Ios sits in the southern Cyclades, between Naxos and Santorini, and it splits neatly into three parts that are worth knowing before you arrive. The port is at Gialos in the west, the hilltop capital of Chora rises just above it, and the famous beach at Mylopotas lies a short way south. This Ios map puts all of it in one view, along with the quieter beaches around the coast, the old ruins inland and the paths that link them.
Click any pin on the map to see photos, a short description and a direct link to the full guide for that spot. You can also switch the layers on and off to show just the beaches, just the villages, or just the sights.
Interactive Ios map
The map above shows every place we cover on Ios. Below you will find the same places written out by area, so you can read through them and click straight to the guide for anywhere that interests you.
The port and how the island is laid out
Ios is easy to picture once you know its three central points. The port, Gialos, sits on the west coast in a sheltered bay, and this is where every ferry arrives. The beach right by the harbour is Gialos beach, handy for a first or last swim. Just above the port, a short climb up the hill, is Chora, the whitewashed capital famous for its windmills and its nightlife. A little to the south lies Mylopotas, the long sandy beach that most visitors head for.
These three sit close together in the west of the island, so many people never need to go far. The rest of the beaches are spread around the coast, some reached by road, others by boat or on foot. For the full rundown of the island, see our main Ios guide, and to plan your arrival read how to get to Ios.
Villages on the map
The heart of Ios is Chora, one of the prettiest hill towns in the Cyclades, a maze of white lanes, small churches and windmills on the ridge above the port. It is the centre of island life by day and the centre of the nightlife after dark. The port settlement at Gialos is the island’s second cluster, quieter and handy for the ferries. For more on both, see our guide to the best villages in Ios.
Beaches on the map
Ios has some of the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades, and the map is the easiest way to find the one that suits you. The star is Mylopotas, a long sweep of golden sand with watersports and beach bars. Near the port you have Gialos and, just around the headland, Koumbara, a quieter spot popular at sunset. Small coves like Kolitsani sit within walking distance of Chora.
Further out, the map shows the wilder beaches that reward a drive or a boat trip. Manganari is a run of sandy bays on the far south coast. Agia Theodoti sits on the north east coast, with Psathi and Kalamos nearby. Over on the west are Papa and the remote Tris Klisies. See them all on the full Ios beaches guide.
Things to see on the map
Ios has more history than its party reputation suggests, and the map marks the main sites. In the north is the Tomb of Homer, the spot long linked to the ancient poet, with wide sea views. Near the port stands Skarkos, an award winning Early Cycladic settlement and one of the oldest sites in the islands. Around the coast you can also find the island’s sea caves. For the best places to catch the view, see our Ios photography guide.
Getting around Ios
Once you can see how the island fits together, the next thing is moving between these spots. A frequent bus links Gialos, Chora and Mylopotas through the day and into the night in summer, which is why so many visitors manage without a vehicle. For the wilder beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti you will want a scooter, a car or the seasonal beach boats. For full details see getting around Ios, the Ios bus timetable and Ios taxi pages. Before you travel, it is worth checking the Ios weather too.
Explore more of Ios
Now that you can see how the island fits together, open the full guides for the places that catch your eye. Start with the main Ios guide, browse the beaches and villages, or plan how you will reach the island on our ferry page. To see how Ios connects to the rest of the group, use the full Greek islands map.
Which port will my ferry arrive at on Ios?
Ios has one port, at Gialos on the west coast. Every ferry arrives here, and the capital, Chora, sits on the hill just above, a few minutes up by bus, taxi or a short walk.
How far is Mylopotas beach from the port?
Mylopotas is only a short way south of the port and Chora, a few minutes by road and a stop on the main bus route. The map shows the three points, Gialos, Chora and Mylopotas, sitting close together in the west of the island.
Where are the quiet beaches on the Ios map?
The busy beaches sit near the port and Chora. For quiet, look to the edges of the map. Manganari is on the far south coast, while Agia Theodoti, Psathi and Kalamos lie on the quieter north east side.
Where is the Tomb of Homer on the map?
The Tomb of Homer is in the north of the island, reached by a road that branches off towards the north east coast. On the map you will see it set apart from the main cluster of port, Chora and Mylopotas, so it makes a good stop on the way to the northern beaches.
Can you get around Ios without a car?
Yes, more easily than on most islands, because a frequent bus links the port, Chora and Mylopotas where most visitors spend their time. For the far beaches you will need a scooter, car or beach boat. Looking at the map shows which spots the bus route covers and which sit further out.
