With over 300,000 tourists visiting Ios each summer, choosing where to stay can feel like it will make or break your holiday (or your bank account). But don’t worry!
After living and working on the island for 2 years, these are my top 8 budget-friendly hotels and hostels on the island that won’t send you broke before you get off the ferry.
Firstly, which area should you stay in Ios?
In Ios there are 3 main areas you want to stay in: The port, Chora (the main village) or Mylopotas Beach. Shown on the map here.
When you arrive in Ios, your ferry will drop you off at the Port which is at the bottom of the hill.
From here it is about 2km along the windy road up to Chora which is the main town at the top of the hill. This is where many of the bars, shops and restaurants are.
From Chora, it’s another 2km down a windy road to get to Mylopotas Beach. This is the main beach in Ios and where Far Out Beach Club is located.
1. Far Out Beach Resort and Camping (next to Far Out Beach Club)
Where is it? Mylopotas beach
Average price per night in July: 44 Euros for a 2-person tent
Book: https://www.booking.com/faroutbeachcamping
Far Out Beach Resort and Camping is one of the most budget-friendly options on the island.
Located at Mylopotas beach, you’ve got a choice of either tents or bungalows with up to 4 single beds. Most do not have air-conditioning but they are metres from Far Out Beach Club.
Next door is also Far Out Village which is a great chill-out spot with a pool and free sun beds, a restaurant and a bar with amazing frozen daiquiris.
Who should stay here? Far Out Camping is perfect if you want to go to Far Out Beach Club.
But note, all the other bars and clubs are in Chora which is about a 1km walk uphill if you take the shortcut or 2km drive.
Watch and save this video of the shortcut so you can cut off about 45 minutes of walking.
@jetsetting_jacki If you need to walk to the beach (Mylopotas) and @FarOut Beach Club you NEED to take this shortcut instead of just walking on the road! It’ll save you like 45 mins (thank me later 😂) #europesummer #iosisland #iosgreece #europetravel #greekislands #traveltipsandhacks ♬ original sound - Jetsetting Jacki | 🌎📍✈️
2. Francesco's
Where is it? In Chora (the main village)
Average price per night in July: I’ll update this when the 2024 price are up, last year it was around 40 euros a night
Book here: https://www.hostelworld.com/francesco-s/
If you’re looking for hostel-style accommodation in the village with a chance to meet other travellers, Francescos is a great option.
Most rooms have air-conditioning which is a big bonus, and there’s a pool with views across the village.
Franceso’s also have a famous pre-drinks session every night in summer which is a great option for solo travellers or those looking to make new friends.
Who should stay here? Solo travellers or those looking to make new friends. And if you want toto be walking distance from all the bars and clubs.
3. Herme’s
Where is it? Halfway between the Village and Myloptoas (great walking distance to be in the middle of both)
Average price per night in July: I’ll update this when the 2024 price are up, last year it was around 40-50 euros a night
Book here: https://www.hermesios.com/
Herme’s is one of my favourite cheap places to stay in Ios. It is a great location to walk to both Chora and take the shortcut down to Myloptoas beach.
The rooms are basic and clean with air-conditioning but the best part is definitely the pool with stunning views across the Mediterranean.
Herme’s has a bar/restaurant serving the basics and the owner hosts Barbecue buffets every couple of weeks.
In typical Greek style these don’t have a specific day/time, but last year it was around every fortnight.
Who should stay here? Herme’s is a great place to hang out and meet other travellers – lots of groups like Contiki and Life is a Beach Party choose to stay here.
4. Hotel Mediteranneao
Where is it? In Chora (the main village)
Average price per night in July: I’ll update this when the 2024 price are up, last year it was around 60 euros a night
Book here: https://mediterraneo-ios.com/
If you want to stay in the heart of the village with a gorgeous pool, bar and restaurant outside your door, Hotel Med is a great choice.
Many workers on the island choose to hang out at the pool here because it is so close to the centre of town but has cheap food and drink options too.
The rooms are a little more expensive but you get what you pay for with comfier beds and air-conditioning.
Who should stay here? If you want to go out in Chora, this is the perfect spot to walk home to at night – it feels super safe with heaps of people always around.
It is also directly outside the main bus stop to get to Mylopotas or the port.
5. Golden Sun
Where is it? In between Chora and the Port
Average price per night in July: 70 Euros per night
Book here: https://iosgoldensun.com/
Located between the village and the Port, Golden Sun is a good middle-ground location. The rooms are basic and clean with air-conditioning, and there is a pool with awesome sunset views.
The biggest downside of staying here is that you will have to walk about 10-15 minutes up/down hill to get to/from the village to Golden Sun.
The bus does pick you up right outside during the day or you can hire an ATV or scooter.
Who should stay here? If you want to be closer to the port but still within walking distance from Chora.
6. Markos Village
Where is it? Chora (the main village)
Average price per night in July: I’ll update this when the 2024 price are up, last year it was around 40-50 Euros per night
Book here: https://www.booking.com/Markosvillage
If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful accommodation close to all the main bars and restaurants try Markos Village.
It is just behind one of the main supermarkets in Chora, and a short 5 min walk from the main strip of bars.
It has basic rooms with air-conditioning and a small pool with a bar and restaurant.
There’s also a bus stop just outside which is great for getting to either Mylopotas or the port.
Who should stay here? Anyone who wants basic hotel-style accommodation in the heart of Chora.
7. Armadoros Village
Where is it? At the Port
Average price per night in July: 90 Euros per night
Book here: https://www.booking.com/Armadoros
If you want to stay close to the port, Armadoros Hotel also known as ‘Ios Backpackers’ is a good option. The hotel has 64 rooms/apartments with air conditioning and there’s a nice pool area to hang out in with a bar/restaurant.
Although it calls itself a backpackers, there are no dorm rooms but it does generally attract a younger crowd.
Armadoros is located at the port which means if you plan to hit the bars in the village at night the bus doesn’t run, so you’ll either need to call a taxi or walk down the donkey steps.
Who should stay here? Anyone looking for more social accommodation close to the Port of Ios.
8. Avra Pension
Where is it? At the Port
Average price per night in July: 65 Euros per night
Book here: https://www.booking.com/avrapension
Another cheap and cheerful option close to the port is Avra Pension. All the rooms include air-conditioning and breakfast spread as well.
Again, be aware it’s about a 20-minute walk uphill to the village. And again if you plan to hit the bars in the village at night the bus doesn’t run, so you’ll either need to call a taxi or walk down the donkey steps.
Who should stay here? Anyone looking for basic hotel-style accommodation close to the Port of Ios.