The best hotels in Ios are spread between hilltop Ios Chora, the ferry port at Gialos, lively Mylopotas Beach and the remote coves around Maganari. Over the last decade the island has upgraded from backpacker haunt to design-hotel playground, with plenty of options that still work for families and mid-range budgets.
In this guide I focus on small, characterful places with consistently strong reviews, good locations for exploring the island and reliable service. Every hotel and suite below can be booked through Booking.com using the links on this page, so you can quickly compare prices, photos and cancellation policies before you commit.Use the quick picks below if you want an instant recommendation, then read the area guide and detailed hotel descriptions to work out exactly where to stay in Ios.
Sea-view pools at Agalia Luxury Suites on Ios.
BEST HOTEL IN IOS:Hide Out Suites – design-led suites with lots of privacy and plunge pools, a short hop from the beach.BUT ALSO CHECK:
- For Beach:Calilo
- For Families:Ios Palace
- For Couples:Hide Out Suites
- Budget:Brother’s Hotel
- All-Inclusive:there are no true all-inclusive resorts in Ios – most hotels work on a bed & breakfast basis.
- Adults Only:Seabreeze
- Quirky Design:Calilo
- In Ios Chora:White Loft
- In Mylopotas:Ios Palace
- In Maganari:Calilo
Ios used to be one of the most famous party islands in Greece back in the 1980s and 1990s. These days the clubs are still there, but the island’s focus has shifted towards design hotels, relaxed beach bars and long lazy family holidays. You still get nightlife if you want it – mainly in Ios Chora – but you no longer have to stay in the middle of the party.
There is no airport on Ios. You’ll arrive by ferry from Athens or other Cycladic islands. From Athens the crossing is usually around four hours, and Ios is just about an hour by ferry from Santorini. That makes Ios easy to add on to a wider Greek island-hopping trip.You can even do a day trip from Santorini to Ios if you’re short on time, but most people are glad they booked at least a couple of nights.
Read more trip-planning details here:
READ ALSO:- How To Get From Athens to Ios
- Santorini to Ios Ferries
- Best Hotels in Naxos
- Best Hotels in Syros
- Best Hotels in Athens
I strongly recommend renting a car in Ios if your budget allows it. The island isn’t huge, but buses don’t run late in all seasons and many of the best beaches and viewpoints sit down small side roads. With a car you can stay somewhere peaceful and still dip into the nightlife in Chora whenever you feel like it.
Where to stay in Ios (quick area guide)
Before choosing a hotel it helps to understand the main areas of Ios. Most visitors end up in one of four places:
Ios Chora (main town)
The whitewashed maze of Ios Chora climbs up the hill above the port. This is where you’ll find most of the island’s bars, late-night clubs and small restaurants. Streets are pedestrian-only and steep in parts, but incredibly atmospheric in the evening.
- Best for: nightlife, café-hopping, travellers without a car.
- Downsides: no real beach in town – you’ll bus or taxi to Mylopotas or Gialos during the day.
- Top picks here:Liostasi, Avanti, White Loft and Hermes.
Mylopotas Beach
Mylopotas is the main sandy beach on Ios, set in a long horseshoe bay with clear water, beach clubs and a good choice of tavernas. It has a laid-back feel in the daytime and a bit of a party pulse after dark in high season.
- Best for: beach time, families with teens, travellers who want nightlife nearby but not under their pillow.
- Downsides: limited shade on the sand, and parking can feel tight in August.
- Top picks here:Hide Out Suites, Ios Palace Hotel & Spa and Levantes Ios Boutique Hotel.
Gialos Port & Yialos Beach
Gialos (also written Yialos) is the main ferry port area. It has a long sandy beach, a few low-key bars and tavernas and easy bus connections up to Ios Chora and across to Mylopotas.
- Best for: short stays, easy arrivals and departures, travellers who don’t want to drag luggage up the hill.
- Downsides: not as atmospheric as Chora in the evenings.
- Top picks here:Relux Ios Hotel, Yialos Ios Hotel and Brother’s Hotel.
Maganari & the remote east coast
Maganari and the coves nearby feel much wilder than the main bays. Expect clear water, quieter beaches and a real away-from-it-all sensation. There are only a handful of places to stay out here.
- Best for: honeymooners, couples who want seclusion, repeat visitors who have already seen the main sights.
- Downsides: it’s a long drive back to Chora at night, and you’ll definitely want a car.
- Top pick here:Calilo.
