Kos has a long stretch of north-coast beaches running west from Kos Town. Most are flat and sandy with calm, shallow water — good for families and casual swimmers. The more attractive and less crowded beaches are generally further west, toward Mastichari and Kefalos. Kefalos Bay, at the western tip of the island, has several lovely beaches and is quieter than the main resort strip.
Tingaki is the closest quality beach to Kos Town, about 10 km west. Paradise Beach and Sunny Beach further west are popular with windsurfers. The southern coast has wilder, windier beaches suited to those who want to escape the organised resort scene.