Beaches
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Beaches of Ios Island
Mylopotas
Ideally located just 2 km from the main village of Ios (Chora), Mylopotas Beach is one of the island’s most popular and vibrant destinations. This stunning sandy bay, featuring turquoise waters, has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and quality.
Mylopotas is divided into two distinct areas: an organized section with sunbeds and umbrellas, and a more natural, unspoiled part where visitors can relax under the sun and enjoy carefree moments by the sea. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect not only for swimming but also for a wide range of water sports, including scuba diving and windsurfing.
Ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Mylopotas tends to become lively after midday.
Visitors seeking tranquility and a more peaceful experience are encouraged to visit during the early morning hours, when the beach reveals its pure beauty and calm, translucent waters.
For party lovers and adventure seekers, Mylopotas is a true hotspot. The beach is lined with cafés, restaurants, and beach bars offering something for every taste. Many of these venues host A-list DJs and are famous for their legendary beach parties.
Mylopotas is easily accessible on foot with a pleasant 20-minute walk downhill from Chora, or by bus from the island’s capital.
Kalamos
Located on the eastern side of Ios, about 16 km from the port, Kalamos is a long, sandy beach with blonde sand and a sea shimmering in countless shades of blue. Access is via an unpaved road, followed by a short walk to reach the shore.
Kalamos Beach is a stunning stretch of soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Largely secluded, it attracts only a small number of visitors, even during the high season. Enclosed by rocky cliffs dotted with low bushes, the beach feels wild and untouched, making it a special destination for nature lovers. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, or tavernas, bring some water and snacks.You are truly “off the grid” here.
You must bring your own shade, as the local bushes provide very little protection from the midday sun.
Here, you can relax under the sun and swim in the transparent waters of the Aegean Sea, far from the cosmopolitan crowds of Chora. The calm, clear sea is also ideal for snorkeling and diving adventures. Kalamos sits in a “beach-hopping” corridor. To its north lies the even more remote Plakes Beach, often shared only with local wild goats!
For those seeking a peaceful haven and an authentic island experience, Kalamos Beach is an excellent choice.
Psathi
Psathi Beach in Ios is a long, beautiful stretch of fine golden sand and bright blue waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing by the sea. Large rocks scattered along the shore, along with a stone-filled seabed, create excellent conditions for snorkeling and underwater exploration.
The beach is partly organized, offering a limited number of sunbeds and umbrellas, while most of its length remains unspoiled and natural.
A beach bar operates near the shore, and a traditional tavern can be found just a few minutes’ walk away, providing convenient options for refreshments and meals.
Less crowded than many of Ios’ more cosmopolitan beaches, Psathi is perfect for visitors seeking tranquility, clear waters, and a laid-back seaside experience.
Agia Theodoti
Agia Theodoti Beach is a large sandy beach located on the northwestern side of the island, approximately 12 km from the port. One of the island’s longest beaches, it features both organized sections with sunbeds and umbrellas and quiet, unspoiled areas ideal for relaxation. The beach is easily accessible and lined with tamarisk trees providing natural shade, making it perfect for long summer visits. Its clear waters are ideal for swimming, while the open horizon offers spectacular sunrises.
A traditional seaside tavern operates nearby, and the beach can be reached by following the road to Epano Kambos from the windmills of Chora. Several hiking trails also pass through the area, making Agia Theodoti Beach a popular destination for both swimmers and nature lovers.
Manganari Beach
Manganari Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Ios, located 23 km south of Chora. Rather than a single beach, Manganari is a stunning collection of sandy coves that form three large beaches and several smaller ones, creating a unique coastal landscape. The panoramic view from above is breathtaking, with turquoise waters and golden sand stretching across a wide bay.
Manganari caters to all types of visitors, offering organized sections with sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and beach bars, as well as quiet, unspoiled areas for those seeking peace and relaxation.
Easily accessible from the southern part of Ios, the beach is also perfect for exploring the area’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Renowned throughout Ios and the Cyclades, Manganari Beach gained international fame as a filming location for scenes from the iconic movie “Le Grand Bleu,” highlighting its exceptional water clarity and striking scenery.
Gialos (Yialos) Beach – Ios Port
Gialos Beach (also known as Yialos) is located next to the picturesque port of Ios, just a few meters from where ferries arrive. This sandy beach sits in a small settlement with modern tourist infrastructure and offers a unique view of ships entering the harbor.
Most of the beach is lined with tamarisk trees providing natural shade, while green cliffs with whitewashed houses rise above the shore, creating a charming Cycladic setting.
Gialos Beach is fully organized, featuring sunbeds, umbrellas, traditional taverns, cafés, and beach bars, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking comfort, easy access, and seaside relaxation close to the port.
Kolitsani
Kolitsani Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach located a short drive south of Chora, between Chora and Mylopotas. Set in a sheltered cove, the beach features crystal-clear turquoise waters and a unique split shoreline, with one section of soft sand and the other covered in large pebbles.
Surrounded by hills, the sea remains calm and protected, making Kolitsani Beach an
excellent choice for swimming on windy days, especially when the north winds are strong. The beach is non-organized, with no on-site tourist facilities, offering a peaceful and natural setting for visitors seeking tranquility. A small parking area is available near the sandy part of the beach.
Koumbara Beach – Ios
Koumbara Beach is a long sandy beach with shallow, crystal-clear waters, located close to the port of Ios. Awarded the Blue Flag, the beach features a few rocks at the shoreline, but just a few steps into the sea the seabed becomes smooth and sandy, ideal for swimming.
Koumbara is especially famous for its spectacular sunset views, which alone make it a must-visit spot on the island.
The beach is well organized, offering sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, while nearby snack bars and restaurants provide refreshments and light meals. Easily accessible, Koumbara Beach can be reached on foot from the port or by local bus, making it a convenient and popular beach destination in Ios.