Discover the beaches of Ios
The beaches of Ios are without doubt its biggest attraction. Mylopotas is by far and away the busiest and most popular beach of Ios island as well as Maganari beach.
It is liveliest daytime party spot where loud music blares for the benefit of young revellers who warm up here before heading for Hora’s frantic night scene. The place is awash with bars, tavernas and fast food joints along with plenty of watersports and leisure activities.
But steer clear of Mylopotas (officially called Mylopotamus) and you’ll find the island also offers plenty of beautiful unspoilt beaches where drunken teenagers fear to tread. You can reach them on foot, by bus, water taxi, rental car or moped.
If you’re like the vast majority of other visitors to Ios (under 30 and hell bent on being at the centre of the action), you’ll want to make a beeline for Mylopotas, one kilometre down the hill from Hora. It’s a 20-minute walk or you can catch one of the regular buses which connect the port of Gialos with Hora and Mylopotas (you’ll rarely have to wait more than 10-15 minutes in high season).
The beach’s aptly named Far Out camp site is a mega-resort in itself with a 24-hour bar, two swimming pools, a restaurant.and bleary-eyed backpackers seemingly oblivious to the music which blasts most of the time. Note that the previously popular habit of sleeping rough on the beach is these days frowned on by the local cops who are likely to disturb your alcohol-induced slumbers if you attempt it.
At Mylopotas Water Sports Centre you can hire snorkelling gear, canoes and windsurfers. Water ski-ing and various other beach activities are also available in high season.
Probably the most beautiful beach is Manganari in the south east corner of the island, a 25 minute bus ride from Hora. You can also reach this relatively quiet stretch of fine white sand by water taxi from Ormos Port or hire a speed boat (a fast by expensive way of getting there). The beach is popular with nudists, offers a variety of water sports and some good quality tavernas.
The beach at Koumbara, to the north west of Hora, is officially nudist and largely overlooked by foreign tourists. There’s a rocky islet to explore and the excellent seafront Polydoras Restaurant which is a culinary secret local residents prefer to keep to themselves.
Valmas and Kolitsanis are two secluded beaches with crystal clear waters and few tourists, both within easy walking distance of Hora going south from the port.
Local travel agents arrange transport to Ayia Theodoti Beach on the east coast of the island – a favoured haunt of wealthy Athenians hence the somewhat pricey tavernas. Further south along the coast is unspoilt Psathi Beach, a naturists’ haunt accessible by moped via a rather hazardous track. You’ll find another lovely secluded beach at Kalamos, in Plakes Bay between Psathi and Manganari Beach.
You can book a sailing trip around the island and to the nearby island of Sikinos through one of the local travel agents.
Agia Theodoti beach
Agia Theodoti beach is located northeast of Ios, within the bay of the same name, with a spectacular view towards Heraklia, Sikinos and Amorgos. It takes its name from the homonymous chapel located on a hill above the coast.
Access is by car and bus. It is one of the largest and quietest beaches on the island, with coarse sand, cold and deep water, affected by the winds, partially organized, beach bar, canteen, water sports, natural shade from tamarisk trees in some parts of it and ideal for families with children and relaxation.
On the right side it has a canteen and on the left a traditional tavern, beach bar with umbrellas and sunbeds. In the wider area there are accommodations for accommodation and a tavern. Near Agia Theodoti are the ruins of an ancient aqueduct and a tower from the Hellenistic period. In the adjacent bays to the south are the isolated beaches of Avlaki Kastro and Domino which can only be accessed by boat.
Almyros beach
Almyros beach is located on the western side of Ios, very close to the port of Chora. It is easily accessible by car and overlooks Argyronisi. It is a small beach in a small cove, it has sand and is ideal for calmness and snorkelling.
Diamoudia
Diamoudia beach is located on the northwest side of Ios and consists of two small bays. Access is by boat or by a 25-minute path from Lorenzaina beach. It is isolated with sand and a few pebbles, with a rocky bottom, ideal for snorkelling.It is a secluded and unorganised destination, requiring visitors to bring necessary items.
