Masouri Beaches

Overview

Masouri, located on the island of Kalymnos in the Aegean Sea, is an excellent choice for a beach holiday. This popular tourist resort offers a beautiful, long sandy beach with calm, crystal-clear blue waters, making it ideal for swimming. Visitors often wonder about the beach's composition; Masouri Beach is primarily sandy with some pebbles, especially near the water's edge. The area is well-suited for families, couples, and young people, offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views, particularly of the nearby island of Telendos. While Masouri is a haven for beach lovers, it's also a world-renowned destination for rock climbing, attracting enthusiasts to its impressive limestone cliffs.

Among the highlights is Masouri Beach itself, the main and most scenic beach, serving as the central hub for visitors. For a unique experience, Platis Yialos Beach is famed for its distinctive black volcanic sand and breathtaking sunsets. If you're looking to mingle with locals, especially a younger crowd, Paralia Kantouni offers a lively atmosphere and is another great spot for sunset views. For those interested in underwater exploration, Vlychadia Beach provides excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling thanks to its rich marine life. Many visitors also enjoy the nearby Myrties Beach, a pebbly and often quieter alternative, from which boats depart to the island of Telendos.

Masouri offers a variety of beaches to suit different preferences, from the bustling main beach to more secluded spots. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the sand, a swim in the clear Aegean waters, or the thrill of rock climbing, Masouri provides a memorable Greek island experience. The calm and relatively shallow waters at many of its beaches make it a family-friendly destination. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems this area has to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Masouri a good place for a beach holiday?

Yes, Masouri is considered an excellent destination for a beach holiday. It's the most popular tourist resort on Kalymnos and offers a beautiful, long sandy beach with calm, crystal-clear blue waters. The area is well-organized with many amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, cafes, and restaurants. It's suitable for families, couples, and young people, offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the island of Telendos.

Masouri Beach

What is the beach like in Masouri – sand or pebbles?

Masouri Beach is primarily a sandy beach with golden sand, although there are some pebbles mixed in, particularly when first entering the water. Once you pass the initial rocky/pebbly area, it becomes sandy underfoot in the water as well.

Masouri Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Masouri and what is the water like?

Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea at Masouri. The waters are crystal blue, relatively calm with almost no waves, and generally warm, especially during the summer months. The sea bottom has some rocks and pebbles initially but then gives way to sand. The water clarity is often highlighted as excellent.

When is the best time of year to visit Masouri for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach vacation in Masouri is from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally warm and sunny, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. July and August are the peak season months with the hottest weather and warmest sea temperatures, but also more crowds. May, June, and September offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.

Are there hotels or apartments with direct beach access or sea views in Masouri?

Yes, Masouri offers a wide range of accommodation options, including many hotels and apartments situated directly on or very close to the beach, providing direct access and/or stunning sea views, often overlooking Telendos island. Several hotels are specifically mentioned as being beachfront or having rooms with sea views.

Is Masouri beach family-friendly?

Yes, Masouri Beach is considered family-friendly. The beach has gentle, wind-protected sandy areas perfect for young children. The water is calm and relatively shallow near the shore. Some parts of the beach are quieter and more suited to families. Additionally, there are amenities like a children's play area mentioned by some sources.

Masouri Beach

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Masouri beach, and what's the cost?

Yes, Masouri Beach is well-organized with numerous sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. The typical cost mentioned is around seven Euros for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella, though prices can vary.

Masouri Beach

What is the atmosphere like at Masouri beach? Is it very crowded?

Masouri Beach has a generally relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. It's popular and can get crowded during the high season (July and August) with both tourists and locals. However, it's not typically described as overly chaotic. One end of the beach (towards Plaza Hotel) is known for being quieter and more family-friendly, while the other end can be livelier with younger crowds and music.

Masouri Beach

How do you get to Masouri beach from Pothia (the capital)?

Masouri is located about 9 kilometers northwest of Pothia. You can easily reach Masouri Beach from Pothia by local bus, which makes stops right in front of the beach. Taxis are also an option. The journey is straightforward due to the island's road network.

Masouri Beach

Are there places to eat and drink directly on or near Masouri beach?

Yes, there are many places to eat and drink along Masouri Beach. You'll find a variety of beach bars, cafes, snack bars, and restaurants lining the shore or very close by, offering local dishes, seafood, snacks, and refreshing drinks. Some establishments even offer service directly to your sunbed.

Masouri Beach

What are the views like from Masouri beach?

Masouri Beach offers beautiful and often stunning views, most notably of the picturesque island of Telendos, which lies directly across the water. The beach is also set against a backdrop of impressive rocky mountains and cliffs, adding to the scenic beauty, especially at sunset.

Masouri Beach

Are there any water sports available at Masouri beach?

Yes, some water sports facilities are available at Masouri Beach. Canoeing is commonly mentioned. While not a major water sports hub with a vast array of options, you can find some activities to enjoy in the water.

Masouri Beach

What's the difference between Masouri beach and Myrties beach?

Masouri Beach is generally described as a longer, sandy beach and is the more popular and developed tourist area with more amenities. Myrties beach, located nearby (about 800m-1.5km away), is typically a pebbly beach and often considered quieter, attracting more locals and tourists seeking a less crowded experience. Masouri has more hotels, restaurants, and shops directly along its stretch. Boats to Telendos depart from Myrties.

Masouri Beach

Can I easily visit Telendos island from Masouri?

Yes, it's easy to visit the island of Telendos from the Masouri area. Small boats regularly depart from the nearby port of Myrties (a short walk or bus ride from Masouri) to take visitors across to Telendos. Some sources also mention boats departing from Masouri itself.

Is Masouri a good base for rock climbing as well as beaches?

Yes, Masouri is an excellent base for rock climbers. Kalymnos is world-renowned for its rock climbing, and the Masouri area is a major hub with many climbing sectors located on the surrounding limestone cliffs. While the beaches are great for relaxation, the area also caters heavily to the climbing community, especially in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder.

Masouri Beach