For decades, Ios in the Cyclades archipelago was a carefree summer refuge—synonymous with all-night beach parties, student trips after Greece’s national exams, and backpackers chasing the “myth” of the Greek summer.
But in recent years, something remarkable has happened. Without losing its simplicity or authenticity, Ios has been rewriting its identity. Today, its low-rise whitewashed villages, quiet coves, and wild, unspoiled valleys are attracting a different kind of visitor—one seeking peace, beauty, and connection rather than spectacle.
Condé Nast Traveller recently named Ios one of the Mediterranean’s most authentic and aesthetically pleasing destinations. And it’s not hard to see why: the island’s landscapes are free from visual pollution, its villages retain strong local character, and there are still pockets where the only sound is the wind.
A New Kind of Hospitality in the Cyclades
Ios’s transformation is not about chasing trends or erecting flashy resorts. Hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses are shifting toward a “less but better” philosophy—fewer rooms, higher quality, more emphasis on sustainability and on genuine interaction with the island.
This new era hasn’t gone unnoticed internationally, with glowing features in outlets such as The Sunday Times and the UK’s Daily Express. At the heart of this change is the Calilo Group, a family-run sustainable hospitality brand that has been investing strategically in Ios since 2012.
Calilo: Sustainable Luxury With a Local Soul
Calilo’s mission is simple yet ambitious: protect Ios’s character while offering world-class experiences. Over €200 million has been invested—but on just 1% of their privately owned land—to ensure development is minimal, discreet, and harmonious with the Cycladic landscape.
The result is what they call “quiet luxury”—spaces that blend seamlessly with nature rather than dominate it. At Calilo Resort and Agalia Luxury Suites, luxury doesn’t shout. Instead, it invites guests to breathe, move freely, and feel the rhythm of the island.
Agalia, perched between Ios Town (Chora) and the golden sands of Tzamaria Beach, captures the island’s dual personality—tranquil yet vibrant. Privacy, elegance, and an atmosphere of effortless sophistication define the Calilo approach, always anchored in respect for local heritage and the environment.
Dining That Awakens the Senses
Food is now central to Ios’s identity, and Calilo plays a leading role. The resort’s fine dining restaurant, CHES, serves a nine-course tasting menu inspired by different Aegean islands, showcasing creativity alongside local tradition.
Beyond Calilo, the island’s dining scene offers unexpected variety:
- Taste of Joy, Free, Erego, Pathos, and Steps deliver inventive menus that elevate local ingredients.
- Traditional tavernas like Polydoros in Koumbara serve home-cooked island classics in a cosy, family-run setting.
- O Drakos in Mylopotas is a quintessential seaside fish tavern where the catch of the day comes with waves lapping at your feet.
- Hidden in the quiet Kambos area, Vilaeti offers serene countryside dining, with meats and produce from local farms.
- Dionysos Hotel and Ios Palace in Mylopotas blend traditional Cycladic hospitality with modern comforts—ideal for travellers seeking either affordability or contemporary luxury.
Wellness That Connects You to the Island
Calilo’s spa takes wellness beyond pampering—it’s a sensory journey tied to the land. Set on an elevated platform above water, surrounded by flowers and climbing plants, the spa uses ingredients like olive oil from centuries-old local trees and honey from island beehives.
Here, treatments are as much about grounding the spirit as they are about relaxation—offering guests a tangible connection to Ios’s natural abundance.
An Organic Transition to a Better Future
Ios’s evolution is proof that a destination can change without losing its soul. With carefully scaled interventions, smart investments, and an unwavering respect for nature and community, the island hasn’t abandoned its past—it’s redefined it.
