Best Places to Stay in Ios: From luxurious hotels overlooking the water to quaint hostels nestled in the heart of the island’s villages, Ios offers accommodation for every budget and travel style.
The main village of Ios, Chora, is a cosmopolitan party hub where you’ll find lots of bars and clubs. During the summer, many travelers choose to stay here because it’s easy to go from sunbathing to dancing!
1. Mylopotas Beach
The most popular beach on Ios, Mylopotas is a lovely sandy area with clean and calm waters. It is the biggest organized beach on the island with a good range of tourist facilities, restaurants, and beach bars. There is also a quieter section without facilities where it’s easier to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The majority of hotels in Ios are located on or near Mylopotas Beach and the best places to stay here range from luxury to budget. A number of these hotels are located right on the beachfront with some even having a private pool for guests to enjoy.
One of the more popular options is Far Out Village Resort Hotel Ios. This is a great option for young travelers and has everything from a hotel, cinema, sports club, restaurant, and of course a beach club. It’s a little more expensive than other Mylopotas beaches but it is definitely worth the price for those looking to party hard on their vacation.
Alternatively, for those looking for something more relaxing, there is the Manganari Beach area. This is a bit more removed from the busy hubs of Mylopotas but still has some great hotels to choose from, including the White Loft. This adults only hotel has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and is located right on the beachfront.
Another great option is the Noufaro Ios Hotel which is a modern boutique hotel that offers some amazing views. The rooms are beautifully designed and offer everything you could need for a relaxing vacation. They also have an on-site restaurant that serves delicious Mediterranean food. If you want to explore the rest of Ios, it’s easy enough to do as the hotel is only a few minutes away from the port and bus stop. It’s the perfect choice for couples and groups of friends looking for a comfortable place to stay on their Ios vacation.
2. Ios Town
Ios is not only known for its amazing beaches, but also for its nightlife. Many young travelers from all over Greece and Europe choose to spend their vacations on this beautiful island for its bars, clubs and fun by the beach at night. This has made the island famous for a lively nightlife that has been compared to its fellow party island of Mykonos. This has made Ios a popular destination for many young people which in turn has created a large selection of hotels, rooms-to-let and hostels that cater to young travelers on a budget.
One of the best places to stay on Ios for a budget is Ios Town, or Chora as locals call it. It is located on the western side of the island and is a very picturesque Cycladic village with great views and traditional houses. It has many restaurants, shops and cafes where you can enjoy a good meal and drink for a low price. It is also the hub of the islands nightlife with a number of bars and clubs that are open until very late.
While in Ios Town, make sure to visit the Odysseas Elytis Theatre which is a very impressive stone and marble built open-air theatre that hosts a variety of different performances. You should also make a stop at the Museum of Yannis Gaitis and Gabriella Simosi that is a small museum that displays the works of two well-known Ios artists.
Liostasi Hotel is a fantastic option for staying in the heart of Ios Town and is a 5-star property with elegant accommodations that overlook the Aegean Sea. It has a pool and spa center, as well as spacious suites that are beautifully designed with attention to detail. It is definitely worth the extra cost if you are looking for luxury accommodation in Ios.
Another great option is White Loft Hotel which is an adults-only accommodation that offers a variety of different room options to suit every taste and budget. The rooms are modern and comfortable with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, free WiFi, and city views. The hotel also offers a pool, a gym, and a rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic views of the island. It is located near Kolitsani Beach and Magganari Beach.
3. Kolitsani Beach
Ios may be known for its lively nightlife but it is also home to pristine beaches, picturesque villages and stunning scenery. Whether you are visiting on your own, with friends or as part of an epic Greek island hopping adventure, Ios has a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels overlooking the sea to cheap hostels in bustling villages, here is our comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Ios for your next holiday.
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main beach area and enjoy a more peaceful retreat, Kolitsani is one of the best beaches on Ios. This small, secluded sandy beach is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun with its crystal clear waters and picturesque scenery. You can also rent a kayak or take a snorkeling tour from here to see the amazing underwater life around the island.
There is a small selection of restaurants and bars on the beach which means you will have no problem finding something to eat or drink. There are also some great hotel options near Kolitsani beach including Yialos Ios Hotel, Levantes Ios Boutique Hotel and Brother’s Ios Hotel. These hotels offer a mix of traditional and modern suites which are walking distance to great eateries.
Another great thing about Kolitsani Beach is that it is located on the opposite side of the island from Ios Town making it a quieter option and perfect for those who are looking to avoid the party scene. This also makes it a great option for those who are travelling with kids as there is less to worry about.
Another popular choice of accommodation in Ios is the Chora area of the island which is located on its west coast. This picturesque village is the main settlement on the island and offers beautiful views, traditional Cycladic architecture, and some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops on the entire island. The village is also a hub of activity during the day and turns into a lively party zone at night.
4. Koumbara Beach
Located not far from the port of Ios, Koumpara Beach is an Instagram-worthy stretch of sand that boasts shallow and clear sea waters. It’s a partly organised beach destination, with sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent along the shore, while there are also several spots without any on-the-beach facilities at all. Additionally, you can enjoy a couple of nearby snack spots and restaurants if you get hungry, making this a top pick among the best places to stay in Ios for an unforgettable beach day!
The Blue Flag-certified Koumpara beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, thanks to its soft golden sand and crystalline waters. You’ll find a few rocks near the waterline, but once you’re in the water the seabed becomes smooth and sandy. Koumbara is also known for its spectacular sunset views, which make it one of the best beaches to visit in Ios during sunset!
For those looking for a little more peace and quiet, you can head to the eastern end of Ios, where you’ll find Kalamos. This picturesque and unspoiled beach is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it features long stretches of fine and golden sand mixed with pebbles and is bordered by a large number of pine and almond trees. It’s worth noting that this beach is not as popular as other Ios beaches, as it requires traversing a sizeable chunk of dirt road to reach.
For the party animals, Pathos is a must-visit for its lively nightlife and party atmosphere. This is a great place to go for drinks, dance the night away and meet fellow tourists from all over the world! Many people compare it to the famous Greek party island of Mykonos, as this is where young travelers from Greece and beyond come for the clubs, bars, and fun by the sea. You’ll even find a few accommodation options here in the form of hostels, budget hotels, and rooms-to-let. However, there are also some more peaceful and quiet options such as Tzamaria and Valmas beaches near the town of Hora, where you can find natural shade under tamarisk trees and pristine waters.