Ios Beaches

Ios Island can be found in the Cyclades archipelago between Sikinos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini. She is less noble than the sisters that surround her, she really has nothing to envy to anyone, on the contrary she is very proud of her beauty and she fears no comparison.

A part of Greece that can be reached with a nice journey between plane and ferry but which offers endless emotions. Coming from the sea, the only way to get to Ios, you already understand what you can expect, a breathtaking sea and beaches where day and night are a continuous cycle without stopping. And yes, because Ios is one of the favorite destinations of the lovers of nightlife with loud music, dancing until you drop under a starry sky that would make even the coldest heart fall in love.

But let's come to its enchanting coasts that can satisfy any type of taste, but be careful choose them based on what kind of day you want to do but above all pay attention to the times to go there because some doze while in the morning cuddled by the sound of the sea, in the afternoon and at evening they turn into places of perdition and transgression.

Mylopotas Beach

Mylopotas beach, we find it in the western part of Ios almost in the center just a couple of kilometers away from the Chora the capital of the island a cluster of labyrinthine alleys dotted with the classic white ones that are found only in the Cyclades and which give it that atmosphere that can only be breathed in this Archipelago. An extensive coastline of soft golden sand, bathed by a crystalline sea with emerald hues. It extends for about a kilometer and is well equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, several beach bars and typical taverns where you can indulge in luxurious meals based on always fresh fish. In the morning it is perfect for families with children while in the afternoon it comes alive with young people who take possession of it until the first light of dawn to the rhythm of music and dancing. Mylopotas beach can be reached either with your own transport or with the bus that leaves every 15 minutes from the center of the capital.

Agia Theodoti  Beach

Agia Theodoti beach is in the northeastern part of Ios about fifteen kilometers from the Chora. A beautiful bay surrounded by trees that hide a coast made of soft golden sand bathed by a transparent sea with colors that go from blue to emerald green. A natural beauty that will leave you enraptured, where the peaceful passage of time is a healthy touch for the mind and body. It is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while for those who want to stay more in contact with nature, they can relax under one of the trees that frame the Agia Theodoti beach. As for catering, a traditional tavern where you can savor local delicacies. Don't miss the sunset, one of the most spectacular in Ios with its warm colors and the atmosphere created when the sun goes down. Agia Theodoti beach can be reached from the Chora starting from the legendary windmills following the road to Epano Kambos. For a cultural moment, near the coast you can visit the remains of an ancient aqueduct and a tower from the Hellenistic period.

Psathi Beach

Psathi beach is also found on the north east side of the island of Ios not far from Agia Theodoti beach. A different landscape, in the middle of a green valley but where the rock is the master and gives it a particular flavor. There are actually two coasts and they have fine sandy beaches with flat rocks perfect for spreading out a towel and being kissed by the warm Hellenic sunrays. The sea is wonderful with its blue colors that fade to dark blue towards the sea, giving clean and transparent waters. It is not equipped at all, one only comes here to enjoy the benevolence of Mother Nature and to relax. Its position shelters it enough from the wind, but when Eolo is furious more than ever, it becomes a natural playground for windsurfers. For something to eat or drink, there is a tavern nearby where you can sit and get lost in the flavors of Greek cuisine and the sound of the sea. In the background of Psathi beach at the end of the peninsula is the small Psathonisi islet. Reaching it is not difficult, you need to have your own transport and follow the road to Agia Theodoti, overtake it and you will be there in less than no time. Do not miss the ancient ruins of Palokastro the eighth century castle as well as the ruins of a remote temple.

Vathirema Beach

Vathirema beach, we can say that it is the most remote and private of the whole island of Ios. We find it in a north-easterly direction between Psathi beach to the north and Plakes beach going south instead. Mecca of naturists given its sheltered position and not so easy to reach, it has two small coves, a smaller one of soft golden gravel with some rocks, and a larger one of soft sand, therefore perfect for families with children. The waters are crystal clear and transparent with colors that fade from turquoise to emerald. Being far off the tourist circuits, it is obviously not equipped at all, just a lot of unspoiled nature and nothing more, therefore, if you decide to spend the day there, remember to bring everything you need. How to get to Vathirema beach? Here comes the beauty there are only two solutions, either on foot or by sea but the positive side is precisely this because it preserves it and still today it is presented in its total and extraordinary original beauty.

Yialos Beach

We find Yialos beach on the northwest side of the island of Ios near the picturesque port of Ormos. Well known and frequented by those who decide to stay in the surrounding area and by the locals, it has a beautiful white sand coast bathed by a clear and transparent sea despite its proximity to the port where you can see all the boats coming and going from the island . Its waters are of an intense blue color and perfect for a regenerating swim especially when the temperatures are felt. Trees frame it giving relief during the hottest hours. It is well organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar for something cool to drink and typical taverns where you can taste dishes of the classic Greek cuisine. It is also ideal for those who love water sports and want to combine the benefit of staying fit with fun. Behind it you can also find accommodation for a relaxing and comfortable holiday.

Koumbara Beach

Koumbara beach is about a half hour walk from the port of Ormos in the northwest part of Ios. Enclosed in a picturesque bay, it offers a coastline of almost three hundred meters of soft light sand mixed with small white pebbles, bathed by a clean and clear sea with intense colors and with backdrops that descend slowly, perfect for families with children and lovers long swims. Every year it is awarded the much sought after Blue Flag for the natural beauty it offers to its visitors. Very popular and considered the most beautiful in the area, it is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a vast choice of water activities where you can challenge and have fun with your old or new friends. A typical beach taverna will come to your rescue when your stomach starts to growl or just for something fresh to drink. Don't miss the moment of sunset, a wonderful interlude in your day, possible thanks to its location on the island. Koumbara beach can also be reached by bus from the Chora.

