There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively probably the greatest places to visit in Greece. This Greek Island is situated within the Cyclades island group within the southern Aegean Sea.
With actions in Ios together with climbing, watching the wonderful sunsets, visiting historic websites, and having fun with the laid-back way of life of Greece, you’ll by no means be bored!
Final September, I spent a month in Ios having fun with all of the issues to do on this lovely Greek island, together with exploring 75kms of seashore.
This was my second go to to Ios as I had spent the yr earlier than sailing the Greek islands for 2 weeks, with Ios being one of many stops. With so many enjoyable issues to do in Ios, I returned to this Greek island to expertise extra of what it has to supply.
Ios is among the most beautiful islands in Greece and you’ll simply get right here by taking a comfortable ferry from Athens or one of many close by islands. Learn on for extra about visiting Ios.
Right here’s my record of the highest 25 locations to go to, and issues to do in Ios, Greece.
1. Go to Manganari Seaside
Manganari Seaside is extremely considered the most effective seashore in Ios. The seashore has earned blue flag standing, which implies it has met requirements for cleanliness, environmental administration, and security. Manganari Seaside is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Manganari is greatest visited by boat so you possibly can try the entire smaller bays in a day and float above the crystal clear water, diving in to go snorkeling or simply floating round with a drink.
This day trip on an expensive speedboat will take you throughout the most effective coves and contains lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning beneath $50 per individual, it’s a fantastic worth for Ios. Click Here to study extra.
Whereas these won’t be the best beaches in Greece, they’re nonetheless beautiful and value a go to.
There are a number of eating places situated on the seashore together with Antonis Tavern and Venus Restaurant and Bar, and should you’re in search of a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you might e book a resort room right here.
The seashore is 23 km away from Chora, which is the capital of this Greek Island, however it may be reached by bus that leaves from both the Port, Mylopotas Seaside or Chora. The bus is €6 return.
2. Take a Boat Tour (one of many prime issues to do in Ios)
Many seashores on Ios are solely accessible by boat. Taking a ship tour lets you go to a number of of the most effective seashores in at some point.
We visited the Koumbara caves, Kolitsani seashore and because of the wind, we went to the island of Sikinos. The boat tour I took served a superb Greek BBQ lunch on board. Sure, that they had a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the most effective seashores based mostly on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel gear for individuals to make use of as effectively. It was an effective way to see extra of Ios and get to know another travellers — I actually loved this Ios exercise.
The tour is about 4 hours and prices round $50 per individual. Be taught extra and reserve your spot here.
See Additionally: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
3. Tour the Island On an ATV
One of the crucial fashionable issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. Among the roads in Ios are filth and that is one of the best ways to see these elements of the island.
Visitors on Ios is proscribed to the Chora and the roads to the primary seashores, so that you received’t have to fret about sharing the street with too many vehicles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so be sure you lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is you could lease it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora might be pretty straightforward as effectively. You’ll be able to lease an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper within the port and the price is €40 to €45 a day.
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4. Go to Homer’s Tomb
The well-known poet Homer is supposedly buried on Ios. Homer wrote each the Odyssey and the Iliad and determined to spend the final a part of his life on Ios as a result of his mom was from this Greek island.
When you do want a automotive or an ATV to get to Homer’s Tomb, it’s to not be missed.
The tomb is situated on a hill within the northeast space of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and affords gorgeous views. There are brown indicators indicating the path to the tomb from the port and it’s free to enter.
5. Stroll to Agia Irini Church
A brief stroll to the doorway of the Ios port is the church of Agia Irini (Saint Irene). In case you arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will notice this gorgeous church in your approach in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural model.
Not solely does the placement of the church provide gorgeous views of the Port, however should you proceed down the trail previous the church, it will take you to one of many seashores in Ios that’s solely reachable by boat or by foot.
6. Eat at Grandma’s
Grandma’s is among the few decisions for tremendous eating on Ios. Grandma’s is situated contained in the Liostasi Resort and affords trendy Greek delicacies with a twist.
The restaurant is situated subsequent to the pool on an open-air deck. Get pleasure from a pre-dinner drink subsequent to the pool and benefit from the wonderful Ios sundown.
In case you are in search of a particular breakfast, Grandma’s affords a standard Greek breakfast together with regionally made cheese. Meals together with an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a drink can vary from €50 to €100.
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7. Hike The Many Trails
In case you’re seeking to get some train, climbing is among the greatest issues to do in Ios. There are 10 marked trails crossing most of this Greek island. Some are harder as they cross the mountains.
You’ll be able to exit by yourself and discover the paths, or you possibly can be a part of this super-highly-rated walking tour round Ios. This fashion, you’ll have a pleasant, knowledgable information to point out you round and it’s solely round $28 per individual. Click Here to study extra.
5 of the hikes begin within the Chora and a number of other of them result in the extra secluded seashores. The hikes vary in size from lower than a kilometer to over 7km. Search for the indicators, or ask at your resort for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is usually barren however you’ll be capable of catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encompassing islands from most of the increased trails. Understand that Ios is kind of scorching in the summertime and there’s no shade so take loads of water and put on a hat when climbing right here.
