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 mountain climbing, 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 stunning 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 stunning 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 Seashore
Manganari Seashore is extremely 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.
Manganari is finest visited by boat so you may take a look at 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 opulent speedboat will take you throughout the most effective coves and contains lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning beneath $50 per individual, it’s an incredible worth for Ios. Click on Right here to be taught extra.
Whereas these may not be the finest seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive 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 if you happen to’re in search of a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you may 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 high 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 the most effective 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 the most effective seashores based mostly on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools for individuals to make use of as effectively. 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. 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 vital fashionable issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. Among the roads in Ios are dust and that is one of the best ways to see these components of the island.
Visitors on Ios is restricted 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 lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A wonderful thing about renting an ATV is that you could lease it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora will probably be pretty straightforward as effectively. You possibly can lease an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper within the port and the fee is €40 to €45 a day.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When is The Finest Time to Go to?
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 case you arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will note this gorgeous church in your manner in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural model.
Not solely does the placement of the church provide gorgeous views of the Port, however if you happen to proceed down the trail previous the church, it will 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 selections for fantastic 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. Get pleasure from a pre-dinner drink subsequent to the pool and benefit from the wonderful Ios sundown.
If you’re in search of a particular breakfast, Grandma’s presents 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.
☞ SEE ALSO: Kefalonia Greece – Our 5 Day Journey Information
7. Hike The Many Trails
In case you’re seeking to get some train, mountain climbing 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 possibly can exit by yourself and discover the paths, or you may 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 resort for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is generally barren however you’ll be capable to catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encircling islands from lots of the greater trails. Needless to say Ios is kind of scorching in the summertime 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 associated fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six pictures and a singlet.
It is a nice approach to meet individuals from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. In case 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 evening out is well worth the worth.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seashore
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seashore presents the right view of the Ios sundown. The placement of the seashore on the west facet 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 after I visited in September, but it surely’s not a big seashore.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Corfu – A Listing of The Finest
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 associated fee is €4 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 grasp its huge dimension. You possibly can 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 one in every of my most advisable issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the gorgeous village, rewarding you with gorgeous views whenever you attain the summit.
Many individuals wish to climb up right here to observe the sundown over the Aegean Sea. For the reason that space is small it’s best to arrive early if you’re in Ios through the excessive season, which is from Might to September. An alternative 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 situated on Milopotas Seashore, that means you may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! In case 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, resort and tenting website so that you don’t should go far if you happen to’ve had a couple of too many drinks, or need to keep effectively into the evening. One thing to remember is that Ios operates seasonally and Far Out Village could solely be open from Might to September.
☞ SEE ALSO: Chios Greece – Unearthing The Magic of The Aegean
13. Store Within the Chora
There are such a lot of distinctive outlets on Ios, particularly within the Chora (essential village). A lot of them are outfitters, however you can even discover housewares and memento outlets.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. In case you’re into buying, this is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Ios.
Among the finest 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. In addition they have an incredible sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seashore
One of the vital fashionable issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seashore is without doubt one of the finest locations to do it. You possibly can head their by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in model 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 stunning boat. It comes extremely advisable by vacationers. Click on Right here to be taught extra.
Milopotas is a good looking golden sand seashore, situated only a quick bus journey from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for lease and a few gained’t cost you if you happen to order meals or drinks from them.
If you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a couple 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 seashore 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 generally change since they’ve only a few workers.
The Archaeology Museum is without doubt 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 price is €4.
☞ SEE ALSO: Lesvos Greece – Our 5 Day Journey Information
16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was inbuilt 1997 to symbolize the model of historic Greek theatre. It could actually maintain 1100 individuals. To search out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You possibly can go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency taking place. It presents 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 need to unwind with some yoga. Concord presents yoga courses within the mornings that will help you get well out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even if you happen to don’t must get well 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 high of the mountain slope, which was an incredible 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 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 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 effectively and presents 12 completely different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps assessment your pictures 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 extremely popular today and Ios is a good place to present it a attempt. The water is calm most days, however if you happen to do fall off your board, it’ll be a reduction from the recent solar.
You possibly can lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seashore. That is an alternative choice for exploring the areas you may’t attain by automobile or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Ios is to observe the ferries arrive. You possibly can 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. When you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you understand it’s organized chaos.
You possibly can spot who has come to occasion, who has come to loosen up, 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.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Zante (Zakynthos) – A Listing of The High 15
22. Get together within the Chora
For many younger individuals, the most effective 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 not less than 1:00am. Among the hottest bars are Visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
The perfect factor about that is you may occasion all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Folks come from all around the world to occasion in Ios and it’s a good way to fulfill new individuals from completely different cultures and make new mates.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is situated within the Ios port and solely appears to have out of doors 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 wonderful, however the fried zucchini fritters had been the most effective factor I had — so good I went again a second evening in a row to eat them.
You realize it’s a good place to eat when many of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have recent fish as a particular and you should attempt one in every of their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s big.
As you head up the highway 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 effectively. In case you take this path, you’ll move by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes.
As talked about earlier within the submit, this present day tour is extremely advisable 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 motels or hostels are situated alongside right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Get together 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 effectively.
There’s a €10 entrance price, 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. Get To Ios By Helicopter
In case you’ve obtained an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is definitely the best approach to get to Ios or another Greek islands. You possibly can e book the chopper for teams as much as 2 individuals they usually’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 named the island with a church for on daily basis of the 12 months.
Though this may occasionally simply be a preferred fantasy as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is without doubt one of 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 giant 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 stunning 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 the earth. So, it is sensible 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 most effective for my part. Search for the wine with the little tugboats on them and you’ve got discovered it.
FAQ’s About Ios
Solutions to regularly requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are a lot of issues to do in Ios through the day. Whereas at evening it’s identified for enjoyable events, through the day you may go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable boat tour of the attractive islands, do some buying, pattern the tasty meals and wine, or (if it’s not too scorching), 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 couple of days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Sure and no. You possibly can positively discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as effectively.
Ios is a secure island. As with wherever, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Maintain hydrated whenever you’re within the solar (or whenever you’re partying!), and at all times put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of non-public desire. Santorini is extra fashionable and is costlier than Ios. Each are stunning and each have one thing to supply travellers. In case you’re in search of a quieter possibility, Ios is it.
Deciding which is best, Mykonos or Ios, is a matter of non-public opinion. Ios is sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos, and whereas all three islands are attractive, Mykonos is extra referred to 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 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 fashion you may arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios straight away.
As you may see there are lots of issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You possibly can spend your days on the seashore getting a tan, study native historical past, and occasion all evening lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of this stuff to get the complete Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, a web site for sourcing royalty-free pictures and movies. Be taught extra about what they provide, right here.
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 on right here to see properties out there in Ios. home is a good guess if you happen to’re in search of villas and flats.
With all of the wonderful issues to do in Ios, it’s necessary to have ample journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Highway at the moment use and advocate Security Wing (one of the fashionable choices for travellers). Click on right here for a free quote.
In case you’d wish to lease a automobile in Ios or another Greek Island, we advocate testing the costs on Expedia.com. Once more, Goats On The Highway at all times makes use of Expedia for our automobile leases!
