Incredible Beaches in Ios, Greece (and How To Get to Them)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST BEACHES IN IOS?
My husband and I went to Ios on our honeymoon. Including this small island in our itinerary was a bit of a wild card but our expectations were exceeded.
While many travelers flock to the famed cliffs of Santorini (we did too), we discovered that Ios offers far better beaches, a more relaxed vibe, and a much more budget-friendly experience.
In this post, I’ll show you the best beaches in Ios, sharing tips on where to find them, what you can expect, and how to get there. Want to make things easy and be brougth directly to them? This boat tour might be perfect for you!
Ios: 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches
✔️ Visit 7 beaches in Ios, including Never Bay
✔️ Swim, snorkel & spend the day on a luxury speedboat
Map of the Best Beaches in Ios
Best Beaches in Ios, Greece
Nestled in the Cyclades, Ios has a laid-back charm and an *incredible* coastline dotted with stunning beaches and crystal-clear water.
This island welcomes around 10,000 tourists a day in the summer and is a hot party spot for the younger crowd – but it IS possible to avoid this scene if you want and indulge in the many other activities on the island!
Whether you’re into lively beach bars, secluded coves, or wide stretches of soft sand, this island has something for every beach lover 🏖️ Chora is the main area of Ios, and all of the mileage is calculated from there.
Popular Beaches in Ios
These are popular for their amenities, clear water, famous parties, convenience, or proximity to the port and Chora.
1. Mylopotas Beach

The famous Mylopotas Beach is one mile long and has soft sand, clear blue water, and plenty of space for all of the people who flock to this main beach.
Location: 1.2 miles (2 km) east of Chora, the main town of Ios.
Best For: Leisurely swimming, snorkeling, water sports, partying, convenience, and amenities
What You’ll Find: Mylopotas is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a full day by the water.
It’s also a hub for water sports including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. There are multiple rental places along the promenade.
There are several nearby bars and restaurants for a quick bite or a more leisurely lunch or dinner. Certain times of year this beach can turn into a party.
This is also where you will find the famous Far Out Beach Club. TIP: Far Out Hotel and Spa is a better accommodation.
Getting There: From Chora, you can easily reach Mylopotas Beach on foot, by taxi, or by the local bus that runs regularly.
The walk is an easy 20-minute stroll, but if you prefer, renting a scooter or an ATV this is a fun way to get around. We rented ATVs from Costa’s Motor Club across the street from Mylopotas Beach and they were great!
2. Manganari Beach

Manganari Beach is a slice of paradise (away from the party scene). This beach has several coves, soft golden sand, and crystal-clear, shallow waters.
Manganari is on the south side of the island, so it is less busy – perfect for a quiet, relaxing day away from the crowds. You can also stay on this side of the island. There are some nice hotels.
Location: About 14 miles (23 km) south of Chora.
Best for: Swimming, snorkeling, families
What You’ll Find: There are a few small tavernas near the beach where you can grab traditional Greek food. Again, because of its more remote location, Manganari is much quieter than Mylopotas.
There are sunbeds for rent (10 euros each). The water is crystal clear and great for swimming.
Getting There: You can take the local bus, which operates a few times a day during the high season. The local bus system is great and the buses are big and clean and have AC. We used them to get around a few times. You can also get there by car or ATV.
The drive is scenic and has incredible views of the Aegean Sea most of the way. A boat tour from the port of Ios is another great option.
3. Gialos Beach (Yialos Beach)

Gialos Beach is a convenient option for those arriving by ferry, as it’s located right next to the main port. Despite its proximity to the port area, it maintains a relaxing and serene atmosphere.
This beach wouldn’t be my first choice if I had the time and means of transportation to get to others, but it’s a great option for those who are short on time or don’t want to rent a car or ATV.
Location: West of the port of Ios (Ormos); 10 minutes walking.
Best For: Ferry-goers, no means of transportation, leisurely swimming, families
What You’ll Find: Gialos has a mix of organized and unorganized areas, so you can either rent a sunbed or find a free spot to lay out your towel.
There are several cafes, bars, and shops nearby, and public restrooms. This beach is also great for families because the waters are shallow and safe for kids.
Getting There: You can walk to Gialos Beach from Chora in about 15 minutes, or you can catch a bus that stops at the port. Taxis are also readily available if you’re carrying luggage or want to get there and back quicker.
4. Kolistani Beach

