Ios Sightseeing: My Top 10 Highlights

Ios has long been considered Greece's undisputed party island, but it is now rediscovering its true treasures. While the vibrant nightlife continues to attract many club-goers, breathtaking landscapes, secluded bays, and unique places are waiting to be explored.

Ios manages the remarkable balance between tradition and modernity. I will show you the most beautiful sights and give you helpful tips.

Chora: One of the most beautiful in the country

Gialos: Harbor and nightlife district with charm

Panagia Gremiotissa: Impressive church with fantastic views

Top Beaches: Beach enjoyment for all tastes

Clubbing Guide: Where the legendary nightlife thrives

The Chora of Ios is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in the Aegean. Especially in the evening and night hours, it reveals its full charm. The whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and arcades interwoven with many stairs reflect the typical Cycladic architecture. The town winds around the hills above the harbor of Gialos like an artistic ribbon, offering a breathtaking sight.

The ruins of a Venetian castle remind of the historical significance of Chora. Particularly noteworthy are the many small churches, including Panagia Gremiotissa, which sits high above the town. In the evenings, Chora transforms into a lively meeting point for young and old, with its countless taverns, bars, and clubs. A must-do during your stay!

My tip: Public Ktel buses are the best way to visit Chora. The tightly scheduled routes bring you comfortably and reliably from various stops to the upper town in just a few minutes (Price: €2.10).

READING TIP: Here you can find my overview of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades.

The main dock of Ios is not only the central hub for ferries and boats, but also a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, filled with restaurants, cafés, shops, and a lovely marina. Here you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood in one of the cozy local restaurants - Tip: The Octopus Tree - or simply watch the bustling activity of arriving ships.

My tip: The Allo Bar right at the pier offers excellent tapas in a relaxed atmosphere. After your meal, the bars at nearby Gialos Beach invite you for cocktails, where the beach transforms into a charming open-air lounge at night.

The small but significant place of worship is nestled on a steep cliff above Chora. With its distinctive blue dome, white walls, and tall bell tower, it adds a colorful accent amidst the white cubical houses. One of the unique features of the church, built in 1797 in honor of the patron saint of Ios, is the magnificent palm tree in the forecourt.

My tip: Panagia Gremiotissa is one of the top sights on Ios and attracts tens of thousands of visitors at sunset each year. So make sure to head there in time to secure a nice spot for the sundowner. The best spots can be found at the nearby chapels like Hagios Eleftherios, Agios Nikolaos, and Agios Georgios. This unique spot is considered one of the most coveted in the Cyclades!

On Ios, you will find beautiful beaches, 35 in total. From lively to family-friendly to quiet - there is something for everyone here. Keep in mind that access can sometimes be bumpy. It often pays off to visit these bays, such as the Instagram hotspot Neverland Cove, as part of a boat tour (from the dock in Gialos).

Manganari Beach: A secluded but stunning beach right at the southern tip of the island. Manganari consists of several small bays and mini-islands. The light sand combined with the turquoise water feels Caribbean. It is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and families looking for seclusion and relaxation. My tip: If you want to experience a different side of Ios away from the tourist trails, one of the many apartments in the outskirts of Manganari is available. The Grand Bleu and Cantina Del Mar Manganari are two excellent restaurants here.

Mylopotas Beach: The most famous and longest beach is one of the top sights on Ios and offers fine sand, crystal-clear water, and numerous water sports opportunities. Along the promenade, you will find many taverns, bars, and hotels, which explains its appeal to younger crowds and families. Mylopotas is only two kilometers from Chora and well-integrated into the bus schedule.

Psathi Beach: A quiet beach on the east side of the island, particularly popular with windsurfers. The seclusion and view of the island of Iraklia make it an ideal spot for nature lovers. From the expansive bay, you also have a wonderful view of Iraklia. Tip: The Psathi Beach Bar offers great dishes and comfortable sunbeds.

Gialos Beach: Located near the harbor, this beach offers a relaxed atmosphere and is easily accessible. It is suitable for families and travelers who want to stay close to the main town. Several very good beach bars deliver food and drinks directly to the sea.

Koumpara Beach: Just a stone's throw from Gialos Beach, you will find the picturesque Koumpara Beach (also known as Koumbara), the ideal spot for sunsets. In this relatively short bay, you will find not only a high-quality fish restaurant but also luxurious beach beds provided by the exclusive Erego Beach Club (see point 5). My highlight is the palm tree avenue and the view of the adjacent private island of a very wealthy (but anonymous) owner.

Agia Theodoti Beach: This secluded beach on the east side is perfect for travelers seeking seclusion and relaxation. A small tavern is nearby.

The nightlife on Ios has maintained its legendary reputation. The repertoire ranges from exclusive beach clubs to old-school discos.

One of the most popular spots is the established Disco69. With an entrance fee of 10 euros (including a free drink), the seating in this relatively small club is quickly filled. It is worth starting a bit earlier.

Fans of electro and deep house can get their much-needed dose of beats daily from 11 PM at the Barmacy. In the small vault cellar, bright black light effects and electronic music dominate.

If you enjoy live music, the Circus in Chora is a must-see. In the only live club on the island, drinking games like ring toss and beer bong are also very popular.

