Posted by Chora Ios is the main town on the island. The nightlife in Chora on Ios is legendary and attracts younger travelers in particular. Numerous bars, clubs and pubs offer a lively atmosphere that ranges from relaxed cocktails to wild party nights – especially in high season.
Dozens of clubs offer more or less cheap alcohol for the young Central European and Northern European crowd. Almost all tourists in Chora are between 18 and 25 years old. The party goes on until the early morning. The beauty of the place, the narrow picturesque streets and the churches, are secondary for many visitors.
By Zde – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
The big party in Chora Ios
Actually, the young and loud holidaymakers don’t really fit in with Ios. The residents are rather reserved and religious. But in the last 30 to 40 years (that’s how long the party has been going on) the crazy, young Germans and English have brought a lot of money to Ios. Prosperity is now widespread on the once poor island. The minority that rejects this type of tourism no longer has a large lobby. So the bawling young people, the drunken corpses lying around every day, even sex in the open air are tolerated. Nevertheless, many want a different kind of tourism.
Tip: Our favorite pension on Ios: Pension Galini
Flirting, boozing and holiday flirting are part of Ios like no other island. The party people have practically replaced all other types of tourism in Chora on Ios. There are around 20 clubs in the town, most of them in the old town. The main meeting point is the Platia (the small old town square). Here and in the adjacent streets, everyday fun reaches its peak.
Sights in Chora Ios
Chora Ios is definitely worth seeing. The narrow labyrinth of streets with its white houses and colorful shutters is a feast for the eyes. Visitors are also amazed by the many churches with light blue roofs, which are actually much too big for the few inhabitants of the Chora (town). Cyclades like in a travel brochure! Just outside the old part of Ios Chora there is a small but worthwhile archaeological museum.
Staying in Ios Town
The Francescos youth hostel, a few meters above the old town of Chora, is popular. Francescoos has been around for many years and is the classic on Ios. There are single rooms, double rooms and beds in dormitories. Prices vary greatly depending on the season. The view from the Francescos terrace over Chora Ios and Gialos is the best in Chora.
My personal favorite on Ios is the Markos pension. Depending on the season, you can get a double room for 20-40 euros. Lots of useful facilities such as a large swimming pool and free internet (WIFI) and a good atmosphere make Markos very attractive. In summer, the pool bar serves cocktails in the evening for unbeatable prices. Markos is also a party hotel. If you want to sleep at 10 p.m. or midnight, you’re in the wrong place here (as everywhere in Ios Town).
A good overview of accommodation on Ios can be found at Booking.com.
Eating in Ios Chora
There are many taverns and fast food in the old town and the surrounding area. The snacks in the traditional bakery in the lower part of the Chora, not far from the large church, are very good. The inexpensive Kotopita (hot chicken in puff pastry) in the “Ios Bakery” tastes delicious. Among the taverns and restaurants in Ios, “The Nest” is my favorite – very good value for money, large portions. There are both Greek and international dishes. The spaghetti bolonaise for 5.50 tastes good and fills the stomach for half a day. The meat dishes are also cheap at 6-8 euros. There is also a good Thai restaurant in Ios.
If you have a vehicle or fancy a little hike, we recommend the tavern Vilaeti Taverna in the village of Epano Kampos. Everything is just right here. The portions are large, the meat and side dishes taste excellent and the prices are reasonable. Typically Greek, about 3 kilometers from Chora.
Buses from Chora of Ios
Very frequent (several times an hour) in the season to Milopotas (beach resort) and Gialos (ferry port of Ios). There are also bus connections to Manganari and Agios Theodotis (beaches) at least once a day. Out of season, there are significantly fewer buses.
Chora Ios – What to do on holiday?
There are many ways to spend your holiday in Chora on Ios:
Walks through the old town: The narrow streets with whitewashed houses and colourful doors invite you to explore.
Visit Panagia Gremiotissa: This iconic church offers a breathtaking view of the island and is a highlight especially at sunset.
Enjoy local cuisine: In the town’s taverns and restaurants you can try authentic Greek dishes.
Experience nightlife: Chora is known for its bars and clubs, ideal for night owls. The nightlife and bars are known throughout Greece.
Cultural discoveries: Visits to the Archaeological Museum or the historical amphitheater Odysseas Elytis offer an insight into the history of the island.
Starting point for beach visits: From Chora it is easy to reach the beautiful beaches of Ios such as Mylopotas or Koumbara.
Map of the island of Ios (Greece Cyclades)
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Milopotas Beach
Milopotas (also: Mylopotas) is the local beach of the main town Chora Ios. Milopotas was perhaps the most beautiful beach in the Cyclades, but has since been built up and is completely overcrowded in summer. There are many beach discos (some of which are also popular during the day), bars, water skiing, surfing and even bungee jumping. Nobody is bothered by nudism on Milopotas Beach in summer. The biggest employer on Milopotas Beach on Ios is probably the Far Out Beach Club. Far Out Camping is a large campsite with a water sports center – Far Out Hotel and Far Out Village are the dominant hotel and apartment complexes. The Far Out Beach Club is the largest disco in Milopotas. You can eat well in the Mexican restaurant Harmony – of course Far Out also offers all kinds of restaurants on Milopotas Beach. Bookable at Booking.com
Chora Ios (German version)
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