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
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
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.
3. Relux Ios
Independent Hotel
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.
4. Kritikakis Village Hotel
Independent 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
6. Liostasi Hotel
Hotel
7. Levantes Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel
8. Brothers Hotel
Hotel
9. Galini Pension
Hotel
10. Yialos Beach Hotel
Hotel
11. Island House Hotel
Hotel
Leon Beckenham contributed additional reporting to this article.
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