The beach features a sandy shoreline with a few scattered pebbles. Given its relatively low profile, it’s possible to enjoy the entire beach in solitude. Diamoudia, nestled within a bay, offers a wave-free experience, making it conducive to snorkelling with a mask and flippers, thanks to the scenic rocks flanking both sides of the beach.
Gialos beach
Gialos or Ormos beach is located on the west side of Ios, next to the main port of the island and is one of the most popular and largest beaches of the island. Access is by car and bus. It is a large beach, hidden in a cove, well protected from winds, it has been distinguished with a blue flag, it has sand and clear shallow waters, natural shade with tamarisk trees almost all along the beach, it is fully organized with water sports, a beach bar and ideal for families with children. In the area there are all the tourist infrastructures from tourist shops, restaurants and accommodation.
Kalamos beach
Kalamos beach is located on the south-eastern side of Ios, between Plakes and Papa beaches and a view to the Small Cyclades and Amorgos if visibility is good. Access is by road on asphalt up to a point and then by a relatively difficult dirt road, while the last few meters will need to be done on foot.
The road to the beach passes by the Byzantine monastery of Agios Ioannis which dates back to the 19th century. Kalamos is considered by many to be the most beautiful, among the beaches of eastern Ios that are characterized by impressive natural beauty.
The beach, on all three sides, is “caged” by mountains, on which there are vast arable fields with almond and olive trees. It is a large beach, surrounded by rocks without any shade, it has deep water and coarse sand in the largest bay, in the left bay it has sand with pebbles. It is a relatively isolated beach, ideal for tranquility, while its bottom is suitable for diving and masking. Because it is located in a large and open bay, it is suitable for windsurfing enthusiasts.
Kampaki beach
Kampaki is one of the northernmost beaches of Ios. It is 12 kilometers from Chora, the capital of Ios, and the road is asphalt until the point where you have to turn left. From there on for about 3 kilometers, the road is dirt. Kampaki is an unorganized beach, which is not popular. Its few visitors can enjoy the tranquility and relax away from the crowded, well-known beaches.
Here the summer north wind makes its presence felt. It brings waves and it is difficult to keep your beach umbrella steady. Here you can enjoy your bath with a view of Paros and Antiparos. Kampaki consists of sand and small pebbles. The waters are crystal clear, although sometimes, the north wind can bring algae.
Karatzas beach
The isolated beach of Karatzas or Kavos Karatzas is located on the north side of Ios, between Plakoto and Kalo Avlaki beaches, at a sufficient distance from tourist facilities. Access is by boat or by road on tarmac to Homer’s tomb and then on a dirt road heading north. It is a very small cove with sand and large pebbles not suitable for swimming, but recommended for diving. There are no trees at all, it is exposed to northerly winds, which bring big waves.
Klima beach
Klima beach is located on the western side of Ios, in a bay and in a special natural landscape, overlooking Prasonisi. Access is by boat or by car on a dirt road that is difficult up to a point and then by a path lasting about 1 hour, starting from Mylopota. It is a small bay with sand on the shore, but at the entrance to the water it has a few meters of stones. It is a secluded beach with only three villas at the back. In winter, loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the shore.
Kolitsani beach
The secluded Kolitsani beach is located on the western side of Ios, very close to the port and surrounded by rocky slopes with a particularly impressive landscape. Access is by boat or car to a point and then you continue on a relatively passable path. The small beach is located in a well-sheltered bay protected from winds, has sand for the most part and large pebbles to the left and is suitable for diving or snorkelling. It is a popular anchorage for sailing yachts and also for nudists. Above the beach there is a hotel. In winter, loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the shore.
