You’ve probably heard of Santorini and Mykonos, the most famous of the Cyclades (a huge group of islands in Greece). However, the lesser known islands prove to be the most charming gems of the Aegean. Ios is a small island around 1 hour ferry journey from Santorini. There are so many reasons to visit this beautiful place but here are ten reasons why Ios should be on your bucket list.
1. To fall in love with the magical sunset at Chora
Chora is pretty much the only town on this small island and so you’ll spend plenty of time acquainting yourself with its beautiful streets. One of the best things to do when night falls (around 8pm in August) is grab drink and head up to Panagia Gremniotissa Church for sunset.
The church is located right at the top of Chora, around 15-20 minutes walk from the main car park. Although it’s easy to lose yourself in the winding streets, follow the signs from the main square (and all the other sunset lovers) and you’ll reach it. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive for sunset as the view is breathtaking.
2. To explore wild, beautifully deserted beaches
If you love escaping the crowds and exploring incredible beaches solo then Ios is for you. The dramatic landscape means it’s not so easy for people to travel around the island en masse, so once you rent a car, scooter or AV the island is literally your oyster. We covered the entire island in three days (using our super slow but super cute 100cc AV) taking plenty of swim and picnic stops on the way. We were lucky enough to have most beaches to ourselves, or one other couple at most and it was complete bliss.
Beaches we loved:
1. Paralia Kalamos
2. Paralia Plakes
3. Kampaki Beach
4. Loretzaina
3. To get lost in the winding streets of Chora
Chora is the main town on Iso and home to beautiful boutiques, funky bars and a class nightlife. The town is built into a hill and so once you enter the streets from the main car park at the bottom, you really do wander through a labyrinth of small streets. In the middle (we guess) is the main square where you’ll find both up market and cheap happy hour bars and a great bustling vibe (and of course the best vegan gyros). You can honestly never get bored exploring all of the boutiques and chatting with the locals (we picked up some amazing DE Sunglasses at Manoussa Boutique).
4. To hang out at Mylopotas Beach
A long stretch of golden sand, hugged by stunning blue water - Mylopotas Beach is one of the best ‘townside’ beaches that we have ever seen. The beach is lined with great cafe bars serving everything from breakfast to sundowners, markets for snacks and beach games, scooter/ATV rental and tonnes of activity stalls. If you’re not too much of an explorer you could probably spend your entire stay here and leave happy.
5. To take a boat trip through crystal clear waters
We took a boat trip around the island, starting from Mylopotas beach for €30 each. This gave us a whole day out on the water visiting coves, cliff jumping and snorkelling through crystal blue water.
Since many beaches are quite difficult to get to by road (quite common in Greek islands) we honestly think a boat trip is a must wherever you visit.
The cost included: captain, four stops (three coves and one beach landing) lunch, a beer and water. They have low capacity on the boats to make sure you enjoy every moment, so make sure you book a couple of days in advance to grab a spot.
6. To go to Far Out‘s famous beach parties
Far Out Beach is a camp site / beach club located at the far end of Mylopotas Beach. With direct buses to Chora and a beautiful beach on the doorstop this budget accommodation was perfect for us. Whilst the general vibe is chill, at around 3pm every day a pool party kicks off and continues until everyone hops on the bus back to Chora.
(around 9pm). Whilst we didn’t join in this time around (and not bothered at all by the party) it seems like the perfect place to meet folk and have fun.
7. To eat the best VEGAN gyros ever
You heard correct folks. Vegan gyros does exist. I’ve been spent the last 10 summers in the Greek islands, however until 2021 I had never tried gyros (mad I know)! That was until I visited Souvlucky, a small gyros cafe just off the main square in Chora. Souvlucky sell huge, cheap gyros and even better they offer a Beyond Meat option for vegans. It was so delicious we went 4 times during our stay.
8. To get slammed and enjoy the mad nightlife
Okay but seriously, you can get literally slammed, on the head, by a bartender. We didn’t intend on trying out this ridiculous ritual until a kiwi guy randomly paid for us, and of course how could we say no. The Slammer Bar does exactly what it says on the tin, and offers you a shot in return. One of the many themed bars in Chora, you could spend your time here dancing the nights away. Many nights start in the main square and then head to one of the many bar / clubs nestled away in Chora. If you’re up to party, Ios is definitely your place.
9. To rent a cheap scooter or ATV
The best way to get around Ios is by scooter or ATV, and it’s really cheap (and really easy) to rent a bike here. You’ll need a license and enough cash to put down a deposit but other than that there’s really not much to it. Of course, be careful and always wear your helmet but other than that taste the freedom and enjoy.
10. To meet lots of international folk
Ios is full of people from all over the world and you really feel the amazing atmosphere which draws people to the island. There’s a warmth in the locals of Ios which you don’t find in the likes of Santorini and a feeling that everyone really is there to let their hair down, relax and enjoy.
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