Ios Beaches
Endless Fun for Anyone
There are a lot of beaches to visit on Ios! To be more precise, there are 35, but only a handful is adapted for tourism. Below is a list of the most popular beaches in Ios.
The beaches are a treasure of this island, so please take care of the environment. Do not cross any beach by car or motorbike. To protect nature, leave nothing else behind you except your footprints in the sand.
Top Beaches in Ios Island
Mylopotas beach
Mylopotas is by far the busiest beach on the island and is where most people spend their day. Southwest of Chora with over 1 km of fine golden sand, Mylopotas is considered one of the finest beaches in the Aegean. The sheltered bay is littered with cafés, bars, and restaurants which are open day and night.
How to get to Mylopotas beach:
The bus departs from the village every 20 minutes, returning at the same intervals. If you prefer to walk, it will take you about 20 minutes.
Magganari beach
One of the most enchanting areas of Ios, Magganari lie down on the south coast, 23 km from the port. In its four fantastic beaches with the crystal-clear waters, you will enjoy swimming and various water sports, while in the seaside taverns and restaurants you will taste plenty of fresh fish and typical Greek dishes.
How to get to Magganari beach:
At the end of Mylopotas, take the road climbing up into the hills (15km), and turn right before Kalamos monastery. Excursions by bus to Manganari beach can be booked in all travel agencies. The buses leave every morning from Yalos, Chora and from Mylopotas beach, returning in the afternoon.
Agia Theodoti beach
Famous for its large sheltered bay and beautiful sandy beach, facing sunrise and the island of Iraklia. It is a beautiful place to spend the day. Local taverns will serve you delicious, simple specialties, and those who wish to stay will easily find a room.
How to get to Agia Theoditi:
Take the asphalt road starting from the windmills in Chora, or follow the road to the rear of the port valley.
Koumbara beach
The bay of Koumbara is a 30-minute walk to the northwest of Yalos (port). Koubara is a 300-meter long sandy beach with taverns and rooms.
It is an ideal place for snorkeling along the Ios rock.
How to get to Koumbara:
Follow the road around Yalos beach.
Yalos beach
Only a couple of minutes walk from the ferry harbor Yialos beach starts. During the high season are always fewer people here than on Mylopotas beach.
From Ormos you can easily walk to VALMAS, TZAMARIA or KOUBARA beach.
How to get to Yalos beach:
Follow the road along the bay of Yalos.
Psathi beach
From the top of the road, you will discover the lovely green valley of Psathi and catch a glimpse of its two beaches. With ultramarine blue water and coarse golden sand, Psathi is the perfect place to enjoy peace and tranquillity.
On windy days large swells roll onto the beach which makes it popular among local windsurfers.
Tzamaria beach
Just 3km away from Chora, it is a well-hidden “secret” that is worth discovering!
Kalamos beach
This long sandy beach is a nature reserve on the eastern coast of the island. It is usually very quiet and often one has the chance to enjoy it alone. The water is very clear, so take some snorkeling gear.
South of Kalamos lies the hidden cove of PAPA and if you continue, the road will take you to PLAKES, a very remote, beautiful beach.
The beach has a very beautiful seabed that makes the area ideal for diving enthusiasts.
How to get to Kalamos:
It is not organized beach and access is relatively difficult since you have to go along a dirt road. Follow the road past Kalamos monastery.
If you are looking for airline tickets and flights to Ios (use Santorini airport) enter the dates of arrival and departure in the left box, and the online reservation program will show you suggestions and prices for your flight where you can make your reservation directly and securely.
Kolitsani beach
Such a beautiful and natural bay is what you need to spend a few moments of relaxation with your other half or with the family. Kolitsani beach can give you unique moments!
Sapounochoma beach
A quiet sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Here you can also see the palm trees that exist, as well as the chapel that dominates the landscape.
Klima beach
Klima beach is only accessible by the sea. It is located opposite to Prasonisi. You will find it after the beach of Mylopotas.
Papas beach
About seventeen kilometers from the port of Ios, there is the Papas beach, a secluded bay hidden in a lush landscape. Its crystal clear waters, its soft white sand, the countless palm trees planted here with private initiative make it a standard destination for the island’s visitors. The beach is not organized.
