Kefalos is a charming picturesque village located on the south-western peninsula of Kos, 40 kilometres from Kos Town and 18 kilometres from the airport. Formerly theancient capital of the island, it is now one of the most authentic and relaxing destinations in the Dodecanese, where Greek traditions blend perfectly with the natural beauty of some of Kos’ most beautiful beaches.
The village sits on a hill dominated by an imposing windmill, the symbol of the resort, and overlooks the beautiful bay of Kamari, home to some of the most fascinating beaches on the island. The authenticity of the traditional white-painted houses and narrow alleys give the village an old-world atmosphere, where life still flows at the slow pace of authentic Greece.
The strategic position of Kefalos, protected by the high mountains of the hinterland, makes it an ideal refuge from the meltemi, the typical wind of the Aegean Sea, offering waters that are always calm and clear, even on days when the wind blows harder. This characteristic, combined with the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape, makes Kefalos a perfect destination for families and couples seeking tranquillity and crystal-clear sea.
The bay of Kefalos is a true paradise for sea-lovers, characterised by a series of sandy beaches that line the south-western coast of the island. The main beach is Kamari, consisting of sand mixed with pebbles and boasting a sea that is always clear and calm, ideal for families with children and for those seeking calm waters even during the windiest of days.
The famous Paradise Beach stretches for about 6 kilometres with crystal-clear waters and golden sand, surrounded by cedar trees that almost reach the sea. This beach is particularly popular for the phenomenon of ‘natural bubbles’ that emerge from the sandy seabed, creating a unique effect in the Mediterranean. Paradise Beach offers both stretches equipped with sun beds and umbrellas and large free areas for those who prefer more freedom.
Agios Stefanos Beach is one of the most striking beaches in the Dodecanese, characterised by a mix of fine yellow sand and small pebbles. The special feature of this beach are the remains of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century located directly by the sea, which create a fascinating contrast between history and nature. In front of the beach is the islet of Kastri, which can be reached by swimming or pedalo, where the small church of Agios Nikolaos with its characteristic blue dome stands.
Camel Beach is considered one of the most picturesque beaches on Kos, with a beautiful expanse of fine white sand and small pebbles. Slightly more difficult to reach than the others (you have to leave your car at the car park and walk down), it offers a more intimate and less crowded environment, perfect for those seeking tranquillity.
Exotic Beach and Magic Beach complete the range of beaches in the bay, each with its own unique characteristics but all sharing golden sand and turquoise waters. Most of these beaches are equipped with facilities run by the waterfront restaurants and bars, where umbrellas and sunbeds cost a few euros and are often offered free of charge in exchange for a drink.
The old town of Kefalos is a jewel of traditional Greek architecture, with its intricate alleyways winding their way between quaint buildings leaning against each other. It is worth visiting the Museum of Popular Traditions to gain a better understanding of the local culture and continuing on to the remains of the ancient castle, stopping along the way to discover the small shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Boat excursions depart from the marina of Kefalos to explore hidden coves and beaches that can only be reached by sea. One of the most attractive destinations is Limnionas, located at the end of the island on the Kefalos peninsula, a beautiful, remote beach with golden sand and turquoise-coloured sea, ideal for families with small children.
About 2 kilometres south of Kefalos is Palatia, with the ruins of temples and a theatre from the Hellenistic period. From this archaeological site there is a breathtaking view of Kefalos and the Aegean Sea. Continuing along the coast one reaches Aspri Tripa, a cave where numerous remains from the Neolithic era have been found.
The village comes alive during traditional festivals: in July, St Paraskevi is celebrated and at the end of August St John is celebrated, events that offer the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture with music, traditional dances and authentic gastronomy. During the summer, there is also the famous ouzo festival, the typical Greek aperitif.
For water sports enthusiasts, Kamari Bay is particularly suited to windsurfing, water-skiing, paragliding and sailing thanks to the favourable wind conditions and sheltered waters. Numerous centres along the coast offer equipment hire and courses for beginners.
Excursions to Agios Theologos, located on the west coast, offer one of the best sunset spots on the entire island, providing a quieter and more intimate alternative to the famous Zia sunset.
Kefalos is one of the best places to stay on Kos for those seeking tranquillity, excellent beaches and a homely ambience. The area offers a rich variety of accommodation, from budget accommodation for those on a tight budget to luxury hotels with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
The best area to stay in is Kamari, along the coast, rather than the hilltop village of Kefalos.
We offer a selection of hotels at Kefalos to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Kefalos, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Kefalos. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Kefalos are in high demand.
The scenic road to Kefalos passes through spectacular inland landscapes of Kos, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The route is well-marked and completely paved, making the journey pleasant even for those unfamiliar with mountain roads.
Unfortunately, the public transport service to Kefalos is limited, with buses connecting the resort with the airport and other towns on the island with very few daily runs. For this reason, it is advisable to have a rented car or scooter to get around freely and reach the peninsula’s many beaches.
The location of Kefalos makes it an ideal base from which to explore the most beautiful beaches in the southern part of Kos, many of which can only be reached by car. Its relative proximity to the airport (18 km) also makes it convenient for those wishing to reduce transfer times on arrival and departure.
What's the weather at Kefalos? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Kefalos for the next few days.
Kefalos is located at the south-western end of Kos, 40 kilometres from Kos town (about 45 minutes by car), 23 kilometres from Kardamena and 18 kilometres from the airport.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts