Things to Do in Ios Greece: Beaches, Culture, History & Travel Tips

If you are planning an island trip to the Aegean and looking for things to do in Ios, then you are in the right place! Ios is small and kinda overshadowed by her more popular sisters in the Cyclades, Mykonos and Santorini, for example, but it’s still a beautiful island with plenty of activities available.

In this guide we will dispel the notion that Ios is only a party island and talk about all the things you can do there. We will also offer tips on the best time to go to Ios, how to get there and how to move around the island.

Let’s dive in.

Best Time to Go to Ios

The best time to go to Ios overall, is between May and June or September, also the best time to go to Greece, in general. It’s the beginning and ending of the tourism season, so the crowds are thin. The weather though is warm, (22°C – 29°C) the seas are welcoming and if you are looking for nightlife, you can find it easily. If this is your first time in Greece, visiting Ios during the shoulder season offers a relaxed and authentic experience.

But, if you are up for some bustling, high-energy parties and beach life, then the best time to go to Ios is in the peak season. July and August (24°C – 31°C) are hot and crowded, but the vibes are more alive than ever!

May, June and September are ideal months for senior travel in Greece, combining mild weather with fewer crowds.

How to Get to Ios Island

Ios has no airport, so the only way to reach the island is by sea. You can either take a ferry from Piraeus in Athens, or from Santorini. The first one lasts around 4 and a half hours, while the last one lasts only 40 minutes.

The ferry schedules are subject to changes depending on the season. At the height of summer, there are many connections and you will be able to choose from several departures each day. In the shoulder season, the ferries might run less frequently, so it is a good idea to check the schedules beforehand and make your booking early.

Ios is equally well–connected with other Cycladic islands like Paros, Naxos and Mykonos, which means that it can be a simple and convenient stop in your island-hopping plan. No matter if you are getting to Ios from mainland Greece or another island, the ferry trip itself gives stunning views of the Aegean Sea and is a good way to start your stay in Ios.

How to Explore Ios Once You Arrive

Your best means of transportation in Ios is a car. You can rent one, or a bike / ATV or scooter from Chora or at the port. It will give you maximum flexibility and it’s much faster and more reliable than buses. You can still use public transportation, but you will have to plan around their timetables.

Ios is a small island, so walking is also an option. You can go from Chora to Mylopotas in around 30 minutes for example. Keep in mind though that the return trip is uphill. So, hiring a vehicle might be your best option. Renting a car is also the most convenient option for family travel in Greece, especially on smaller islands like Ios.

A Walk Through Chora: The Heart of Ios

If you like compact yet vibrant villages, then you should definitely spend some time walking around Chora. Chora is the administrative and economic center of Ios, although it may not look like it. A place full of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches that bring in mind the typical card postals from Greek islands. Walking around Chora is one of the best things to do in Ios.

It looks a little bit like a maze of narrow alleys, but you can find shops, bars, cafes and restaurants everywhere you look. There are flowers spilling over windows and clinging on walls and amazing views as you climb up the hilly terrain of Chora. If you are a fan of Don Quixotes, you will appreciate the traditional windmills too! Or not, depending on how much you relate to him.

Discovering Ios’ Hilltop Churches

Ios is filled with churches! We are not exaggerating. It is said that 365, some small enough to have been built and taken care of by single families.

Seeing all of them might be hard, so you should focus on visiting the four churches that sit on the hillside of Chora. The views are amazing and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. If you are on a honeymoon trip, it’s the ideal place to go with your partner!

The church of Panagia Gremniotissa, one of the hillside churches, was built in 1797 A.D and there is a great celebration on August 15th taking place. Above this church, you can find the chapels of Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios and Agios Eleftherios. They are smaller, but definitely worth the visit. The views will not disappoint you.

Ios Club: One of the Best Sunset Spots on the Island

Ios Club, as the name implies, is a gorgeous club perched on a rocky hillside. It’s a series of whitewashed terraces, that combined with the beautiful views and chill music, create a very laid back atmosphere. At least until nightfall, when Ios Club transforms into an upbeat night bar!

You can enjoy cocktails and watch the sunset after a day of walking around Chora, visiting other villages in the island or swimming. An ideal place to take some amazing photos as well! Sunset cocktails with panoramic views are a hallmark of luxury travel in Greece.

Homer’s Tomb: Myth, History and Views

In Plakato, 13km away from Chora, you can visit Homer’s Tomb. Reaching it by car is the easiest way to do it.

