5 REASONS TO VISIT IOS ISLAND IN 2024

There’s no place like Ios, the jewel of the Cycladic islands, a bit smaller but a lot cuter than Santorini and let's dare to say.. perhaps a better party place than Mykonos! It is an easy-to-reach island, either by a 6-8 hour ferry from Piraeus, Athens, or by a 45 minute ferry from Santorini island. Once known as a hippy place, these days it's a little different but has so much to offer for pretty much any taste!

Ios is worth visiting for three to five days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. While many people visit the island as a day trip from Santorini, there's plenty to explore if you stay for a few more days for sure. Other than having the reputation of a party place, the island is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches and impressive archeological ruins. 

NIGHTLIFE

As previously mentioned, this is one of the most famous party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area. But Ios is so much more than just nightlife!

BEACHES

Swimming in Ios is very enjoyable. The island’s lovely waters and welcoming light-colored sand make it the perfect place to relax on the beach with a hat and ice-cold drink and to experience the long Greek summer in all its glory. For a swim, try Koumbara, Psathi (suitable for wind surfing), Gialos, Mylopotas, Maganari (with tavernas and water sports), Treis Kleisies (a path provides access), and Kalamos. Our personal favorites include Kolitsani and Agia Theodoti, where we also own an accommodation: Traditional House by the Beach.

HIKES & SUNSETS

Ios does a good job of balancing out its hedonistic reputation with a hit of history and culture. Granted, not too many of the folk who come this way will be doing it for the mythical ancient sites and the churches. But they are there if you want them, and they are darn fascinating to boot. It is highly recommended to visit the Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos. It drapes over a rotund hill directly north of Chora and the port. It’s hailed by archaeologists as one of the most important ancient sites in the Aegean, offering remains of tombs and houses that are thought to date back a whopping 4,500 years! There’s also an associated museum in the main town that displays just a few of the relics that were found there over the years. Next up has to be Homer’s Tomb. Clutching the cliffs of Plakoto at the far northern tip of the island, we’re talking the resting place of arguably the most famous poet whoever walked the planet; author of The Iliad and The Odyssey. On the way there, also drop down to the east coast to check out the glorious Church of Agia Theodoti, or go for a swim in the clear waters of Agia Thedoti beach. Sunsets in Ios island are simply something else. You will get to experience some the most magical sunsets at the lighthouse in Koumbara, at Alma cafe-bar and at Panagia Gremiotissa in Chora.

CHURCHES & FESTIVALS

The Greek landscape is teeming with churches, but Ios has more than its fair share. According to tradition, there are about 366 churches on the island – more than there are days in a year! Nevertheless, there are plenty of churches in Ios, many of which are quite lovely, and several have been designated historical monuments. Visit Panagia Gremiotissa and Agia Ekaterini in Chora, Agia Eirini at the port, Aghia Theodoti at the spot with the same name, and Panagia at Palaiokastro. It is also worth visiting one of the feast day celebrations which usually include dancing, eating local goat soup and drinking until the early morning hours. The major feast days in Ios are on 24/6 (Ai Giannis Klidonas at Pyrgos), the Dekapentavgousto on 15/8 (Assumption of the Virgin Mary at Gremiotissa), on 29/8 (Ai Giannis of Kalamos and Psathi) and on 8/9 (Birth of the Virgin Mary at Aghia Theodoti and at Palaiokastro).

LOCAL SPECIALTIES

Try the mosenta (watermelon pie with flour and thyme honey), pasteli sesame seed bars, melitinia (pancakes with mastic and myzithra cheese), dried figs with sesame, tsimetia (stuffed zucchini flowers), karavoles (snails), skotyri (spicy cheese with summer savory, pepper and thyme, and xino (creamy cheese for salads).

Speaking about cheese, a visit to the local cheesery Diaseli is a must if you have a bit of time. The guided tour includes the chronicle of the agricultural life of Ios. Finally, the experience ends with a degustation of various handmade products of the estate and a gift from the owners. 

Sources:

Why You Need To Visit The Unbelievable Island Of Ios Greece (theculturetrip.com) 

5 Reasons to Visit Ios - Greece Is (greece-is.com) 

Is Ios Worth Visiting? Reasons You Should Visit | Budget Your Trip 

Is Ios, Greece, Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons To Visit This Year (travelsnippet.com)