Ios more than

a party Island

Ios Island

Ios Island, part of The Cyclades Islands lies between Naxos, Sikinos and Santorini islands.

Ios is known as the party island (especially July-August) with a lively atmosphere and endless fun, however, it remains a beautiful island with nice beaches and plenty of sunshine. If you like me missed out to visit Ios when you were young even if I felt young 2009 (my first visit to Ios)

Ios become a popular student destination in the 1960s, offering a heady cocktail of sun, sand and sex.

Hora (popular name The Village)

is the capital of the island is built around the sides of a hill, above the port of Ios, (distance 2 km).

It’s a fairly easy walk from the port, just follow the signs off the main road out of town up the hill.

Take the local bus from the port to Hora (The Village), the bus stop, is opposite the large cathedral located on one of the enclosed paved squares, known here as piazzes. The impressive cathedral was originally named Ayios Nikolaos then renamed to Evangelismos. Next to the cathedral is a small church called Ayios Ioannis Prodromos.

The majority of the shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs lie just behind the cathedral.

The Swedish Midsummer Party celebration is one of the biggest party every summer. The Party starts at 9 in the morning, with drinking in The Village in the area around Flames bar. Early afternoon the party crowd moves on to the Mylopotas beach and to the Far Out Beach Club where the party continues around the pool.

Back to The Village, windmills standing on the hill side, many been restored by the Municipality of Ios. Above the windmills the Odysseas Elytis open-air theatre designed of the ancient Greek amphie-style (dedicated to the Nobel prize winning in literature 1979) seat capacity around 1,000. Locals and visitors performs during the summer season.

Gialos beach resort & Ormos main port

The picture show from left Ormos port a small boat harbour. The port area full of life with tavernas, bars cafes and busy when ferries dock. Some accommodation behind the port area. It was in this area I stayed at my first visit to Ios 2009.

I stayed 3 nights at family owned Hotel Armadoros, (3 star) good location, short walking distance from the port. Basic good size room, pool and friendly service. Good value to affordable price.

The bay formed Gialos sandy beach stretches out, its large, family-friendly, organised and a good choice of water sport and behind the beach the village/resort of Gialos, good choice of accommodation plenty of bars and tavernas.

Erego Beach Club and Restaurant

Continue the Gialos beach road to the far end and head towards Koumbara Beach located 5 km from The Village. The bay formed beach, soft sand has a length of nearly 200 meters. Rocks at both end of the beach. Organised beach umbrellas and beach loungers, Popular with young people.

Mylopotas Beach

This is where the party starts

Ios most famous beach, Mylopotas Beach

shaped as a horseshoe and over 1km long. Lots of water sports facilities including scuba diving.

Located here is the popular, Far Out Beach Club it has everything to keep you entertained throughout your stay. From pool competitions, sports facilities, beach volleyball, cyber café and cinema and choice of accommodation.

Links to Mylopotas water sports include book on line and Ios activity offers by Meltemi include book on line.

How to get to Mylopotas Beach

Buses run to and from the Port, through the main village of Chora to Mylopotas every 15 minutes. It is a short journey of about 10-15 minutes depending on your start point.

Walking and enjoy the full panoramic view of Mylopotas Beach by walking down the old donkey trail to the beach from The Village.

Drakos fish Taverna

A meal at the waters edgat the west end of Mylopotas Beach is where you will find Drakos Taverna. I found it 2009 long after the taverna opened in1963.

Glorious Beaches

Manganari Beach

It is formed by 3 large beaches and several small ones that form coves with golden sand and shallow, turquoise waters. Good choice for families with children because of the shallow water. Located approximately 22km from Hora Accommodations available in villas and Room for rents, tavernas, sunbeds, parasolls a few water activities

How to get to Manganari Beach:

By bus. There are several daily departures from the Port, The Village or Mylopotas Beach. By boat. There are daily departures from the Port in the morning. By hire car / scooter / motorbike.Enjoy the breath-taking views on the way to this fabulous beach.

Avlaki to Papa Beach

A secluded bay, hidden by two large hillsides, bare landscape, will give you a great colourful impression the crystal clear waters in shape of blue and smooth sandy beach. Countless Palm trees.

Calilo

A new beach resort at the Avlaki to Papa beach , accommodation, dining, bar and boat tors check it out.

Aghia Theodoti Beach

Quiet and relaxing atmosphere, allegedly one of the most peaceful beaches of Ios. 650 meter long, sandy beach. Sunbeds and parasols and beach taverna available. Located 14km from The Village.

Tris Klisies beach

Sandy beach with clear blue water. Smallish beach, without facilities that is preferred by nudists. Located in the south-eastern part of the island. Short distance from Manganari Beach.

Psathi Beach

Psathi beach sandy beach plus a small flat rock area. Two more beaches just walk along the main beach. No umbrellas or sunbeds (2023) Popular beach for windsurfers. Some tavernas and rooms for rent. lies in the unspoilt valley of Psathi on the islands east coast,

Greek poet

Homer’s tomb

According to the local folklore, Ios Island is where it is claimed that the great Greek poet Homer is said to have died,

In fact, there is a monument, (looks like pile of stones) to visit. There are nice small beaches nearby, try Plakoto beach.

It is beliеved that the Anciеnt Greek poеt Hоmer died οn Iоs, his mοther`s birthplaсе. Today his tоmb cаn be fοund on a hill nеar the nоrth сοаst of Iоs and the bеach οf Plаkotоs, 12 кm frοm Iοs Chorа

Easy to get to Ios

By air

Ios have no airport. The closets islands with airport is: Mykonos airport (JMK) Santorini airport (JTR)

Flights to-from Athens daily. Flight time is approximately 35-45 minutes. European charter traffic and other International flights use Mykonos and Santorini airport between April – October.

Closets airports with domestic flights only at present to: Paros (PAS) and Naxos (JNX)

Fly Aegean Airlines With up to 40% off all flights, make 2024 an unforgettable year. Book online with AEGEAN. Fly now with Europe's Best Regional Airline and earn miles and exclusive offers now. Full Service. Star Alliance. No Debit Card Fee. Flexible.

eDreams menu include flights only-hotels only-flights and hotel-car hire-shuttles and transfers- and more to value for money offers

By sea

main ferry port Ormos approx, 2.2km from The Village, Transport by bus, taxi and private transfer arranged by some hotel. Local bus (KTEL) from Ormos port.

Ferry services from Athens Piraeus during the whole year as well as from a few other Cyclades islands.Ferries daily to/from Paros, Santorini, Naxos

Ferries from Ios to Paros or Naxos: fastest around 1 hour. 30 minutes ferry journey to Santorini, Depending on the ferry company and the vessel that you choose. Ios Island is located conveniently along the Mykonos - Santorini ferry route and well connected from/to other Cyclades Islands,

Island Hoppers

Allow plenty of time for your return flight and always plan and arrange an easily accessible final return port of call. Play safe is the name of the game, allow a minimum of at least one clear day to spare or more. Ferries can be cancelled due to very strong winds etc.

Book your ferry with Ferries in Greece for simple trip or for Island hoppers ferry itinerary