IosCyclades · Greece

All About Ios

Ios has earned a reputation for being the best party island in the Aegean ever since tourists began to flock here in the 70s. The island is still a mecca for young party-goers seeking to combine picturesque beaches with upbeat nightlife, although it also attracts those seeking a restful haven in true Cycladic style. Taking a ferry to Ios is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Located halfway between Naxos and Santorini in the Aegean Sea, the landscape of this 18×10 km island is made up of soaring hills and rugged cliffs leading down to wonderful coved beaches. Said to be the birthplace of the Greek poet Homer (his tomb is here), the island also boasts 365 churches, one for every day of the week!

Bathed in the bright Mediterranean sunshine with the exquisite scenery, Ios has inspired many artists in the past and today you can still enjoy the traditional vibes in the village of Chora and explore the many footpaths spreading around the island. On Ios, you can sunbathe all day and party all night or simply escape into a magical world of authentic island vibes and tranquil beaches. Everything is possible here!
 

Routes and Ferries to Ios

You can travel to Ios from a number of destinations, with extra routes available in the summer months. This is a very popular island, so make sure to book your ferry tickets to Ios with Ferryscanner in advance to secure a place. The trip from the port of Piraeus in Athens takes about 7 hours with lines such as Blue Star Ferries and Fast Ferries which takes about 5 hours or you can sail from Rafina for a 5.40-hour journey with Golden Star Ferries or with the faster Seajets service (approx. 4 hours). There are also departures from the port of Lavrio and the journey takes 10.25 hours with regular ferries such as Hellenic Seaways.

If you are already on one of the Greek islands and wish to reach Ios, it is very well situated. There are ferry connections to Ios from Anafi (1.55 hrs), Andros (6.10 hrs), Folegandros (1,15 hrs), or from Kea (9.15 hrs). Additionally, you can get to Ios from Kimolos (2.40 hrs), Kythnos (7.40 hrs), Milos (3.45 hrs), Mykonos (1.40 hrs), Naxos (1.10 hrs), Paros (2.10 hrs), Serifos (4.15 hrs), Sifnos (4.30 hrs), Santorini (1 hr) and Tinos (3 hrs).

Since does not have an airport but you can fly to Santorini National Airport and catch a connecting ferry to Ios from there. Flights are available from Athens and there are also many direct flights to Santorini from European destinations. If you fly to Athens airport and wish to take the ferry from Piraeus, you can reach the port either with the X96 express bus service, take a taxi, or catch the train to Monastiraki station in Athens, from where you will need to change and take the Piraeus line connection.
 

Port of Ios

Ios has only one port, situated on the western side of the island, which serves all incoming and outgoing ferry traffic. Ormos is the main port for all visiting ferries, with a well-run marina for yachts to moor. In the main square, you can find a range of supermarkets, boutiques, fine jewelry stores, restaurants, and bars, as well as bikes and cars for hire. While buses connect the port with the rest of the island, local boats also leave from here on a daily basis for the island’s beaches. There is a small beach near the port itself for you to have a dip upon your arrival or before departing. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Ios.
 

Capital & Villages

There are only a few settlements on the island and most residents live in its capital of Chora, also known as Ios Town. The other ‘villages’ of Ormos and Mylopotas are busy in the summertime but extremely quiet during winter.

Chora

This is the island’s capital and can be found just 2 km away from the port, or a 20-minute walk. The charming village is built amphitheatrical-style and is made up of cubic style whitewashed houses and narrow stone-paved alleys, as is typical of the Cyclades. Discover a myriad of welcoming restaurants, souvenir, and gift shops within its maze-like streets, as well as cozy bars and lively nightclubs when the sun goes down. Walk to the top of the village to check out the windmills and the spectacular views from the pretty church of Panaghia Gremiotissa. Visit the outdoor theatre named after the famous Greek poet Odysseas Elytis and explore the fabulous ruins of the Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos before checking out the intriguing artifacts in the Archaeological Museum.

Ormos

Situated in the natural harbor of the same name, Ormos is also known as Yialos or Gialos. It is full of restaurants, taverns, and coffee shops, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a tasty meal while watching all the activity. You will also find travel agents, hotels, and all other amenities here. A stroll along the harbor will lead you to the 17th-century church of Agia Irini and a lighthouse, from where you can view the small yachts sailing in and out of the bay.

Mylopotas

Mylopotas is the third settlement on Ios, just a kilometer to the south of Chora. Its beautiful sandy beach made it the favorite haunt of hippies and nudists in the 60s and 70s and it still attracts many sun worshippers today. It is mainly a tourist resort that thrives during the high summer season, with many hotels and amenities available to cater to holiday goers. Visit the Museum of Modern Art while you are there, which is housed in the mansion of the French philhellene Jean Marie Drot, to admire the splendid collection of works by international artists.
 

Best Beaches

Ios is said to have some of the best beaches in Greece and there is no denying the beauty of its abundance of crescent-shaped sandy bays and aquamarine waters. Many have beach bars and watersports centers catering to both young and old and although some are accessible on foot, others are hidden away in secluded coves only reachable by boat. Catch a ferry to Ios and start exploring immediatly!

Mylopotas Beach

Just 3 km away from the main village of Chora, Mylopotas is undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches on the island and perhaps the most stunning. The 1-kilometer long beach is partly organized with umbrellas and sunbeds; its crystalline waters perfect for swimming and watersports like windsurfing and scuba diving. Beach parties are frequently organized here, so it is a magnet for young people who revel in the all-day and night dining and fun.

Manganari Beach

Manganari Beach is breathtakingly beautiful, with its stretch of fine golden sand and pristine waters spreading out over five coves. Being 23 km south of Chora, it is quite remote and therefore remains perfectly undisturbed and peaceful. As you walk along the protected bay to enjoy the wonderful scenery, bear in mind that French director Luc Besson spent some of his childhood here before featuring this location in several scenes for his movie The Big Blue.

Agia Theodoti Beach

Agia Theodoti is on the northeast side of the island, 14 km from Chora, and is a truly magnificent beach of golden sand and azure waters with an air of untamed beauty. The serene surroundings make for an ideal beach experience, with its shore lined by shady trees, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds. Nearby, you can explore the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct and a Hellenistic tower, or simply sit and enjoy the sublime views of the adjacent islet of Irakleia.

Plakes Beach

Plakes is another astounding beach, boasting the idyllic combination of fine sand and tranquil waters. It is located about 16 km from Chora, near Kalamos and Papas, which are also lovely beaches. Although not easy to get to, it is well worth the trip if you want to immerse yourself in the wonder of nature, with its shimmering emerald water and serene ambiance adding to the experience.

Koumbara Beach

The lovely beach of Koumbara is located northwest of the port and you can walk there in about 30 minutes. Despite its quiet location, you will find traditional taverns there, as well as rooms to let, and it is a magical spot to watch the stunning sunset. You can also try your hand at various watersports or sit back on one of the sunbeds for rent to enjoy the serene beauty of this stunning bay.
 

Transportation Around Ios

Ios attracts thousands of visitors each year, so the transportation system is well developed and easy to use. The local bus service reaches the most popular spots, including beaches, and is a fun way to discover the island. Taxis and private transfers are also in abundance while renting a motorcycle or car is a great choice if you want to follow your own itinerary and discover many of the island’s secret beauty spots. Day trips by small boats to many of the beaches also run on a regular basis. Taking a ferry to Ios is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.