Mylopotas, the closest
1.3 km from Villa Mylo — about ten minutes — Mylopotas is the island's best-known beach: a long arc of golden sand, water sports, a diving centre, beach bars and tavernas. It is also the liveliest in July and August; for calm, come early in the morning or pick one of the beaches below.
Manganari, in the south
At the end of the southern road, some twenty kilometres from the port, Manganari strings together several small coves of fine sand. The water is shallow and clear blue: the beach for families with young children. Tavernas and cafés nearby.
Agia Theodoti, Psathi and Kalamos, on the east coast
- Agia Theodoti: over 650 metres of thick sand and blue-green water, reached by a paved road, with a taverna with a view.
- Psathi: further along the coast, fine sand, tamarisk shade and views of Iraklia; popular with windsurfers.
- Kalamos: golden sand and fine pebbles, very clear water, ideal for snorkelling. Access is by a rough dirt track.
Near Chora and the port
- Gialos: 500 metres from the port, calm shallow water, tamarisk shade. Organised, perfect with children.
- Koumbara: 5 km west of Gialos, sand and pebbles, Blue Flag, split in two by a rocky islet topped with a chapel.
- Tzamaria: the closest to Chora, a narrow strip of sand sheltered from the wind, facing the port.
- Loretzena: a secluded, wind-sheltered cove of fine sand — no facilities at all.
The wildest
- Papas: a palm-fringed setting, reached by boat or a 25-minute walk.
- Tris Ekklisies: a small, very remote beach, reached only on foot.
Choosing a beach with the meltemi
From mid-May to mid-September the meltemi blows: a northerly wind, often strong in the afternoon, that frequently dies down at night. On windy days, head for sheltered beaches — Tzamaria, Loretzena, Gialos — and keep the exposed coasts for calm days. More season by season in When to visit Ios.
Updated 22 September 2026