Kolitsani is a small beach that is fairly secluded with shallow blue water. The beach has become more popular in the last few years so expect to encounter other people.
It’s also popular with nudists so clothing is optional. Naturists tend to stick to the western side of the beach.
Location: Directly south of Chora in a cove; west of Mylopotas and east of the port.
Best For: Proximity to town, naturists, swimming
What You’ll Find: This is an unorganized beach with limited shade so plan to bring your own umbrella if you are someone who needs to escape the sun every once in a while.
Getting There: This beach requires a short walk as no (public) roads go all the way to it. You can drive (4 min) or walk (20 min) from Chora. If you drive, you will have to park in a small parking lot and then walk ten minutes to the beach.
Quieter Beaches in Ios (with Facilities)
These beaches are less popular but still feature basic amenities like sunbeds and bathrooms. These are a great option if you want the convenience of amenities but you want to avoid crowded beaches.
5. Agia Theodoti Beach

If you’re looking for a less-touristy beach with stunning views, Agia Theodoti is the perfect choice. This was one of my FAVORITE beaches in Ios. It was empty except for 2 or 3 locals sunbathing.
This wide, sandy beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere. The water is crystal-clear and all you can see around you are rolling hills, sea, islands in the distance, and one quaint taverna.
Location: 8.7 miles (14 km) northeast of Chora.
Best For: Couples, escaping crowds, swimming, sunbathing in peace
What You’ll Find: Agia Theodoti is less developed than other beaches, but there are a few sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. We paid 10 euros for one bed.
The taverna nearby serves traditional Greek food and is very welcoming. We didn’t eat there but we stopped in for some much-needed water and petrol (we underestimated how much of both we would need on this journey!).
Getting There: Getting to Agia Theodoti is half the magic. You can drive or even take the bus, but I recommend renting an ATV or buggy. We had so much fun zipping around on the nearly empty roads on the ATV.
The drive takes about 20-25 minutes from Chora, but add more time for an ATV. I think it took us around 30-40 minutes. The route offers some gorgeous views of the island and opportunities to see other sites of interest along the way.
6. Koumbara Beach
Another picturesque beach in Ios, Koumbara Beach is a beautiful place to swim all day and then watch the sunset. It’s also within walking distance from the port and Chora.
Location: 1.9 miles (3 km) northwest of Chora.
Best For: Swimming, catching the sunset
What You’ll Find: Koumbara is partially organized, offering sunbeds and umbrellas, and wild areas. There are a few beach bars and a restaurant (also named Koumbara) that is a great place to grab dinner and watch the sunset.
Getting There: Drive or take a cab for 10 minutes or enjoy a 30-minute walk from Chora. You can also catch a bus or rent a scooter for a quick ride.
Off-The-Beaten Path Beaches in Ios
These beaches are for the more adventurous hearts. They don’t have facilities (restrooms/sunbeds/shade/food) and some of them can only be reached by boat or a combination of driving and hiking. The reward is worth the extra work getting to them though!
8. Tripiti Beach

Tripiti is a remote beach. This is my other favorite beach in Ios – we loved swimming around in this stunning and secluded cove.
Location: On the southern coast of Ios
Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, a little adventure, unspoiled natural beauty, photography, laying out
What You’ll Find: Tripiti is completely unorganized, with no sunbeds, umbrellas, or facilities. It offers a pristine natural environment. The water is crystal clear, the sand is coarse, and the surrounding rocky cliffs add to its wild charm.
Getting There: Tripiti is not super accessible, which is why it is so special. You can get there by car (4×4 only) or an off-road vehicle due to unpaved rocky roads followed by a short walk, or you can hike from Managanari beach (~2.7 miles).
You can also get there by boat. You can either rent your own or take a boat tour. This is definitely the easiest way to reach this beach.
7. Valmas Beach
Valmas Beach is a small, quiet cove near the port (but not as close as Gialos). The water is beautiful but it’s rocky, so it’s not the best place to enter the sea. However, it is a great spot for snorkeling and it’s a bit of a secret.
Location: About 1 mile (1.5) km from Chora.
Best For: Privacy, snorkeling
What You’ll Find: Rugged landscape and seclusion. This beach is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s a non-organized beach so you will not find any sunbeds or umbrellas for rent or any facilities. There is a restaurant though.
Getting There: You can drive or hike to Valmas. The short hike from Chora or the port is super pretty (panoramic sea views) and what I recommend.
9. Never Bay
Never Bay is one of the island’s hidden gems (at least it used to be). It is tricky to get to (and the furthest beach from Chora) so there’s still a chance you’ll catch it empty. NOTE: Never Bay has NO BEACH. You will lounge on rocks.
Location: On the western coast of Ios (36°39’10.0″N 25°23’00.4″E)
Best For: Adventurers and nature lovers, snorkeling, swimming
What You’ll Find: Like Tripiti, Never Bay is entirely unorganized, with no facilities. It’s surrounded by cliffs and known for its dramatic rocky formations, small coves, and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling.
Getting There: You can get there by a combination of quad bike and hiking, or by boat. Taking a quad and walking is the more adventurous option, but be prepared for some steep and bumpy roads followed by a short walk that requires proper shoes.
The more comfortable way to get there is by boat, which you can rent or book at Manganari, Mylopotas, or the port. Or you can take this speedboat.
10. Pikri Nero Beach

