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There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively the most effective 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 climbing, watching the wonderful 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 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 likely one of the most lovely 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 Seashore
Manganari Seashore is extremely considered 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.
Whereas these may not be the finest seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless beautiful and price a go to.
There are a number of eating places positioned on the seashore 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 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 the most effective seashores in sooner or later.
We visited the Koumbara caves, Kolitsani seashore and because of the 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 primarily based on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel tools for folks 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 particular person. 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 fashionable 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.
Visitors on Ios is restricted to the Chora and the roads to the principle seashores, so that you gained’t have to fret about sharing the highway with too many automobiles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so ensure you lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is which you could lease it for simply the day. Parking within the Chora will probably be pretty straightforward as effectively. 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 positioned on a hill within the northeast space of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and gives 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). For those who arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will note this beautiful church in your approach in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural type.
Not solely does the situation of the church provide beautiful views of the Port, however in the event 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.
6. Eat at Grandma’s
Grandma’s is likely one of the few decisions for advantageous eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Resort and gives 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 wonderful Ios sundown.
If you’re on the lookout for a particular breakfast, Grandma’s gives 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
For those who’re seeking to get some train, 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 harder as they cross the mountains.
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 lodge for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is usually barren however you’ll be capable to catch beautiful views of Ios and the encircling islands from most of the increased trails. Remember the fact that Ios is kind 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 price features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, six pictures and a singlet.
This can be a nice method to meet folks from everywhere in the world and have a enjoyable time. For those who 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 gives the proper 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 good.
There aren’t any amenities at this seashore, so deliver sufficient water and meals in case you are staying awhile. It was not very crowded after 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.
Once I was there, the one different particular person was the caretaker!
The price is €4 for entry and it’s often closed on Monday. I additionally advocate getting a better vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north facet to know its huge dimension. You may stroll there from the Chora down a path close to the windmills.
11. Climb to the Prime 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 one among my most advisable issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the beautiful village, rewarding you with beautiful views if you attain the summit.
Many individuals wish to climb up right here to observe the sundown over the Aegean Sea. Because the space is small it is best to arrive early in case you are in Ios throughout the excessive season, which is from Could to September. An alternative choice could 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 Seashore, that means you’ll be able to go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! For those who’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, lodge and tenting website so that you don’t should go far in the event you’ve had a couple of too many drinks, or need to keep effectively 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 (primary village). Lots 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. For those who’re into procuring, this is likely one of the prime 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 a tremendous sunscreen product.
14. Sunbath at Milopotas Seashore
One of the crucial fashionable issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan!
Milopotas is a wonderful golden sand seashore, positioned only a brief bus experience 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.
Whenever 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 gives 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 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 employees.
The Archaeology Museum is likely one of the finest 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 might maintain 1100 folks. To seek out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You may go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency occurring. It gives an epic view of Milopotas Seashore 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. Concord gives 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 the event you don’t must recuperate from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seashore will be seen whereas training 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 a fantastic spot for them to catch the wind. Previously, 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 a fantastic piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for a fantastic photograph.
19. Take a Pictures Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the appropriate spots will be overwhelming. I made a decision to take a images 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 outdated.
He is aware of Ios extraordinarily effectively and gives 12 totally different tour choices. He guides you on what to shoot and helps evaluate your pictures 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 good place to offer 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 may lease a paddleboard from Meltemi Water Sports activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seashore. That is another choice for exploring the areas you’ll be able to’t attain by automotive or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in all my favourite issues to do in Ios is to observe the ferries arrive. You may 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 may spot who has come to get together, 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. Get together within the Chora
For many younger folks, the most effective 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 very least 1:00am. Among the hottest bars are Visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
The very best factor about that is you’ll be able to get together all evening, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Folks come from everywhere in the world to get together in Ios and it’s a good way to satisfy new folks from totally different cultures and make new pals.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned within the Ios port and solely appears to have out of doors seating. Because the climate is often nice, most nights you’ll need to eat outdoors in Greece anyway.
Every thing I had right here on the Octopus Tree was wonderful, 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 many of the patrons are Greeks. They often have recent fish as a particular and you have to strive one among their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s enormous.
24. Hike the Footpath to the Chora
As you head up the highway 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 effectively. For those who 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 inns 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 Seashore Membership
This get together 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 effectively.
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 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 named the island with a church for each day of the 12 months.
Though this may occasionally simply be a well-liked 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 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 might match inside. Most of those are privately owned and are not often 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 this 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 regularly requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
What do you do in Ios throughout the day?
There are various issues to do in Ios throughout the day. Whereas at evening it’s recognized for enjoyable events, throughout the day you’ll be able to go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable boat tour of the beautiful islands, do some procuring, pattern the tasty meals and wine, or (if it’s not too sizzling), do one of many hikes.
Is Ios price a go to?
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).
Is Ios nonetheless a celebration island?
Sure and no. You may positively discover enjoyable events on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as effectively.
Is Ios island secure?
Ios is a secure island. As with anyplace, be aware of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Maintain hydrated if you’re within the solar (or if you’re partying!), and at all times put on a hat and sunscreen.
Is Ios or Santorini higher?
This can be a matter of non-public choice. Santorini is extra fashionable and is dearer than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. For those who’re on the lookout for a quieter possibility, Ios is it.
Which is healthier Mykonos or Ios?
Once more, it 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 get together vacation spot. The seashores could also be a bit nicer on Ios, and it’s a extra reasonably priced vacation spot. Mykonos has extra occurring 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 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 will be in Ios by the early afternoon. This manner you’ll be able to arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios immediately.
As you’ll be able to see there are lots of issues to see and locations to go to in Ios. You may spend your days on the seashore getting a tan, find out about native historical past, and get together all evening lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of these items to get the complete Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
Photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, a web site for sourcing royalty-free photographs and movies. Be taught extra about what they provide, right here.
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