Greece › Ios Hotels
Updated: February 17, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
The fantastic Calilo Hotel is the best beach resort on Ios. Stunning!
Ios Hotels – My Advice
- The Luxury Shift: In the past, Ios lacked true 5-star options, but that has changed significantly. While it still doesn’t have the sheer volume of luxury suites found in Santorini, it now boasts two standout properties: Calilo (a massive, remote eco-resort on a private beach) and Liostasi (a chic Relais & Châteaux hotel in Chora).
- Where to Stay in Chora (The Village): Stay here for the best dining, sunset views, and nightlife. It is the heart of the island’s social scene and you can easily walk home from the bars and clubs. The best hotel here is Liostasi.
- Where to Stay at Mylopotas Beach: This is the spot for a classic beach holiday, water sports, and day-clubbing. It features a long stretch of golden sand and clear water. The best hotel here is Ios Palace Hotel.
- Where to Stay at The Port (Yialos): Choose the port for convenience, quieter evenings, and easy ferry access. It is a great base if you want a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to Chora. The best hotel here is Yialos Ios Hotel.
- Best Cheap Hotel: Avra Pension at the Port is a reliable, clean, and friendly classic that offers excellent value.
- The “Two Islands” Rule: Ios has a split personality depending on when you visit. In July and August, Chora and Mylopotas are intense party zones for 20-somethings. However, in June or September (or if you stay in remote areas like Manganari), it transforms into a peaceful, romantic, and sophisticated island.
- Best Beaches: Mylopotas is the organized, energetic hub with plenty of facilities. Manganari (on the south coast) consists of several stunning, pristine coves that are arguably the best beaches in the Cyclades. You will need a car or a bus ride to reach Manganari, but it is absolutely worth the effort.
- Best Upscale Dining: The food scene has improved dramatically, and Grandma’s (located at Liostasi) currently offers the finest dining experience on the island with incredible views.
- Best Casual Vibe: Katogi in Chora is an essential stop. It is a funky, buzzing tapas spot that is incredibly popular, so I recommend booking several days in advance.
- Best Seafood: Drakos Taverna, located at the far end of Mylopotas beach, is legendary for fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes served right on the water’s edge.
- Best Sunset Spot: Pathos Lounge in Kumpara is a massive, high-end cliffside venue designed specifically for sunset drinks, music, and events.
- Best Day Party: Far Out Beach Club in Mylopotas is the afternoon headquarters for the younger crowd, featuring a pool, DJs, and a high-energy atmosphere.
- Late Night Nightlife: The famous “Bar Road” in Chora is where the action happens after midnight. Traffic, Lost Boys, and Coo are the long-standing staples of the Ios party scene.
- The Santorini Combo: Ios is the perfect antidote to Santorini. While Santorini has the iconic caldera views but mostly rocky or pebble beaches, Ios has the wide, golden sand beaches you likely envision when thinking of Greece. They are only 45 to 60 minutes apart by ferry, making them an ideal pair for island hopping.
The Best Hotels on Ios
Calilo Hotel
A private luxury resort with spacious suites cascading down the surrounding hillside, great for both romantic stays and families. The hotel has perhaps the largest pool of any hotel in the Cyclades, surrounded by sunken tables and a terrific bar and restaurant. A gorgeous, exclusive beach featuring giant platform sun beds is the highlight.
The Best Hotel on Mylopotas Beach
Beautiful Mylopotas is the best beach on Ios. The pool at the Ios Palace Hotel is visible in the middle of the photo, near the end of the beach.
Ios Palace – Mylopotas Beach
This is a great hotel set directly on Mylopotas Beach, one of Greece’s best beaches. The hotel has 3 pools, a very good restaurant, and pool bar that overlooks the beach. The main town on Ios (The Chora) is a short 5 minute bus ride or a steep 20 minute walk – and there you’ll find a beautiful traditional Greek village, with some great restaurants, and a very active nightlife. Hotel phone: + 30 22860 92000
Mylopotas Beach. Ios Palace Hotel is off photo to the left.
The bus runs regularly between Mylopotas Beach (pictured here), Chora, and the port. There is always lots of room for luggage. The Ios Palace Hotel is visible to right of the bus.
Best Hotels near Chora
The charming hilltop Chora is filled with restaurants, nightlife, and local shops.
Yialos Ios Hotel
Very nice family-run hotel close to both the ferry port and the restaurants and nightlife of Chora. Triple and quadruple rooms are good for families. There’s a good beach nearby. It’s a 15-minute walk (or short bus ride) to the heart of Chora.
Agalia Luxury Suites – Chora
A luxurious hotel in a semi-secluded area. The port is 1 mile away and the Chora about 2.5 miles. Two very good (and quiet) beaches are within walking distance. 4 of the 14 suites have private pools. The two and three-bedroom villas are awesome for families and small groups.
Two More Good Hotels
If the above are sold out then these are both good choices.
Liostasi Hotel & Spa – Chora
Great hotel within an easy walk of the Chora’s nightlife and restaurants. Buses run regularly to Mylopotas beach. Rooms are simply decorated but large and relaxing.Levantes Boutique Hotel – Mylopotas Beach
A very nice hotel with an elegant pool and great views from its perch on the hill. The only caveat here is that’s it’s a steep walk down to Mylopotas Beach or into the Chora (less steep but longer). If you stay here you’ll probably be taking the bus a fair bit.
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