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There’s all kinds of unimaginable issues to do in Ios, it’s undoubtedly among the best locations to go to in Greece. This Greek Island is situated within the Cyclades island group within the southern Aegean Sea.
With actions in Ios together with climbing, 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 lovely Greek island, together with exploring 75 kilometers of seashore.
This was my second go to to Ios as I had spent the yr 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.
Greatest Issues to Do in Ios, Greece
Ios is among the most lovely islands in Greece and you may simply get right here by taking a snug 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 very best seashore in Ios. The seashore has earned blue flag standing, which suggests it has met requirements for cleanliness, environmental administration, and security. Manganari Seaside is separated into 5 smaller seashores.
Manganari is greatest visited by boat so you possibly can 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.
Today journey on an opulent speedboat will take you throughout the very best 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 ideal worth for Ios. Click on Right here to study extra.
Whereas these won’t be the very best seashores in Greece, they’re nonetheless attractive and value 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 could possibly e book a resort room right 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 high issues to do in Ios)
Many seashores on Ios are solely accessible by boat. Taking a ship tour permits you to go to a number of of the very best seashores in in the future.
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, they’d a grill on the boat!
The tour takes you to the very best seashores primarily based 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. Study 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
Probably the most fashionable issues to do in Ios is to discover by ATV. A number of the roads in Ios are grime and that is the easiest way to see these components of the island.
Visitors on Ios is restricted to the Chora and the roads to the primary seashores, so that you gained’t have to fret about sharing the highway with too many vehicles.
A lot of Ios is hilly, so be sure to lease an ATV with sufficient energy.
A wonderful thing about renting an ATV is that you may 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.
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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.
When you do want a automobile 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 gives beautiful views. There are brown indicators indicating the path to the tomb from the port and it’s free to enter. Click on right 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 notice this beautiful church in your method in. This church was constructed within the seventeenth century within the typical Cyclades architectural model.
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. Discover Agia Irini on the map right here.
6. Eat at Grandma’s
Grandma’s is among the few decisions for nice eating on Ios. Grandma’s is situated contained in the Liostasi Resort and gives trendy Greek delicacies with a twist.
The restaurant is situated 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.
If you’re on the lookout for a particular breakfast, Grandma’s gives a conventional Greek breakfast together with regionally 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, climbing is among 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.
You may exit by yourself and discover the paths, or you possibly can be part of this super-highly-rated strolling tour round Ios. This manner, you’ll have a pleasant, knowledgable information to point out you round and it’s solely round $28 per particular person. Click on Right here to study 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 resort for instructions to the trailheads.
Ios is usually barren however you’ll be capable to catch beautiful views of Ios and the encompassing islands from most of the greater 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 5 bars in Ios. The fee features a complimentary drink, free admission to the bars, 5 pictures and a singlet.
This can be a nice strategy to meet folks from everywhere in the world and have a enjoyable time. In case you determine to do the crawl a second time, you get a half-price low cost. The worth modifications every season, however it’s presently €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 gives the right view of the Ios sundown. The situation of the seashore on the west facet of the island, and the rocks surrounding it make the sunsets right here picture-perfect.
There are not any services at this seashore, so carry 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 among the best-preserved prehistoric websites within the Aegean.
Once I was there, the one different particular person was the caretaker!
The fee is €4 for entry and it’s normally closed on Tuesdays. I additionally advocate getting a better vantage level of Skarkos from the Chora on the north facet to grasp its huge measurement. You may stroll there from the Chora down a path close to the windmills. Click on right here for instructions 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 situated on the highest of the hill above the Chora. Climbing to the highest is certainly one of my most really helpful 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 prefer to climb up right here to look at the sundown over the Aegean Sea. Because the space is small it is best to arrive early in case you are in Ios in the course of the excessive season, which is from Might 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 situated on Milopotas Seaside, which means you possibly can go from sunbathing to dancing very quickly! In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Ios within the night, this can be a good choice.
Even higher, Far Out has a hostel, resort and tenting website so that you don’t need to 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 remember is that Ios operates seasonally and Far Out Village might solely be open from Might 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 (predominant village). A lot of them are clothes shops, 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 buying, this is among the high locations to go to in Ios.
Among the best 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. Sunbathe at Milopotas Seaside
Probably the most fashionable issues to do in Ios is to work in your tan! Milopotas Seaside is among the greatest locations to do it. You may head there by yourself, or get your sunbathing on in model by becoming a member of this personal 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 on Right here to study extra.
Milopotas is a wonderful golden sand seashore, situated only a quick bus journey 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.
