Where to Stay in Ios

Ios is a small Cycladic island between Naxos and Santorini, known for its whitewashed Chora on the hill, the long sandy beach of Mylopotas, quiet bays such as Manganari, and the place where, by legend, Homer is buried.

Where to stay: choose your base

• Chora – the hilltop village with windmills, lanes, bars and sunset views over the port.
• Mylopotas – the island’s best-known sandy beach, with hotels, water sports and tavernas, a short ride from Chora.
• Gialos and the port – close to the ferries and Gialos beach, easy for arrivals and day trips.
• Manganari and the south – quiet sandy bays at the southern tip, for a calm stay.

Our partner hotels in Ios

We work directly with these hotels. Tell us your dates and we reply within 24 hours with availability and a personal offer, including your private transfer if you wish.

How to get to Ios

Ios has no airport. Ferries from Piraeus take about 4 to 7 hours, and there are also boats from Rafina. Santorini airport is a short ferry ride away. We can arrange a private transfer from Athens airport or the city to Piraeus or Rafina port.

What to do

• Walk up through Chora to the windmills and the Panagia Gremiotissa church at sunset.
• Spend a day on Mylopotas beach.
• Take a boat to Manganari bay.
• Visit Skarkos, a Bronze Age settlement.
• Go to the site linked by legend to Homer’s tomb in the north.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I stay in Ios?

Chora for village life and nightlife, Mylopotas for the beach, near the port for easy ferries, and the south for quiet bays.

How do I get to Ios?

By ferry from Piraeus (about 4 to 7 hours) or Rafina, or fly to Santorini and take a short ferry. We can arrange your transfer to the port.

Is Ios only a party island?

No. Away from the bars of Chora there are quiet beaches, boutique hotels and suites with sea views.