BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The Best Hotels in Ios, Greece

Get a flavour of Ios with a relaxing stay in an Ios hotel
Get a flavour of Ios with a relaxing stay in an Ios hotel | Courtesy of Relux Ios Design Hotel / Expedia

Shoulder season is the time to see this picturesque Cycladic island, when its rock-carved retreats, sandy beaches and Aegean bays take on a sense of serenity.

Once a hippy magnet, the Greek Island of Ios has since gained itself a reputation for holiday hedonism. But look beyond the frollocking and you’ll find a Cycladic isle rich with cultural attractions. Escape the crowds to its attractive interior for hilltop monasteries, meandering trails and hallowed archaeological sites. Or simply discover your own stretch of shimmering Aegean on the quieter east coast. Whatever your inclination, we’ve handpicked the best hotels in Ios for a halcyon holiday in Greece, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Calilo

Luxury

The pool area at Calilowith etensive sea views.
Courtesy of Calilo / Expedia

There’s little question that family-owned and designed Calilo is one of the more special hotels in Ios – comprising of an enchanting combination of flowing stone architecture, an abundance of striking artworks and installations, and some serious views overlooking Papa Beach. Spacious suites are individually, and spectacularly, decorated in local marble mosaic and smooth slabs. Most also open to terraces with a plunge pool or even waterfall. Its location in the quieter south-eastern corner of the island, with 405 ha (1,000 acres) of protected estate around it, also adds to a supreme sense of serenity.

Agalia Luxury Suites

Boutique Hotel

An aerial view of Agalia Luxury Suites and the Ios coast
Courtesy of Agalia Luxury Suites / Expedia

Elegantly undulating architecture, dizzying marble mosaics and a prime hillside setting combine to make Agalia Luxury Suites a genuinely magnificent place to stay. It comprises 16 lavishly designed suites, many with private pools and spectacular views over the impressive port of Ios. You can join a morning yoga session around the pool, chill on a lounger during the day, and feast on a dinner of refined Greek cuisine come evening. You might want to turn in early to wake up for the awe-inspiring sunrise.

Relux Ios

Independent Hotel

The pool area and whitewashed exterior of Relux Ios
Courtesy of Relux Ios / Expedia

Perched overlooking the marina and the island capital’s glorious bay, Relux Ios commands an enviable and peaceful hillside setting. Typically crisp whitewashed walls combine with local stone for an understated, elegant design that integrates lavender-scented pathways and terraced swimming pools. Many of the bright modern rooms at this hotel in Ios offer sea views from terraces with jetted tubs or even private plunge pools. Breakfast is a feast of Greek yoghurt, honey, olives and local cheese, while a restaurant offers creative Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner.

Kritikakis Village Hotel

Independent Hotel

A simple guest room with private terrace at Kritikakis Village Hotel
Courtesy of Kritikakis Village Hotel / Expedia

Typical Cycladic architecture, paved walkways and walled terraces really do give this hillside hotel the feeling of a traditional island village. Its two swimming pools offer fabulous views over Ios town’s bay below, as well as a poolside bar, shallow waterbeds and bubble sections. Simple studio or one-bedroom apartments all come with kitchenettes and many with sea views – Gialos Beach is just a five-minute stroll away.

Lofos Village Hotel

Hotel

The pool is lined by sun loungers in front of whitewashed buildings at Lofos Village Hotel
Courtesy of Lofos Village Hotel / Expedia
The cycladic architecture with white and blue sets the scene for this hotel in Ios. Lofos Village has all the delightful modern accommodations guests could want, mixed with a sense of deep relaxation. The word lofos means hill, and consequently, the hotel sits on top of a hill overlooking the Ios village of Chora. While being removed from the busy streets of the town, Lofos is still within walking distance and is also conveniently close to the famous Mylopotas Beach. Relax by the pool with a cocktail and take in the alluring sight of Chora as the sun sets – it’s an experience of Greece guests rarely forget!

