Galaxy Hotel

Galaxy Hotel stands a few metres from the waterfront at Mylopotas, the long sandy bay on the southern side of Ios that draws most of the island's beach visitors. The hotel is family-run, operates 16 rooms, and sits close enough to the beach road that you can reach the water, the nearest bus stop, and the cluster of bars and restaurants along Mylopotas' central strip without needing a vehicle.

The coordinates place it squarely within the Mylopotas settlement — address: Mylopotas 840 01 — which means guests get the full benefit of the bay's amenities while still having a quieter base than Ios Town itself, which sits about 3 km up the hill. For visitors whose priority is beach time over nightlife, the location makes practical sense.

With a 4.2 rating across 75 Google reviews, the hotel sits in solid mid-range territory for Ios, a Cycladic island that offers accommodation across a wide spectrum from budget hostels to boutique stays.

Facilities and Location

The hotel's 16 rooms are described as Cycladic in aesthetic — clean lines, pale walls, earth tones — in keeping with the architectural tradition of the Cyclades. A number of the rooms face toward Mylopotas beach and offer direct sea views. Every room includes air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a television, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, toiletries, and a private balcony. Spacious shared sun terraces are also available for guests who want to sit outside without committing to the beach.

The on-site pool bar is a practical addition for a hotel at this level. It serves drinks and light refreshments, which means you have a shaded, relaxed option at the property itself, useful during the hottest part of a summer afternoon when the main beach gets crowded.

The front desk operates between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM daily, which covers check-in windows well but means late-arriving guests — particularly those arriving on late-evening ferries — should contact the hotel in advance to arrange access.

Mylopotas' central road runs nearby, putting the hotel within easy reach of several tavernas, beach bars, and convenience shops. The bus stop for the route connecting Mylopotas to Ios Town (Chora) is within a short walk, which removes the need for a rental vehicle for most daily movements.

How to Get There

Ios is served by ferries from Piraeus, Santorini, Naxos, and Paros. The main port is at Ormos (Ios Town port), roughly 2 km from the island's main settlement, Chora, and around 3 km from Mylopotas. A local bus runs regularly during summer between the port, Chora, and Mylopotas — the ride from the port to Mylopotas takes around 10 minutes and costs a small flat fare.

Taxis are available at the port and in Chora. If you are arriving with luggage and a late ferry, a taxi or pre-arranged transfer is more straightforward than waiting for the last bus.

By car or scooter — both widely rented on Ios — the road from Chora down to Mylopotas is direct and takes under 10 minutes. Parking is available in and around the Mylopotas area, though it fills quickly in peak July and August. The hotel's coordinates (36.7164, 25.2929) will navigate accurately in Google Maps.

Best Time to Visit

Ios has a standard Cycladic summer season running from late April through October. July and August are the busiest months, when Mylopotas beach is at full capacity and the island draws a younger crowd. Accommodation across the island fills quickly in these months, and prices are at their highest.

May, June, and September offer the same reliable sunshine with lower crowd density, shorter queues at the beach, and generally more availability for booking. Temperatures in June and September sit between 25°C and 30°C during the day, which is comfortable for both beach use and exploring Chora.

The meltemi wind, which blows across the Cyclades in July and August, can be strong enough to make the west-facing beaches choppy on some days. Mylopotas, which faces roughly southwest, can experience some chop during strong meltemi periods, though it is generally less exposed than the northern-facing shores of other islands.

For families or guests prioritising a quieter stay, shoulder season — particularly late May to mid-June or September — is the practical choice.

Tips for Visiting

• Book directly for any specific room preferences. The hotel has 16 rooms, and sea-view rooms facing Mylopotas are likely to be the first to go in peak season. Contact the hotel by email ([email protected]) or phone (+30 2286 091530) to ask about availability and specific outlooks.
• Front desk closes at 11:00 PM. If your ferry arrives after that time, call ahead and confirm the late-arrival procedure so you are not left waiting outside.
• Use the bus rather than renting a car if your plan is mainly beach-based. The Mylopotas–Chora–port bus runs frequently in summer and removes the hassle of parking at the busy beach.
• The pool bar is useful for midday breaks. Rather than paying beach bar prices all day, the on-site pool bar gives you a cost-effective option for afternoon drinks within the property.
• Chora is 3 km uphill and best reached by bus or taxi at night. The road is not well lit for walking after dark, and Ios Town's main pedestrian lanes are steep.
• Pack reef shoes. Mylopotas is a sand beach, but the entry into the water at some points along the bay has small stones and rocks at the waterline depending on the season.
• The hotel is family-run. Staff familiarity with the island means you can ask for practical recommendations about where to eat or what to visit beyond the standard tourist circuit.
• Bring cash for smaller purchases in the area. Mylopotas has ATMs nearby, but local tavernas and smaller shops may prefer cash, particularly for smaller bills.