The 8 things to do in Ios

Visit Ios: what are the best things to do and to see on this iconic Greek island, famous for its nightlife?

South of Naxos and north Santorini , the island of Ios is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. You will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this unique and magical place, dotted with beautiful coves, secret bays and trails that rise up to Mount Pyrgos, the highest and legendary point of the island.

Reputed also for the intensity of its nightlife, you will find many bars and restaurants, but also everything to celebrate! Dive into the atmosphere of local life, enjoy a romantic sunset, and have fun until the end of the night!

Are you asking me to do Ios? This is it!

1. Explore Chora, the capital

And if possible... at two different moments: explore the day, then the night... These are really 2 faces you will discover!

The day, go up to the chapel that crowns it to attend the sunset on the island Sikinos her neighbor. Chora, a real jewel that shines under the sun, is built amphitheatre. Its small houses with flat roofs, bleached with lime, its winding alleys that wind between the constructions and its arcades that arise between two houses or above a alley form a magical atmosphere that charms the visitor. The quiet and charming little streets that you will discover the day, turn at nightfall into an overvolting atmosphere!

The bottom of the village and its alleys are full of bars and nightclubs! To eat, you will also find some restaurants and sellers of giros (style of small kebabs) near the main square. The atmosphere is resolutely young, with squares surrounded by music bars!

2. Explore the North of the island and go to the tomb of Hormer

Legend says the famous Greek poet Homère would be buried in Ios, which makes it a true pride of the island. You will have to take the only road from Chora to the heights of Ios, and climb all north of the island. Once you get there, you'll actually find a lot of stones! A good imagination will therefore be necessary to represent it. According to the local legend, he wanted to be buried in Ios because his mother was from here. If the grave in itself has no interest, the road that will take you there and its splendid views are worth a look!

In the area, beaches Psathi and Agia Theodoti are places of reproduction, extremely protected, Caretta Caretta marine turtles of the Mediterranean Sea. If you walk on a beach, or decide to pick a head or make a nap, be careful and preserve the deck space.

3. Relax on the port of Gialos

If you go to visit Ios, you should not pass next to this charming port which welcomes you with a small white church that decorates pleasantly the natural bay and well sheltered.

The harbour is bordered by a very pleasant beach with a walk filled with hotels and restaurant. For a romantic moment, enjoy a beautiful sunset on the port...

4. A boat ride

After strolling on the harbour docks, why don't you take a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to sail on the crystal clear waters around the island while enjoying the beaches of dreams that are flooded in a paradisiacal setting.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed of the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

After your boat adventure in Ios, no doubt that you will want to discover other Cyclades islands in the same way! We therefore advise you to visit "Explora Project" , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay « Cyclades : sailing and exploration under the eye of Éole » , you will dive into the heart of the mythical islands. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a program for small onions that awaits you: beautiful hiking trails, discovery of islands according to the winds and learning of daily sailing life. Unbelievable!

5. Farnienter on the beach

Are you asking me to do Ios? Relax of course!!! On Ios, the beaches are numerous and beautiful. The one of Gialos draws its sand crescent west of the Hora docks. Koumbara attracts naturists. Milopotas is the kingdom of all water sports ... In the east of Pano Kampos, Agia Theodoti proves to be quite uncommon. But the enchantment takes place in the south of the island where the beaches unfold in Manganari Bay, with clear and deep waters.

Think the island is filled with “clubbers”. You can therefore enjoy the large empty beaches before noon, while they are all still in bed.

6. Enjoy nightlife

What do Ios do? The party of course! Nicknamed " Party Island Ios is invaded by bars and clubs. Most are in Chora, but there are also many " beachparties or "pool parts". For a festive trip, focus on July and August. Quiet comes back in September, but you'll always find what you're having.

7. Visit the village of Ormos

Visiting Ios is also discovering the natural port of Ios, Ormos which is located in the bay of the same name. It is the second most populous village on the island, after Hora. Built on the slope of a mountain, overlooking the sea, you will be charmed by its typical architectural style of the Cyclades, preserving the traditional character of the island. The part named Yialos, near the port, is full of restaurants and bars that extend from the marina to the Yialos beach. Boats regularly depart from Ormos for daily excursions to the beaches of the island and the nearby islands.

8. Ravishing his taste buds with Greek cuisine

Known all over the world, Greek cuisine is based on sharing, conviviality and hospitality, typical values of the peoples of the Mediterranean basin. You will discover in Ios a generous, colorful kitchen, full of vegetables. In Ios we also cultivate the vine, so you can taste some delicious local wines. No way to visit Ios without tasting a tzatziki, a mussaka or a Baklava!

How to get to Ios?

If you visit Ios, know that the island does not have an airport. You can choose to fly to Santorini, Naxos, Paros or Mykonos then from there, you will take a ferryboat . The island is also linked to Athens. You can find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses . Once on site, you can easily travel by bus, or rent a vehicle , or a boat to access different beaches.

Where to stay in Ios?

The best places to stay in Ios are either in Chora, the main city of the island, if you want a central situation to party (very noisy attention), or on the beach, for a more romantic setting. To stay calm, Gialos and its port is a good choice. You can find a cheap hotel in Ios by doing a search on this Compare hotels .

Discover the wonders of Ios Island: idyllic beaches, hidden bays, hiking trails, exceptional views, horse riding, water sports and nightlife... You will certainly not be disappointed! Are you still wondering what to do to Ios?