Best hotels in Ios
1. Hide Out Suites
Address: Milopotas, Mylopotas, 84001, Greece
Hide Out Suites is all about privacy and space. Suites cascade down the hillside with clean, minimalist design – white walls, smooth concrete floors and huge terraces that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Many suites come with their own plunge pool or hot tub looking out over the sea, so you can spend lazy afternoons in the water without leaving your room.
- Location: a short drive from Mylopotas Beach and Ios Chora, far enough from the bar streets to stay quiet at night.
- Best for: couples and honeymooners who care more about design and privacy than being right on the sand.
- Why book: large suites, private outdoor spaces and a boutique feel without a huge resort crowd.
2. Relux Ios Hotel
Relux Ios Hotel is a sleek, low-rise property close to the port, with a large central pool and stylish sunloungers framed by bougainvillea. Rooms and suites follow a modern Cycladic look – lots of white with natural textures and a few bold design details – and many open straight onto a terrace or balcony.
- Location: a short walk from the ferry at Gialos, so you can be in the pool minutes after arriving.
- Best for: travellers without a car, short Ios stays and anyone who likes being close to the harbour and beach.
- Why book: stylish pool area, easy access to both the port and buses up to Ios Chora.
3. Seabreeze Hotel Ios
Address: Port of Ios, Harakas, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
Seabreeze is a small, adults-only hideaway with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Expect just a handful of rooms, a compact pool area and personal service from the owners. Interiors feel fresh and modern, with crisp linens and calming colours that keep the focus on the sea views.
- Location: between Ios Chora and Mylopotas, so it’s easy to reach both the beach and the nightlife by bus or taxi.
- Best for: couples and small groups of friends who want quiet days by the pool and evenings out in town.
- Why book: adults-only policy, friendly hosts and a peaceful feel compared with larger resorts.
4. Liostasi
Address: Main Street, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
Liostasi is one of the most established luxury hotels on Ios. It’s a stylish, design-focused property with a huge sea-view pool, smart sunbeds and lots of little chill-out corners. Many suites offer private jacuzzis or plunge pools, and there’s also a spa plus a respected restaurant for long, slow dinners.
- Location: between the port and Ios Chora, with sweeping views over Gialos Bay.
- Best for: couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants resort-style facilities without being cut off from town.
- Why book: statement infinity pool, spa, excellent restaurant and a polished all-round experience.
5. Ios Palace Hotel & Spa
Address: Main Street, Mylopotas, 84001, Greece
Ios Palace is a classic beach hotel built in tiers above Mylopotas Bay. Several pools step down the hillside with views across the sand, and there’s a mix of rooms and suites so families and couples can both find a good fit. The on-site spa and gym make it a comfortable base even if the weather turns windy for a day or two.
- Location: right above Mylopotas Beach, with steps and paths leading down to the sand.
- Best for: families, beach lovers and anyone who wants to be close to watersports and beach clubs.
- Why book: multiple pools, a wide choice of room types and easy access to both the beach and buses to Chora.
6. Calilo
Address: Papa Rachi Kalamos, Manganari, 84001, Greece
Calilo is the wild card on this list: a true destination hotel on a beautiful, more remote stretch of coastline near Maganari. It’s an ultra-creative resort, with sculpted stone daybeds, photogenic pools, swings, arches and artwork everywhere you look. Many suites come with private pools, caves or water features built directly into the room layout.
- Location: on a quiet bay on Ios’s east coast, around a half-hour drive from the port and Chora.
- Best for: honeymooners and couples who want a once-in-a-trip hotel and don’t mind being far from the main village.
- Why book: incredible, Instagram-ready design and a wide sandy beach that rarely feels crowded.
7. Levantes Ios Boutique Hotel
Address: Main Street, Mylopotas, 84001, Greece
Levantes feels like a chic little resort without the big-hotel stiffness. Rooms mix Cycladic white with natural wood and woven textures, and many look directly over Mylopotas Bay. The pool area is a highlight, with wide views and a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
- Location: on the hillside above Mylopotas Beach, within walking distance of the sand if you don’t mind a bit of a climb.
- Best for: couples and small families who want a stylish stay close to the main beach.
- Why book: beautiful sea views, tasteful design and a more intimate feel than the very large resorts.
8. Agalia Luxury Suites
Address: Tzamaria, Ios, Tzamaria, 84001, Greece
Agalia Luxury Suites is bold and arty, filled with statement pieces and playful design touches. Suites are huge by Greek-island standards, many with private pools or oversized terraces overlooking the sea. It feels like a self-contained retreat, but you’re still only a short drive from both the port and Ios Chora.
- Location: near the bay opposite the port, with views over the water and easy taxi access to town.
- Best for: couples and friends who want lots of space and a resort-style pool without being too remote.
- Why book: huge suites, imaginative design and a striking main pool area.
9. Avanti
Address: Central square, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
Avanti is a small, friendly hotel right in Ios Chora. Rooms are simple but bright and well kept, many with balconies looking out across the whitewashed houses to the sea. There’s a small pool for cooling off in the afternoon before you head back into the lanes for dinner and drinks.
- Location: in the heart of Chora, within walking distance of bars, tavernas and bus stops.
- Best for: couples and friends who value being in town over having a huge resort.
- Why book: excellent central location and good value compared with some of the more high-end options.
10. White Loft
Address: ΧΩΡΑ, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
White Loft does exactly what the name suggests: airy, loft-style accommodation finished almost entirely in white. Expect high ceilings, clean lines and modern kitchens or kitchenettes, making this a strong option if you like the flexibility of an apartment but still want hotel-style polish.
- Location: in Ios Chora, handy for restaurants, shops and evening strolling.
- Best for: independent travellers and longer stays where a small kitchen is useful.
- Why book: contemporary, apartment-style layout with all the benefits of being in the main town.
11. Yialos Ios Hotel
Address: Ios, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
Yialos Ios Hotel is a green, low-rise retreat just back from the port. Rooms are spread around lawns and gardens, and there’s a large pool that becomes a natural meeting point in the afternoons. It feels quite resort-like but keeps a personal, unfussy atmosphere.
- Location: a short stroll from both the ferry pier and Yialos Beach.
- Best for: families and couples who want an easy base near the port with space to relax.
- Why book: generous outdoor areas, a big pool and a convenient location if you’re catching early ferries.
12. Brother’s Hotel
Address: Yialos, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
Brother’s Hotel is a long-standing favourite for travellers who value warm, personal service over flashy design. Rooms are simple but spotless, the pool area is inviting and you’ll often see repeat guests catching up with the owners in the courtyard.
- Location: in a quiet spot not far from the port and Yialos Beach.
- Best for: budget-conscious couples, solo travellers and families who don’t need a super-luxury room.
- Why book: excellent value, very friendly hosts and a relaxed, homely atmosphere.
13. Hermes
Address: Main Street, Ios Chora, 84001, Greece
Hermes is a straightforward, good-value hotel that makes a solid base for exploring Ios. Rooms are compact but comfortable, some with sea or village views, and there’s a pool for cooling off after a day at the beach. It’s a no-fuss option with everything you need and nothing you don’t.
- Location: within easy reach of Ios Chora and the bus routes down to the main beaches.
- Best for: travellers who prioritise location and price over ultra-lux extras.
- Why book: dependable choice with a pool and friendly atmosphere at a usually lower price point.
- Best Area To Stay in Ios: For most first-time visitors the best area is either Mylopotas Beach (for sand and beach clubs) or Ios Chora (for nightlife and restaurants). Gialos/Yialos works well if you want to be by the port, and Maganari is ideal if you want a very quiet, remote stay. See hotels in Ios Chora.
- Best Hotel in Ios:Hide Out Suites for design and privacy; for a more classic full-service hotel, Liostasi is an excellent alternative.
- Best Villa in Ios: Villa Mirabilis for private groups and families who want their own space.
- How many days do you need in Ios? The island isn’t huge, but there’s more to do than people expect. I’d aim for at least 4–5 nights so you can enjoy a mix of beach time, boat trips and evenings in Chora without rushing.
- How to move around in Ios: There is a seasonal bus network between the port, Chora and Mylopotas, plus taxis, but services thin out outside July and August. Renting a car (or at least a quad/ATV) gives you freedom to explore the quieter beaches and viewpoints on your own schedule.
FAQs
Is Ios good for families?
Do I need to book hotels in Ios in advance?
For July and August, absolutely – the best hotels and sea-view rooms sell out months ahead. In May, June, September and early October you have more flexibility, but I’d still lock in your first-choice place as soon as your ferry tickets are set.
Which area is best if I don’t want to rent a car?
Stay in Ios Chora or near the port at Gialos. Both have frequent buses to Mylopotas Beach, plenty of places to eat and drink, and easy access to ferries. Maganari and the remote east coast really only make sense if you’re happy to drive.
Can I visit Ios as a day trip from Santorini?
Yes, on days when the ferry schedule lines up it’s possible to visit Ios on a day trip, but you’ll only get a quick taste of the island. If you can spare the time, staying at least one or two nights in one of the hotels above will give you a much better feel for Ios.
