📍 Ios is an island located between Santorini, Naxos and Paros.
✔ Ios is a lovely island known for it’s vibrant nightlife, picturesque landscapes and churches, beautiful sights and splendid beaches!
▪️ It has a good connection by boats with Athens and the surrounding Cyclades islands. The nearest airport is on the neighboring island of Santorini.
▪️ Ios is a cosmopolitan island that attracts tourists from all over the world. And it has much more to offer than partying!
▪️ There is a magic around Ios that is appreciated only when you visit! Those who explore all the true beauties of Ios return to it again!
Picturesque Chora
The Chora capital is built amphitheatrically on a hillside. Picturesque Chora features typical Cycladic architecture with snow-white houses and blue windows, vibrant streets and squares adorned with flowers, picturesque churches with light-blue domes, and unforgettable windmills.
You should walk and wander through the Chora streets. Around every corner there’s something new ➡ Beautiful alleys decorated with flowers, winding stairs surrounded by traditional houses, charming cafes and shops. These delightful scenes provide a phenomenal visual experience!
At the top of the hill are the ruins of a medieval castle and 3 beautiful churches. It’s a hike to reach the top, offering a fantastic panoramic view of Chora and Gialos port that takes your breath away! It’s an ideal spot for watching the sunset on Ios!
Below them lies the famous Panagia Gremniotissa church. Built on a cliff and offers an equally incredible picturesque view of Chora and the port.
Gialos port is located on one side at the foot of Chora, while on the other side is the beautiful Mylopotas beach.
On a nearby hill there is an open-air theater “Odysseas Elytis” where numerous events take place during the summer. A location where you can admire a breathtaking view on Mylopotas Bay, as well Chora itself!
Chora boasts plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs that are open until late at night. The vibrant nightlife is what makes Ios one of the most popular party destinations in Greece.
You should try local cuisine which is perfectly delicious and enjoy in the wonderful surroundings.
Gialos port
Gialos port is located in the bay at the foot of the hill where Chora is situated and is one of the safest ports of the Cyclades. When a boat enters into the port, the first impression is the enchanting view on the picturesque Chora on the hillside that rises above the port.
On the right side, the picturesque Agia Irini church can be seen, attracting attention with its whiteness and unusual appearance.
Koumpara
A popular beach with shallow water, located about 5 km from Chora. The beach has a tavern and is equipped with sunbeds.
On the way to it, you pass by long organized Gialos beach next to the port, as well as the beautiful natural Tzamaria beach surrounded by rocks.
Kolitsani
Kolitsani is a wonderful natural bay and the nearest beach to Chora, less than 1 km away.
The exceptional surrounding landscape and rocks enhance this lovely beach with golden sand and turquoise clear water.
Near Chora is also Valmas beach, which overlooks the bay where the port is located.
Mylopotas
Mylopotas is a splendid sandy beach with golden-yellow sand and turquoise clear water. The most popular Ios beach is a large stunning bay near Chora, 2km away.
Especially popular along young people and has numerous beach-bars and water sports facilities for fun at the beach. For those seeking entertainment, Far-Out stands out, which is known for its daytime parties.
Manganari
Manganari is the most beautiful beach of Ios, which is located in the south and is about 25 km from the Chora capital.
A fantastic beach with white-yellow fine sand and turquoise-blue crystal clear water and with a phenomenal natural setting that takes your breath away!
Part of the cult movie “Le Grande Blue” was filmed on this beach!
The beach is partially equipped with sunbeds and has are taverns where you can enjoy in excellent local food.
Monastery of Agios Ioannis Kalamos
The beautiful monastery is located about 20 km from Chora on the road to Manganari beach at the crossroads to Kalamos beach.
Located in a gorgeous surroundings with plenty of greenery, the beauty of the monastery transmits soothing vibrations.
Agia Theodoti
Agia Theodoti is an impressive sandy beach with golden sand and incredible turquoise water for for swimming and enjoyment!
It is located about 10 km from Chora on the way to Manganari beach in a large bay surrounded by extraordinary landscape that amazes with its beauty.
Psathi
Psathi is a beautiful long sandy beach located about 17km from the capital. A good option for those looking for peace and isolation.
Palaiokastro
On the way to Psathi beach, you come across the historical landmark of Palaiokastro from the Byzantine period. It served as an observation post for the control of sea routes on the Aegean.
An exceptional location with a medieval fortress located on top of a mountain with the beautiful church of Palaiokastrissa, offers a wonderful view on the Iraklia island and the Aegean blue!
Homer’s tomb
An important historical location in the north of Ios, where is located the tomb of the great poet of Ancient Greece, the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. The location offers a beautiful view on the surrounding Cyclades islands.
On the way to Homer’s tomb, you pass by the Kulozis statue.
Some impressive natural scenery from Ios. View on Mylopotas beach and Hora & port.
Top 10 Ios beaches
Ios is a beautiful island known for its vibrant nightlife, as well as its splendid beaches!
Numerous enchanting sandy beaches with turquoise waters are one of the main attractions of lovely Ios! Gems waiting to be explored!
▪️ Top 10 Ios beaches. My recommendation! ⬇
1️⃣ Manganari
2️⃣ Agia Theodoti
3️⃣ Mylopotas
4️⃣ Kolitsani
5️⃣ Tris Ekklisies
6️⃣ Kalamos
7️⃣ Psathi
8️⃣ Gialos
9️⃣ Lorenzaina
🔟 Tzamaria
Ps. I didn’t visit Ios beaches accessible by boat and those beaches aren’t on the list!