Homer, the famous poet and creator of the Iliad and Odyssey epics, is said to have spent his last days on the island, since his mother hailed from there. Although it’s still up for debate whether Homer was actually buried in Ios, just visiting the place and walking around the hill is more than worth it. Also, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the tomb of the “maker of heroes divine”.

Alttext: Homer’s Tomb archaeological site overlooking the Aegean Sea in Ios

Exploring Ios by Boat: Beaches and Hidden Coves

One of the best things you can do in Ios is book boat trips around its coastline. Explore hidden beaches, coves and go snorkeling or even cave swimming if you are up for it!

You can hop on a boat at Mylopotas beach and sail around the island’s crystal clear waters that come in all shapes of blue and green. Go down the west coast for deserted coves, ideal for swimming in peace and quiet, away from the crowds, or visit the Pepa and Tripiti beaches. If you prefer to be around people, go to the popular Manganari beach at the southern edge of the island and enjoy the sunbeds, parasols, bars and restaurants.

Water sports and beach activities make Ios a strong contender for the best Greek island for families with teenagers. Even if you don’t have experience, you can give it a go! Who knows, maybe you will discover a new hobby.

A boat trip is one of the best ways to discover the most secluded beaches in Ios.

Visiting the Odysseas Elytis Theatre

Odysseas Elytis is one of Greece’s most famous poets and a laureate of the Nobel Prize in Literature. He is not from Ios, but the theater was named in his honor. Built in the ancient Greek style in 1997, it has a capacity of 1,100 people. Every summer, theatrical performances and concerts are taking place, but you can also visit the theater even with no shows going on. The amphitheater overlooks the Mylopotas beach and the views are simply stunning!

Alttext: Odysseas Elytis open-air theatre with panoramic views in Ios

Art and Culture at the Gaiti-Simosi Museum

Right next to the Odysseas Elytis theater, you can find the Gaitis-Simosi museum. It is named after Yannis Gaitis and Gabriella Simosi, a couple of artists that lived in Ios for a few years. Yannis Gaitis was a prolific sculptor, with around 4,500 works under his name! He was mostly known for producing patterns of anonymous men. Simossi too was a talented sculptor, with plenty of art pieces and awards.

Drakos Tavern: Fresh Fish by the Sea

Any Greece vacation itinerary that doesn’t include tasting the local seafood is a sin, unless of course you are vegetarian, vegan or have allergies. If not, then go to Mylopotas beach and find the Drakos Tavern. Spend an afternoon there, enjoying delicious fresh fish, octopus and the rich local red wines, while taking in views of the blue Aegean waters. Taverns like Drakos offer some of the most authentic food and wine experiences in Greece. Perhaps, one of the best examples of what it means to take vacations in Greece.

Exploring Skarkos, One of the Oldest Sites in the Aegean

Despite its size, Ios carries more history than you would expect. One of the best preserved prehistoric sites in the Aegean and early Bronze Age settlement. It’s near the port and you can easily walk there from Chora, taking the path by the windmills. Skarkos consisted of stone buildings and around 200-300 people lived there. The site was discovered in 1984 and you can see the findings, marble figurines, ceramics, tools, etc at the Archaeological Museum in Chora. Exploring archaeological sites like Skarkos is among the most rewarding things to do in Greece for culture-focused travelers.

Alttext: Skarkos prehistoric settlement ruins on the island of Ios

Mylopotas Beach: The Most Popular Beach in Ios

We have mentioned this beach already a couple of times and for a good reason. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Ios, stretching along for 1km and covered in golden sand. Lined with clubs, bars and restaurants, Mylopotas is perfect for swimming and water sports. You can rent equipment for kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving or take boat trips and other, more adrenaline filled activities.

The beach is well organised, with sunbeds, parasols and cabana. There is also a free section, if you prefer to lay down a towel by yourself. Mylopotas is 3km away from Chora and you can drive there or take a bus. With organized facilities and shallow waters, Mylopotas helps position Ios among the best Greek islands for families.

Alttext: Mylopotas Beach in Ios with golden sand and turquoise waters

Is Ios Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in Ios, that it’s kinda weird that the island is only known as a party destination. You can wander around the post-card perfect Chora, explore ancient sites like Homer’s Tomb and Skarkos or swim in crystal clear waters, enjoy boat trips and unforgettable sunsets.

Ios offers a mix of nature, history, fun and relaxation that you don’t find in many places. No matter if you visit it during peak season or the calmer months of May, June and September, Ios is a fantastic addition to any Aegean island-hopping tour or standalone destination. What would be your dream vacation in Ios and the Aegean? Greece Insiders can help you design a personalized itinerary that fits your very own travel style!