There’s all kinds of unbelievable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively top-of-the-line locations to go to in Greece. This Greek Island is situated within the Cyclades island group within the southern Aegean Sea.
With actions in Ios together with mountaineering, watching the wonderful sunsets, visiting historic websites, and having fun with the laid-back life-style 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 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 lovely islands in Greece and you’ll simply get right here by taking a snug 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 one of the best seashore in Ios. The seashore has earned blue flag standing, which suggests it has met requirements for cleanliness, environmental administration, and security. Manganari Seaside is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Manganari is finest visited by boat so you’ll be able to 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.
Today journey on an opulent speedboat will take you throughout one of the best coves and contains lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning beneath $50 per individual, it’s an ideal worth for Ios. Click on Right here to be taught extra.
Whereas these may not be the finest seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless beautiful and price 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 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 one of the best seashores in in the future.
We visited the Koumbara caves, Kolitsani seashore and as a result of 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 one of the best seashores based mostly on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel gear for folks 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 in style issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A number of the roads in Ios are grime and that is the easiest way to see these components of the island.
Site visitors on Ios is proscribed to the Chora and the roads to the primary seashores, so that you gained’t have to fret about sharing the highway with too many vehicles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so be sure you hire an ATV with sufficient energy.
A wonderful thing about renting an ATV is which you could hire it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora shall be pretty simple as properly. You’ll be able to 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.
Whilst you do want a automobile 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 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). When you arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will notice this gorgeous church in your method in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural fashion.
Not solely does the placement of the church supply gorgeous views of the Port, however should 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 superb eating on Ios. Grandma’s is situated contained in the Liostasi Resort and gives fashionable Greek delicacies with a twist.
The restaurant is situated subsequent to the pool on an open-air deck. Take pleasure in 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 gives a conventional Greek breakfast together with domestically 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
When you’re trying to get some train, mountaineering is without doubt one of the finest 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’ll be able to exit by yourself and discover the paths, or you’ll be able to be part of this super-highly-rated strolling tour round Ios. This fashion, you’ll have a pleasant, knowledgable information to indicate you round and it’s solely round $28 per individual. Click on Right here to be taught 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 usually barren however you’ll have the ability to catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encircling islands from lots of the larger trails. Remember that Ios is kind of sizzling 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 fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six photographs and a singlet.
It is a nice solution to meet folks from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. When you determine 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 well 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, 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.
Once I was there, the one different individual was the caretaker!
The fee is €4 for entry and it’s often closed on Monday. I additionally suggest getting the next vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north aspect to know its huge measurement. 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 considered one of my most really useful issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the gorgeous village, rewarding you with gorgeous views while 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 it’s best to arrive early if you’re in Ios throughout the excessive season, which is from Could 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 get together scene and the Far Out Membership is the place to be. It’s situated on Milopotas Seaside, which means you’ll be able to go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! When 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, lodge and tenting web site so that you don’t must go far should 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 Could 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 clothes shops, however you too can discover housewares and memento retailers.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. When you’re into purchasing, this is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Probably the greatest Greek skincare strains is offered 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 in style issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seaside is without doubt one of the finest locations to do it. You’ll be able to 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 contains your driver and snorkel gear and entry to their lovely boat. It comes extremely really useful by vacationers. Click on Right here to be taught extra.
Milopotas is a wonderful golden sand seashore, situated only a brief bus journey from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and a few gained’t cost you should 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 gives some glorious 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 employees.
The Archaeology Museum is without doubt one of the finest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum comprises historical 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 fashion of historical Greek theatre. It will possibly maintain 1100 folks. 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 taking place. It gives 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 need 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 should you don’t have to recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside could be seen whereas training yoga. Lessons 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 an ideal 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 an ideal piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an ideal picture.
19. Take a Images Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the precise spots could 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 gives 12 completely different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps overview your photographs alongside the best way. 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 fashionable today and Ios is a good place to offer it a strive. The water is calm most days, however should you do fall off your board, it’ll be a aid from the recent solar.
You’ll be able to hire a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seaside. That is another choice for exploring the areas you’ll be able to’t attain by automobile or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in all 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 folks get on and off the ferry. It’s the final people-watching expertise. If in case you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you understand it’s organized chaos.
You’ll be able to spot who has come to get together, 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. Social gathering within the Chora
For many younger folks, one of the best factor to do in Ios is get together! The Chora is stuffed with bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until a minimum of 1:00am. A number of the hottest bars are Site visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
The very best factor about that is you’ll be able to get together all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Individuals come from all around the world to get together in Ios and it’s an effective way to fulfill new folks from completely 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 outside seating. Because the climate is often nice, most nights you’ll need to eat outdoors in Greece anyway.
All the pieces I had right here on the Octopus Tree was wonderful, however the fried zucchini fritters had been one of the best factor I had — so good I went again a second night time in a row to eat them.
You understand it’s a good place to eat when many of the patrons are Greeks. They often have contemporary fish as a particular and you should strive considered one of their salads, however I recommend sharing the salad because it’s large.
As you head up the highway from the port, you will notice a white-lined staircase. That is the previous donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a good hike as properly. When 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, this present day tour is extremely really useful and features a educated native information to take you alongside the paths to the Chora. Undoubtedly well worth the $28 or so per individual. Click on Right here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many lodges or hostels are situated alongside right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Social gathering 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 top-of-the-line locations to catch the sundown as properly.
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 get together the night time 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
When you’ve acquired an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is no doubt the good solution to get to Ios or some other Greek islands. You’ll be able to ebook the chopper for teams as much as 2 folks and so they’ll take you from Athens to any island, between islands or again to Athens. Click on Right here to be taught extra.
27. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is called the island with a church for on daily basis of the 12 months.
Though this may increasingly simply be a well-liked fantasy 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 every one a problem.
Some church buildings are massive just like the one on the entrances to the Chora and a few are so small it appears just one or two folks 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 this planet. So, it is sensible that top-of-the-line 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 one of the 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 various issues to do in Ios throughout the day. Whereas at night time it’s recognized for enjoyable events, throughout the day you’ll be able to go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable boat tour of the beautiful islands, do some purchasing, pattern the tasty meals and wine, or (if it’s not too sizzling), 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 a number of 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 properly.
Ios is a protected island. As with anyplace, be conscious of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Maintain hydrated while you’re within the solar (or while you’re partying!), and all the time put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of non-public desire. Santorini is extra in style and is dearer than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. When 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 often called the get together vacation spot. The seashores could also be a bit nicer on Ios, and it’s a extra reasonably priced 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 finest tip is to take the early ferry from Piraeus, if coming from Athens, so that you could be in Ios by the early afternoon. This fashion you’ll be able to arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios instantly.
As you’ll be able to see there are lots of 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 night time lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the complete Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
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