There’s all kinds of unbelievable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively probably the greatest 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 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 likely 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 very thought to be 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 finest 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.
Today 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 incredible worth for Ios. Click on Right here to study extra.
Whereas these won’t be the finest 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 in search of a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you would 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 means that you can go to a number of of the very best seashores in at some point.
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, that they had 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 properly. 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. Study 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 widespread issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A number of the roads in Ios are filth and that is one of the simplest ways 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 received’t have to fret about sharing the street with too many vehicles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so ensure you hire an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is that you could hire it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora can be pretty simple as properly. You may hire an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper within 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 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 affords 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 means in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural type.
Not solely does the situation of the church supply beautiful views of the Port, however when 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 likely one of the few decisions for effective eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Resort 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 superb Ios sundown.
In case you are in search of a particular breakfast, Grandma’s affords a standard 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
Should you’re seeking to get some train, climbing is likely 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 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 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 sizzling 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 photographs and a singlet.
This can be a nice strategy 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 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 Seaside
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seashore affords 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 are not any amenities at this seashore, so deliver 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 likely 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 know its huge dimension. You may 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 beautiful views once 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 it is best to arrive early in case you are in Ios through the excessive season, which is from Could to September. Another choice can be to go for dawn over the hills.
12. Get together 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 may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! Should 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 when 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 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 within the Chora (primary village). Lots of them are outfitters, however you too can 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 buying, this is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Among the finest 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. Additionally they have a tremendous sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seaside
Probably the most widespread issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seaside is likely one of the finest locations to do it. You may head their by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in type by becoming a member of this personal boat tour that takes you to Milopotas.
This tour consists of your driver and snorkel gear and entry to their lovely boat. It comes extremely beneficial by vacationers. Click on Right here to study extra.
Milopotas is a ravishing golden sand seashore, positioned only a brief bus experience from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and a few received’t cost you when you order meals or drinks from them.
If 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 affords 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 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 likely one of the finest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum comprises historic artifacts discovered at Skarkos and within the Chora, together with pottery, statues, cash, and jewellery. The doorway payment is €4.
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16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was inbuilt 1997 to characterize the type of historic Greek theatre. It could actually 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 taking place. It affords an epic view of Milopotas Seaside from the seats.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying you might be doing on Ios, you might need to unwind with some yoga. Concord affords yoga lessons within the mornings that will help you get better out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even when you don’t have to get better from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside might be seen whereas working towards 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 incredible spot for them to catch the wind. Prior to now, the vitality 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 incredible piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an incredible photograph.
19. Take a Images Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the proper 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 properly and affords 12 completely different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps assessment 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 extremely popular as of late and Ios is a good place to present it a strive. The water is calm most days, however when 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 Seaside. That is an alternative choice for exploring the areas you may’t attain by automotive or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Ios is to look at 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. You probably have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you understand it’s organized chaos.
You may spot who has come to occasion, 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. Get together within the Chora
For many younger individuals, the very best factor to do in Ios is occasion! The Chora is full of bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until no less than 1:00am. A number of the hottest bars are Site visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
One of the best factor about that is you may occasion all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Folks come from everywhere in the world to occasion in Ios and it’s a good way to fulfill new individuals from completely different cultures and make new buddies.
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.
Every little thing 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.
it’s a good place to eat when many of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have contemporary fish as a particular and it’s essential to strive one in every of their salads, however I recommend sharing the salad because it’s big.
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 good hike as properly. Should you 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, at the present time tour is very beneficial and features a educated native information to take you alongside the paths to the Chora. Positively 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 resorts or hostels are positioned alongside right here. Watch out strolling at midnight as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Get together 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 probably the greatest locations to catch the sundown as properly.
There’s a €10 entrance payment, however you would actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and occasion 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
Should you’ve received an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is undoubtedly the best strategy to get to Ios or every other 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 named the island with a church for on daily basis of the 12 months.
Though this will likely simply be a well-liked 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 may 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 smart that probably the greatest 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 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 continuously requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are lots of issues to do in Ios through the day. Whereas at night time it’s identified 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 buying, 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 may 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. Hold 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 non-public choice. Santorini is extra widespread and is costlier than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. Should 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 known as the occasion 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 in addition 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 might be in Ios by the early afternoon. This manner you may arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios instantly.
As you may see there are numerous issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You may spend your days on the seashore 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 total Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
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