Is Mylopotas beach good for swimming?
Yes, Mylopotas Beach is known for its excellent swimming conditions, with clear, turquoise waters and a sandy bottom. The water is generally calm, especially due to the beach's horseshoe shape which offers natural protection from strong winds, making it suitable for swimmers of all levels. However, the sea can get wavy if the wind blows onshore, and it shelves fairly quickly into moderately deep water, which might be less ideal for young children or less confident swimmers when they are out of their depth.
How do I get to Mylopotas beach from Chora (Ios town)?
Mylopotas beach is located about 2-3 km from Chora. You can reach it by public bus, which runs frequently (every 15-20 minutes during high season) between Chora, the port, and Mylopotas. The bus ticket costs around €2. Alternatively, you can walk, which takes about 30 minutes downhill from Chora and offers scenic views, though the walk back up is steep. Taxis or rental cars/scooters are also options, with a driving time of about 5 minutes.
Is Mylopotas beach family-friendly?
Yes, Mylopotas Beach can be family-friendly, especially during the earlier parts of the day when it's quieter. The beach has soft sand, and the water can be shallow near the shore in some areas, making it suitable for children. There are also amenities like restaurants and restrooms available. However, it's worth noting that the beach is also known for its lively party scene, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, especially at the southern end near Far Out Beach Club. The northern side of the beach tends to be quieter.
What's the vibe at Mylopotas beach? Is it a party beach or more for relaxing?
Mylopotas offers a mix of both. While it's famous for its vibrant party scene, especially in the afternoons and evenings with beach clubs like Far Out at the southern end, it also has areas for relaxation. The northern end of the beach is generally calmer. If you visit in the morning, it's quite peaceful. During peak season (July-August), it's a magnet for younger crowds and party-goers, but outside these months, or during earlier hours, it offers a more tranquil experience.
What are accommodation options like directly at Mylopotas beach?
There's a wide range of accommodation directly at or very near Mylopotas beach, suiting various budgets and styles. Options include campsites (like Far Out Camping), guesthouses, family-run hotels, and more luxurious resorts and villas with sea views. Staying near the beach offers easy access to the water and amenities.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Mylopotas beach, and what's the cost?
Yes, Mylopotas beach has organized sections with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, particularly at the north and south ends. The cost can vary, with prices cited ranging from around €7 to €40 for a set (umbrella and two sunbeds) depending on the establishment and level of service. Some beach bars may offer free use of sunbeds if you purchase food or drinks, with a minimum spend sometimes required.
What kind of water sports are available at Mylopotas beach?
Mylopotas beach offers a wide variety of water sports. You can find facilities for activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tube rides. There are several watersports centers along the beach, such as Mylopotas Watersports and Meltemi Water Sports.
When is the best time to visit Mylopotas beach for good weather and swimming?
The best months for beach weather, sunshine, and swimming at Mylopotas Beach are generally June, July, August, and September. During these months, temperatures are warm, and there's minimal rainfall. The sea temperature is most comfortable for swimming between June and November, typically above 20°C (67°F). July and August are the busiest months.
Is Mylopotas beach very crowded?
Mylopotas is one of the most popular and visited beaches on Ios, so it can get crowded, especially during peak season (July and August) and in the middle of the day. However, it's a long and wide beach (about 1-1.5 km), so there's generally ample space. If you prefer fewer crowds, visiting in the morning or during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) is recommended. The central part of the beach is often less developed and may offer more space to lay your own towel.
Are there places to eat and drink directly on or near Mylopotas beach?
Yes, Mylopotas beach is well-equipped with numerous dining and drinking options. You'll find a variety of beach bars, cafes, tavernas, and restaurants along the beach and the main road behind it, catering to different tastes and budgets. Some popular spots include Harmony Ios for Mexican food and Far Out Beach Club for a livelier atmosphere.
Can you walk to Mylopotas beach from the Ios port (Gialos)?
While Mylopotas beach is about 3km south of Chora, and Chora is about 1km uphill from the port (Gialos), walking directly from the port to Mylopotas would be a longer walk, approximately 3-4 km, involving an uphill section to Chora and then downhill to Mylopotas. It's more common to take the bus which connects the port, Chora, and Mylopotas.
Is Mylopotas beach suitable for a quiet, relaxing holiday, or is it mainly for young party-goers?
Mylopotas beach caters to both, depending on when and where you go. It has a strong reputation as a party destination, especially during July and August, with lively beach clubs like Far Out. However, the beach is large, and the northern end tends to be quieter. Visiting in the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) or earlier in the day can offer a more relaxed and peaceful experience. So, while it's a hub for young travelers and nightlife, those seeking tranquility can also find their space.
Are there any nudist areas on or near Mylopotas beach?
Mylopotas Beach itself is not a designated nude beach and generally maintains a family-friendly atmosphere where nudism is not practiced. However, nearby Kolitsani beach, located in a cove between the port and Mylopotas, is known as a popular spot for naturists. It's more secluded and can be reached by a path.
How does Mylopotas beach compare to Manganari beach on Ios?
Mylopotas is the most popular and easily accessible beach from Chora, known for its lively atmosphere, extensive facilities, and watersports. It's a long sandy beach that can get crowded. Manganari, located further south, is considered one of Ios's most beautiful beaches, often described as more remote and less crowded than Mylopotas, offering a more tranquil experience with stunning natural beauty. While Manganari has some facilities, Mylopotas is more developed in terms of bars, restaurants, and activities. Manganari is reachable by bus, but the service is less frequent than to Mylopotas.
Is it windy at Mylopotas beach?
Mylopotas beach is situated in a large, horseshoe-shaped bay which generally provides natural protection from strong winds, making the waters often calm and ideal for swimming and water activities. However, like many Cycladic islands, Ios can experience winds, especially the Meltemi (northern winds) in summer. If the wind blows onshore, the sea at Mylopotas can become wavy. Some water sports like windsurfing take advantage of these conditions.
