25 Greatest Issues To Do in Ios, Greece in 2023
There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s positively among the best 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 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.
Greatest Issues to Do in Ios, Greece
Ios is among the most lovely islands in Greece and you’ll simply get right here by taking a cushty ferry from Athens or one of many close by islands. Learn on for extra about visiting Ios.
1. Go to Manganari Seaside
Manganari Seaside is extremely considered the most effective seashore in Ios. The seashore 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.
Manganari is finest visited by boat so you may try the entire 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 the most effective coves and consists of lunch, snorkel gear and a pleasant information for the day. With costs beginning round $50 per particular person, it’s an amazing worth for Ios. Click Here to study extra.
Whereas these may not be the most effective 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 case you’re on the lookout for a peaceable place to remain in Ios, you could possibly book a hotel room here.
Manganari 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 means that you can go to a number of of the most effective seashores in sooner or later.
I visited the Koumbara caves, and 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, that they had a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the most effective seashores based mostly on that day’s climate. They’ve snorkel gear 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 $65 per particular person. Be taught extra and reserve your spot here.
See Additionally: The Final Information To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
3. Tour the Island On an ATV
Probably the most fashionable issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A number of the roads in Ios are filth and that is one of the simplest ways to see these elements of the island.
Visitors on Ios is proscribed 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 be sure to lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A beauty of renting an ATV is you can lease it for only a day. Parking within the Chora will likely be pretty straightforward as properly. You may lease an ATV from Jacob’s Rental proper within the port and the fee is €40 to €45 a day.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When is The Greatest Time to Go to?
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 positioned on a hill within the northeast space of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and presents beautiful views. There are brown indicators indicating the path to the tomb from the port and it’s free to enter. Click here to search 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). For those who arrive by ferry in Ios Greece, you will notice this beautiful church in your means 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 case 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. Find Agia Irini on the map here.
6. Eat at Grandma’s
Grandma’s is among the few decisions for fantastic eating on Ios. Grandma’s is positioned contained in the Liostasi Lodge and presents trendy 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 presents a standard Greek breakfast together with regionally made cheese. Meals together with an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a drink can vary from €50 to €100.
☞ SEE ALSO: Kefalonia Greece – Our 5 Day Journey Information
7. Hike The Many Trails
For those who’re trying to get some train, climbing is among 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 manner, you’ll have a pleasant, knowledgable information to indicate you round and it’s solely round $28 per particular person. Click Here to study extra.
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 resort for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is generally barren however you’ll be capable of catch beautiful views of Ios and the encircling islands from most of the increased trails. Remember that Ios is sort of scorching 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 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 strategy to meet folks from all around the world and have a enjoyable time. For those who determine to do the crawl a second time, you get a half-price low cost. The value modifications every season, but it surely’s at the moment €30. The worth of this night time out is properly definitely worth the worth.
9. Watch the Sundown at Lorentzena Seaside
This remoted Lorentzena or Loretzaina seashore presents 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 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, but it surely’s not a big seashore.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Corfu – A Checklist of The Greatest
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.
After I was there, the one different particular person was the caretaker!
The associated fee is €4 for entry and it’s normally closed on Tuesdays. I additionally suggest getting a better vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north facet to grasp its huge dimension. You may stroll there from the Chora down a path close to the windmills. Click here for directions to Skarkos.
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 really helpful issues to do in Ios.
The trail takes you thru the beautiful village, rewarding you with beautiful views once you attain the summit.
Many individuals prefer to climb up right here to observe the sundown over the Aegean Sea. For the reason that space is small it is best to arrive early if you’re in Ios throughout the excessive season, which is from Might to September. An alternative choice could be to go for dawn over the hills.
12. Social gathering 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 positioned on Milopotas Seaside, which means you may go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Ios within the night, it is a good choice.
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 a number of 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 Might to September.
☞ SEE ALSO: Chios Greece – Unearthing The Magic of The Aegean
13. Store Within the Chora
There are such a lot of distinctive outlets on Ios, particularly within the Chora (fundamental village). Lots of them are clothes shops, however you may as well discover housewares and memento outlets.
My favourite store is Votsalo, which has a location within the village and on the port. For those who’re into purchasing, this is among the prime locations to go to in Ios.
The most effective 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. In addition they have an incredible sunscreen product.
14. Sunbathe at Milopotas Seaside
Probably the most fashionable issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seaside is among the finest locations to do it. You may head there by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in type by becoming a member of this private boat tour that takes you to Milopotas.
This tour consists of your driver and snorkel gear and entry to their lovely boat. It comes extremely really helpful by vacationers. Click Here to study extra.
Milopotas is a lovely golden sand seashore, positioned only a quick 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 case you order meals or drinks from them.
Once you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a number 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 presents some wonderful 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 generally change since they’ve only a few employees.
The Archaeology Museum is among the finest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum comprises historical artifacts discovered at Skarkos and within the Chora, together with pottery, statues, cash, and jewellery. The doorway payment is €4.