This is a great beach for snorkeling! Just another one of Ios’s dozens of pristine beaches 🥹
Location: On the southeast coast of Ios, near Manganari Beach, but more remote and peaceful.
Best For: Adventurous travelers, snorkeling, swimming, seclusion
What You’ll Find: Also an unorganized beach, there are no facilities, umbrellas, or sunbeds. It’s a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water and a mix of sand and pebbles.
Getting There: Most visitors reach Pikro Nero by boat, as there are limited road connections. You can also get there via hiking trails, including from nearby beaches like Manganari.
Why Beaches in Ios Are Better Than Santorini
Ios blew us away during our honeymoon in 2021. I think the beaches in Ios are superior to the beaches in Santorini for several reasons.
- Soft sand: Ios has dozens and dozens of beaches with soft golden sand. The handful of beaches in Santorini have rough volcanic rock that hurt to walk and lay on.
- Calm waters: The many coves and long wide beaches in Ios offer much calmer water for leisurely swimming and snorkeling.
- No crowds: You can easily find a beach in Ios with little to no people if you try. This is impossible in Santorini. Every beach we went to was covered in people.
- Amenities: If you want to use a restroom or grab some lunch you can easily do so without competing with hundreds of other tourists.
- Vibe: The vibe is way more laid-back which I think makes for a more enjoyable experience.
- Affordable: Most of the beaches or unorganized or partiallyu unorganized which means you don’t have to pay for sunbeds. Also the nearby tavernas are not outrageously priced.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, party, or serenity and relaxation, Ios’s beaches have something for every beach lover.
Beaches in Ios FAQ
Ios is known for its amazing beaches, nightlife, traditional char, historical significance, laid-back vibe, outdoor activities, and affordability.
Yes, Ios is known for its nightlife and beach parties but it also has a more tranquil side where you can fully escape crowds and partygoers.
Choose Ios if you want a laid-back vibe or a lively party scene, for budget-friendly OR luxury accommodations, and if you prefer less touristy destinations. I’d visit both though!
Ios is generally very safe! There is very little crime (even pickpocketing is rare). The island is friendly and welcoming, but always be alert!
Yes! Ios is very walkable, unless you want to venture to another part of the island in which case you will need a car, ATV, or bus.
Ios is generally much more affordable than some of the Greek islands, especially its closest neighbor, Santorini.
2-3 days for a quick getaway, 5 days to explore the whole island, 7+ for an indulgent and relaxing vacation.

Beaches in Ios Wrap-Up
If you’re planning a trip to Greece and want to experience the best the Cyclades have to offer, don’t overlook Ios!!
Trust me, you’ll fall in love with its beautiful beaches, incredible people, and sprawling hills with tiny churches, just like we did. We are in our 30s (not the young party crowd) and loved this little island.
Plus, adding Ios to your itinerary is super easy, it’s only a 30 minutes ferry from Santorini. Happy beaching! 🌴✨
Greece Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance?
100% Yes! – Always buy travel insurance when traveling internationally. I recommend SafetyWing. It has great coverage, is affordable, and will bring you peace of mind.
💧Can you drink the water in Greece?
It is perfectly safe to drink tap water on the mainland, but less so on the islands. Drink bottled water on the islands (cheap and readily available) to be safe.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Greece?
Yes — Renting a car is one of the best ways to see Greece! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Greek companies, so you get the best rates.
📲 Will my phone work in Greece?
Maybe – It depends on where you are coming from and what plan you have, so check with your provider. If you won’t have service in Greece, I recommend getting an eSIM card from Airalo. All you do is download the SIM – you don’t have to go anywhere or change out your regular SIM card. I know… how far we’ve come!
⛴️ What is the best site to book Greek ferries?
Ferryhopper and Ferryscanner are both reliable sites to view ferry schedules and book tickets. Some people prefer one over the other for various reasons including loyalty but I have used both and had the same experience. I wouldn’t use anything besides Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner though.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Greece accommodations?
From my personal experience, Booking.com is the best site to book Greece accommodations.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Greece flights?
To find and compare flights I recommend Skyscanner
🎫 Do I need a visa for Greece?
Currently, citizens from the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, the USA, and the Schengen Zone do not need a visa to travel to Greece. Read the visa policy for Greece and familiarize yourself with the requirements for your nationality here.