The Best Hotels In Ios Greece

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.

1. Calilo

Luxury

The pool area at Calilowith etensive sea views.

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.

2. Agalia Luxury Suites

Boutique Hotel

An aerial view of Agalia Luxury Suites and the Ios coast

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.

4. Kritikakis Village Hotel

Independent Hotel

A simple guest room with private terrace at Kritikakis Village Hotel

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.

5. Lofos Village Hotel

Hotel

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!

6. Liostasi Hotel

Hotel

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.

7. Levantes Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel

The pool patio and sun terraces at Levantes Hotel overlooking a small bay after sunset.

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.

8. Brothers Hotel

Hotel

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.

9. Galini Pension

Hotel

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.

10. Yialos Beach Hotel

Hotel

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.

11. Island House Hotel

Hotel

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.