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 positioned in the Cyclades island group in the southern Aegean Sea.
With actions in Ios together with mountain climbing, watching the superb 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 seaside.
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.
Right here’s my listing of the highest 27 locations to go to, and issues to do in Ios, Greece.
1. Go to Manganari Seaside
Manganari Seaside is very thought to be the perfect seaside in Ios. The seaside 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.
Whereas these won’t be the perfect seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive and value a go to.
There are a number of eating places positioned on the seaside together with Antonis Tavern and Venus Restaurant and Bar, and should you’re on the lookout for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you possibly can guide a lodge room right here.
The seaside 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 high 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 perfect seashores in sooner or later.
We visited the Koumbara caves, Kolitsani seaside 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 perfect seashores primarily based on that day’s climate. That they had 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. The tour was about 6 hours and price €45 per particular person.
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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 the easiest way to see these components of the island. Site visitors on Ios is restricted 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 ensure you lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is which you could lease it for simply the day. Parking in the Chora will likely be pretty simple as effectively. You may lease an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper in 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 automobile or an ATV to get to Homer’s Tomb, it’s to not be missed. The tomb is positioned on a hill in the northeast space of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and provides 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 the event you arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will notice this gorgeous church in your method in. This church was constructed in the 17th century in typical Cyclades architectural type.
Not solely does the placement of the church provide 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 among the few decisions for high-quality eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Resort and provides trendy 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 on the lookout for a particular breakfast, Grandma’s provides 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
In the event you’re seeking to get some train, mountain climbing is among 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.
5 of the hikes begin in 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 be capable to catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encompassing islands from most of the increased trails. Maintain in thoughts that Ios is kind of sizzling in the summer time and there’s no shade so take loads of water and put on a hat when mountain 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 fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six photographs and a singlet.
This can be a nice approach to meet individuals from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. In the event you resolve to do the crawl a second time, you get a half-price low cost. The worth modifications 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 seaside provides the right view of the Ios sundown. The placement of the seaside 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 seaside, so convey sufficient water and meals in case you are staying awhile. It was not very crowded after I visited in September, however it’s not a big seaside.
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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 in the Aegean.
After I was there, the one different particular person was the caretaker!
The fee is €Four for entry and it’s often closed on Monday. I additionally advocate getting a better vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north facet 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 are the church buildings positioned on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is one in all 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 wish to climb up right here to look at the sundown over the Aegean Sea. Because the space is small you must arrive early in case you are in Ios through the excessive season, which is from Could to September. An alternative choice could be to go for dawn over the hills.
12. Occasion at Far Out Membership
Ios is thought for its epic occasion scene and the Far Out Membership is the place to be. It’s positioned on Milopotas Seaside, that means you’ll be able to go from sunbathing to dancing in no time! In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Ios in 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 should go far should you’ve had a number of too many drinks, or wish to keep effectively into the night time. One thing to maintain in thoughts is that Ios operates seasonally and Far Out Village could solely be open from Could to September.
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13. Store Within the Chora
There are such a lot of distinctive outlets on Ios, particularly in the Chora (major village). Lots of them are outfitters, however you too can discover housewares and memento outlets.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location in the village and on the port. In the event you’re into purchasing, this is among the high locations to go to in Ios.
One of the perfect Greek skincare traces is offered in the 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 vital widespread issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan!
Milopotas is a ravishing golden sand seaside, positioned only a brief bus experience 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.
Once you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a number 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 seaside additionally provides 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 positioned on the bus cease in the Chora. The museum’s hours are posted on the door, however they generally change since they’ve only a few workers.
The Archaeology Museum is among the finest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum comprises historic artifacts discovered at Skarkos and in the Chora, together with pottery, statues, cash, and jewellery. The doorway charge is €4.
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16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was constructed in 1997 to symbolize the type of the traditional Greek theatre. It will possibly maintain 1100 individuals. To discover it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You may go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency occurring. It provides an epic view of Milopotas Seaside from the seats.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying it’s possible you’ll be doing on Ios, it’s possible you’ll wish to unwind with some yoga. Concord provides yoga courses in the mornings that can assist you get better out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even should you don’t have to get better from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside may be seen whereas practising 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 in the Chora on the high of the mountain slope, which was an important spot for them to catch the wind. Up to now, the vitality produced by these windmills was used to grind grains, which was a meals staple on Ios.
The windmills are not operational however are an important piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an important picture.
19. Take a Pictures Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take pictures, however discovering the fitting spots may be overwhelming. I made a decision to take a pictures tour with Mark Wilman. He has been taking pictures 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 provides 12 totally different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluation your photographs alongside the best way. Since I used to be there in 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 extremely popular nowadays and Ios is a superb place to provide 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 may lease 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 every of my favourite issues to do in Ios is to look at the ferries arrive. You may sit at one of many cafes in the port and watch individuals get on and off the ferry. It’s the final people-watching expertise. You probably have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you realize it’s organized chaos.
You may spot who has come to occasion, who has come to calm down 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. Occasion in the Chora
For many younger individuals, the perfect factor to do in Ios is occasion! The Chora is stuffed with bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until at the very 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’ll be able to occasion all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seaside in the afternoon. Individuals come from all around the world to occasion in Ios and it’s an effective way to fulfill new individuals from totally different cultures and make new mates.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned in the Ios port and solely appears to have outside seating. Because the climate is often nice, most nights you’ll wish to eat exterior in Greece anyway. Every thing I had right here on the Octopus Tree was superb, however the fried zucchini fritters have been the perfect factor I had — so good I went again a second night time in a row to eat them.
You recognize it’s a good place to eat when many of the patrons are Greeks! They often have recent fish as a particular and you will need to strive one in all their salads, however I recommend 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 previous donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a superb hike as effectively. In the event you take this path, you’ll go by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many motels or hostels are positioned alongside right here. Watch out strolling in the darkish as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Occasion at Pathos Seaside Membership
This occasion 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 effectively.
There’s a €10 entrance charge, however you possibly can actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim in the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and occasion the night time away.
26. 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 occasionally simply be a preferred fable as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is among the high 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 individuals might match inside. Most of those are privately owned and are hardly ever open, however they’re all lovely and picturesque.
27. Pattern Native Wine
Greek wines date again round 6,500 years, with Greece being one of many oldest wine-producing areas in the world. So, it is smart that top-of-the-line issues to do in Ios is to pattern the native wine!
Many Greek wines can be found in the grocery shops on Ios, with my favourite being the Ihthe wine.
Ihthe has each white and pink wines, with the pink being the perfect in my opinion. Search for the wine with the little tugboats on them and you’ve got discovered it.
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 may 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 numerous issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You may spend your days on the seaside getting a tan, find out about native historical past and occasion 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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