There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s undoubtedly among the best locations to go to in Greece. This Greek Island is positioned within the Cyclades island group within the southern Aegean Sea.
With actions in Ios together with mountaineering, watching the superb 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 stunning Greek island, together with exploring 75kms of seashore.
This was my second go to to Ios as I had spent the 12 months earlier than crusing 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 without doubt one of the most stunning islands in Greece and you may simply get right here by taking a cushty ferry from Athens or one of many close by islands. Learn on for extra about visiting Ios.
Right here’s my listing of the highest 25 locations to go to, and issues to do in Ios, Greece.
1. Go to Manganari Seashore
Manganari Seashore is extremely considered the very best seashore in Ios. The seashore has earned blue flag standing, which implies it has met requirements for cleanliness, environmental administration, and security. Manganari Seashore is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Manganari is greatest visited by boat so you possibly can try all the smaller bays in a day and float above the crystal clear water, diving in to go snorkeling or simply floating round with a drink.
At the present time journey on an expensive speedboat will take you throughout the very best coves and consists of lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning below $50 per individual, it’s an excellent worth for Ios. Click on Right here to study extra.
Whereas these may not be the very best seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive and value a go to.
There are a number of eating places positioned on the seashore together with Antonis Tavern and Venus Restaurant and Bar, and in case you’re searching for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you can guide a lodge 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 Seashore 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 means that you can go to a number of of the very best seashores in in the future.
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 wonderful Greek BBQ lunch on board. Sure, that they had a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the very best seashores primarily based on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools for individuals to make use of as properly. 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 right here.
See Additionally: The Final Information To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
3. Tour the Island On an ATV
One of the vital widespread issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. Among the roads in Ios are filth and that is one of the simplest ways to see these elements of the island.
Site visitors on Ios is proscribed to the Chora and the roads to the principle seashores, so that you received’t have to fret about sharing the highway with too many automobiles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so be sure you hire an ATV with sufficient energy.
A wonderful thing about renting an ATV is that you may hire it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora will probably be pretty straightforward as properly. You may hire an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper within the port and the fee 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 positioned on a hill within the northeast space of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and presents beautiful 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). Should you arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will note this beautiful church in your manner in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural fashion.
Not solely does the placement of the church supply beautiful views of the Port, however in case you proceed down the trail previous the church, this may 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 without doubt one of the few decisions for fantastic eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Resort and presents fashionable Greek delicacies with a twist.
The restaurant is positioned subsequent to the pool on an open-air deck. Get pleasure from a pre-dinner drink subsequent to the pool and benefit from the superb Ios sundown.
In case you are searching for a particular breakfast, Grandma’s presents a conventional 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
Should you’re trying to get some train, mountaineering is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ios. There are 10 marked trails crossing most of this Greek island. Some are tougher as they cross the mountains.
You may exit by yourself and discover the paths, or you possibly can be part of this super-highly-rated strolling 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 on Right 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 lodge for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is usually barren however you’ll have the ability to catch beautiful views of Ios and the encircling islands from lots of the increased trails. Take into account 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 mountaineering 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 price features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six pictures and a singlet.
This can be a nice option to meet individuals from everywhere in the world and have a enjoyable time. Should you resolve to do the crawl a second time, you get a half-price low cost. The worth adjustments every season, however final season it was €60. The worth of this night time out is definitely worth the value.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seashore
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seashore presents the right view of the Ios sundown. The placement of the seashore on the west aspect of the island, and the rocks surrounding it make the sunsets right here image good.
There aren’t any amenities at this seashore, so carry sufficient water and meals in case you are staying awhile. It was not very crowded once I visited in September, however it’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 without doubt one of the best-preserved prehistoric websites within the Aegean.
After I was there, the one different individual was the caretaker!
The price is €4 for entry and it’s normally closed on Monday. I additionally advocate getting the next vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north aspect to grasp its huge measurement. You may stroll there from the Chora down a path close to the windmills.
11. Climb to the Prime of the Chora
One of many first issues you’ll discover upon arriving in Ios is the church buildings positioned on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is certainly one of my most really helpful issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the beautiful village, rewarding you with beautiful views if you attain the summit.
Many individuals wish to climb up right here to observe the sundown over the Aegean Sea. Because the space is small it is best to arrive early in case you are in Ios in the course of the excessive season, which is from Might to September. Another choice can be to go for dawn over the hills.
12. Social gathering at Far Out Membership
Ios is thought for its epic celebration scene and the Far Out Membership is the place to be. It’s positioned on Milopotas Seashore, that means you possibly can go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! Should you’re searching for issues to do in Ios within the night, that is the place to be.
Even higher, Far Out has a hostel, lodge and tenting web site so that you don’t must go far in case you’ve had a number of too many drinks, or need to keep properly into the night time. 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 outlets on Ios, particularly within the Chora (principal village). Lots of them are clothes shops, however you may as well discover housewares and memento outlets.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. Should you’re into procuring, this is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Top-of-the-line Greek skincare strains 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 a tremendous sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seashore
One of the vital widespread issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seashore is without doubt one of the greatest locations to do it. You may head their by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in fashion by becoming a member of this non-public boat tour that takes you to Milopotas.
