Ios City Guide Los is the epitome of an idyllic Greek island holiday destination. The island, an 18-kilometer stretch in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches, parties by day and night, and a healthy dose of ...
Show more ...Ios City Guide Los is the epitome of an idyllic Greek island holiday destination. The island, an 18-kilometer stretch in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches, parties by day and night, and a healthy dose of ...
Show more ...
Los is the epitome of an idyllic Greek island holiday destination. The island, an 18-kilometer stretch in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches, parties by day and night, and a healthy dose of tranquillity. While Ios may draw in its yearly crowd of young party animals, the island has plenty of beaches to go around for families and those looking for a little peace and quiet to share. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ios while hopping around the Greek islands or you’re there to enjoy peaceful sunsets and cocktails in the sun, the island will not disappoint.
Things to Do
Chora: The Main Village
The only way onto the exotic island is by ferry, which docks into the harbour not too far from Chora. This traditional village is the perfect introduction to Greek island life. Its hilly terrain offers panoramic views of the island while its picturesque winding alleyways with blue and white buildings exude a classic Greek look and feel. Chora, the main village on the island, has a reputation for being sleepy by day and vibrant by night. Stop by a traditional Greek taverna for a lazy lunch in the afternoon or step into the main square and let the party begin.
Beach-Bumming
With over 40 beaches on the island, it would be a shame not to explore at least a few of them when there. Mylopotas is perhaps the most popular beach on Ios, and is packed full of bars, restaurants and offers many other beach amenities. You can spend your days in and out with toes dipped in soft, white sand and bathing in crystal-clear waters. When you’re not kayaking, snorkelling or scuba diving, you can roll about in the sand on dry land in a game of volleyball.
Party & Relax
Ios may have a reputation for being a party island with hoards of young crowds getting the party started during summer months around midday; it is possible to avoid the party altogether. Valmas and Kolitsani are top beach choices for a bathing in the Mediterranean sea in peace and quiet. But if it’s a party you’re looking for, you won’t have to look long and hard. When in doubt, head to the beach bars and clubs or the main square in Chora for cocktails and beers in the sun.
Historic Tour
Even when vacationing on an exotic island, there is only so much beach-bumming one can take before needing a change of scenery. Ios has an impressive 365 churches on land, as well as ancient ruins and historic landmarks to discover. You can easily spend a day or two cruising around the island, exploring sights from Homer’s Tomb to the Byzantine old castle of Paleokastro.
Explore
Ios is the perfect island to explore by car or on foot should you wish. Drive around the island exploring its beaches and iconic landmarks with comfort and ease. But if you have a love for on-land adventures, then strap on your hiking boots and explore Ios’ rocky back-country terrain. Climb Pyrgos, the highest point on the island or get a taste of ancient mythology at Agios Ioannis, an old monastery. Escape the island altogether with a day trip to one of the neighbouring islands.
Getting Around
As there is no airport on Ios, getting to the island will be your biggest travel adventure. Ferries to Ios can be caught from Athens and Santorini. On the island there’s a well-organized bus service, operating from early morning to late evenings. While regular taxis are readily available, speed boat taxis are another option, especially when wanting to visit those hard to reach, remote beaches.
When to Go
Ios is blessed with good weather all year round. Winters are mild and summers are warm, with high season kicking in around June through August when the island gets busy. There’s never a bad time to visit Ios, unless you don’t like a crowd when it’s best to avoid peak season.
Sleep
Whether you’re travelling to Los to have a relaxing beach holiday or to party all night long, you’re bound to fall asleep sometimes. Take a look at our selection of places to stay in Ios and book the best accommodation for you on your holiday.