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The best beach of Ios and one of the best beaches in the Aegean is the beach of Mylopotas, which is situated just outside the port on its east side. It is a large beach with golden sand which can easily accommodate all the visitors, even in high season. The beach is backed by bars, tavernas and hotels.
On the rest of the island the roads are not so good and it's a lot more quiet. Two beautiful beaches are Manganari in the south and Agios Theodotis on the north coast. These are the two naturist beaches of Ios. Near Psathi Beach, in Paleokastro, are the church of Panagia Paleokastritissa the ruins of a Byzantine kastro. Just before you reach Psathi Beach, on the right hand side of the road, you can also find the remains of an antique temple.
Manganari is located furthest from the capital (about 23 kilometers) but is easily accessible by a paved road. From the port, Mylopotas Beach and the Chora there is a bus service to the beach. Manganari Beach actually consists of two large beaches next to each other and a number of smaller coves with beaches. It's quieter than in Mylopotas. On some stretches of beach there are sunbeds and parasols for hire. During the last few years more and more tavernas and hotels have been built around Manganari, so the beach has become less suitable for naturists (at least not in high season). The beaches that are at some distance from the main beaches, those situated in the small coves, are the most appropriate and these are sometimes still used by naturists. A little north of Manganari, accessible over a path is the beach called Tris Klisies (Three Trees), which is also suitable for naturists. Just before you reach Manganari you turn left and follow a path (indicated by 'follow path to the beach').
The route to Tris Klisied Beach is indicated with blue dots. On this beach there are no facilities.
Agia Theodotis Beach, which is named after a 16th century church that is placed above the beach on a hill, lies in the north of the island of Ios at about 14 kilometers distance from the capital. There also appears to be a bus that is going to this beach. Agia Theodotis Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It is about two kilometers long and sandy and there are some facilities (two tavernas and there are also some sunbeds and parasols for hire). On the stretch of beach the furthest removed from the tavernas there is (at least outside the high season) also place for naturists. There are trees for those who prefer to lie in the shade. In Agia Theodoti Beach are remains of a Hellenistic tower and an ancient aqueduct.
Koumbara Beach, which is situated about a 15 minutes walk from the port of Ios (just over the hill), used to be (partly) a naturist beach. The beach remains relatively quiet, but today it seems that it has become just about a 100% textile beach. Maybe you still can lie here without a swimsuit when you are there off season. It is not a particularly spectacular beach with a combination of mostly sand and a few pebbles. There are some facilities in high season (beach beds and umbrellas). If you walk a little further along the coastline you will encounter some more pebble beaches and at a few coves with beaches with black sand.
Psathi Beach is located in the east of the island of Ios and consists of a large sandy beach with on both sides a smaller sandy beach. At the beach you find the church of Agios Ioannis. On a small portion of the beach, it seems, there are beach beds and umbrellas for rent during the high season, and just above the beach is a taverna. Psathi Beach has a long sandy beach. It's even quieter than Manganari Beach of Agia Theodiki Beach, so here perhaps there is still room for naturist off season. On the way to the beach you will come across a path that leads to the old castle of Paleokastro. The road is winding and a bit steep, so it can be tiring on a very hot day, but it seems it's worth the walk.
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