This tour consists of your driver and snorkel gear and entry to their stunning boat. It comes extremely really helpful by vacationers. Click on Right here to study extra.
Milopotas is a stupendous golden sand seashore, positioned only a quick bus journey from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and a few received’t cost you in case you order meals or drinks from them.
While you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a number of 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 presents 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 positioned 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 without doubt one of 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 in-built 1997 to symbolize the fashion of historic Greek theatre. It will possibly maintain 1100 individuals. To search out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You may go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency taking place. It presents an epic view of Milopotas Seashore from the seats.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying chances are you’ll be doing on Ios, chances are you’ll need to unwind with some yoga. Concord presents yoga courses within the mornings that will help you get better out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a wonderful Mexican restaurant.
Even in case you don’t must get better from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seashore will be seen whereas training yoga. Lessons are provided 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 positioned excessive up within the Chora on the prime of the mountain slope, which was an excellent spot for them to catch the wind. Prior to now, the power produced by these windmills was used to grind grains, which was a meals staple on Ios.
The windmills are not operational however are an excellent piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an excellent picture.
19. Take a Images Tour
All the Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the proper spots will be overwhelming. I made a decision to take a images 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 previous.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily properly and presents 12 completely different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluate your pictures 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 today and Ios is a good place to provide it a strive. The water is calm most days, however in case you do fall off your board, it’ll be a aid from the recent solar.
You may hire a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seashore. That is an alternative choice for exploring the areas you possibly can’t attain by automotive or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One among my favourite issues to do in Ios is to observe the ferries arrive. You may 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 may spot who has come to celebration, who has come to loosen up, and see the Greeks drive their automobiles 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. Social gathering within the Chora
For many younger individuals, the very best factor to do in Ios is celebration! The Chora is crammed with bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until not less than 1:00am. Among the hottest bars are Site visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
The most effective factor about that is you possibly can celebration all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Individuals come from everywhere in the world to celebration in Ios and it’s an effective way to fulfill new individuals from completely different cultures and make new pals.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned within the Ios port and solely appears to have outside seating. Because the climate is normally nice, most nights you’ll need to eat outdoors in Greece anyway.
All the pieces I had right here on the Octopus Tree was superb, however the fried zucchini fritters had been the very best factor I had — so good I went again a second night time in a row to eat them.
You already know it’s a good place to eat when a lot of the patrons are Greeks. They normally 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 large.
As you head up the highway from the port, you will note a white-lined staircase. That is the previous donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a good hike as properly. Should you take this path, you’ll move by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes.
As talked about earlier within the publish, today tour is extremely really helpful and features a educated native information to take you alongside the paths to the Chora. Undoubtedly definitely worth the $28 or so per individual. Click on Right here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many inns or hostels are positioned alongside right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Social gathering at Pathos Seashore Membership
This celebration place jogs my memory of Ibiza, Greek-style. Pathos has a restaurant, a pool and a bar. It’s among the best locations to catch the sundown as properly.
There’s a €10 entrance price, however you can actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and celebration the night time away.
Bonus Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed below are a few additional issues to see in Ios.
26. Get To Ios By Helicopter
Should you’ve received an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is indubitably the good option to get to Ios or some other Greek islands. You may guide the chopper for teams as much as 2 individuals they usually’ll take you from Athens to any island, between islands or again to Athens. Click on Right here to study extra.
27. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is called the island with a church for day-after-day of the 12 months.
Though this may occasionally simply be a preferred delusion as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Ios, and there are definitely sufficient church buildings right here to make visiting each 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 hardly ever open, however they’re all stunning 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 among the best 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 crimson wines, with the crimson being the very best in my view. Search for the wine with the little tugboats on them and you’ve got discovered it.
FAQ’s About Ios
Solutions to steadily requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are a lot of issues to do in Ios in the course of the day. Whereas at night time it’s recognized for enjoyable events, in the course of the day you possibly can go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable boat tour of the attractive 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 positive. It’s an underrated island in Greece and an ideal vacation spot to go to for a number of days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Sure and no. You may undoubtedly discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as properly.
Ios is a secure island. As with wherever, 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 private choice. Santorini is extra widespread and is costlier than Ios. Each are stunning and each have one thing to supply travellers. Should you’re searching for a quieter possibility, Ios is it.
Deciding which is best, Mykonos or Ios, is a matter of private opinion. Ios is sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos, and whereas all three islands are attractive, Mykonos is extra referred to as the celebration vacation spot. The seashores could also be a bit nicer on Ios, and it’s a extra reasonably priced vacation spot. Mykonos has extra occurring 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 will 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 lots of issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You may spend your days on the seashore getting a tan, study native historical past, and celebration all night time lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the total Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
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