How to get to Papas beach
You can access it in two ways. One is to reach it by sea, renting a small boat, and after passing the following beaches: Pikri Nero – Saponohoma – Trypiti you will end up on the beach. The other way is to ride northeast from Manganari by a private or rented vehicle following the Papas – Kalamos – Plaka route. Going down to Kalamos on a plateau you will leave the car and follow the path for about 25 minutes (the entrance of the path is on the road leading to Kalamos-Plakes). Suddenly you will see the hidden beach and swim in its cool waters!
Kampaki beach
Pebble beach with shade trees, accessible in two ways: the road coming from Pano Kambos and Plakotos beach.
Tris Klisies beach
In the southeastern part of Ios, just a short distance from Magganari, you will find the beach of Tries Klisies. It is a small beach that requires you to have water and food with you.
The place is preferred by nudists. Access to it is pretty difficult, as you should leave the car at a point and walk on a 10-15 minute on a dirt road to reach its blue waters.
Pepas beach
About seventeen kilometers from the port of Ios, there is the Papas beach, a secluded bay hidden in a lush landscape. Its crystal clear waters, its soft white sand, the countless palm trees planted here with private initiative make it a standard destination for the island’s visitors. The beach is not organized.
How to get to Papas beach
You can access it in two ways. One is to reach it by sea, renting a small boat, and after passing the following beaches: Pikri Nero – Saponohoma – Trypiti you will end up on the beach. The other way is to ride northeast from Manganari by a private or rented vehicle following the Papas – Kalamos – Plaka route. Going down to Kalamos on a plateau you will leave the car and follow the path for about 25 minutes (the entrance of the path is on the road leading to Kalamos-Plakes). Suddenly you will see the hidden beach and swim in its cool waters!
Plakotos beach
Difficult access to this beach, which is located 13 km away north of Chora. Access here is quite difficult, mainly by sea taxis. The beach is sandy but the bottom has pebbles so it is necessary to be careful if you choose this beach to swim.
Key disadvantages here are the winds that prevent you from enjoying your swimming. Above Plakotos it is said that the tomb of Homer has been found.
Tripiti beach
Tripiti beach is a beautiful and remote place in southern Ios. Access to Tripiti is not easy. The easiest but also pleasant way to get to the beach is with one of the boats that make daily excursions from the port of Ios. Otherwise, there is a path that you can use, which starts from Magganari.
Because the beach is in a narrow bay, you will not encounter waves here. The underwater environment is interesting for exploration with masks. There is no tourist organization here, so you must have the necessary things with you.
The impressive scenery, with rocks falling under the water, will inspire you for many photos.
Diamoudia beach
It is a beautiful wild landscape, with sparse vegetation. The beach is ideal for those who want absolute peace and here they can find it. The beach is unorganized without any tourist facilities.
It is not a beach that many prefer and is not one of the most popular on the island, but a visit will reward you if you meet one of the wild sides of the island.
Kalo Avlaki beach
Right below Homer’s grave, it is the smallest and perhaps the most beautiful of the three beaches of Plakotos.
Loretzaina beach
A small bay five kilometers from Chora, easily accessible by any means, the road reaches to the sand, does not have organized facilities, it is an ideal dip for the sunset after the sun is lost in the sea opposite Sikinos in front of your eyes.
There are no facilities and there are no shops and bars. There is no shade so an umbrella on the beach would be helpful. The water can be a bit rough and rocky, so it is not suitable for young children.
Vathi Rema beach
It is one of the isolated secluded beaches of the island, isolated, making it the number one choice for nudists. It is a beach with golden sand and crystal clear waters. Access here is possible either on foot or by the sea. In swimming, you have to be careful because of the rocks that meet at its bottom. It is essential that you are equipped with water and food because the beach is without tourist infrastructure.
Valmas beach
You can get there either by a path or by road from a dirt road passing through the island’s heliport. Last but not least, it is necessary to prepare an appetizer or a sandwich if you want to spend the whole day there.
Plakes beach
Southwest of Kalamos and northeast of Magganari you will find another beautiful beach worth visiting. It is 16 km from Chora and is relatively isolated.
Surrounded by rocks that capture the white sandy beaches, the beauty of which is known to many visitors. Very difficult access, landscape, and beauty will reward you.
Neraki beach
In the northern part of Ios, you will find the isolated beach of Neraki. It is a beach with fine sand and steep rock formations. You can also gaze at Agia Theodoti and Palaiokastro. Access to it is not particularly easy as you have to walk through a path that starts with St. Theodotus. Many choose to get here via the sea, while it is preferred by the snorkeling fans.