8. Do the Ios Bar Crawl
If partying is extra your factor to do, then don’t miss the Ios Bar Crawl! You’ll go to six bars in Ios. The associated fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six photographs and a singlet.
It is a nice strategy to meet individuals from everywhere in the world and have a enjoyable time. In case you determine to do the crawl a second time, you get a half-price low cost. The value adjustments every season, however final season it was €60. The worth of this evening out is definitely worth the value.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seaside
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seashore affords the right view of the Ios sundown. The situation of the seashore on the west facet of the island, and the rocks surrounding it make the sunsets right here image excellent.
There aren’t any amenities at this seashore, so convey sufficient water and meals if you’re staying awhile. It was not very crowded once I visited in September, but it surely’s not a big seashore.
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10. Go to The Ruins of Skarkos
For such a small Greek island, there are many historic issues to see on Ios. Skarkos is an early Bronze Age settlement not removed from the port of Ios. It is among the best-preserved prehistoric websites within the Aegean.
Once I was there, the one different individual was the caretaker!
The associated fee is €4 for entry and it’s often closed on Monday. I additionally advocate getting the next vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north facet to know its huge dimension. You’ll be able to stroll there from the Chora down a path close to the windmills.
11. Climb to the High of the Chora
One of many first issues you’ll discover upon arriving in Ios is the church buildings situated on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is certainly one of my most advisable issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the beautiful village, rewarding you with gorgeous views if you attain the summit.
Many individuals prefer to climb up right here to look at the sundown over the Aegean Sea. For the reason that space is small you must arrive early if you’re in Ios through the excessive season, which is from Might to September. Another choice could be to go for dawn over the hills.
12. Get together at Far Out Membership
Ios is understood for its epic get together scene and the Far Out Club is the place to be. It’s situated on Milopotas Seaside, which means you possibly can go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! In case you’re in search of issues to do in Ios within the night, that is the place to be.
Even higher, Far Out has a hostel, hotel and camping web site so that you don’t must go far should you’ve had just a few too many drinks, or wish to keep effectively into the evening. One thing to bear in mind is that Ios operates seasonally and Far Out Village might solely be open from Might to September.
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13. Store Within the Chora
There are such a lot of distinctive retailers on Ios, particularly within the Chora (essential village). A lot of them are outfitters, however you may also discover housewares and memento retailers.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. In case you’re into procuring, this is among the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Probably the greatest Greek skincare traces is bought in pharmacies in Greece. The model is Korres and the physique lotions are nice for recovering from the Greek solar. In addition they have an incredible sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seaside
One of the crucial fashionable issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seaside is among the greatest locations to do it. You’ll be able to head their by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in model by becoming a member of this private boat tour that takes you to Milopotas.
This tour contains your driver and snorkel gear and entry to their lovely boat. It comes extremely advisable by vacationers. Click Here to study extra.
Milopotas is a gorgeous golden sand seashore, situated only a quick bus trip from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for lease and a few received’t cost you should you order meals or drinks from them.
While you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll just a few ft to the refreshing water of the Aegean. The water is deep sufficient to swim right here and is calm more often than not. This seashore additionally affords some wonderful people-watching alternatives.
15. Tour the Archaeology Museum
The small archaeology museum is so small it doesn’t have a reputation aside from “Archaeology Museum”. It’s situated on the bus cease within the Chora. The museum’s hours are posted on the door, however they often change since they’ve only a few workers.
The Archaeology Museum is among the greatest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum incorporates historic artifacts discovered at Skarkos and within the Chora, together with pottery, statues, cash, and jewellery. The doorway price is €4.
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16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was inbuilt 1997 to signify the model of historic Greek theatre. It will probably maintain 1100 individuals. To search out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You’ll be able to go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency occurring. It affords an epic view of Milopotas Seaside from the seats.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying you could be doing on Ios, you could wish to unwind with some yoga. Harmony affords yoga courses within the mornings that will help you recuperate out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even should you don’t must recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside might be seen whereas practising yoga. Courses are supplied Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am and are €5.
18. See the Windmills
One of many conventional issues to do on Ios is to go to the windmills.
There are 12 weathered windmills situated excessive up within the Chora on the prime of the mountain slope, which was a fantastic spot for them to catch the wind. Prior to now, the vitality produced by these windmills was used to grind grains, which was a meals staple on Ios.
The windmills are now not operational however are a fantastic piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for a fantastic photograph.
19. Take a Images Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the precise spots might be overwhelming. I made a decision to take a pictures tour with Mark Wilman. He has been taking images on Ios for a few years and has been visiting Ios since he was 10 years outdated.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily effectively and affords 12 totally different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluation your photographs alongside the way in which. Since I used to be there within the low season, I used to be the one one on the tour! The half-day tour was €60.
20. Go Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding appears to be very talked-about nowadays and Ios is a superb place to present it a strive. The water is calm most days, however should you do fall off your board, it’ll be a reduction from the recent solar.
