Tigaki sits on the north coast of Kos approximately 12 kilometres west of Kos International Airport (KGS) — one of the closest resort areas to the airport on the island, with a transfer of around 15–20 minutes. The beach runs for several kilometres along the north-facing coast — a long, flat stretch of fine white sand with shallow, clear Aegean water that is exceptionally well suited to families with young children. The water here shelves very gently, which means young swimmers can wade a considerable distance from the shore in water that remains shallow and manageable.
The beach at Tigaki is, in Eleni’s view, one of the finest on Kos — not just in length but in the quality of the sand and the clarity of the water. The surrounding landscape of low dunes and salt flats — the Alyki salt lake immediately behind the beach is a wetland habitat for flamingos and other migratory birds in season — gives Tigaki a natural setting that is genuinely distinctive. The flamingo sightings, particularly in spring and autumn, are one of those unexpected pleasures that guests who have been to Tigaki mention long after their return.
The resort itself is small and relaxed — a modest strip of hotels, apartments, tavernas and shops along the main road running parallel to the beach, without the scale or the evening intensity of Kardamena. For families who want a proper rest, a beautiful beach and a manageable, unhurried atmosphere, Tigaki consistently delivers. The evenings are pleasant rather than lively — good taverna food, a quiet walk along the beach and an early night are the rhythm of a Tigaki holiday, and for the right guest that is precisely the appeal.
Eleni’s tip for Tigaki: the salt lake behind the beach at Alyki is worth visiting even without flamingos. The landscape of the lake, the dunes and the beach beyond it, particularly in the golden light of late afternoon, is one of those quietly beautiful Kos experiences that the larger, busier resorts cannot offer. A bicycle from the resort makes the short circuit of the lake and the beach an easy and rewarding hour.
One honest note: Tigaki faces north and is exposed to the meltemi wind that blows across the Aegean in summer. In July and August particularly, the wind can be strong enough to make sunbathing uncomfortable on the beach, to cover everything in fine sand and to make the sea choppy. This is the same wind that makes Tigaki excellent for windsurfing — but it is worth being aware of if you are visiting in peak summer with young children. For calmer conditions in high summer, the south coast resort of Kardamena is more sheltered. For guests visiting in May, June, September or October, the wind is considerably less of a factor and Tigaki at these times is one of the most pleasant beach destinations on the island.
For all inclusive holidays in Tigaki, cheap Kos family holidays from the UK or Kos package holidays — book through GotoBeach with full ATOL protection under licence #11211, low deposits from £30 per person and the honest advice of a team that knows the Greek islands properly.
