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There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively the most effective places to visit 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 way of life 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 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 among the most beautiful islands in Greece. Learn on for extra about visiting right here.
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 most effective 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 best beaches in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive and price 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 the event you’re on the lookout for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you may 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 means that you can go to a number of of the most effective seashores in someday.
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 wonderful Greek BBQ lunch on board. Sure, they’d 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 4 hours and prices round $50 per individual. Study extra and reserve your spot here.
See Additionally: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
3. Tour the Island On an ATV
One of the crucial standard issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. Among the roads in Ios are dust and that is one of the simplest ways 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 gained’t have to fret about sharing the street with too many automobiles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so be sure to lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is that you could lease it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora might be pretty straightforward as nicely. You’ll be able to lease an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper within the port and the associated 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.
When you do want a automotive 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). If you happen to arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will notice this gorgeous church in your method 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 the event 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 selections for nice eating on Ios. Grandma’s is situated contained in the Liostasi Lodge 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 superb Ios sundown.
In case you are on the lookout for 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.
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7. Hike The Many Trails
If you happen to’re seeking to get some train, climbing is among the greatest 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 generally barren however you’ll have the ability to catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encompassing islands from lots of the increased trails. Needless to say Ios is sort 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 fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six photographs and a singlet.
It is a nice approach to meet folks from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. If you happen to 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 definitely worth the value.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seaside
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seaside presents the right view of the Ios sundown. The situation 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 amenities at this seaside, so carry 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 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 within the Aegean.
Once I was there, the one different individual was the caretaker!
The fee 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 grasp 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 situated on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is certainly one of my most really helpful issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the beautiful village, rewarding you with gorgeous views if you attain the summit.
Many individuals prefer 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 if you’re in Ios in the course of 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 understood for its epic celebration scene and the Far Out Club is the place to be. It’s situated on Milopotas Seaside, which means you may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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 need to go far in the event you’ve had just a few too many drinks, or need to keep nicely into the evening. One thing to bear in mind is that Ios operates seasonally and Far Out Village could solely be open from Might 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 (important village). A lot of them are clothes shops, however it’s also possible to discover housewares and memento retailers.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. If you happen to’re into procuring, this is among the high locations to go to in Ios.
Probably the greatest 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
One of the crucial standard issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan!
Milopotas is an exquisite 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 gained’t cost you in the event you order meals or drinks from them.
Once you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll just a few 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 presents 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 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 among the greatest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum accommodates historical 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 inbuilt 1997 to symbolize the type of historical Greek theatre. It may maintain 1100 folks. To seek out 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 presents 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. Harmony presents yoga courses within the mornings that can assist you recuperate out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a wonderful Mexican restaurant.
Even in the event you don’t have to recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside may be seen whereas working towards yoga. Courses 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 situated excessive up within the Chora on the high of the mountain slope, which was an amazing 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 amazing piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an amazing picture.
19. Take a Pictures Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take pictures, however discovering the best 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 nicely and presents 12 completely different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps overview 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 highly regarded lately and Ios is a superb place to provide it a strive. The water is calm most days, however in the event 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 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’ll be able to sit at one of many cafes within 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, you recognize it’s organized chaos.
You’ll be able to spot who has come to celebration, who has come to calm down, 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. Get together within the Chora
For many younger folks, the most effective factor to do in Ios is celebration! The Chora is full of bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until a minimum of 1:00am. Among the hottest bars are Traffic, Click, Coo Bar and Sweet Irish Dream.
One of the best factor about that is you may celebration all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seaside within the afternoon. Individuals come from all around the world to celebration in Ios and it’s a good way to fulfill new folks from completely 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 normally nice, most nights you’ll need to eat exterior in Greece anyway.
Every part I had right here on the Octopus Tree was superb, however the fried zucchini fritters have been the most effective 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 a lot of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have contemporary fish as a particular and you will need to strive certainly one of their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s enormous.
24. Hike the Footpath to the Chora
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 nicely. If you happen to take this path, you’ll cross by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many lodges or hostels are situated alongside right here. Watch out strolling at the hours of darkness as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Get together at Pathos Seaside Membership
This celebration place jogs my memory of Ibiza, Greek-style. Pathos has a restaurant, a pool and a bar. It’s the most effective locations to catch the sundown as nicely.
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 celebration the evening away.
Bonus Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed here are a few further issues to see in Ios.
26. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is called the island with a church for daily 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 actually sufficient church buildings right here to make visiting each 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 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 on the planet. So, it is sensible that the most effective 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 continuously requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
What do you do in Ios in the course of the day?
There are lots of issues to do in Ios in the course of the day. Whereas at evening it’s identified for enjoyable events, in the course of the day you may go to the seaside, be 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 sizzling), do one of many hikes.
Is Ios value a go to?
Sure, Ios is value a go to for positive. 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 positively discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as nicely.
Is Ios island secure?
Ios is a secure island. As with anyplace, be conscious 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 standard and is dearer than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a quieter possibility, Ios is it.
Which is healthier Mykonos or Ios?
Once more, it is a matter of private opinion. Ios is sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos, and whereas all three islands are attractive, Mykonos is extra referred to as the celebration vacation spot. The seashores could also be a bit nicer on Ios, and it’s a extra reasonably priced vacation spot. Mykonos has more going on and in addition 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 greatest 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 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’ll be able to spend your days on the seaside getting a tan, find out about native historical past, and celebration all evening 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 on account of their superior cancellation coverage, reductions and offers. Click here to see properties out there in Ios. Airbnb is a superb guess in the event you’re on the lookout for villas and flats.
With all of the superb issues to do in Ios, it’s vital to have sufficient journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Highway at present use and advocate Security Wing (probably the most standard choices for travellers). Click here for a free quote.
If you happen to’d prefer to lease a automotive in Ios or another 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 automotive leases!
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