Search on InSamothraki.com InSamothraki on Facebook InSamothraki on Instagram InSamothraki on Pinterest RSS feed
The untamed landscape of Kipos Beach

The untamed landscape of Kipos Beach

Update: From June 4th, 2024 until further notice, due to the bad condition of the road, entry on the segment starting at the intersection to Ano Meria and ending at Kipos beach is forbidden for all types of vehicles.

Kipos Beach ("the garden"), also known as Kipi Beach ("the gardens") is one of the most beautiful beaches of Samothraki. It has a rare beauty, different from the typical poster image of Greek beaches.

Similar to Pachia Ammos, Kipos is at the end of the perimetral road - the other end. From Kamariotissa take the road towards Therma and 28 km later (about 35 minutes), after crossing all the northern coast, you'll get to Cape Kipos and the beach. This is the only similarity between the two beaches, even though they are on the same island they're nothing alike.

Kipos Beach streches to the left of the winding road.
Kipos Beach streches to the left of the winding road.

Kipos Beach stretches for over a kilometer, making it one of the biggest beaches in Samothraki. Its pebbles have a dark color, the result of past volcanic activity, in sharp contrast to the dark blue of the water. The place has a strange beauty. The landscape looks almost out of this world with huge, sharp granite and basalt cliffs rising abruptly out of the water.

The mountain rises abruptly at one end of Kipos Beach
The mountain rises abruptly at one end of Kipos Beach

Kipos is an endless stretch of dark colored pebbles, bathed by the dark blue waters of the sea
Kipos is an endless stretch of dark colored pebbles, bathed by the dark blue waters of the sea

The road ends with a parking area. The place is not only popular with tourists but also with goats so if you leave your car underneath the trees by the mountain, you might find a goat climbed on top of it nonchalantly nibbling at the leaves above.

There are plenty of goats in the area - some are resting in the middle of the road
There are plenty of goats in the area - some are resting in the middle of the road

Typically, the beach is not organized and shade is hard to come by, so it's advisable to bring your own. Aquashoes are also a must.

The water deepens relatively slowly, but constantly and once you get further from the shore there might be strong currents, dangerous even for the most experienced swimmers.

The cliff area is good for snorkeling and if you swim past it you'll stumble upon caverns and small beaches otherwise inaccessible.

To the left end of the beach there are some interesting rocks.
To the left end of the beach there are some interesting rocks.

On the horizon, there's a beautiful view (especially at sunset) of Gokceada (Imvros), which belongs to Turkey since 1923. Because of its proximity and the weak reception of the Greek mobile networks, your phone might connect to a Turkish one. Roaming charges are no joke so it's better to just turn off mobile data while there.

The Cape of Kipos with Gokceada island in the distance
The Cape of Kipos with Gokceada island in the distance

Mount Saos towers menacingly to the west, so direct sunlight is gone early in the afternoon, sooner than in other parts of the island.

The fading sun paints the sea and the island of Gokceada in beautiful pinkish hues
The fading sun paints the sea and the island of Gokceada in beautiful pinkish hues

Although Kipos is not a sandy beach, a lot of people love it for the clear blue water, its unspoiled natural beauty, the quiet and the lack of amenities. The isolation and considerable size make it a favorite spot for nudists.

Kipos Beach seen from the the Profitis Ilias hill
Kipos Beach seen from the the Profitis Ilias hill

Places to visit nearby

On the road to Kipos, you can make a quick stop at the church of Agia Paraskevi. You'll find it on the shore nearby the intersection with the road that climbs to the village of Ano Meria.

Taverns near Kipos Beach

Relatively near Kipos in Ano Meria, there's the popular Taverna Karydies in a beautiful plate forest.

Accommodation near Kipos Beach

The closest accommodations are Ktima Holoway and Archondissa Beach Hotel, near Therma, aproximately 11 km away (about 15 minutes by car) from Kipos Beach.

Comments

Have you been there?
Tell everyone about your experience!

Comment

Thank you for your comment!
Because of spam we need to take a look at it before we publish it.
Don't worry, we'll approve it as soon as possible!

Ok

Accommodation
Booking.com
Weather in Samothrace

InSamothraki on Instagram

Follow on Instagram
if you want to stay in touch!

Go to Instagram No, thanks