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There’s all kinds of unbelievable issues to do in Ios, it’s undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Greece. This Greek Island is positioned within the Cyclades island group within the southern Aegean Sea.
With actions in Ios together with mountaineering, 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 stunning 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 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. 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 Seaside
Manganari Seaside is extremely considered the perfect seaside in Ios. The seaside has earned blue flag standing, which implies it has met requirements for cleanliness, environmental administration, and security. Manganari Seaside is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Whereas these may not be the greatest seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive and price a go to.
There are a number of eating places positioned on the seaside together with Antonis Tavern and Venus Restaurant and Bar, and should you’re in search of a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you could possibly e-book a resort 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 prime issues to do in Ios)
Many seashores on Ios are solely accessible by boat. Taking a ship tour lets you go to a number of of the perfect seashores in at some point.
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 superb Greek BBQ lunch on board. Sure, they’d a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the perfect seashores primarily based on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools for folks 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. 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 crucial common issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A few of the roads in Ios are grime 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 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 you 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 can be pretty straightforward as properly. 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.
Whilst you do want a automobile or an ATV to get to Homer’s Tomb, it’s to not be missed.
The tomb is positioned on a hill within the northeast space of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and provides beautiful 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 note this beautiful church in your means in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural fashion.
Not solely does the placement of the church provide beautiful views of the Port, however should 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 without doubt one of the few selections for tremendous eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Resort and provides fashionable Greek delicacies with a twist.
The restaurant is positioned 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 in search of a particular breakfast, Grandma’s provides 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
If you happen to’re seeking to get some train, mountaineering is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ios. There are 10 marked trails crossing most of this Greek island. Some are harder 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 resort for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is generally barren however you’ll be capable of catch beautiful views of Ios and the encompassing islands from lots of the greater trails. Understand that Ios is sort of sizzling in the summertime and there’s no shade so take loads of water and put on a hat when mountaineering 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 option to meet folks from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. If you happen to determine 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 provides the proper 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 excellent.
There are not any amenities at this seaside, so convey 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 without doubt one of 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 dimension. 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 positioned on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is considered one of my most beneficial issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the gorgeous village, rewarding you with beautiful views whenever 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 in the course of the excessive season, which is from Could 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 get together scene and the Far Out Membership is the place to be. It’s positioned on Milopotas Seaside, that means you may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! If you happen to’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 web site so that you don’t should go far should you’ve had just a few too many drinks, or wish to keep properly into the evening. 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 retailers on Ios, particularly within the Chora (essential village). Lots of them are outfitters, however you may as well 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 without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Ios.
Among the best 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. In addition they have an incredible sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seaside
One of the crucial common issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan!
Milopotas is a fantastic golden sand seaside, positioned only a quick bus experience from the port or the Chora. Many eating places have sunbeds and umbrellas for lease and a few gained’t cost you should you order meals or drinks from them.
If 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 provides some glorious people-watching alternatives.
15. Tour the Archaeology Museum
The small archaeology museum is so small it doesn’t have a reputation aside from “Archaeology Museum”. It’s positioned 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 workers.
The Archaeology Museum is without doubt one of the greatest 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.
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16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was in-built 1997 to symbolize the fashion of historic Greek theatre. It will probably maintain 1100 folks. To search out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You’ll be able to go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency occurring. It provides an epic view of Milopotas Seaside from the seats.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying chances are you’ll be doing on Ios, chances are you’ll wish to unwind with some yoga. Concord provides yoga courses within the mornings that can assist you recuperate out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even should you don’t have to recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside will be seen whereas working towards yoga. Lessons 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 positioned 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 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 important piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an important photograph.
19. Take a Pictures Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take pictures, however discovering the precise spots will 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 previous.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily properly and provides 12 totally different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluation 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 lately and Ios is a good place to provide it a attempt. The water is calm most days, however should you do fall off your board, it’ll be a aid from the new solar.
You’ll be able to lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seaside. That is an alternative choice for exploring the areas you may’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’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. When you have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you already know it’s organized chaos.
You’ll be able to spot who has come to get together, 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 perfect factor to do in Ios is get together! 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 few of the hottest bars are Site visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
One of the best factor about that is you may get together all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seaside within the afternoon. Folks come from all around the world to get together in Ios and it’s a good way to satisfy new folks from totally different cultures and make new mates.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned within the Ios port and solely appears to have outside seating. Because the climate is normally nice, most nights you’ll wish to eat outdoors in Greece anyway.
All the things I had right here on the Octopus Tree was superb, however the fried zucchini fritters had been the perfect factor I had — so good I went again a second evening in a row to eat them.
You already know 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 need to attempt considered one of their salads, however I recommend sharing the salad because it’s large.
24. Hike the Footpath to the Chora
As you head up the street 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 properly. If you happen to take this path, you’ll move 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 positioned alongside right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Get together at Pathos Seaside Membership
This get together 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 price, however you could possibly actually keep right here all day. Come for lunch, swim within the pool, watch the sundown, have dinner and get together the evening away.
Bonus Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed below 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 every single day of the 12 months.
Though this may occasionally simply be a well-liked fable as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is without doubt one of the prime 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 massive just like the one on the entrances to the Chora and a few are so small it appears just one or two folks may match inside. Most of those are privately owned and are hardly ever open, however they’re all stunning 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 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 crimson wines, with the crimson being the perfect 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 incessantly requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
What do you do in Ios in the course of the day?
There are a lot of issues to do in Ios in the course of the day. Whereas at evening it’s recognized for enjoyable events, in the course of the day you may go to the seaside, be part of a enjoyable 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 certain. 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 undoubtedly discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as properly.
Is Ios island secure?
Ios is a secure island. As with wherever, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seaside. Preserve hydrated whenever you’re within the solar (or whenever you’re partying!), and all the time put on a hat and sunscreen.
Is Ios or Santorini higher?
It is a matter of private desire. Santorini is extra common and is dearer than Ios. Each are stunning and each have one thing to supply travellers. If you happen to’re in search of 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 generally known as the get together 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 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 right 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 will 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 a lot 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 get together 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 Street makes use of and recommends Reserving because of their superior cancellation coverage, reductions and offers. Click on right here to see properties out there in Ios. Airbnb is a good guess should you’re in search of 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 Street presently use and advocate Security Wing (probably the most common choices for travellers). Click on right here for a free quote.
If you happen to’d wish to lease a automobile in Ios or every other Greek Island, we advocate testing the costs on Expedia.com. Once more, Goats On The Street all the time makes use of Expedia for our automobile leases!
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