Experience the Best of Ios Island

Discover Beautiful Beaches, Vibrant Nightlife and Charming Villages on Your Next Holiday

Tourist Info | Best sightseeing | Eat & Drink | Best spots to stay at
Holidays in Ios Cyclades Greek islands Ios town travel and home min
Holidays in Ios Cyclades Greek islands cruises daytrips panoramic views travel and home min

Know before you go

Church Travel Greece Ios Cyclades Mediterranean List of Greek Islands to visit
27 Ios Ίος 41.7 sq. miles / 108 sq. km, Cyclades

When you go to Ios, you go to chill. Ios Island is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage.

The town is very quaint.  The entrance to the town is a chocolate box cover. Simply beautiful.

Ios is known for its wild and crazy nightlife during the August month of vacation. September is an excellent month to avoid crowds.

The island is also home to the tomb of Homer, a Greek poet back in ancient history. His grave can be seen in Plakoto, in the northernmost part of Ios. 

Ios has the most important prehistoric archaeological site of all the Cyclades islands. Namely Skarkos, an early Bronze Age settlement. While at it, you will find the Archaeological Museum’s prehistoric tools, figurines, and objects fascinating.

The beachfront is absolutely stunning – clear water and scenic panoramic views – and the people are amazing and helpful. 

Ios does not have an airport but nearby Santorini (airport code, JTR) does. Fly from Athens to Santorini. Then, take a ferry from Santorini to Ios. Off-season the transport can be a bit slow because of lesser demand.

  • Chora: The main town on the island, known for its white-washed buildings and winding streets. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops, tavernas, and bars.
  • Mylopotas Beach: One of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its crystal-clear waters and soft, golden sand.
  • Psathi Beach: A secluded and peaceful beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Magganari Beach: A remote and picturesque beach, accessible only by boat. It’s an excellent idea for a day trip.
  • Skarkos: An ancient settlement dating back to the Cycladic civilization, known for its well-preserved ruins and beautiful views.
  • Plakes: A series of beautiful beaches located on the western coast of the island, known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets.
  • Panagia Gremiotissa Church: A charming and historic church located in Chora, known for its intricate frescoes and beautiful views. It’s also the most famous chapel on the island.
  • Ios Archaeological Museum: A museum showcasing the island’s rich history and cultural heritage, featuring artifacts from the prehistoric, ancient, and Byzantine periods.
  • Ios Club: A lively open-air club located in Chora, known for its lively atmosphere and great music.
  • Ios Hiking Trails: The island offers several hiking trails that lead to spectacular views of the island, the Aegean Sea, and the surrounding islands.
Things to do in Ios Windmills travel and home best Greek Islands holidays

Ios shares the Cyclades islands’ reputation for having beautiful windmills. There are 12 windmills in varying degrees of deterioration that are located leading up the hillside away from Chora’s main town.

Panagio Gremiotissa Church

For spectacular sunsets, visit the Panagia Gremniotissa Church in Chora just before sunset and stay until the sun goes down.

Holidays in Ios Cyclades Greek islands beaches travel and home min
Holidays in Ios Cyclades Greek islands shopping travel and home min

Ios Island is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Some popular dishes to try on the island include:

  • Souvlaki: grilled meat skewers, typically made with pork or chicken and served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
  • Dolmades: grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
  • Fava: a traditional dish made from yellow split peas, often served as a dip with pita bread.
  • Gyros: a Greek sandwich made with grilled meat, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, wrapped in pita bread.

In addition to traditional Greek dishes, there are many seafood options available on the island as well. Fresh fish and seafood can be found in many restaurants and tavernas, and are often grilled or served in a traditional Greek salad.

For drinks, be sure to try some of the local wine and ouzo, a popular Greek anise-flavored aperitif. Also, refreshing Greek beers are a perfect match for hot summer days.

Overall, Ios Island offers a wide variety of delicious food and drink options for visitors to enjoy.

Ios Island is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming villages. Some popular places to stay on the island include:

Pension Irini-Vicky

Pension Irini Vicky beachfront accommodation in Ios travel and home

Booking your holiday stay at Pension Irini-Vicky is the best decision you can make. The accommodation was neat and tidy, the hostess is super friendly and helpful, and the beach is within comfortable walking distance, like 100 m from Yialos Beach. As advertised, it is ideal for two travelers, such as we were. 

If you’re not able to walk long distances, Pension Irini-Vicky is the perfect place for you. Imagine soaking up the sun on the beach with crystal clear water while watching the ships sail past, to and from the nearby port. Absolute bliss!

Pension Irini Vicky beachfront accommodation in Ios travel and home

Travel Tip(s)

Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Planning your next adventure? These are a few of our most important travel tips!

Travel Tip(s)

Cheapest flight tickets

I’ve found that the award-winning Travelstart platform’s rates are the best and after many years of using them, they are reliable. But I also use CheapOair’s and Aviasales‘ search engines to cross-check. Nine of the ten times, I come back and book on Travelstart. But at least I’ve done my homework!

Find the best accommodation

Hotellook has an extensive search engine working with data from more than ten online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others. That said, I still find myself checking Booking.com to ensure I get the best deal. 

 

For more travel tips on making bookings for your next trip, check out our travel bookings page.

Celebrate and save on seasonal and holiday deals.