Plizio Visual Lab
Manganari
ℹ️Practical info — Manganari
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take the boat from Ormos Port for a scenic arrival at this remote and remarkable beach.
- Manganari is naturally sheltered from the strong northern winds (Meltemi), ensuring calm waters.
- Bring your own water and snacks as options are limited to a few beachside tavernas.
- Walk across all five consecutive bays to find your own secluded spot on the golden sand.
- Look for the iconic spots where scenes from the cult movie 'The Big Blue' were filmed.
🍽 Food
A spicy local goat cheese from Ios, great when paired with traditional bread in the tavernas.
Ask for the catch of the day at the beachside tavernas, usually caught just off the coast.
Savory tomato fritters, a Cycladic specialty that makes for a great light lunch.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy this in Chora before heading south; it's famous across Greece for its intense flavor.
As there are no shops at Manganari, find local crafts and clothing in the main village shops.
The smallest and often most deserted of the bays, excellent for total relaxation.
Walk past the organized areas to find the eastern coves for a very peaceful swimming experience.
Water temperature…
Manganari is a wide-open coastal destination located on the southern tip of the Greek island of Ios in the Cyclades. Unlike the bustling party spots on the island, Manganari has a deeply serene and scenic escape. It famously served as a filming location for the movie 'The Big Blue', which perfectly captures its enchanting, cinematic beauty. The area is characterized by a series of spectacular sandy coves separated by rocky outcrops, creating a feeling of seclusion and paradise. Visitors have an incredible variety of beaches to explore within this bay area. The main Manganari beach is a highlight, alongside neighboring spots like Santorenaiko, Manousou, and Πικρί Νερό (Pikri Nero). Other beautiful choices for swimming and sunbathing include Πέπα (Pepa), Τρεις Κλεισιές μικρή, Κρεμαστό (Kremasto), and Χάλαρα (Chalara). Those seeking further exploration can visit Λουκά Aulaki (Louka Avlaki), Αντώναρου (Antonarou), Κάλαμος (Kalamos), and Papas beach, each offering pristine waters and soft golden sand. While remote, Manganari features traditional Greek tavernas serving freshly caught fish and classic Mediterranean dishes right by the sea. The beaches are accessible by local bus, boat, or car from Chora, making the scenic journey part of the memorable experience.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Santorenaiko · Antonarou · Trupete
- Nearby: Ios (7 km)
- Population: ~106 (2021)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 81 | 44 | 26 | 19 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 18 | 44 | 64 | 87 |
Geography
Facts
- Located on Ios Island, Cyclades
- Filming location for 'The Big Blue'
- Features multiple interconnected coves
- Famous for golden sands and clear water
- Quieter alternative on Ios
- Excellent traditional tavernas
- Accessible by bus, car, or boat
- Renowned for snorkeling opportunities
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
This walk begins at the picturesque little church before you start exploring the sun-drenched sandy beaches. Feel the gentle breeze as you wander from one gorgeous swimming cove to the next. After spending relaxing hours swimming in the crystal-clear water, the path continues along the coastline. The grand finale is the wide, undisturbed view of the stunning Manganari Bay in all its natural glory.
Saint Constantine and Helen
Manganari
Kremasto
Khalara
Manganari Bay
Morning starts at the chapel where the white walls shine against the moody grey sky. At noon, the sound of rain on Manganari beach provides a rhythmic backdrop under nearby shelters. In the afternoon, explore the rocky coast at Kremasto with caution on the slippery paths. The evening ends early with fading light and the scent of damp earth mixing with the salty sea breeze.
Saint Constantine and Helen
Manganari
Kremasto
Khalara
Manganari Bay
A winter morning in Manganari is quiet and clear with a vast horizon. At noon, the low sun warms the empty beaches, ideal for solitary walks in thick layers. In the afternoon, the light turns golden while the cool breeze encourages movement. Since the sun sets around 17:00, spend the early evening in the warmth of your accommodation.
Saint Constantine and Helen
Manganari
Kremasto
Khalara
Manganari Bay
This bike tour starts high up at the viewpoint, instantly providing you with a fantastic panoramic view of the coast. From there, you coast down to the small chapel and continue to the main Manganari beach. Afterwards, pedal to quieter sections like Santorenaiko and Antonarou, where undisturbed swimming fun awaits. At the end of the route, you look out over the fascinating Manganari Bay one last time.
Manganari view
Saint Constantine and Helen
Manganari
Santorenaiko
Antonarou
Manganari Bay
The cycling morning starts cautiously on wet roads with views of misty bays. At noon, we seek shelter at the chapel while raindrops drum on our helmets. In the afternoon, the coastal paths require full concentration due to the slippery terrain. The early evening leads us back on a direct route, with the wet asphalt reflecting the twilight in silvery tones.
Manganari view
Saint Constantine and Helen
Manganari
Santorenaiko
Antonarou
Manganari Bay
The winter morning offers cyclists fresh air and empty roads. At noon, the sun warms you on the climbs, but windproof clothing is vital against the chill on descents. In the afternoon, the low sun bathes the landscape in dramatic light. The day ends around 17:00, so good bike lighting is essential for the return journey in twilight.
Manganari view
Saint Constantine and Helen
Manganari
Santorenaiko
Antonarou
Manganari Bay
This motorized excursion offers the best way to see all corners of the Manganari area. Starting at the high viewpoints overlooking Santorini, you then drive far west into the seclusion of Trupete. After a brief cultural stop at the little chapel, the journey heads east to idyllic bays like Louka Aulaki and the stunning Never Bay. An extended stay at Treis Kleisies mikre beach perfectly rounds off this highly fulfilling coastal road trip.
Santorini View
Viglia Manganariou and Viglia Kalamou view
Trupete
Saint Constantine and Helen
Louka Aulaki
Never bay
Treis Kleisies mikre
The morning in the car provides comfort while watching the rainy cliffs. At noon, we drive from viewpoint to viewpoint, enjoying the dramatic sea from the dry interior. In the afternoon, coastal roads lead to hidden spots while the wipers set the rhythm of the journey. The evening ends cozily with the sound of raindrops drumming on the car's roof.
Santorini View
Viglia Manganariou and Viglia Kalamou view
Trupete
Saint Constantine and Helen
Louka Aulaki
Never bay
Treis Kleisies mikre
The winter morning invites a scenic drive through the deserted hills. At noon, the sun pleasantly warms the interior while we explore the empty coastal landscape. In the afternoon, the distant views of the neighboring Cyclades islands are breathtakingly clear. Since it gets dark around 17:00, return in time to finish the day comfortably.
Santorini View
Viglia Manganariou and Viglia Kalamou view
Trupete
Saint Constantine and Helen
Louka Aulaki
Never bay
Treis Kleisies mikre
Sights in the town Manganari (8)
Frequently asked questions
Manganari: where is it located?
Manganari: what is there to see?
Manganari: when is the best time to visit?
Manganari: why is it worth visiting?

















