There’s all kinds of unbelievable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively among the finest 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 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 yr earlier than sailing 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. Learn on for extra about visiting right here.
Right here’s my record of the highest 25 locations to go to, and issues to do in Ios, Greece.
1. Go to Manganari Seashore
Manganari Seashore is extremely thought to be the very best seaside in Ios. The seaside 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 won’t be the very best seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive and value a go to.
There are a number of eating places situated on the seaside together with Antonis Tavern and Venus Restaurant and Bar, and in case you’re in search of a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you may e book 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 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 means that you can go to a number of of the very best seashores in sooner or later.
We visited the Koumbara caves, Kolitsani seaside and as a result of 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 very best seashores based mostly on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools 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 here.
See Additionally: The Final Information To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
3. Tour the Island On an ATV
One of the vital well-liked 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 best ways to see these components of the island.
Site visitors on Ios is restricted to the Chora and the roads to the principle seashores, so that you received’t have to fret about sharing the highway with too many automobiles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so be sure you lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A wonderful thing about renting an ATV is which you can lease it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora will probably be pretty straightforward as properly. You may lease 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.
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 presents 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 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 gorgeous views of the Port, however in case 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 selections for high quality eating on Ios. Grandma’s is situated contained in the Liostasi Resort and presents trendy 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 superb Ios sundown.
In case you are in search of a particular breakfast, Grandma’s presents 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
In the event 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.
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 gorgeous views of Ios and the encompassing islands from lots 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 associated fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six photographs and a singlet.
It is a nice option to meet individuals from everywhere in 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 adjustments every season, however final season it was €60. The worth of this evening out is definitely worth the worth.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seashore
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seaside presents the proper view of the Ios sundown. The placement of the seaside on the west aspect of the island, and the rocks surrounding it make the sunsets right here image good.
There aren’t any services at this seaside, so carry sufficient water and meals in case you are staying awhile. It was not very crowded after I visited in September, nevertheless 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 likely one of the best-preserved prehistoric websites within the Aegean.
After I was there, the one different individual was the caretaker!
The associated fee is €4 for entry and it’s often 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 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 if 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 need to arrive early in case you are in Ios through the excessive season, which is from Could to September. Another 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 Club is the place to be. It’s situated on Milopotas Seashore, that means you possibly can go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! In the event 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, hotel and camping website so that you don’t must go far in case you’ve had a couple of too many drinks, or wish to keep properly into the evening. One thing to remember 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 retailers on Ios, particularly within the Chora (primary village). Lots of them are outfitters, however you can too discover housewares and memento retailers.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. In the event you’re into procuring, this is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Probably the greatest 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 an incredible sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seashore
One of the vital well-liked issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan!
Milopotas is a lovely golden sand seaside, situated only a brief bus trip from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for lease and a few received’t cost you in case you order meals or drinks from them.
If you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a couple 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 seaside additionally presents 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 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 likely one of the finest 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 charge is €4.
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16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was in-built 1997 to symbolize the type of historic Greek theatre. It could 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 presents an epic view of Milopotas Seashore from the seats.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying you might be doing on Ios, you might wish to unwind with some yoga. Harmony presents yoga lessons within the mornings that will help you recuperate out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a wonderful Mexican restaurant.
Even in case you don’t have to recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seashore might be seen whereas practising 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 situated excessive up within the Chora on the prime of the mountain slope, which was a terrific 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 not operational however are a terrific piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for a terrific picture.
19. Take a Pictures Tour
All the Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the suitable 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 outdated.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily properly and presents 12 totally 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 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 talked-about as of late and Ios is a superb place to offer it a strive. The water is calm most days, however in case you do fall off your board, it’ll be a reduction from the recent solar.
You may lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports on Mylopotas or Manganari Seashore. That is an alternative choice for exploring the areas you possibly can’t attain by automobile or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
Considered 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. In case you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you recognize it’s organized chaos.
You may spot who has come to occasion, who has come to chill out, and see the Greeks drive their automobiles 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 within the Chora
For many younger individuals, the very best 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 number of the hottest bars are Traffic, Click, Coo Bar and Sweet Irish Dream.
One of the best factor about that is you possibly can occasion all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seaside within the afternoon. Folks come from everywhere in the world to occasion in Ios and it’s a good way to satisfy new individuals from totally 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 wish 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 evening 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 need to strive considered one of their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s big.
24. Hike the Footpath to the Chora
As you head up the highway from the port, you will notice a white-lined staircase. That is the outdated donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a superb hike as properly. 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 accommodations or hostels are situated alongside right here. Watch out strolling at midnight 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 properly.
There’s a €10 entrance charge, however you may actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and occasion the evening away.
Bonus Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed here are a few additional issues to see in Ios.
26. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is named the island with a church for day by day of the yr.
Though this may occasionally 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 actually sufficient church buildings right here to make visiting every one 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 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 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 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 often requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
What do you do in Ios through the day?
There are lots of issues to do in Ios through the day. Whereas at evening it’s identified for enjoyable events, through the day you possibly can go to the seaside, be a part of a fun boat tour of the attractive islands, do some procuring, pattern the tasty meals and wine, or (if it’s not too scorching), do one of many hikes.
Is Ios price a go to?
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 couple of days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Is Ios nonetheless a celebration island?
Sure and no. You may positively discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as properly.
Is Ios island protected?
Ios is a protected island. As with wherever, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seaside. Hold hydrated if you’re within the solar (or if you’re partying!), and all the time put on a hat and sunscreen.
Is Ios or Santorini higher?
It is a matter of private choice. Santorini is extra well-liked and is dearer than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. In the event you’re in search of a quieter possibility, Ios is it.
Which is best 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 attractive, Mykonos is extra often called 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 occurring 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 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 possibly can arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios immediately.
As you possibly can see there are various 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 evening lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the complete 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 resulting from their superior cancellation coverage, reductions and offers. Click here to see properties out there in Ios. Airbnb is a superb guess in case you’re in search of villas and flats.
With all of the superb issues to do in Ios, it’s vital to have ample journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Highway at the moment use and advocate Security Wing (one of the well-liked choices for travellers). Click here for a free quote.
In the event you’d wish to lease a automobile in Ios or every other Greek Island, we advocate trying out 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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