Travel Guide of Ios in Greece by Influencers and Travelers

Ios, Io or Nio is a Greek island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Ios is a hilly island with cliffs down to the sea on most sides, situated halfway between Naxos and Santorini.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Ios

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1 - Oia

Oia or Ia is a small village and former community in the South Aegean on the islands of Thira and Therasia, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it has been part of the municipality of Santorini, of which it is a municipal unit.

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2 - Thíra

Thira is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of South Aegean. The regional unit covers the islands of Thira, Anafi, Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos and several smaller islands in the Aegean Sea.

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3 - Scuba Diving in Ios

The Initiation Scuba Diving experience is designed for beginners who wanna try scuba diving for the first time. After completion of the course, you will be given your certificate and you can go on with a scuba diver certificate. Enjoy scuba diving on...

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4 - Chora, Ios

Chora or Hora, officially Ios, is the capital town of Ios Island in Greece and is the largest settlement on the island. It contains many of the island's facilities of tourism such as hotels and apartments.

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5 - Sikinos

Sikinos is a Greek island and municipality in the Cyclades. It is located midway between the islands of Ios and Folegandros. Sikinos is part of the Thira regional unit. It was known as Oenoe or Oinoe in Ancient Greece.

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6 - Hiking / Trekking in Ios

Head out on an exciting hike through the Skarkos Archaeological Site in Ios! This easy 3-hour hike on the island of Ios will take you from the Health Centre in Chora all the way to the Skarkos Archaeological Site and back, via other scenic spots. Mid...

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7 - Naxos

Naxos is a city and a former municipality on the island of Naxos, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Naxos and Lesser Cyclades, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit.

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8 - Kamari

Kamari is a coastal village on the southeastern part of the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of approx. 1800 according to the 2001 census. It is part of the

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9 - Bike Tours in Ios

Head out on a leisurely bike ride on Ios on a state of the arts electric all-terrain bicycle and discover the legendary tomb of Homer and the Skarkos Archeological Site! This private tour takes a maximum of 2 participants along a scenic route he...

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10 - Paros

Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about 8 kilometres wide. It lies approximately 150 km south-east of Piraeus.

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11 - Folegandros

Folegandros is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea that, together with Sikinos, Ios, Anafi and Santorini, forms the southern part of the Cyclades. Its surface area is 32.216 square kilometres and it has 765 inhabitants. It has three small villages, Chora, Karavostasis, and Ano Meria, which are connected by a paved road. Folegandros is part of the Thira regional unit.

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12 - Jet Boating in Ios

Get ready to explore the coastline of Ios and the most wonderful 7 beaches of the island! One of the best possible ways to discover the gorgeous island of Ios and its hidden gems and treasures. During this 4-hour trip, you will discover the unsp...

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13 - Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist

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14 - Byzantine Castle Ruins

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15 - Wandern/Trekking in Ios

Hike to the traditional Diaseli Cheesery in the hilltops above Chora! this hike in Ios will take you from the main town of Chora to its untrodden paths in the hills, overlooking the surrounding sea. On the way, you will get to view some of the I...

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16 - Oia castle

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Pictures and Stories of Ios from Influencers

Picture from Johnny Chen who have traveled to Ios

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Why should you visit Ios ?

Travel to Ios if you like:

  🏖️ Shore     🏖️ Ocean     🏘️ Town     🏖️ Coast     🏖️ Bay     🏰 Historic site  

How to visit Ios ?

Why traveling there?

Ios, Greece is a stunning island in the Cyclades, known for its picturesque villages, golden sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It's an ideal destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. The island's natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Greek islands.

How to get there?

To reach Ios, you have several options. The most common is to fly to Athens or Santorini and then take a ferry to the island. Ferries to Ios depart from Piraeus (Athens' main port) and Santorini, with numerous daily connections during the summer months. The journey from Piraeus takes around 4-7 hours, depending on the type of ferry, while the trip from Santorini takes about 1-2 hours.

What to book in advance?

Booking your accommodation, ferry tickets, and any organized tours or activities in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (June to September). This will ensure you get the best prices and availability. If you plan to rent a car or scooter to explore the island, it's also a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

What are the costs?

Ios is generally more affordable than some of its neighboring islands, like Santorini and Mykonos. You can find budget accommodations for around €30-50 per night, while mid-range options range from €60-100. Meals in local tavernas and restaurants typically cost between €10-20 per person. Ferry tickets from Athens to Ios range from €20-50, depending on the type of ferry and class of seat.

What are the best things to do?

Ios offers a variety of activities to suit all interests. Some of the best things to do include:
- Relaxing on the island's beautiful beaches, such as Mylopotas, Manganari, and Agia Theodoti.
- Exploring the charming village of Chora, with its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and picturesque windmills.
- Visiting historical sites, including the Tomb of Homer and the remains of the ancient city of Palaiokastro.
- Hiking through the island's impressive landscapes, taking in panoramic views from the highest point, Pyrgos.
- Enjoying the island's vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs in Chora and Mylopotas Beach.

Where to eat?

1. Katogi: A cozy taverna in Chora, known for its delicious traditional Greek dishes and friendly atmosphere.
2. Harmony Mexican Restaurant: Located near Mylopotas Beach, this restaurant offers tasty Mexican food with a beautiful sea view.
3. Lord Byron: A popular seafood restaurant in Chora, offering fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine with a twist.

Where to stay?

1. Far Out Village Hotel: A budget-friendly option located near Mylopotas Beach, featuring a pool, restaurant, and vibrant beach bar.
2. Relux Ios Hotel: A mid-range boutique hotel in Chora, offering modern rooms, a pool, and stunning sea views.
3. Liostasi Hotel & Suites: A luxury option in Chora, featuring elegant rooms, a spa, infinity pool, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Off the beaten path

For a truly unique experience, visit the secluded beach of Pikri Nero. Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, this hidden gem offers crystal-clear waters, natural shade from trees, and a sense of tranquility away from the more popular tourist spots. It's an ideal place to unwind, swim, and soak up the unspoiled beauty of Ios.

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