There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively among the finest 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 climbing, 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 yr 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 likely one of the most stunning islands in Greece and you’ll 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 Seaside
Manganari Seaside 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 Seaside is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Manganari is greatest visited by boat so you may 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 present day journey on an expensive speedboat will take you throughout the very best coves and contains lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning underneath $50 per individual, it’s a fantastic worth for Ios. Click on Right here to study extra.
Whereas these may not be the greatest seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless beautiful 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 if you happen to’re searching for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you possibly can ebook 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 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 permits you to go to a number of of the very best seashores in sooner or later.
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, they’d a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the very best seashores based mostly on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel gear for individuals to make use of as effectively. It was a good 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 widespread issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. Among the roads in Ios are filth and that is the easiest way 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 gained’t have to fret about sharing the highway with too many vehicles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so ensure you lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is that you could lease it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora will likely be pretty straightforward as effectively. You may lease 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.
Whilst 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 gives 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). For those who arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will note this gorgeous church in your approach in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural type.
Not solely does the situation of the church provide gorgeous views of the Port, however if you happen to 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 likely one of the few selections for fantastic eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Resort and gives fashionable Greek delicacies with a twist.
The restaurant is positioned subsequent to the pool on an open-air deck. Take pleasure in 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 gives 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
For those who’re seeking to get some train, climbing is likely 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 may be part of this super-highly-rated strolling tour round Ios. This manner, 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 several 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 generally barren however you’ll be capable to catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encircling islands from most of the larger trails. Understand that Ios is sort 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 price features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six pictures and a singlet.
This can be a nice approach to meet individuals from everywhere in the world and have a enjoyable time. For those who resolve 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 gives the proper 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 excellent.
There aren’t any services at this seashore, so carry 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 likely one of the best-preserved prehistoric websites within the Aegean.
Once 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 a better vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north aspect to grasp its huge dimension. 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 one among my most really helpful issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the gorgeous village, rewarding you with gorgeous views once 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 if you’re in Ios through the excessive season, which is from Might to September. Another choice can be to go for dawn over the hills.
12. Celebration at Far Out Membership
Ios is understood for its epic celebration scene and the Far Out Membership is the place to be. It’s positioned on Milopotas Seaside, that means you may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! For those who’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 website so that you don’t must go far if you happen to’ve had a couple of 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 outlets on Ios, particularly within the Chora (predominant village). A lot of them are clothes shops, however it’s also possible to discover housewares and memento outlets.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. For those who’re into procuring, this is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
The most effective 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. Additionally they have a tremendous sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seaside
One of the widespread issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seaside is likely one of the greatest locations to do it. You may head their by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in type by becoming a member of this non-public boat tour that takes you to Milopotas.
This tour contains 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 good looking golden sand seashore, positioned only a quick bus trip from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for lease and a few gained’t cost you if you happen to order meals or drinks from them.
While you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a couple of toes 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 gives some wonderful people-watching alternatives.
15. Tour the Archaeology Museum
The small archaeology museum is so small it doesn’t have a reputation apart from “Archaeology Museum”. It’s positioned on the bus cease within the Chora. The museum’s hours are posted on the door, however they generally change since they’ve only a few employees.
The Archaeology Museum is likely one of the greatest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum accommodates 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 signify the type of historic Greek theatre. It will probably maintain 1100 individuals. To seek out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You may go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency occurring. It gives an epic view of Milopotas Seaside 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 wish to unwind with some yoga. Concord gives 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 if you happen to don’t must recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside may be seen whereas training 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 positioned excessive up within the Chora on the prime of the mountain slope, which was a fantastic spot for them to catch the wind. Up to now, the power 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 suitable spots may 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 previous.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily effectively and gives 12 totally different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluation 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 highly regarded lately and Ios is a good place to offer it a attempt. The water is calm most days, however if you happen to do fall off your board, it’ll be a reduction from the new solar.
You may lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seaside. That is another choice for exploring the areas you may’t attain by automotive or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in all 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’ve got ever taken the ferry in Greece, it’s organized chaos.
You may spot who has come to celebration, who has come to chill out, 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. Celebration 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 at the least 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 may celebration all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Folks come from everywhere in the world to celebration in Ios and it’s a good way to satisfy new individuals from totally different cultures and make new associates.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned within the Ios port and solely appears to have out of doors seating. Because the climate is normally nice, most nights you’ll wish to eat exterior in Greece anyway.
Every part I had right here on the Octopus Tree was superb, however the fried zucchini fritters have been the very best factor I had — so good I went again a second evening in a row to eat them.
it’s a good place to eat when a lot of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have contemporary fish as a particular and it’s essential to attempt one among their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s enormous.
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 effectively. For those who 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, today tour is extremely really helpful 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 on Right here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many motels or hostels are positioned alongside right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Celebration at Pathos Seaside Membership
This celebration place jogs my memory of Ibiza, Greek-style. Pathos has a restaurant, a pool and a bar. It’s among the finest locations to catch the sundown as effectively.
There’s a €10 entrance price, however you possibly can actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and celebration the evening away.
Bonus Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed here are a few additional issues to see in Ios.
26. Get To Ios By Helicopter
For those who’ve acquired an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is undoubtedly the best approach to get to Ios or another Greek islands. You may ebook 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 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 yr.
Though this may occasionally simply be a preferred delusion as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is likely 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 smart that among the finest 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 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 often requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are a lot of issues to do in Ios through the day. Whereas at evening it’s recognized for enjoyable events, through the day you may go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable 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 value a go to for positive. It’s an underrated island in Greece and an ideal vacation spot to go to for a couple of days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Sure and no. You may positively discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as effectively.
Ios is a secure island. As with wherever, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Maintain hydrated once you’re within the solar (or once you’re partying!), and at all times put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of private desire. Santorini is extra widespread and is costlier than Ios. Each are stunning and each have one thing to supply travellers. For those who’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 beautiful, Mykonos is extra often called the celebration 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 may be in Ios by the early afternoon. This manner you may arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios straight away.
As you may see there are various 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 evening lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the total Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
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