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 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 75 kilometers of seashore.
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.
Finest Issues to Do in Ios, Greece
Ios is likely one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and you may simply get right here by taking a comfortable ferry from Athens or one of many close by islands. Learn on for extra about visiting Ios.
1. Go to Manganari Seashore
Manganari Seashore is very considered one of the best seashore in Ios. The seashore has earned blue flag standing, which implies 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 all the smaller bays in a day and float above the crystal clear water, diving in to go snorkeling or simply floating round with a drink.
This day trip on an expensive speedboat will take you throughout one of the best coves and contains lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning round $50 per individual, it’s an important worth for Ios. Click Here to be taught extra.
Whereas these may not be the best beaches in Greece, they’re nonetheless beautiful 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 in case you’re on the lookout for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you may book a hotel room here.
Manganari 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 means that you can go to a number of of one of the best seashores in someday.
I visited the Koumbara caves, and 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 one of the best seashores primarily based on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools for individuals to make use of as properly. It was an effective 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 $65 per individual. Be taught extra and reserve your spot here.
See Additionally: The Ultimate Guide To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
3. Tour the Island On an ATV
Probably the most standard issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A number of 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 proscribed to the Chora and the roads to the principle seashores, so that you received’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 would be able to lease it for only a 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 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 affords gorgeous views. There are brown indicators indicating the path to the tomb from the port and it’s free to enter. Click here to seek out Homer’s Tomb on the map.
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 fashion.
Not solely does the situation of the church provide gorgeous views of the Port, however in case you 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. Find Agia Irini on the map here.
6. Eat at Grandma’s
Grandma’s is likely one of the few selections for advantageous eating on Ios. Grandma’s is situated contained in the Liostasi Resort and affords 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 wonderful Ios sundown.
In case you are on the lookout for a particular breakfast, Grandma’s affords a conventional 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 case you’re seeking to get some train, mountain 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 walking 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 Here to be taught 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 generally barren however you’ll be capable of catch gorgeous views of Ios and the encircling islands from most of the greater 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 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 5 bars in Ios. The associated fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, 5 pictures and a singlet.
It is a nice technique 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 value modifications every season, however it’s at present €30. The worth of this night time out is properly 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 placement of the seashore on the west aspect of the island, and the rocks surrounding it make the sunsets right here picture-perfect.
There aren’t any amenities at this seashore, so convey sufficient water and meals if you’re 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 associated fee is €4 for entry and it’s often closed on Tuesdays. I additionally advocate getting the next vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north aspect to know its huge measurement. You may stroll there from the Chora down a path close to the windmills. Click here for directions to Skarkos.
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 among my most advisable 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. For the reason that space is small you need to arrive early if you’re in Ios through 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 understood for its epic social gathering scene and the Far Out Club is the place to be. It’s situated on Milopotas Seashore, which means you may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Ios within the night, it is a good possibility.
Even higher, Far Out has a hostel, hotel and camping web site so that you don’t must go far in case you’ve had just a few 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 might 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 (important village). Lots of them are outfitters, however you can too 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 purchasing, this is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Among the best 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. Additionally they have an incredible sunscreen product.
14. Sunbathe at Milopotas Seashore
Probably the most standard issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seashore is likely one of the finest locations to do it. You may head there by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in fashion by becoming a member of this private 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 Here to be taught extra.
Milopotas is a fantastic golden sand seashore, situated only a brief bus experience 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 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 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 incorporates 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 in-built 1997 to characterize the fashion of historic Greek theatre. It will possibly maintain 1100 individuals. To search out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You may go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency occurring. It affords an epic view of Milopotas Seashore from the seats. Find it on the map here.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying you could be doing on Ios, you could need to unwind with some yoga. Harmony affords yoga lessons within the mornings that can assist you recuperate out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb 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 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 prime of the mountain slope, which was an important 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 important piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an important picture. Get instructions to the Ios windmills here.