A completely different atmosphere can be found at the Far Out Beach Club at Mylopotas Beach. It is a top choice, especially among young people. During peak season, parties happen here from the afternoon until the early morning!

A bit more exclusive is the Pathos Club above Koumpara Beach. With an entrance fee of 20 euros, you can enjoy the sunset in style with Luciano Pavarotti's 'O sole mio' - a true highlight. The venue built into the hillside strongly resembles the famous clubs in Ibiza with its Mediterranean interior. My recommendation!

For those who don't want to miss out on the club lifestyle during the day, the trendy Erego Club near Koumpara Beach is highly recommended. A well-maintained, spacious venue spread over several levels with a large pool, lounges, and chilled house beats from selected DJs.

This theater, named after the Greek Nobel laureate in literature, is situated on a hill above Chora. Built in traditional style, the attraction accommodates around 1,100 spectators. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea. During summer, various cultural events are often held here, including theater performances and concerts.

My tip: Park your car at the public parking lot by the windmills and walk the last 400 meters. Visiting the nearby Museum of Modern Art is somewhat dispensable.

A real highlight, especially for history lovers, is the legendary tomb of Homer. According to legend, the famous author of the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey' died from despair because he could not solve a riddle posed to him by fishermen.

His supposed grave (other places also claim this for themselves) is located in the north of the island on a secluded hill near the village of Plakotos. From the parking lot, a marked path (about 350 meters) leads directly to the burial site. There, next to the memorial stone, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the islands of Iraklia and Naxos.

The cuisine on Ios is a tribute to the simple yet flavorful Cycladic cooking tradition. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the focus, lovingly and carefully prepared. Among the most famous local dishes are Kalasouna, a cheese tart with Myzithra (similar to fresh goat cheese), and Revithada, a slowly cooked chickpea stew. Here are my personal favorites among the taverns and bars:

The Nest: A charming, authentic tavern in the heart of Chora. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes at an unbeatable price-performance ratio, paired with warm service.

Grandma's Restaurant: For a more exclusive experience, this restaurant with its excellent cuisine and unique location is perfect. Noteworthy are the show acts and shuttle service for guests.

Sainis Tavern: This cozy tavern in a narrow alley of Chora impresses with homemade ouzo and wine and the special atmosphere. Chef Kostas personally cooks and serves - a must for lovers of local cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended.

Valsamo Cocktail Bar: If you're wandering around Chora, you should check out this stylish cocktail bar. It offers one of the coolest venues for a drink on the island.

Cheese Museum Diaseli: A hidden gem for cheese lovers! Dimitris and Helen continue the family tradition and offer up to ten varieties of locally produced cheese for tasting in their museum.

The windmills of Ios are among the island's landmarks and are an impressive example of traditional Cycladic architecture. Located above Chora, they offer breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding landscape.

Once central to the island's agriculture, they were used for processing wheat and barley. Today, twelve mills remain, some of which have been restored. They are among the best photo spots on Ios.

The best place to start your journey on the island is the picturesque church of Agia Irini. It is situated prominently at the entrance to Gialos harbor and appears almost majestic thanks to its snow-white facade, two bell towers, and blue domes. The church was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Saint Irene, an early Christian martyr.

The location also offers a beautiful view of the sea and the bustling harbor of Gialos - a perfect spot for a break or an impressive photo as the ships arrive.

Mobility on Ios is important, but thanks to the well-developed public transport, it is also uncomplicated. The Ktel buses run regularly, getting you to the main points of interest on the island for little money. Alternatively, taxis and private shuttle buses are available. If you want to explore the island on your own, a quad is the best choice, especially due to the many hilly and winding routes. For more remote locations, an SUV can also be practical. Scooters are less advisable due to the bumpy roads. Vangelis and Trohokinisi (both in Chora) have established themselves as reliable rental services.

The months of June and September are ideal for a relaxed vacation on Ios. The temperatures are pleasant, and the island is less crowded. If you want to fully enjoy the party life, plan your visit for July and August when things are particularly lively.

Ios offers a wide range of accommodations. From simple to exclusive, there is something for every taste. Here is a selection of recommended hotels:

A top tip is the Magganari View Village (check prices here*) with several modern villas on the beautiful Magganari beach.

The Mazi Stin Io(check prices here*) is a small private house with terrace and garden near Gialos Beach.

The Relux Ios Hotel(check prices here*) is an upscale hotel near the harbor with modern rooms, suites, and a pool.

Pure luxury awaits you at Calilo (check prices here*): This luxury hotel with glamour factor even has its own cove.

The Glaros Hotel by the sea (check prices here*) is a lovely and affordable hotel in a prime location on Gialos Beach.

Ios offers more than just a wild nightlife. With its breathtaking landscapes and numerous beaches, it is especially a highlight for nature and culture lovers in the off-season. The only downside is the lack of traditional villages, which is compensated by the spectacular surroundings. My feel-good factor: 75 out of 100!

IOS GREECE TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Navigating in Ios, Practical Tips for...*

Cyclades Travel Guide Michael Müller Verlag: Traveling individually with many...*

Travel Know-How Island Trip Santorini / Santoríni: Travel guide with island map and...*