Kolitsani Beach

Kolitsani beach is located south of the capital Chora and Mylopotas beach, about a kilometer from the port of Ormos after a descent, let's say it a little steep but feasible if you are very careful. A small strip of golden sand beach, bathed by an emerald sea with transparent waters. Behind it rocky hills dotted with green trees that make the scenery like a small Eden. Wild and still untouched despite its proximity to one of the busiest areas of Ios, it is much appreciated by naturists for its still natural and relaxing atmosphere. Needless to say, it is not equipped at all so if you decide to come, remember to bring water and food with you. Just above the beach is the Museum of Modern Art where you can admire the works of famous Greek and international artists. Kolitsani beach can be reached on foot via a path from a steep hill.

Loretzena Beach

Loretzena beach is one of the beaches of Ios ideal for a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. We find it about five kilometers northwest of the capital Chora just before Diamoudia beach. A small, almost lost cove that develops in a beach formed mainly of rock bathed by a crystalline sea that goes from blue to green to deep blue, giving an atmosphere with an exotic flavor. Its seabed is a natural playground for snorkelers and divers so if you are a fan of marine exploration, don't forget your fins, mask and snorkel. But be careful if you want to swim, the presence of so many boulders makes it quite dangerous. People come to Loretzena beach for a day of total relaxation and to stay in direct contact with nature. Given its location, Loretzena beach offers unforgettable views of the majestic Aegean Sea.

Kalamos Beach

Kalamos beach is another perfect one for a day of total relaxation away from the crowds and sparkling nightlife of Ios. It is located in the southeast part about ten kilometers from the port of Ormos and fifteen from the Chora. Secluded and almost secret, it has a long coastline of soft golden sand with clean and transparent waters with crazy colors. Surrounded by rocky cliffs covered with olive and almond trees, it is a real jewel. Never overcrowded, it is a peaceful refuge for a wonderful day at the beach. Ideal for lovers of snorkelling and underwater adventures due to the shape of its seabed and also for those who relax with long swims. Not equipped, it is still intact and uncontaminated so if your intention is to stay there all day, remember to bring everything you need. Kalamos beach can only be reached with your own vehicle by following the signs for Manganari beach and passing through Mylopotas beach, Papas beach and Plakes beach. Stop and admire the ancient Byzantine Monastery of Agios Ioannis dating back to the 19th century, where the most important religious festival of the island is celebrated on 29th August.

Papas Beach

Papas beach is actually a beautiful hidden bay in the southeast part of Ios not far from Kalamos beach. Surrounded by cliffs dotted with trees, it is also an ideal destination for a peaceful day at the beach wrapped up in a still original and intact nature. A beach of light sand bathed by a blue sea with crystal clear waters where you can indulge in long and regenerating swims or go to discover the underwater world. Not equipped at all but wild and raw as never before, it is much loved by solitary and adventurous people who go as far as here to get in touch with Mother Nature. It can only be reached by boat and one of the reasons why it is always very free is precisely its difficulty in getting there.

Plakes Beach

And here is another pearl of Ios island, Plakes beach. We find it to the southeast just after another oasis of wonders, the beach of Kalamos, while the capital Chora is sixteen kilometers away. A remote beach with a sweeping shoreline dotted with rolling dunes and hillocks that make the landscape almost fairytale-like. The beach has soft white sand, bathed by clean and turquoise waters, a real panacea for the eyes. Obviously it is devoid of any comfort so also in this case remember to bring everything more. Excellent for a day of diving and to accumulate as much vitamin D as possible.

Tries Ekklisies Beach

Tries Ekklisies beach is located in the most southeastern part of the Ios Island on the way to reach the wonderful Manganari beach. To reach it you need a little effort in the sense that you arrive up to a certain point by car precisely at the Church of Agia Triada and from there you continue on foot through a path in about a quarter of an hour through the barren nature. Given its remote location, it is much loved by naturists who can feel free to enjoy what Mother Nature can give here. A coast of soft golden sand bathed by clear sparkling blue waters where you can spend a peaceful day at the beach between swimming and diving excursions. It goes without saying that you will find nothing but nothing so bring everything you need to spend the most relaxing hours of your life.

Manganari Beach

Manganari beach is located to the southwest in a beautiful bay that protects it from the winds that blow on the Cyclades about twenty-three kilometers from the capital Chora. Its remoteness (if we can define it like that after all twenty-three kilometers what they are) means that it always remains very quiet and undisturbed by the lively life of Ios. It is made up of five stupendous beaches of sand mixed with gold-colored gravel, lapped by crystalline waters and emerald-colored, a real invitation especially on hot summer days. The seabed gently descends therefore perfect for families with children. It is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas while as far as catering is concerned, there are several taverns where you can satisfy your palates. Manganari beach also offers many a wide choice of water sports to enjoy.

Plakoto Beach

Plakoto beach, we find it in the northern part of the Ios Island right on the tip about thirteen kilometers from the Chora. Given its position, it is often subject to the strong winds of the Meltemi that whip it, always putting it to the test. Definitely little frequented and perfect for those who love Eolo and want to spend a few hours in absolute solitude and away from the crowds. The coast is of golden sand and the sea has a seabed full of pebbles which is therefore quite dangerous and slippery. However, a tour is worth it to enjoy the silence while admiring the Aegean. On the hill behind it an ancient tomb believed to be where Homer is buried.