail beginning at the left end of the beach leads up to the chapel of Agios Fotis, which offers a superb elevated viewpoint over the bay, especially in the early evening.
Emporios Beach
For those willing to drive a little further north, Emporios rewards the effort handsomely. This quiet, remote village at the northern tip of the island has a small but genuinely lovely beach, backed by a handful of traditional tavernas that serve some of the freshest fish on Kalymnos. The drive to Emporios from Massouri takes approximately fifteen minutes along a winding coastal road with spectacular views at every turn. The village itself feels a world away from the busier tourist areas of the island, with a slow, unhurried pace of life that many visitors find deeply appealing. Emporios is also one of the best bases for exploring the northern climbing crags, and the combination of dramatic natural scenery, quiet beaches, and excellent local food makes it one of the island’s hidden highlights.
Vlichadia Beach
Close to Pothia on the southern coast, Vlichadia is a small, sheltered beach that is often overlooked by visitors who head straight for the more well-known spots on the western coast. That oversight works in your favour: Vlichadia tends to be noticeably quieter than beaches of comparable quality elsewhere on the island. The water here is calm and clean, the beach is made up of smooth pebbles, and the surrounding landscape has a wild, rugged beauty that feels particularly authentic. The nearby Sea World Museum, a privately owned collection of remarkable underwater finds assembled by a local diver over a lifetime of exploration, is well worth a visit while you are in the area.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kalymnos Beaches
A rental car is the single most important thing you can bring to your Kalymnos beach experience. While the most popular beaches such as Myrties and Kantouni are accessible by local bus from Pothia, the most beautiful and unspoiled spots, including Arginonta, Emporios, and the smaller coves along the western coast, require your own transport.
With a car from Red Car Rentals Kalymnos, you can move freely between beaches throughout the day, stop at viewpoints along the coastal road, and discover the hidden spots that most visitors never find. Our free luggage transfer service means you can rent a compact, fuel-efficient vehicle without worrying about space for your bags, and our All-Inclusive insurance package ensures that the island’s rocky road surfaces will never be a source of stress.
Book your car or scooter at carrentalskalymnos.com or contact us directly via WhatsApp at +30 694 3019739. We deliver island-wide and wait for every ferry, no matter what time you arrive.
