Greece › Ios Hotels
Updated: December 10, 2025 • 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. That has changed. 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 (The Three Hubs):
- Chora (The Village): Stay here for the best dining, sunset views, and nightlife. You can stumble home from the clubs. (Best Hotel: Liostasi).
- Mylopotas Beach: Stay here for a beach holiday, water sports, and day-clubbing at Far Out. (Best Hotel: Ios Palace Hotel).
- The Port (Yialos): Stay here for convenience, quieter evenings, and easy ferry access. (Best Hotel: Yialos Ios Hotel).
- Best Cheap Hotel: Avra Pension (Port) is a reliable classic.
- The “Two Islands” Rule: Ios has a split personality. In July and August, Chora and Mylopotas are intense party zones for 20-somethings. However, if you visit in June or September (or stay in remote areas like Manganari), it is a peaceful, romantic, and sophisticated island.
- Best Beaches: Mylopotas is the organized, energetic hub. Manganari (on the south coast) is a series of stunning, pristine coves that are arguably the best beaches in the Cyclades. You need a car or bus ride to reach Manganari, but it is worth it.
- Food Scene: The food in Ios has improved dramatically.
- Upscale: Grandma’s (at Liostasi) is the best fine dining on the island.
- Vibe: Katogi in Chora is essential – a funky, buzzing tapas spot (book days in advance).
- Seafood: Drakos Taverna at the end of Mylopotas beach is legendary for fresh fish right on the water.
- Nightlife Breakdown:
- Sunset: Pathos Lounge (Kumpara) is a massive cliffside venue for sunset drinks and events.
- Day Party: Far Out Beach Club (Mylopotas) is the afternoon HQ.
- Late Night: The “Bar Road” in Chora. Traffic, Lost Boys, and Coo are the staples.
- The Santorini Combo: Ios is the perfect antidote to Santorini. Santorini has the views but rocky beaches; Ios has the golden sand beaches you are dreaming of. They are only 45-60 minutes apart by ferry.
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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