19. Take a Images Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take pictures, however discovering the fitting spots might be overwhelming. I made a decision to take a images 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 outdated.
Mark is aware of Ios extraordinarily properly and affords 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 could be very standard lately and Ios is a good 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 new solar.
You may lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports on Mylopotas or Manganari Seashore. That is another choice for exploring the areas you may’t attain by automotive or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in every 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. If in case you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you already know it’s organized chaos.
You may spot who has come to social gathering, 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, one of the best factor to do in Ios is social gathering! The Chora is stuffed with bars and golf equipment. Many of those bars and golf equipment don’t open until at the very least 1:00am. A number of the hottest bars are Traffic, Click, Coo Bar and Sweet Irish Dream.
The very best factor about that is you may social gathering all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Folks come from all around the world to social gathering in Ios and it’s an effective way to fulfill new individuals from completely different cultures and make new pals.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is situated within the Ios port and solely has outside seating. Because the climate is often nice, most nights you’ll need to eat exterior in Greece anyway.
All the things I ate right here on the Octopus Tree was wonderful, however the fried zucchini fritters have been one of the best factor I had — so good I went again a second night time 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 contemporary fish as a particular and you will need to strive one among their salads, however I recommend sharing the salad because it’s large.
As you head up the street from the port, you will note a white-lined staircase. That is the outdated donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a good hike as properly. 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 publish, this day tour is very advisable and features a educated native information to take you alongside the paths to the Chora. Undoubtedly well worth the $28 or so per individual. Click Here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many resorts or hostels are situated right here. Watch out strolling at the hours of darkness as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Occasion at Pathos Seashore Membership
This social gathering 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 properly.
There’s a €10 entrance payment, however you may actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and social gathering the night time away.
Extra Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed here are a few additional issues to see in Ios that you just received’t need to miss.
26. Get To Ios By Helicopter
If in case you have an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is surely the best technique to get to Ios or another Greek islands. You may e book the chopper for teams of as much as 2 individuals they usually’ll take you from Athens to any island, between islands, or again to Athens. Click Here to study transfers from Ios.
27. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is called the island with a church for every single day of the 12 months.
Though this may occasionally simply be a preferred 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 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 smart 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 pink wines, with the pink being one of the best for my part. Search for the wine with the little tugboats on them and you’ve got discovered it.
Issues to Do in Ios: FAQs
Solutions to steadily requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are lots of issues to do in Ios through the day. Whereas at night time it’s recognized for enjoyable events, through the day you may go to the seashore, be part of a fun boat tour of the beautiful islands, do some purchasing, 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 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).
Sure and no. You may positively discover numerous enjoyable events, bars, and golf equipment on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as properly.
Ios is a protected island. As with wherever, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Preserve hydrated if you’re within the solar (or if you’re partying!), and all the time put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of non-public choice. Santorini is extra standard and is dearer than Ios. Each are stunning and each have one thing to supply travellers. In case you’re on the lookout for a quieter possibility, 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 generally known as the social gathering 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 in addition has an airport.
It takes about 35 minutes to get from Santorini to Ios by ferry. See the ferry timetable right here.
Ios is certainly recognized for its social gathering scene! With many bars, golf equipment and occasions, Ios attracts a youthful, social gathering crowd. After all, Ios affords extra than simply events — spectacular views, stunning seashores, crusing alternatives and extra.
Ios is likely one of the extra inexpensive islands in Greece, particularly when in comparison with locations like Mykonos and Santorini. Though it’s standard, yow will discover offers on lodging and meals right here. In case you in the reduction of on ingesting that can positively assist the finances! On the low finish, backpackers can get by on 50 Euros a day, whille midrange finances is round 120 Euros.
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 various issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You may spend your days on the seashore getting a tan, study native historical past, and social gathering all night time lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the total Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
A number of the photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, an internet site for sourcing royalty-free photos and movies. Be taught extra about what they provide, here.
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