TRAVEL GUIDE TO IOS

Famous for its amazing beaches and lively party scene, Ios is a popular Cycladic island destination among the youth! In addition to its nightlife, Ios has many more less-known aspects to offer, from beaches with shimmering waters to picturesque cliff-top villages with narrow alleys and more!

While planning your trip to Ios, make sure to check out the information available in our travel guide. Browsing through our guide, you will find everything you need to know about the island, including must-do activities, must-visit beaches, hotels for your stay, the best restaurants, and a collection of photos from various locations around the island!

Ios is easy to reach by ferry from Athens and more specifically, the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. It is also connected to many other islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Crete, creating an opportunity for island hopping you simply can't miss! The closest international airport is on Santorini island.

How to Get There?

How to Get There?

Hotels & Accommodation

Hotels & Accommodation

Best things to Do(7)

Best things to Do

Where to Swim?

Where to Swim?

Sights & Attractions

Sights & Attractions

Where to Eat & Drink?

Where to Eat & Drink?

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN IOS

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MORE ABOUT IOS GREECE

Its ideal location in the heart of the Aegean sea may be enough to convince you of its beauty, but Ios has become a summertime favorite for several reasons other than its breathtaking landscape!

Ios island is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Mainly famous for the vivid nightlife, the island is known as one of the best destinations for partying!
Indeed, the party scene isn’t just about the epic clubs and bars. It is a way of life, even just for the days you’ll spend on the island.

If you think that endless partying is the only thing to do, you couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Surprisingly enough, Ios is also a great destination to kick back and relax.
Stroll around the cobblestone alleys of Chora, the capital town... Climb up to Odysseus Elytis theater to marvel at a breathtaking sea view... Watch the sun setting in the horizon from Panagia Gremiotissa church… Visit Homer’s grave, one of the island's most significant historical monuments… In any case, this charming Cycladic island is a multidimensional destination!

As for its beaches, they are, hands down, some of the best beaches in the Cyclades! Make sure to head to Mylopotas, Gialos and Manganari to swim in crystal clear waters.
Are you into more quiet beaches? Agia Theodoti and Psathi will reward you with serenity and an unspoiled natural scenery!

You’ll soon find yourself falling in love with Ios!

• Map • Weather • History • Geography
More about Ios

PHOTOS OF IOS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Ios island through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

The lively island of Ios has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with all kinds of amazing hotels, from luxurious apartments, villas and rooms, to family-friendly studios.

Some of the most popular hotels are Calilo Hotel, Far Out Hotel & Hide out Hotel.
Many of the hotels are located within a short distance from the beach and they offer excellent views! The most popular areas to stay are Chora and Mylopotas.

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HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

Ios is only accessible by ferry. There are ferries from Piraeus port in Athens but also from other islands of the Aegean sea like Santorini, Paros, Naxos and more. The closest airport is on Santorini island. You can take a flight to Santorini and from there take a ferry to Ios island.
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Discover more about the different ways to get to Ios & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights to nearby islands • Island-hopping • Move around
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HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF IOS

Discover the highlights of Ios! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience! You can also view the best things to do.

  • Stroll around Chora village
    Stroll around Chora village
    Category: Villages
    Chora, the capital of Ios, is the centre of activities on the island. It has amazing Cycladic architecture and many venues for a vivid night out, which is why it gets very busy in the evening and until the early morning...
  • Relax at Mylopotas beach
    Relax at Mylopotas beach
    Category: Beaches
    Mylopotas is the most popular beach of Ios and also the closest one to Chora village. Organized with many tourist facilities, this is the beach of the youth as it has beach bars and watersports and is accessible on foot.
  • Views from Gremiotissa church
    Views from Gremiotissa church
    Category: Sightseeing
    Panagia Gremiotissa is the most famous church on the island. It is located on a hill above Chora and is distinguished by the beautiful palm trees in the yard. The spot offers some of the most impressive views on the island.
  • Swim at Kalamos Beach
    Swim at Kalamos Beach
    Category: Beaches
    Kalamos is one of the most beautiful beaches of Ios Island with soft golden sand and crystal waters. It is mostly secluded and receives few visitors, even in high season and a great place for some privacy.
  • Dinner at Katogi Restaurant
    Dinner at Katogi Restaurant
    Category: Restaurants
    Katogi is one of the best restaurants on the island of Ios and it is located in the picturesque alleys of Chora village. The dishes are inspired by the modern Mediterranean cuisine but also include local specialties.
  • Party all night long
    Party all night long
    Category: Clubs
    Ios is mostly famous as the island of youth. It has many bars and clubs to spend a joyful night out. Most bars are located in Chora and organize all night parties.
  • Have fun at the beach
    Have fun at the beach
    Category: Sports
    Don’t miss to visit one of the many watersports centers on the island. They offer activities from Stand Up Paddle to wakeboarding, bananas, tube rides, ringos, water skiing, jet ski, and other typical water games.
  • Views from the Windmills
    Views from the Windmills
    Category: Sightseeing
    Walking to the entrance of Chora, the capital of Ios, you will see some very well preserved windmills now used as homes surrounded by beautiful, colorful gardens.
  • Swim at Manganari beach
    Swim at Manganari beach
    Category: Beaches
    Located on the southern side of the island, Manganari is a relaxing beach to enjoy a day under the sun. Due to its large size, it has many secluded spots but few tourist facilities.

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