Valmas beach in Ios

Valmas is an approximately 30 metres long sandy beach with a pebbly ground. If it were not for the cosy taverna, not many would pay attention to the beach. The beach is really not special, at least not when compared to other beaches on Ios. When you're here, it's hard to believe that you're on Ios.

View of wonderful Valmas beach.

Valmas is a small but very good beach.

Instead, there are other things that attract: the silence, the stillness and the restful calm. The taverna has a perfect location just where the waves lap at the shore. Valmas is a magical spot for me, an oasis, where I can easily spend many philosophical hours over a game of tavli (backgammon). From the mid-1980s and many years later, I spent whole days here, and several times a week.

Here I sit and enjoy the calm at Valmas beach in the early 2000s.

When the taverna was open, you could eat both lunch and dinner.

In the picture, Frankie (he with the bar in the square in Chora) is sitting in the middle, Frankie's mother Irini is on the left and I am on the right. I don't remember the names of the other people.

Kostas, who previously ran the taverna, is unfortunately no longer alive. When Kostas died, his wife Irini took over his life's work. But Irini doesn't work at the tavern any more either. The taverna has been closed for several years and I don't know when, or if, it will reopen.

Kostas Taverna has been closed for a few years.

Kostas is buried above the taverna.

Valmas beach is rocky and perfect for those who like to snorkel.

Valma beach in 2006. Today, new houses have been built above the beach.

There are two ways to get to Valmas: on foot or by your own transport from Chora, or on foot from Ormos (the port). If you choose the road from Chora your take the first side road to the right before the bus stop, about where the nightclub Sweet Irish Dream is located.

If you walk from the port, have the church of Agia Irini in view, the beautiful church welcomes all arriving ferries so you certainly saw it when you arrived by ferry. From the church there is a path that leads along the coast all the way to Valma. Along the path you will find several nice bathing-places with rocks where it is perfect to snorkel.

Nudism is common at the cliffs.

Between Valmas beach and the church of Agia Irini lies this small beach.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT VALMAS BEACH

Don't miss the short hike to Agia Irini, which you can read about here »

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