A holiday resort without a distinct village centre

Kiotari is one of the island’s newer places, purpose-built as a holiday resort. Hotels, restaurants, tavernas and beach bars are part of what the area offers; there is little in the way of a traditional village or a strong village community. This sets Kiotari apart from a destination whose centre is a long-established village core. The tourist infrastructure is part of the area’s identity, not merely an addition to the beach. Kiotari is closer to the former description.

Beach and water sports

Kiotari Beach is long and extensive, organised, and stretches as far as Lachania. Its surface is not the same everywhere: one end is sandy, while the other is pebbly; sand and fine gravel characterise the beach. These features help you assess it in different ways: its expanse describes the length of the coastline, while the surface varies between the ends. This change is a practical point of reference when choosing a stretch of beach. Sun loungers, parasols, showers and changing cabins are available at the beach. Facilities may change, so check on site what you can rely on.

Windsurfing, jet skiing and kitesports are available at Kiotari Beach. Windsurfing and kitesports are wind-based activities, while jet skiing involves motorised movement on the water. Check specific activities and operators on site, as these may change. If you want to add some time on the water to your day at the beach, this distinction can help you choose what to do. You can weigh up the beach location and activity separately.

Ride on the Kiotari Little Train

A ride on the Kiotari Little Train offers a different perspective on Kiotari. It covers 12 km, lasts one hour, passes through luxury resorts and stops at the Kiotari Shopping Centre, Kiotari Beach and Glystra Beach. The route length and duration answer different planning questions: 12 km indicates the distance covered, while one hour gives you the time required. The stop at the Shopping Centre adds a shopping stop to the two beach stops, so the loop includes both shopping and beach destinations. If you’re counting on a specific departure, check the timetable in advance.

A historical landmark in the area

East of the village, at Kiotari Beach, stands the Church of the Transfiguration, dating from the 15th century. It features architectural elements and decorated marble pieces from the columns of an older temple. The church’s 15th-century date therefore sits alongside structural elements that point to an even older temple—a specific historical contrast to the resort character of the area. If you’d like to include the church as a cultural stop, check access in advance.

Discover more destinations: Siana, Trianda, Stegna, Profilia, Salakos, Monolithos, Symi, Emponas

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