☞ SEE ALSO: Lesvos Greece – Our 5 Day Journey Information
16. Go to Odysseas Elytis Theatre
This open-air theater was inbuilt 1997 to characterize the type of historical Greek theatre. It may well maintain 1100 folks. To search out it, head previous the Chora and the windmills.
You may go to anytime even when there isn’t a efficiency taking place. It presents an epic view of Milopotas Seaside 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 presents yoga courses within the mornings that will help you get better out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even in case you don’t have to get better from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside may be seen whereas training 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 positioned excessive up within the Chora on the prime of the mountain slope, which was an amazing spot for them to catch the wind. Previously, 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 amazing piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an amazing picture. Get instructions to the Ios windmills here.
19. Take a Pictures Tour
The entire Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the proper spots may 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.
Mark is aware of Ios extraordinarily properly and presents 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 fashionable lately and Ios is a superb place to present it a attempt. The water is calm most days, however in case you do fall off your board, it’ll be a aid from the new solar.
You may 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
One in every of 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. You probably have ever taken the ferry in Greece, you recognize 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.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Zante (Zakynthos) – A Checklist of The Prime 15
22. Social gathering within the Chora
For many younger folks, the most effective 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.
One of the 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 a good way to satisfy new folks from completely different cultures and make new associates.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is positioned within the Ios port and solely has out of doors seating. Because the climate is normally 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 had been the most effective 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 a lot of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have contemporary fish as a particular and you need to attempt one among their salads, however I counsel sharing the salad because it’s enormous.
As you head up the highway from the port, you will notice a white-lined staircase. That is the outdated donkey path from the port to the Chora, and is a superb hike as properly. For those who take this path, you’ll go by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes.
As talked about earlier within the submit, this day tour is extremely really helpful and features a educated native information to take you alongside the paths to the Chora. Positively definitely worth the $28 or so per particular person. Click Here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many accommodations or hostels are positioned right here. Watch out strolling at nighttime as the trail isn’t well-lit and is uneven.
25. Social gathering at Pathos Seaside Membership
This social gathering place jogs my memory of Ibiza. Greek-style. Pathos has a restaurant, a pool, and a bar. It’s among the best locations to catch the sundown as properly.
There’s a €10 entrance payment, however you could possibly 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 below are a few additional issues to see in Ios that you simply gained’t need to miss.
26. Get To Ios By Helicopter
You probably have an additional grand or so to spend, then a helicopter is surely the good strategy to get to Ios or another Greek islands. You may e book the chopper for teams of as much as 2 folks and so they’ll take you from Athens to any island, between islands, or again to Athens. Click Here to find out about transfers from Ios.
27. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is named the island with a church for day-after-day 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 prime 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 may match inside. Most of those are privately owned and are not often open, however they’re all lovely 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 sensible that among the best 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 most effective in my view. Search for the wine with the little tugboats on them and you’ve got discovered it.
Issues to Do in Ios: FAQs
Solutions to often requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are various issues to do in Ios throughout the day. Whereas at night time it’s identified for enjoyable events, throughout 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 scorching), do one of many hikes.
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 a number of days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Sure and no. You may positively discover plenty of enjoyable events, bars, and golf equipment on Ios, however there’s a chilled-out scene right here as properly.
Ios is a secure island. As with anyplace, be conscious of your belongings when strolling in crowds, or when leaving your belongings on the seashore. Hold hydrated once you’re within the solar (or once you’re partying!), and at all times put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of private choice. Santorini is extra fashionable and is costlier than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. For those who’re on the lookout for a quieter choice, Ios is it.
Deciding which is healthier, Mykonos or Ios, is a matter of private opinion. Ios is sandwiched between Santorini and Mykonos, and whereas all three islands are beautiful, Mykonos is extra referred to 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 unquestionably identified for its social gathering scene! With many bars, golf equipment and occasions, Ios attracts a youthful, social gathering crowd. After all, Ios presents extra than simply events — spectacular views, lovely seashores, crusing alternatives and extra.
Ios is among the extra inexpensive islands in Greece, particularly when in comparison with locations like Mykonos and Santorini. Regardless that it’s fashionable, you’ll find offers on lodging and meals right here. For those who in the reduction of on consuming that may positively assist the price range! On the low finish, backpackers can get by on 50 Euros a day, whille midrange price range 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 may be in Ios by the early afternoon. This manner you may arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios instantly.
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, find out about native historical past, and social gathering all night time lengthy. I like to recommend doing all of this stuff to get the total Ios expertise. Have enjoyable!
A number of the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, an internet site for sourcing royalty-free photographs and movies. Be taught extra about what they provide, here.
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 accessible in Ios. This house is a superb wager in case you’re on the lookout for villas and flats.
With all of the wonderful issues to do in Ios, it’s essential to have satisfactory journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Highway at the moment use and suggest Security Wing (one of the crucial fashionable choices for travellers). Click here for a free quote.
For those who’d prefer to lease a automotive in Ios or another Greek Island, we suggest trying out the costs on Discover Cars. They search throughout quite a few corporations to search out you the most effective deal.
