There’s all kinds of unbelievable issues to do in Ios, it’s undoubtedly among the finest 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 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 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 among the most lovely islands in Greece. Learn on for extra about visiting right here.
Right here’s my checklist of the highest 25 locations to go to, and issues to do in Ios, Greece.
1. Go to Manganari Seashore
Manganari Seashore is very thought to be the most effective seashore in Ios. The seashore has earned blue flag standing, which suggests it has met requirements for cleanliness, environmental administration, and security. Manganari Seashore is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Whereas these may not be the most effective 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 when you’re on the lookout for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you possibly can 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 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 lets you go to a number of of the most effective 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 wonderful Greek BBQ lunch on board. Sure, that they had a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the most effective seashores primarily based on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools for folks to make use of as nicely. 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 Four 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
Probably the most common issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A few of the roads in Ios are grime and that is one of the simplest ways to see these elements of the island.
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 be sure you lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A wonderful thing about renting an ATV is you can lease it for simply the day. Parking in the Chora will likely be pretty straightforward as nicely. You’ll be able to lease an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper in 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 positioned on a hill in 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). When you arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will note this gorgeous church in your method in. This church was constructed in the 17th century in the standard Cyclades architectural type.
Not solely does the placement of the church supply gorgeous views of the Port, however when you proceed down the trail previous the church, this can 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 superb eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Lodge and affords 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 wonderful Ios sundown.
In case you are on the lookout for 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
When you’re seeking to get some train, mountaineering 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 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 generally barren however you’ll be capable to catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encompassing islands from lots of the larger trails. Preserve 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 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.
This can be a nice technique to meet folks from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. When you resolve to do the crawl a second time, you get a half-price low cost. The value modifications every season, however final season it was €60. The worth of this night time out is well worth the worth.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seashore
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seashore affords the proper 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 good.
There are not any amenities at this seashore, so deliver sufficient water and meals if you’re staying awhile. It was not very crowded after I visited in September, nevertheless 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 among the best-preserved prehistoric websites in the Aegean.
After I was there, the one different individual was the caretaker!
The fee is €Four 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 facet 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 positioned on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is one in every of my most beneficial 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 observe the sundown over the Aegean Sea. Because the space is small it’s best to arrive early if you’re in Ios in the course of 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 Seashore, which means you’ll be able to go from sunbathing to dancing in no time! When 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, resort and tenting web site so that you don’t should go far when you’ve had just a few too many drinks, or wish to keep nicely into the night time. One thing to maintain in thoughts 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 in the Chora (fundamental village). A lot of them are clothes shops, however you may as well discover housewares and memento retailers.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location in the village and on the port. When you’re into buying, this is among the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Probably the greatest 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
Probably the most common issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan!
Milopotas is a fantastic 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 received’t cost you when you order meals or drinks from them.
If 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 glorious 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 in 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 among the finest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum incorporates historical 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 historical Greek theatre. It will probably maintain 1100 folks. To discover 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 affords an epic view of Milopotas Seashore 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. Concord affords yoga courses in the mornings that can assist you get well out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a wonderful Mexican restaurant.
Even when you don’t must get well from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seashore might be seen whereas working towards 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 positioned excessive up in the Chora on the prime of the mountain slope, which was an incredible 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 incredible piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an incredible picture.
19. Take a Images Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the best 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 previous.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily nicely and affords 12 completely different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluate your photographs alongside the way in which. 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 very talked-about as of late and Ios is a superb place to present it a attempt. The water is calm most days, however when you do fall off your board, it’ll be a reduction from the new solar.
You’ll be able to lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seashore. 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 observe the ferries arrive. You’ll be able to sit at one of many cafes in the port and watch folks get on and off the ferry. It’s the final people-watching expertise. In case you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, it’s organized chaos.
You’ll be able to 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 folks, the most effective 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 least 1:00am. A few of the hottest bars are Visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
The very best factor about that is you’ll be able to occasion all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore in the afternoon. Individuals come from all around the world to occasion in Ios and it’s a good way to satisfy new folks from completely different cultures and make new pals.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned in 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 outdoors in Greece anyway.
All the pieces I had right here on the Octopus Tree was wonderful, however the fried zucchini fritters had been the most effective factor I had — so good I went again a second night time in a row to eat them.
it’s a good place to eat when many of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have recent fish as a particular and you have to attempt one in every of their salads, however I recommend sharing the salad because it’s big.
24. Hike the Footpath to the Chora
As you head up the street 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 superb hike as nicely. When 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 Seashore Membership
This occasion 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 nicely.
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.
Bonus Things To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed below are a few additional issues to see in Ios.
26. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is called the island with a church for every single day of the yr.
Though this may occasionally simply be a well-liked fable as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is among 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 folks 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 among the finest 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 purple wines, with the purple being the most effective in my opinion. 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.
What do you do in Ios in the course of the day?
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’ll be able to go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable boat tour of the beautiful islands, do some buying, pattern the tasty meals and wine, or (if it’s not too sizzling), do one of many hikes.
Is Ios value a go to?
Sure, Ios is value 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).
Is Ios nonetheless a celebration island?
Sure and no. You’ll be able to undoubtedly discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as nicely.
Is Ios island protected?
Ios is a protected island. As with anyplace, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Preserve hydrated while you’re in the solar (or while you’re partying!), and all the time put on a hat and sunscreen.
Is Ios or Santorini higher?
This can be a matter of private desire. Santorini is extra common and is dearer than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. When you’re on the lookout for a quieter possibility, Ios is it.
Which is healthier Mykonos or Ios?
Once more, this can be a matter of private opinion. Ios is sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos, and whereas all three islands are beautiful, Mykonos is extra generally known as the occasion 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.
How lengthy is the ferry from Santorini to Ios?
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 might 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 immediately.
As you’ll be able to see there are various 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 occasion all night time lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of this stuff to get the total Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
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Questioning the place to remain in Ios? There are quite a few lodging choices on Reserving.com and on Airbnb.
Goats On The Highway makes use of and recommends Reserving as a consequence of their superior cancellation coverage, reductions and offers. Click on right here to see properties obtainable in Ios. Airbnb is a superb guess when you’re on the lookout for villas and flats.
With all of the wonderful issues to do in Ios, it’s essential to have ample journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Highway presently use and advocate Security Wing (some of the common choices for travellers). Click on right here for a free quote.
When you’d prefer to lease a automobile in Ios or some other Greek Island, we advocate testing the costs on Expedia.com. Once more, Goats On The Highway all the time makes use of Expedia for our automobile leases!
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