Where to find the best swim spot in Ios (without a quad!)

One girl jumping off a cliff into the ocean while another girl watches from the side line in Ios, Greece

Visiting Ios and can’t wait to find the best swim spots? From the famed cliff jumping, white sand and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see, Ios is known for its incredible swim spots and relaxing atmosphere. A lot of people will hire a quad to explore Ios island but if that’s not your style or in your budget, don’t worry, you can still find the best swim spot in Ios (or at least one I highly rate) without a quad. Read on to discover where to find the best swim spot in Ios (without a quad!)

Suggested read: The best photo spots in Ios Greece

How to find the best swim spot in Ios without a quad

From Chora town

If you are staying in Chora town, there are two easy options to get to where you need to be to find this Ios swim spot: get the bus or enjoy a walk. The buses on Ios island run frequently throughout the day between Ios port, Chora town and Mylopotas Beach. At time of writing bus fares were €1.60 pp each way and you pay by cash after you’ve boarded the bus. The buses come frequently (often every 15 minutes) and you can find the most up-to-date timetable here. If you are staying in Chora town, you will catch the bus from the main road near the supermarket shops. This stop in Chora town marked and you’ll likely see other people waiting for the bus or able to point you in the right direction. Catch the bus heading in the direction of Mylopotas Beach.

If you don’t want to catch the bus to Mylopotas Beach, you can also walk. Just follow the main road from Chora town to Mylopotas Beach (be careful for traffic) and this downhill walk will take approximately 25 minutes (Google Maps directions here).

Ios Swim Spot Greece Sarah Latham — The walk between Chora town and Mylopotas Beach

From Mylopotas Beach

If you are taking the bus from Chora town, get off at the first stop once it reaches the beach. If you are already at/staying at Mylopotas Beach or Far Out Beach Club, then head to this spot here on Google Maps.

To find the Ios swim spot from here you need to walk towards Harmony. This is easy as you’ll be right near an intersection where your options will be to turn left (towards the beach) or turn right (which is the road that will take you back to Chora). To get to this beautiful Ios swim spot, take the left and follow the road (Google Maps directions here).

After a few minutes of walking, you’ll come across Harmony. Head through the ‘Welcome Home’ sign and continue passing by Harmony to get this Ios swim spot.

After you have passed by Harmony, you want to follow the red marks painted at various spots on the ground that will lead you to this Ios swim spot. The ground is quite rugged so covered in shoes are recommended.

After only a few minutes of walking: you’re here!

You can also find this Ios swim spot listed on Google Maps as ‘Hidden Gem’ (Google Maps location here). In my opinion this is the best Ios swim spot without having to use a quad or car to get here. Please make sure you are safe, especially near the edges and in the water, and only swim in appropriate conditions. Private boats seem to be starting to use this spot to moor (which is a bit annoying) so be mindful of that as you may need to swim in the coves around this spot. But the beautiful clear water make this a great Ios swim spot.