You’ll be able to lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports on Mylopotas or Manganari Seaside. That is another choice for exploring the areas you possibly can’t attain by automotive or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Ios is to look at the ferries arrive. You’ll be able to sit at one of many cafes within the port and watch individuals get on and off the ferry. It’s the final people-watching expertise. When you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you realize it’s organized chaos.
You’ll be able to spot who has come to get together, who has come to loosen up, and see the Greeks drive their vehicles off the ferry. Not solely are the ferries for passengers, however most Greek islands depend on the boats for meals and different provides. With no airports, the ferries are the lifeline of the islands.
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22. Get together within the Chora
For many younger individuals, the most effective factor to do in Ios is get together! The Chora is crammed with bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until a minimum of 1:00am. Among the hottest bars are Traffic, Click, Coo Bar and Sweet Irish Dream.
One of the best factor about that is you possibly can get together all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Folks come from everywhere in the world to get together in Ios and it’s an effective way to satisfy new individuals from totally different cultures and make new pals.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is situated within the Ios port and solely appears to have out of doors seating. Because the climate is often nice, most nights you’ll wish to eat exterior in Greece anyway.
Every part I had right here on the Octopus Tree was wonderful, however the fried zucchini fritters have been the most effective factor I had — so good I went again a second evening in a row to eat them.
You understand it’s a good place to eat when a lot of the patrons are Greeks. They often have recent fish as a particular and you have to strive certainly one of their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s enormous.
As you head up the street from the port, you will notice a white-lined staircase. That is the outdated donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a superb hike as effectively. In case you take this path, you’ll go by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes.
As talked about earlier within the put up, this day tour is extremely advisable and features a educated native information to take you alongside the paths to the Chora. Positively definitely worth the $28 or so per individual. Click Here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many accommodations or hostels are situated alongside right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Get together at Pathos Seaside Membership
This get together place jogs my memory of Ibiza, Greek-style. Pathos has a restaurant, a pool and a bar. It’s probably the greatest locations to catch the sundown as effectively.
There’s a €10 entrance price, however you might actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and get together the evening away.
Bonus Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed here are a few further issues to see in Ios.
26. Get To Ios By Helicopter
In case you’ve acquired an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is indisputably the good strategy to get to Ios or every other Greek islands. You’ll be able to e book the chopper for teams as much as 2 individuals and so they’ll take you from Athens to any island, between islands or again to Athens. Click Here to study extra.
27. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is named the island with a church for day-after-day of the yr.
Though this will simply be a well-liked fantasy as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is among the prime issues to do in Ios, and there are actually sufficient church buildings right here to make visiting every one a problem.
Some church buildings are giant just like the one on the entrances to the Chora and a few are so small it appears just one or two individuals might match inside. Most of those are privately owned and are not often open, however they’re all lovely and picturesque.
28. Pattern Native Wine
Greek wines date again round 6,500 years, with Greece being one of many oldest wine-producing areas on the earth. So, it is sensible that probably the greatest issues to do in Ios is to pattern the native wine.
Many Greek wines can be found within the grocery shops on Ios, with my favourite being the Ihthe wine.
Ihthe has each white and purple wines, with the purple being the most effective for my part. Search for the wine with the little tugboats on them and you’ve got discovered it.
FAQ’s About Ios
Solutions to ceaselessly requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are various issues to do in Ios through the day. Whereas at evening it’s recognized for enjoyable events, through the day you possibly can go to the seashore, be a part of a fun boat tour of the beautiful islands, do some procuring, pattern the tasty meals and wine, or (if it’s not too scorching), do one of many hikes.
Sure, Ios is price a go to for certain. It’s an underrated island in Greece and an ideal vacation spot to go to for just a few days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Sure and no. You’ll be able to positively discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as effectively.
Ios is a secure island. As with anyplace, be conscious of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Hold hydrated if you’re within the solar (or if you’re partying!), and at all times put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of non-public choice. Santorini is extra fashionable and is dearer than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. In case you’re in search of a quieter choice, Ios is it.
Deciding which is healthier, Mykonos or Ios, is a matter of non-public opinion. Ios is sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos, and whereas all three islands are beautiful, Mykonos is extra generally known as the get together vacation spot. The seashores could also be a bit nicer on Ios, and it’s a extra inexpensive vacation spot. Mykonos has extra happening and likewise has an airport.
It takes about 35 minutes to get from Santorini to Ios by ferry. See the ferry timetable right here.
Now You Know What To Do in Ios Greece
My greatest tip is to take the early ferry from Piraeus, if coming from Athens, so that you might be in Ios by the early afternoon. This fashion you possibly can arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios straight away.
As you possibly can see there are numerous issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You’ll be able to spend your days on the seashore getting a tan, study native historical past, and get together all evening lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the complete Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
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Goats On The Highway makes use of and recommends Reserving on account of their superior cancellation coverage, reductions and offers. Click here to see properties accessible in Ios. house is a superb wager should you’re in search of villas and residences.
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