Ios Beaches
Mylopotas
Mylopotas beach is one of the most famous beaches of the island and is located about 3 kilometers from Chora. The beach is the main beach of Chora with all tourist attractions taking place. The sandy beach is covered with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas and it offers plenty of entertainment in beach bars and activities like watersports. The beach is about 1 kilometer long and has beautiful, crystalclear water, which makes you want to jump in the sea. Despite the touristic development of the area, Mylopotas remains a beach with a beautiful natural landscape. If you prefer to walk to the beach instead of using transportation it takes about 20 minutes from Chora town.
Type
Sand
Manganari
Manganari is one of the most picturesque beaches located on the southeastern part of the island. The main beach is about 2 kilometers long shaped like a half moon. The beach has golden, soft sand and crystalclear water with tavernas, cafees and watersports. Due to its far location from Chora, the beach remains undisturbed from the noisy crowds. The area has four sandy beaches necklaced along the coastline with crystalclear water. It gives a perfect possibility to make a nice walk exploring the area and privacy in the secluded bays. Tripiti is one of the coves you find by walking from Manganari beach or by boat. The bays are protected from the strong northern winds offering calm swimming and snorkeling. Some scenes from the famous movie "Le Grand Bleu" were shot in Manganari area, revealing the extraordinary water quality and beautiful scenery.
Type
Sand & Pebbles
Koumbara
Koumbara is one of the more popular beaches of the island because of the location, only about 3 kilometers northwest of Ormos village and Yialos port. The main beach is a 300 meters long, sandy beach with crystalclear water. The beach is fully organized with umbrellas and sunbeds and with restaurants in the area. The area is also known by the clutch of small coves along the coastline. The odd rock formations makes it a great snorkeling spot and the secluded coves are ideal for privacy. The bay is also known for spectacular sunsets. If you prefer to walk to the beach instead of using transportation it takes about 30 minutes from Ormos village.
Type
Sand & Pebbles
Agia Theodoti
The long, sandy beach of Agia Theodoti is located on the eastern part of the island. There is a peaceful atmosphere around this sheltered bay. It offers a bit for everyone. The beach is partly organized, you find sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach and a traditional taverna close by. At the left site of the beach numerous boats moor and several locals go out fishing from here. The beach is also famous for beautiful sunrises. In order to find the beach you just have to follow the road to Epano Kambos, and you will be directed to Agia Theodoti beach with signs. If you walk along the beach you will discover secluded coves embraced by huge rock formations that makes great snorkling options in the crystalclear water. The cove of "Neraki" is for example only reachable by hiking from Agia Theodoti beach or by boat.
Type
Sand & Pebbles
Valmas
Valmas is a small cove close to Yialos port. Although the beach is in close distance to the populated areas it is still secluded than most of the other beaches nearby because of the rough landscape. The coast is not appropriate for swimming as it has many rocks, but it is a good option for snorkeling. There are no tourist facilities around Valmas beach. It takes around 15 minutes to walk from Chora to Valmas beach.
Type
Sand & Stone
Psathi
Psathi beach is located on the northeastern part of the island. Psathi consists of two wild beaches with golden sand, blue water and flat rocks. The beach offers a relaxed atmosphere and combines a beautiful scenery and a perfect place for sunbathing. Because of the strong northern winds, Psathi beach is also popular among windsurfers. A taverna overlooking the long beach offers food made of local products. The beach is reachable down a green and fertile valley of olive and citrus groves.
Type
Sand & Pebbles
Yialos
Below Chora town you find Ormos village and Yialos port. The long, sandy beach is located west of the natural port. From here you can have a look at the ferries and boat arriving and departing the island. It is well organized with with umbrellas and sunbeds and with restaurants and bars in the area and is a popular alternative to the crowded beach of Mylopotas beach. The beach is surrounded by trees and white houses which look like small dots around the cliffs.
Type
Sand
Kolitsani
The small beach of Kolitsani is located between Chora and Mylopotas, about only 1 kilometer from Yialos port and Ormos village. The beach is quite impressive by the crystalclear, green water and golden sand. The rocky cliffs and green trees embrace the beach and makes an idyllic scenery. Kolitsani beach has no tourist facilities like umbrellas and sunbeds and is a great option of a more private beach close to Chora. The beach is accessable by foot through a steep hill. The beach is also a popular anchorage for sailing yachts.
Type
Sand
Kalamos
Kalamos beach is a gorgeous, peaceful beach with golden sand and crystal water, located on the eastern part of Ios. Here you have the opportunity to enjoy the sun and swim in the transparent water. The beach is secluded because of the distance to Chora. The clear water and rock formations makes the beach ideal for snorkling and diving. To reach Kalamos beach you have to follow the road to Manganari beach passing through Mylopotas. The area is a nature reserve with rocky cliffs covered in almonds and olive trees that still remains peaceful. The area is considered as a special spot for adventure with nice footpaths. More coves along the coastline will be found north and south of Kalamos, all within easy walking distance. Do you continue to the north you find the small cove "Plakes". To the south you will find the hidden cove of "Papa" with a small sandy beach. Further south there are still a trio of beautiful secluded beaches named "Tris Elikes" only accessable by foot.
Type
Sand & Pebble
Plakato
Plakoto is located north of Chora beneath Pano Kambos, the site of Homer's Tomb. The long sandy beach is secluded without any facilities. The water is clear but the seabed has some pebbles which require some extra attention. Keep in mind the beach is affected by strong northern winds. The beach can be reached from the sea or via land. The road runs out after Vouni village and afterwards you have to continue on a dirt track to the left that leads you to Plakatos beach.
Type
Sand & Pebble
Tzamaria
The small cove of Tzamaria is located between Yialos beach and Koumbara beach. It has a sandy shore and clean water and is an appropriate beach for snorkeling. The seabed is partly sandy and partly rocky. The closest tourist facilities are found in Ormos village.
Type
Sand & Stone