Koumbara beach
Koumbara is located on the western side of Ios, very close to the port and is one of the busiest and most beautiful beaches of Ios, overlooking Sikinos. Access is very easy by car or bus. Despite its popularity, it is considered peaceful and calm, ideal for relaxation and very well protected from the winds, with spectacular sunsets. The beach is large with sand, partially organized, beach bar, has water sports, ideal for children, ideal for a mask and has been awarded with a blue flag. Behind the beach there is a hotel with a restaurant, but also near the area there are a few accommodations and some restaurants.
Lorenzaina
The secluded Lorentzaine beach is located in a well-protected cove, on the north-west side of Ios, with stunning views of the Aegean. Access is very easy by car. It is a quiet beach surrounded by steep cliffs, it has sand, the water deepens sharply, ideal for diving and snorkelling and popular with nudists. To the south there is the isolated Maniates beach which is only accessible by boat.
Magganari beach
Magganari beach is located on the south side of Ios and is one of the most picturesque of the island, with the islet of Pori in its bay and overlooking Varvanisi and with good visibility of the northern coasts of Santorini. Access is by car, bus and by boat. Awarded with the blue flag,
Magganari is formed by continuous bays, creating a magnificent lagoon that is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places for swimming in the entire Aegean. Its main beaches are two coves, well protected from the winds, with golden sand and shallow waters, partially organized with water sports and beach bars and ideal for families with children.
Their seabed is impressive and suitable for exploration with a mask. The southernmost and smaller bay is more impressive as it is shaped like a mushroom. Near the beach but also in the wider area there are restaurants and taverns, as well as accommodation.
Manousos beach
The isolated beach of Manousos is located on the southwest side of Ios, between the beaches of Pikri Nero and Pepa overlooking the islet of Petalidi. Access is only by boat. It is a very beautiful beach with sand on the shore, but with large stones to enter the sea and ideal for calmness and for swimming with a mask.
Mylopotas beach
Mylopotas beach is located on the western side of Ios, in the adjacent bay of the port and is the most popular and busiest of the island with a very good tourist infrastructure. Access is very easy by car or bus. It is a stunning sandy bay, sheltered from the winds , with a long beach and fine sand, awarded with a blue flag, fully organized at some point, beach bars that organize the most legendary parties and is ideal for families with children. Its crystal clear waters are not only suitable for swimming, but also a wide range of adventurous water sports, such as diving or windsurfing. Mylopotas is famous for its entertainment and nightlife. Along the coast there are many tourist shops, restaurants and several accommodation facilities. The island’s largest campsite is next door. East of Mylopotas is Katsiveli beach hidden in a small bay.
Neraki beach
The secluded Neraki beach is located on the north-eastern side of Ios, above the beach of Agia Theodotis. Access is by boat or path from Agia Theodoti. It is small with sand and fine pebbles, ideal for diving and snorkelling, with a stunning view of Paleokastro and Agia Theodoti. North of Neraki is the deserted rocky beach of Fondadiko which is only accessible by boat and at the end of the peninsula on the left there is a small island called Psathonisi. After Fondadiko beach is the deserted beach of Avlaki Angeli which is only accessible by boat. It is a very small sandy bay, but the bottom has pebbles and is prone to meltemias.
Papas beach
The isolated beach of Papa is located on the eastern side of Ios, next to Kalamos and is one of the most beautiful of the island. It is an idyllic cove surrounded by rocks covered with huge plantations and the view from above resembles a crescent moon. The beach is short in length but wide in width and stands out for its blue-green waters and golden sand. A luxury hotel has been built on the beach, and since 2016 entry has been prohibited to ordinary visitors, while anyone attempting to approach the beach from the sea was informed by security that it is a private beach.
Pikro Nero beach
The isolated is located on the south-west side of Ios, near the beach of Klima. Access is only by boat. It is a twin beach in a small sheltered cove, with golden sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for lovers of peace and relaxation.
Pikri nero beach has a white sandy beach and shallow, deep blue waters. The natural landscape around it is impressive, with high rocks and bushes. Also, the beach is well protected from the wind, making it an ideal place for relaxing and swimming.
