General information on Ios - the capital

Chora, the Ios capital, sometimes also called with the name of the whole island, lies on the west coast and it is the administrative centre of the region but also a picturesque collection of the cultural heritage of the past centuries, and every visitor can breathe a bit of history when walking through its crooked streets. This will be all the more enjoyable as the town centre is closed for cars - not only for ecological reasons but they simply don’t fit on the tiny pavements. Yet this is only positive for the local seaside climate, and what is more, the historical centre becomes more an old Greek settlement.

Chora beaches

If you are staying in the Ios capital, you can enjoy some of the famous beaches nearby - you only need to choose the one you like the most. It can be e.g. Mylopotas, the famous party destination, sought after mainly by the youth and teenagers, as they can find there everything they would normally be forbidden - discos, wild dancing, and plenty of food and drinks. The Mylopotas beach itself is very nice; it is said to be one of the nicest beaches in Europe. It is fully equipped for the tourists and you can get there from the capital after only a 20-minute walk. 

Another beach about 2 km of Chora is Koumbara which is much more peaceful, and so you will always find there some nice place for summer relaxing. The more intense waves are attracting especially the lovers of windsurfing. Another beach, suitable more for relaxing, is Maganari. From the capital you can there there in about 30 minutes by bus, but since the local coast is one of the most interesting on the island, this small trip will definitely be worth it. And last but not least, there are beaches with a wide choice of water sports, be it the remote Kolitsani or the nude beach of Psathi.

Accommodation in Chora

In Chora you will find a wide range of accommodation options - including hotels with splendid swimming pools illuminated at night with clear turquoise water, but also more modest facilities like a camping site or a bungalow. Also the amazing choice of local restaurants will certainly satisfy your taste buds.

What to do in Chora?

The capital has a lot to offer - walks through the charming Greek streets but also sit-downs in romantic tavernas or dancing the night away in a disco or a club. There are many shops with souvenirs, clothing and jewellery, too. Many Chora visitors set off for trips all over the island, mainly to see other resorts with their beaches.

Where to go on Ios?

The most visited island resorts are Gialos, Ios - Chora and Mylopotas.