Kefalos/Ikos Aria
South Aegean, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kefalos/Ikos Aria is a beach in South Aegean, Greece, 9.53 km from the Municipality of Kos. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kefalos/Ikos Aria
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kefalos/Ikos Aria?
Kefalos/Ikos Aria is a beach in South Aegean, Greece, 9.53 km from the Municipality of Kos. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety.
The beach is open from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free, and lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. You'll find a kiosk, shop, and disabled access on-site.
April through June offer the best weather with fewer crowds. July and August are peak season, warm but busy. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in South Aegean, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Kefalos/Ikos Aria faces south toward Aegean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
The best time to visit Kefalos/Ikos Aria is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.4°C in July.
How crowded does Kefalos/Ikos Aria get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kefalos/Ikos Aria sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kefalos/Ikos Aria open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Kefalos/Ikos Aria
Is Kefalos/Ikos Aria safe to swim?Kefalos/Ikos Aria is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Kefalos/Ikos Aria?Peak water temperature at Kefalos/Ikos Aria reaches around 23.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.5°C.
What is the beach like at Kefalos/Ikos Aria?Kefalos/Ikos Aria is a sandy beach on the South Aegean coast of Greece. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free, and lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. You'll find a kiosk, shop, and disabled access on-site.
Does Kefalos/Ikos Aria have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kefalos/Ikos Aria meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Showers are available. Parking is available nearby. The beach has disabled access facilities.
Kefalos/Ikos Aria sits on the Aegean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Aegean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Kefalos/Ikos Aria
How do I get to Kefalos/Ikos Aria by car?Kefalos/Ikos Aria is approximately 9.53 km from Municipality of Kos. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Kefalos/Ikos Aria?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 226.3 km away.
Can I get to Kefalos/Ikos Aria by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Municipality of Kos. The nearest recorded bus stop is 552 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Kefalos/Ikos Aria
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Kefalos/Ikos Aria. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Kefalos/Ikos Aria
- Taverna Katerina Restaurant 261 m
Parking near Kefalos/Ikos Aria
- Agios Stefanos Parking 171 m
- Parking Parking 230 m
- Parking Parking 445 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | ✓ Accessible site facilities |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 590 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 552 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.7539°N, 26.9901°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kefalos/Ikos Aria FAQ
Is Kefalos/Ikos Aria suitable for children?
Kefalos/Ikos Aria has a child-friendly score of 8/10. Facilities include lifeguards, showers, parking and disabled access. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Kefalos/Ikos Aria free to access?
Access to Kefalos/Ikos Aria is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in South Aegean, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Kefalos/Ikos Aria?
The best time to visit Kefalos/Ikos Aria is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kefalos/Ikos Aria?
Kefalos/Ikos Aria is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Kefalos/Ikos Aria?
Kefalos/Ikos Aria is located in South Aegean, Greece. It is approximately 9.53 km from Municipality of Kos. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 226.3 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near Kefalos/Ikos Aria?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Kefalos/Ikos Aria, including Taverna Katerina (261 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Kefalos/Ikos Aria?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 171 m from Kefalos/Ikos Aria (Agios Stefanos), with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Kefalos/Ikos Aria
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.