Gialos Beach Ios

The Yalos Beach, also called Gialos and still Ormos we find it to the north on the west side of the Ios Island about three kilometers from the beautiful and characteristic capital Chora.

Practically Ormos is the natural port of Ios and from here all the boats arrive from the islands connected by sea or from Piraeus and Gialos is actually the city beach. A wide five hundred meters coastline of soft white sand, clean and clear waters, a blue and blue sea; details that each year earn it the Blue Flag for its high standards of sustainability and safety. Despite the passage of boats, the water is wonderful and inviting for a cool swim.

It is very popular both for the wonderful location and for the excellent services, or because even those who are on holiday in Greece on nearby islands, can 'come and visit Ios on a day trip and the point of arrival is right here'.

The Gialos beach is very well equipped, you will find sunbeds and umbrellas while as regards the restaurant, there is only the embarrassment of choice as behind the coast expands the Ormos village with its typical taverns where you can taste the dishes of local cuisine and those of the classic Greek tradition, restaurants, bars, shops and even a minimarket. Even for fun, Yalos beach is perfect, you can choose from a wide range of water sports and maybe enjoy disciplines still unknown to you.

For those who love freedom, a part of the beach is completely free, so you can spread out your towel wherever you like and enjoy a splendid sunny day.

From the Yalos beach where the church of Agia Irini is located, if you walk south you will reach the Valmas beach, a small cove with an open landscape mainly of rocks not exactly ideal for swimming but perfect for snorkelers who will be able to discover the underwater world, so don't forget fin and mask. If, on the other hand, you go the other way, you will arrive at Koumbara beach, also enclosed in a pretty bay with sand and gently sloping seabed, a favorite place for families with children. Just in front of the Sikinos Island.

But we also know better the village that hosts the Gialos beach, Ormos. Second largest town on the island of Ios, it is located very close to the capital, just three kilometers away. Overlooking the bay and built as an amphitheater on the slopes of the mountain, it houses the port and is the classic Cycladic village with low white houses, labyrinthine alleys that hide characteristic corners and where there are local artisan shops and small ouzerie where to stop for a drink and maybe make friends with the locals. To visit the church of Agia Irini of the Byzantine period with an almost blinding white color with two bell towers one at each end of the two domes one the largest in the center and a small one on the eastern side with a splendid view of the sea almost like a sentinel on the eve on the island at the highest point of the port.

The Ormos village is the most suitable place if you want a relaxing holiday, nothing is missing but the rhythms despite the port are much slower than the Chora. Its location is a strategic point to be able to visit all of Ios without having to travel long distances. Multiple taverns, accommodation facilities ranging from simple rooms for rent to apartments or small hotels, that's what you can find in Ormos. Added value is the fact that from here you can set out to discover by boat to other islands or other beautiful beaches where you can spend an unforgettable day.

One thing to do if you like walking is to get to the Chora by taking the old donkey path that starts on the main road and which will take you to the capital in the middle of nature and with wonderful views.

If you stay during your holiday in Ios in Ormos you have it practically at hand, if instead you are from other parts of the island and are autonomous with car or scooter, just follow the signs towards Ormos heading north east.

If you don't have your own transport, there are lines of public bubs from Chora and Mylopotas beach, one of the most famous on the island. As always, we recommend that you check the timetables to better organize the day.

For a quick swim, rather than for a whole day, perhaps stopping for dinner in one of the fabulous taverns, including the Gialos beach among the things to do in Ios, it will be a good opportunity to enrich your knowledge of this small but beautiful island.