Liostasi Hotel

Hotel

A contemporary hotel room with private straw-roofed deck and sea views at Liostasi Hotel
Courtesy of Liostasi Hotel / Expedia
Check in to the friendly environment of Liostasi Hotel, a fantastic yet small Ios luxury hotel located in Chora. Visitors have so much to enjoy when staying at this contemporary accommodation in Ios. Relax by indulging in soothing spa treatments while overlooking a striking view of the sea, or dive into the delightful flavours of traditional Greek food at the on-site restaurant, Grandma’s. Liostasi Hotel has countless services to help guests explore the wonders of the island, including complimentary rides to the port and access to helicopter services for viewing Ios in a new way.

Levantes Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel

The pool patio and sun terraces at Levantes Hotel overlooking a small bay after sunset.
Courtesy of Levantes Hotel / Expedia
From this small, boutique hotel in Ios stretch vast sights of Mylopotas Beach in all its Grecian glory. Levantes Hotel literally hangs over the crystalline and blue waters of Ios, contrasting the bright white of its building with the vibrant colours of the sea. The hotel is built in the traditional island fashion, made from stones collected from the various mountains of Ios’ surrounding terrain. Enjoy everything from friendly service to a fantastic homemade breakfast, and if the views don’t leave you breathless, the welcoming atmosphere of this island getaway will.

Brothers Hotel

Hotel

The pool patio with sun loungers arranged around the pool in front of the whitewashed villa of the Brothers Hotel
Courtesy of Brothers Hotel / Expedia
Featuring famous Greek hospitality in a comfortable and affordable setting, this hotel in Ios is a place to enjoy a holiday away on Ios. Brothers Hotel has a family-friendly atmosphere, providing numerous options for everyone to enjoy, including a swimming pool just for children. Rest outdoors on the veranda, or enjoy breakfast with fresh Greek food. The hotel also has a garden for guests to enjoy and explore, and free transit to the port is part of the service.

Galini Pension

Hotel

Bougainvillea shrouds the entrance of the Galini Pension hotel and blooms its bright pink flowers.
Courtesy of Galini Pension / Expedia
Feet away from Yialos Beach and featuring lush gardens, Galini Pension is the perfect Ios hotel for a peaceful escape amidst the cultural spots of Ios. Get ready for a quality visit where the overall community of friendly staff will help visitors feel right at home. The hotel is attractive with appealing architecture, offering a traditional setting with all the necessary services for a comfortable visit, including wifi access and delightful views of the sea. What’s more, as some of the rooms here have kitchens, you can make yourself right at home during your stay.

Yialos Beach Hotel

Hotel

Whitewashed villas line the far end of the serene pool at Yialos Beach Hotel after dusk.
Courtesy of Yialos Beach Hotel / Expedia
Become entranced by the picturesque and welcoming community of Yialos Beach Hotel, where the traditional Cycladic architecture will inspire adventures as well as a good time. The hotel is right near the port and Yialos Beach; the nearby villages of Koumbara and St. John are also quite accessible. You can enjoy the attractive surroundings and incredible views of the island, while also engaging in devouring the food offered at breakfast, or hanging out at the pool cafe. Relax in the garden scenery of the hotel while sipping the cocktails from the bar.

Island House Hotel

Hotel

Cabanas and loungers line the curved edge of the pool in front of the whitewashed villas at Island House Hotel
Courtesy of Island House Hotel / Booking.com
A welcoming environment awaits at this hotel, located close to Mylopotas Beach. Island House Hotel has a lot to offer within these walls and halls. The hotel brings all the flavours of Greece right to its guests with a great breakfast every day and a barbeque near the pool, where the hotel hosts tastings and other dining events that give you an authentic experience of Ios cuisine. Island House has a variety of rental services too, so visitors can explore the island via car, motorcycle or ATV.

Leon Beckenham contributed additional reporting to this article.

About the author

A native of Colorado, Michelle Schmid is an avid writer, reader, and traveler. True to her mountain roots, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing wherever she travels. A visitor of many different cities and curious about all cultures, foods, and lifestyles, Michelle is a vibrant scholar of creative writing and classical languages, which she studied during her time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She loves discovering restaurants, bookstores, gardens, and other hidden-away places that most people might overlook, while collecting sights, sounds, tastes, and sensations to fuel her collection of stories and poetry.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad