Ios Greece: Travel Guide 2026

EXPLORE IOS ISLAND!

In addition to its vivid nightlife, Ios has many less-known aspects to offer, from beaches with shimmering waters to picturesque cliff-top villages with narrow alleys and more!

In our travel guide, you can find out everything about your holidays in Ios, Greece.
Discover the best things to do, must-visit beaches, nice hotels for your stay, the best restaurants, and a collection of photos from various locations around the island!
Ios is easy to reach by ferry from Athens (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio) and many other islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Crete.

How to Get There?

Best Hotels

Best things to Do(7)

Where to Swim?

Sights & Attractions

Where to Eat & Drink?

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN IOS

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You can independently book your ferry tickets and tours & experiences through our online booking engines, or let us organize your vacation with our island-hopping packages and tailor-made tours. We provide everything you need for a smooth and memorable experience in Ios.
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ABOUT IOS GREECE

Its ideal location in the heart of the Aegean Sea may be enough to convince you of its beauty, but Ios has become a summertime favorite for several reasons other than its breathtaking landscape!

Ios Island is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. Mainly famous for its vivid nightlife, the island is known as one of the best destinations for partying!
Indeed, the party scene isn’t just about the epic clubs and bars. It is a way of life, even just for the days you’ll spend on the island.

If you think that endless partying is the only thing to do, you couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Surprisingly enough, Ios is also a great destination to sit back and relax.
Strolling around the cobblestone alleys of Chora, climbing up to Odysseus Elytis Theater to marvel at a breathtaking sea view, watching the sun setting from Panagia Gremiotissa Church, and visiting Homer’s grave, one of the island's most significant historical monuments, are some indicative things you can do during your stay. One thing is for sure; this charming Cycladic island is a multidimensional destination!

As for its beaches, they are, hands down, some of the best beaches in the Cyclades! Make sure to head to Mylopotas, Gialos and Manganari to swim in crystal clear waters.
Are you into more quiet beaches? Agia Theodoti and Psathi will reward you with serenity and unspoiled natural scenery!

You’ll soon find yourself falling in love with Ios!

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

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PHOTOS OF IOS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Ios island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

The lively island of Ios has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with all kinds of incredible hotels, from luxurious apartments, villas and rooms, to family-friendly studios.
Many of the hotels are located within a short distance from the beach and they offer excellent views! The most popular areas to stay in are Chora and Mylopotas.

Some of the most popular hotels are:
• Calilo Hotel • Far Out Hotel • Hide Out Hotel

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HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

Ios is only accessible by ferry. There are ferries from the ports of Athens but also from other islands of the Aegean Sea, like Santorini, Paros, Naxos and more. The closest airport is located on the island of Santorini. You can take a flight to Santorini and then take a ferry to Ios.

Ferry tickets!

Discover more about the different ways to get to Ios & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights to nearby islands • Island-hopping • Move around

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HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF IOS

Discover the highlights of Ios! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience! You can also view the best things to do.

Stroll around Chora Village
Chora, the capital of Ios, is the centre of activities on the island. It has amazing Cycladic architecture and many venues for a lively night out, which is why it gets very busy in the evening and until the early morning...
Relax at Mylopotas Beach
Mylopotas is the most popular beach of Ios and also the closest one to Chora village. Equipped with many tourist facilities, this is the beach of the youth as it has beach bars and watersports and is accessible on foot.
Views from Gremiotissa Church
Panagia Gremiotissa is the most famous church on the island. It is located on a hill above Chora and is distinguished by the beautiful palm trees in its yard. The spot offers some of the most impressive views on the island.
Swim at Kalamos Beach
Kalamos is one of the most beautiful beaches of Ios Island, featuring soft golden sand and crystal waters. It is mostly secluded and receives a few visitors, even in high season and a great place for some privacy.
Dinner at Katogi Restaurant
Katogi is one of the top restaurants on the island of Ios and it is located in the picturesque alleys of Chora. The dishes are inspired by the modern Mediterranean cuisine but also include local specialties.
Party all night long
Ios is mostly known as the island of youth. It has many bars and clubs to spend a joyful night out. Most bars are located in Chora and organize all night parties.
Have fun at the beach
Don’t skip visiting one of the many watersports centers on the island. They offer activities from Stand Up Paddle to wakeboarding, bananas, tube rides, ringos, water skiing, jet ski, and other water games.
Views from the Windmills
Walking to the entrance of Chora, the capital of Ios, you will see some well-preserved windmills, surrounded by beautiful, colorful gardens. They now serve as residencies.
Swim at Manganari Beach
Located on the southern side of the island, Manganari is a calm beach to enjoy a day under the sun. Due to its large size, it has many secluded spots but limited tourist facilities.