Plakes beach
The secluded Plakes beach is located on the eastern side of Ios, very close to Kalamos beach. Access is by boat or a relatively difficult dirt road. It is a very beautiful and calm beach, one of the most impressive on the island, with a wild landscape, golden sand and deep blue waters, ideal for diving. To its left is the isolated Vryses beach which is only accessible by boat.
Plakotos
The secluded beach of Plakotos is located on the north side of Ios, in a small enclosed bay. Access is by boat or a relatively difficult dirt road. It is a small beach, with sand and pebbles, ideal for calmness, prone to the north which when it blows, collects dry seaweed. On this beach you will admire wonderful colored pebbles sculpted by the sea. On the hill above Plakoto, the ancient tomb of Homer and the ruins of a stone-built settlement have been found, which the residents say was built by a family of breeders who lived there permanently until the middle of the last century.
Roussos beach
The secluded beach of Roussos is located on the eastern side of Ios between the beaches of Manousos and Psathi. Access is by boat. It is a very small bay with a sandy beach, ideal for peace and relaxation.
The beach stretches over approximately 300 meters and offers a mix of sand and pebbles. The water is calm and shallow, making it safe for swimming and ideal for families with children. There are also sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, allowing visitors to relax and soak up the sun.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider renting a boat and exploring the nearby coastline or taking a boat tour around the island.
Sapunochoma beach
The secluded Sapunochoma beach is located on the west side of Ios, in a small cove. Access is by boat or by foot about 40 minutes from Mylopota. It is a beautiful sandy beach and features a large palm tree, a small church dominating a hill and wonderful wind-eroded rock formations on the headland on the left side of the bay. On the beach there is only one private villa for rent.
Tzamaria beach
Tzamaria beach is located on the west side of Ios, at the entrance to the port of Ios. Access is easy by car to one point and then stairs leading to the beach. It is a small cove with sand and pebbles, relatively isolated, with shallow waters and ideal for diving. There is a hotel and a restaurant nearby.
Treis Ekklisies
The isolated beach Treis Ekklisies is located southeast of Ios a short distance from Magganari and consists of three wonderful small bays, ideal for peace and relaxation. It used to be the port of the island because it was well protected from the winds. Access is by boat or by car to a point and then by a short path from the small church of Agia Triada. The main beach is small, sandy and the surrounding rocky coastline is ideal for exploring by boat. At the bottom of the sea you can see remains of the old port. Because this place is relatively remote, it attracts nudists. Here you will see many boats, small and large, which bring visitors from Chora to other islands. You can reach the nearby cove, which is a smaller sandy beach, by swimming. To its right is the deserted rocky beach of Kalo Avlaki, accessible only by boat.
Trypiti beach
The secluded Trypiti beach is located on the south-west side of Ios, very close to Magganari and is surrounded by low hills and little vegetation. Access is by boat or by a path starting from Magganari. The beach is windless because it is located in a small cove, with sand and its bottom is suitable for a mask.
Psathi beach
Psathi beach is located on the eastern side of Ios, in the coastal settlement of the same name and despite its close distance from the port, it offers moments of relaxation and tranquility, with a view of Heraklia. Access is very easy and is done by car. It is a long sandy beach, it has natural shade from tamarisk trees in some places, nudity is prohibited and it is ideal for families with children. It is popular with windsurfing enthusiasts because it is affected by winds.
Near the beach there is a tavern and a small hotel, but around the area there are few accommodations for accommodation. On its right side it has two small isolated beaches hidden in small coves. The beach next to it is called Avlaki Panagias and they are separated from each other by a pier for fishing boats.
Access is via a small path. It is sandy, although in several places you will find stones and natural shade from trees at the beginning of the coast. The adjacent beach from Avalaki Panagias is a very small cove that can be accessed by boat. The coast is sand and gravel. Very close to it is the historic Paleokastro.
