Posted by The party island (many also say drinking island) of Greece is located in the middle of the Cyclades not far from Santorini, Naxos and Paros. Ios is the probable place where the ancient writer Homer died. A long hike leads to Homer’s grave. Ios is otherwise a holiday island for young people looking for party, sex and alcohol. No other island in Greece has so many party fans. Hardly any tourist is over 25, most are English and German.
Our opinion: Ios has a lively and young energy that is perfect for party lovers and night owls. For those seeking peace and quiet, however, the island can seem a bit hectic and loud, especially in high season. Nevertheless, Ios also offers picturesque corners and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts many.
Tip: Our favorite guesthouse on Ios: Pension Galini
Sights and beaches on Ios
The Ios town (Chora) is a typical Cycladic town worth seeing with its typical white houses and many churches. Outside of the season, you can enjoy a quiet holiday on Ios.
The most famous beach is Mylopotas Beach. The main bus line on Ios runs from the port through the town of Ios to Mylopotas Beach. Behind the beach is a larger tourist resort with hotels, bars, restaurants and so on. From the main town, it is only 1-2 kilometers by road to Mylopotas.
The beaches on the south coast are more beautiful and a little quieter, but further away. Manganari Beach is considered the most beautiful beach on Ios. A full-fledged tourist infrastructure with guesthouses and taverns has now developed here too. However, it is much quieter than in Ios town or on the party beach Mylopotas Beach.
Some regulars on Ios are of the opinion that Agia Theodoti Beach in the east of the island is the best beach on the island. There is a tavern and rooms to rent. By road, the distance between Chora (main town) and Agia Theoditi is around 14 km. The beach is known for watching the sunsets. It is quiet here. It is hard to imagine that you are on the party island of Ios when you are on Theodoti beach.
Ferries and flights to Ios
The island of Ios does not have an airport. Until a few years ago, there were not many cars on Ios because there were few roads. But now roads, motorbikes and private cars have increased significantly.
Unfortunately, donkeys have become obsolete as a means of transport on Ios too.
As there is no airport, tourists have to travel by ferry. As a result, the island of Ios has significantly fewer package holidaymakers, but more young travelers. Tourism is very seasonal; there is not much going on on Ios before mid-May. Summertime is party time.
The nearest major airports are on Santorini and Mykonos. Paros Airport (Ios’s neighboring island) has just been expanded and could have direct flights from Germany from 2018. Many tourists on Ios fly to Athens and from there take a ferry to the party island of Greece. Current note: Despite the expanded Paros Airport, we have not found any direct flights from other countries to Paros for the 2023 to 2025 season.
Ferries run several times a day to Piraeus (Athens), Naxos, Paros, Mykonos and Santorini in summer. There are also good ferry connections to Heraklion (Crete) and many other smaller islands during the season. Quite a few young tourists visit several islands in one holiday (so-called island hopping). On an island hopping holiday in the region, you should definitely visit Santorini, Paros, Naxos and a smaller island in addition to Ios.
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Top 10 Ios: Things to do and attractions
1. Enjoy the beaches
Ios has some of the best beaches in the Cyclades. Mylopotas beach is the most popular with its golden sand and crystal clear waters, while Manganari beach offers a more secluded and quieter atmosphere. Agia Theodoti and Kalamos are also worth a visit.
2. Experience the nightlife in Chora
Chora, the main town of Ios, is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and tavernas where you can dance until dawn. The narrow streets are bustling with young people, especially in summer.
3. Explore Chora (Ios Town)
Chora is a classic Cycladic village with whitewashed houses, narrow streets and blue-domed churches. Stroll around the village and discover charming cafes, shops and beautiful hilltop views.
4. Visit the Tomb of Homer
According to local tradition, the famous poet Homer is buried on Ios. His alleged tomb is located in the northern part of the island, near Plakotos beach. The site is simple but offers beautiful views of the sea.
5. Hike to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa
Located on a hill above Chora, this picturesque church offers one of the best viewpoints on the island, especially at sunset. The climb is worth it for the panoramic views over the town and the Aegean Sea.
6. Explore the ruins of Skarkos
Skarkos is a well-preserved ancient settlement dating back to the early Bronze Age. The site offers insights into early Cycladic civilization, with remains of houses, streets and artifacts.
7. Take a boat tour
A boat tour around the island is a great way to explore hidden beaches and sea caves that are inaccessible by land. Many tours also offer snorkeling and swimming stops.
8. Water Sports at Mylopotas Beach
Along with relaxing, Mylopotas Beach offers a variety of water sports, including windsurfing, jet skiing, paddleboarding and scuba diving.
9. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Ios
Located in Chora, the museum displays artifacts from various historical periods, including items from the Skarkos settlement, as well as other ancient relics found on the island.
10. Attend a Traditional Festival
There are several festivals on Ios that celebrate local traditions, such as the Panagia Gremiotissa Festival on August 15th. These events often include music, dancing and feasting, and provide a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.
Map of Ios Island (Greece Cyclades)
Buses on the island of Ios
The timetable on Ios is very much seasonal. In winter there are only about 5 to 8 buses per day on the main route Gialos (port) – Chora (capital) – Mylopotas. It is completely different in summer. Then there is a bus connection on this route up to every 20 minutes. In high season the buses run until late in the evening, sometimes until midnight.
There is only one bus per day to Maganari Beach. It leaves from the port of Gialos at around 12 noon and returns at 5 p.m. You can also get on in Chora and Mylopotas and get off on the way back.
The bus connections to the beaches of Saint Theodoti Beach and Psathi Beach are similar. A bus leaves from the port Gialos and Chora Ios there around midday and returns in the late afternoon.
Tzamaria Beach and Koumpara Beach are also served by buses from the island’s main town and port, or you can walk from Gialos (port). These buses run approximately once an hour during the summer.
Skarkos Archaeological Site and Excavation
The Skarkos Archaeological Site on the island of Ios is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Cyclades and a fascinating destination for history buffs. Here you will find useful visitor information:
About the Site
Skarkos dates back to the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2700-2300 BC).
It has been very well preserved as it was buried under layers of earth.
It provides a glimpse into the life of the Cycladic culture, with cobbled streets, stone buildings and an ingenious drainage system.
Opening times
Summer months: Usually open Tuesday to Sunday, approximately 8am-3pm.
Winter months: Opening times may vary, often closed on public holidays.
It is advisable to check times online or on site before visiting.
Admission prices
Adults: around €4-6 (as of 2025).
Discounts: Children, students and seniors often pay less or get in free.
How to get to Skarkos?
Location: The site is only about 1.5 km from Chora, the island’s capital.
Transport:
About 20 minutes’ walk from Chora.
By car or scooter it takes just a few minutes. Parking is available.
Tips for visitors
1.Best time: Visit Skarkos early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
2.Guide: There are no fixed tours, but there are boards with information. A guided tour (if available) is worth taking to learn more about the history.
3.Equipment: Bring sturdy shoes, water and a hat – the site is exposed to the sun.
4.Combination with other activities: A visit can easily be combined with a walk through Chora or a trip to nearby beaches.
More information:
Gialos on Ios – the port town and Ios with a good campsite and beach
Chora Ios – the main town of Ios and the party place of the Cyclades
Insel Ios: Deutsche Version
Homer’s Tomb
Homer’s Tomb on the island of Ios is a fascinating place, especially for lovers of Greek mythology and literature. It is associated with the famous poet Homer, the author of the Iliad and Odyssey. