Mylopotas Beach
Golden arc, turquoise water, Ios energy at full volume
About
Mylopotas stretches a full 1.2 kilometres of unbroken golden sand along the southern coast of Ios, backed by the dramatic silhouette of Chora's hill. The water is turquoise and shallow at the entry point, making it genuinely easy to wade in — a rarity on a beach this lively. A strip of beach bars lines the shore, and watersports rental is available right on the sand. It's the kind of beach where you can rent a sunbed, order a drink, and watch jet-skis carve through the turquoise bay all afternoon. The vibe is unapologetically social, and the golden sand fills fast once the sun climbs.
How to get there
From Ios Chora you can walk down in about 15 minutes, catch a frequent bus in 11 minutes, or drive in roughly 8 minutes. Buses also run from Ios Port (Ormos) and take around 15 minutes — a convenient option if you're arriving by ferry. Free designated parking lots and street parking are available near the beach, but spaces fill quickly during peak season, so arrive early. There is no entry fee to the beach itself.
Who it's for
For couples
Couples who like their romance with a side of energy will enjoy a late-afternoon sunbed session followed by an evening walk up to Chora for dinner and the hilltop views over the bay.
For families
The shallow, safe entry and flat beach approach make Mylopotas genuinely family-friendly in June or early September — outside peak season the pace slows enough for children to enjoy the golden sand and calm turquoise water without the late-night noise.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Mylopotas delivers exactly what it promises: a long, golden sweep of sand, turquoise water safe for swimming, and a full day's worth of sun, watersports, and cold drinks. It's not a quiet retreat — beach bars run loud and late, and the shore is packed in high summer. Come in June or early September and the same beach feels like a completely different place: the golden sand is still there, the water is still warm, but you can actually hear the waves. Avoid July and August unless the party atmosphere is the point. The 15-minute walk from Chora is easy and scenic, and the free parking is a genuine bonus on a Greek island. Mylopotas earns its reputation — just time your visit right.
What to do
The Windmills are just 1 kilometre away and worth the short walk for a classic Cycladic photo. Ios Chora itself, about 3 kilometres from the beach, is the whitewashed hilltop capital with churches, windmills, and the island's famous nightlife strip — plan an evening there. History lovers should seek out the Skarkos Early Bronze Age Settlement, one of the best-preserved Early Cycladic sites in the entire archipelago, sitting about 3 kilometres from the shore. If you have more time, the traditional site of the Tomb of Homer lies roughly 6 kilometres away on the island's northern tip.
Stand at the southern tip of the beach and shoot north along the golden sand arc with the Chora hill backdrop — it's the definitive Mylopotas frame.
The beach bar strip at dusk, when warm light hits the turquoise water and the hill glows behind, gives a second strong composition. For a wider perspective, the path toward the Windmills at 1 kilometre offers an elevated look down over the full bay.
Where to eat
Right on the beach, Cantina del Mar covers Greek plates, burgers, brunch, and sandwiches, while Nostos Summer pairs Greek food with cocktails for a more relaxed sit-down. A short 100-metre walk brings you to Elpis Taverna for straightforward Greek cooking, and both Salt and Tomatini are within the same easy stroll.
Where to stay
Ios Palace and Galaxy Hotel are both within 100 metres of the sand, putting you as close to the water as possible. Far Out and Manthos Place sit about 200 metres away, and Hotel Katerina is a reasonable 400-metre walk from the shore — a good option if you want slightly more distance from the late-night bar noise.
Photography
The best shot is from the southern end of the beach at golden hour, looking north along the full 1.2-kilometre arc of golden sand with Chora's hill rising behind it. Early morning — before the sunbeds fill — gives you clean foreground and the turquoise water at its calmest and most photogenic.
Good to know
Sunbed rental is required in the organised zones — you can't simply lay a towel in the front rows without paying. Camping on the beach is not permitted. Watersports craft are active in the water throughout the day, so always swim in the designated swimming zones and stay clear of the rental launch areas. July and August bring extreme noise levels and beach bars that run until late at night — if you need sleep or quiet, those months are best avoided at Mylopotas.
Map
Nearby places
Cantina del Mar
Nostos Summer
Elpis Taverna
Salt
Tomatini
Ios Palace
Galaxy Hotel
Far Out
Manthos Place
Hotel Katerina
Ios Chora
Tomb of Homer (traditional site)
Skarkos Early Bronze Age Settlement
Things to see around Ios
Ios Chora
The whitewashed hilltop capital of Ios with windmills, churches, and the island's famous nightlife strip.
Tomb of Homer (traditional site)
Traditional site on the northern tip of Ios said to be the burial place of Homer, with ancient stone remains.
Skarkos Early Bronze Age Settlement
Excavated Early Cycladic settlement near Chora, one of the best-preserved Bronze Age sites in the Cyclades.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — brookscl · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 2 — Reinhard Kraasch · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 3 — François F.-Dubois · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — Davide Taviani (Helios) · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 5 — Davide Taviani (Helios) · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 6 — Davide Taviani (Helios) · source · CC BY-SA 3.0