Independent guide, not an official siteBoat trips, beaches and villagesUpdated October 2026
The long beach of Kardamaina on the south coast of Kos, Greece

Kardamaina (Kardamena), Kos: beaches, boat trips and the road to a volcano

Kardamaina is a seaside town on the south coast of Kos, a short drive from the airport. Its long beach is the draw, and its harbour is the starting point for boats to the volcanic island of Nisyros.

Nisyros boat tripsHotels in Kardamaina

  • Independent guide, not an official site
  • Beaches, boats and villages
  • Updated October 2026

Photo: Michael Schmalenstroer, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kardamaina (often written Kardamena) grew from a fishing village into one of the main resorts of Kos. The reasons to come are simple: a long beach, a working harbour, warm sea from late spring to autumn, and an easy base for the rest of the island.

This guide sticks to what helps you plan: how to arrive, what to see, where the family-friendly beaches are, and which day trips are worth the time.

Start here

First readGetting thereAirport about 6 km10 min by taxiPlanning your arrivalRead guide Nisyros volcanoDay trip by boatAbout 1 hour each wayThe best day outRead guide BeachesTown and south coastSand and pebbleFamilies, swimmersRead guide HotelsApartments to resortsNear the seaChoosing the areaRead guide

The best day trips

Nisyros is the headline trip, but Kos town with its castle and ancient sites is easy by bus or car, and in season you can even take a ferry across to Bodrum in Turkey (bring your passport).

Further afield

The far west of the island has Kefalos and Paradise Beach; in the hills, Zia village is the classic sunset stop.

Quiet corners and villages

Away from the seafront, Kos has hill villages such as Zia and Pyli, and the medieval Antimachia castle is just inland from Kardamaina. See things to do for a short list that works for families and couples.

Choose your base by the beach, not just the price. A hotel within a few minutes’ walk of the sand makes every day easier, especially with children. See where to stay.

Check prices in Kardamaina

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kardamena (Kardamaina) on Kos?

Kardamaina (also spelled Kardamena, or Kardemena in some searches) is a resort town on the south coast of the Greek island of Kos, in the Dodecanese. It sits about 6 km from Kos airport and about 30 km from Kos town.

Is Kardamaina good for a beach holiday?

Yes. The town has a long beach with sunbeds, shallow water and plenty of cafes and tavernas. More beaches are a short drive away towards Kefalos.

Can I visit Nisyros from Kardamaina?

Yes. Day-trip boats to the volcanic island of Nisyros leave from Kardamaina harbour in season and take roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour each way.

Is Kardamaina.com an official website?

No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the municipality, the port, a hotel or any tourism board.

Plan your stay in Kardamaina

Getting there How to get to Kardamaina (Kardamena) on Kos: from Kos airport (about 6 km), from Kos town by bus or taxi, car rental and private transfers, with tips on timing. Read guide Things to do The best things to do in Kardamaina (Kardamena), Kos: beach days, boat trips, Nisyros volcano, Antimachia castle, Zia and Pyli villages, Kos town and Bodrum day trips. Read guide Beaches Guide to Kardamena beach (Kardamaina) on Kos and the beaches a short drive away: sand, sunbeds, shallow water for children, and when the wind picks up. Read guide Hotels Kardamena hotels and apartments in Kardamaina, Kos: which area to pick, beachfront vs. village, family tips, when to book, plus live prices and a map. Read guide Nisyros How to visit the Nisyros volcano from Kardamaina, Kos: boat time (about 1 hour), what you see (crater, Mandraki, Nikia), what to wear and which tours to compare. Read guide Boat trips Boat trips from Kardamena (Kardamaina) and Kos town: Nisyros volcano, 3-island cruises, Pserimos and Kalymnos, family boats with lunch, and what to ask before booking. Read guide Kefalos Kefalos on Kos: the hill village, Kefalos Bay beaches, Agios Stefanos basilica and Kastri island. Distance from Kardamaina (Kardamena), how to go and what to see. Read guide Paradise Beach Paradise Beach on Kos near Kefalos: how far from Kardamaina (Kardamena), by car, taxi or boat, what the sand is like, sunbeds, wind and tips for families. Read guide Zia village Zia, the mountain village on Kos: sunset views, craft shops, the walk up Mount Dikeos and how to visit from Kardamaina (Kardamena) by car, bus or tour. Read guide Kos town How to visit Kos town from Kardamaina: bus and taxi, the Castle of the Knights, the ancient agora, the Asklepieion, and how to plan a half or full day. Read guide Bodrum Day trip from Kos to Bodrum by ferry: crossing time (30 to 60 min), passport and visa rules, tickets, what to see in Bodrum and how to plan from Kardamaina. Read guide Best time When to visit Kardamaina (Kardamena), Kos: beach weather by month, sea temperature, crowds, windy days (meltemi) and when hotels and boats operate. Read guide Weather & info Kardamaina weather by season plus practical info for Kos: parking, buses, taxis, ATMs, sun protection, what to pack and respectful dress at churches and monasteries. Read guide