Kipos ("the garden"), also known as Kipi ("the gardens") is one of the most beautiful beaches of Samothraki. It has a rare beauty, special among most other Greek beaches.
Similar to Pachia Ammos, Kipos is at the end of a road, only this time is the one that starts in Kamariotissa and crosses the island for 28 km (aprox. 35 minutes) - almost all the northern coast ending near the Cape of Kipos. This is the only similarity between the two beaches, even though they are on the same island they're nothing alike.
Kipos stretches for over a kilometer, making it one of the biggest beaches in Samothraki. Its pebbles have a dark color, the result of 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 cliffs rising abruptly out of the water. The cliff area is good for snorkeling and if you swim past it you'll find all sort of caverns and small beaches otherwise inaccessible.
At the end of the road there's a parking area. The place is not only popular with tourists, but also with the goats so if you leave your car under the trees by the mountain, you might find a goat climbed on top of it calmly nibbling on the leaves above.
Typically, the beach is not organized, but in season you may find a food truck here and maybe a few sunbeds. 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 once you get further from the shore there might be strong currents, dangerous even for the most experienced swimmers.
In the distance there's a beautiful panorama of Gokceada (Imvros) island, which belongs to Turkey from 1923. This, combined with the weak reception of the Greek mobile networks makes it extremely likely that your phone will connect to the Turkish ones. So, unless you want some hefty roaming charges it's better to just turn off mobile data completely while here.
The sunset is something you'll want to experience. The fading sun paints the sea and the island of Gokceada in beautiful pinkish hues.
Althoug Kipos is not a sandy beach, a lot of people love it for the clear blue water, its unspoiled natural beauty, for the quiet and lack of amenities. The isolation and considerable size make it a favorite spot for nudists.
Places to visit nearby Kipos
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 junction to the road that goes up to the village of Ano Meria.
Taverns near Kipos
Relatively near Kipos in Ano Meria, there's the popular Taverna Karydies in a beautiful plate forest.
Accommodation near Kipos
The closest lodging you'll find are Ktima Holoway and Archondissa Beach Hotel, nearby Therma, aproximately 11 km away (about 15 minutes by car) from Kipos beach.
The beaches of Samothraki
Pachia Ammos, the most popular beach of Samothraki
Beyond the mountains: Vatos Beach, Samothraki's hidden gem
Fun and music on Therma beach
Beaches in the north of Samothraki: Limnidi
Have you been there?
Tell everyone about your experience!