If you’re prepared to chill off, simply stroll a number of 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 gives 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 situated 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 greatest small island museums I’ve visited. The museum comprises historic 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 in-built 1997 to signify the model of historic Greek theatre. It may possibly 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 occurring. It gives an epic view of Milopotas Seaside from the seats. Discover it on the map right here.
17. Do Yoga at Concord
After all of the partying it’s possible you’ll be doing on Ios, it’s possible you’ll need to unwind with some yoga. Concord gives yoga lessons within the mornings that can assist you get well out of your nights out. As a bonus, it’s additionally a superb Mexican restaurant.
Even in case you don’t have to get well from something, the views from the hillside location at Mylopotas Seaside might 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 situated excessive up within the Chora on the high of the mountain slope, which was an ideal spot for them to catch the wind. Up to now, the power 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 ideal piece of Ios historical past. Some are extra intact than others, however regardless, they nonetheless make for an ideal photograph. Get instructions to the Ios windmills right here.
19. Take a Images Tour
All the Greek Islands are nice locations to take images, however discovering the precise spots might 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 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 may be very fashionable today and Ios is a superb place to provide 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 activities on Mylopotas or Manganari Seaside. That is an alternative choice for exploring the areas you possibly can’t attain by automobile or foot.
21. Watch the Ferries Arrive
One in all 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 folks 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 recognize it’s organized chaos.
You may spot who has come to get together, who has come to loosen up, and see the Greeks drive their vehicles 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 very best 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 no less than 1:00am. A number of the hottest bars are Visitors, Click on, Coo Bar and Candy Irish Dream.
The perfect factor about that is you possibly can get together all night time, sleep late and nonetheless benefit from the seashore within the afternoon. Individuals come from everywhere in the world to get together in Ios and it’s a good way to fulfill new folks from totally different cultures and make new mates.
23. Eat at Octopus Tree
This tiny restaurant is situated 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 superb, however the fried zucchini fritters had been the very 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 a lot of the patrons are Greeks. They normally have contemporary fish as a particular and you could strive certainly one of their salads, however I recommend sharing the salad because it’s large.
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. In case you take this path, you’ll go by the traditional Chora partitions and see many native Greek homes.
As talked about earlier within the submit, today 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 on Right here for more information.
Not solely is that this a pleasant stroll, however many accommodations or hostels are situated right here. Watch out strolling at midnight 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 best locations to catch the sundown as properly.
There’s a €10 entrance charge, 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 night time away.
Extra Issues To Do in Ios, Greece
Listed here are a few further issues to see in Ios that you simply gained’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 unquestionably the best strategy to get to Ios or another Greek islands. You may e book the chopper for teams of as much as 2 folks they usually’ll take you from Athens to any island, between islands, or again to Athens. Click on Right here to study transfers from Ios.
27. Go to the 365 Church buildings
Ios is named the island with a church for each day of the yr.
Though this will simply be a well-liked fantasy as nobody has ever counted all of them. Visiting church buildings is among the high issues to do in Ios, and there are definitely 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 might 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 planet. So, it is smart 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 purple wines, with the purple being the very best 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 incessantly requested questions on visiting Ios, Greece.
There are a lot of issues to do in Ios in the course of the day. Whereas at night time it’s identified for enjoyable events, in the course of the day you possibly can go to the seashore, be part of a enjoyable boat tour of the attractive islands, do some buying, 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 a number of days, or as a day journey from Santorini (which takes round 35 minutes).
Sure and no. You may undoubtedly discover numerous 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 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 all the time put on a hat and sunscreen.
Evaluating Ios to Santorini is a matter of non-public choice. Santorini is extra fashionable and is costlier than Ios. Each are lovely and each have one thing to supply travellers. In case you’re on the lookout for a quieter choice, 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 attractive, Mykonos is extra often called 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 happening 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 identified for its get together scene! With many bars, golf equipment and occasions, Ios attracts a youthful, get together crowd. In fact, Ios gives extra than simply events — spectacular views, lovely seashores, crusing alternatives and extra.
Ios is among the extra reasonably priced islands in Greece, particularly when in comparison with locations like Mykonos and Santorini. Although it’s fashionable, you will discover offers on lodging and meals right here. In case you in the reduction of on ingesting that can undoubtedly assist the funds! On the low finish, backpackers can get by on 50 Euros a day, whille midrange funds is round 120 Euros.
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 might be in Ios by the early afternoon. This manner you possibly can arrive and begin exploring all of the thrilling issues to do in Ios straight away.
As you possibly can see there are a lot of 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 get together 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 pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, an internet site for sourcing royalty-free pictures and movies. Study extra about what they provide, right here.
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In case you’d prefer to lease a automobile in Ios or another Greek Island, we advocate testing the costs on Uncover Automobiles. They search throughout quite a few firms to seek out you the very best deal.
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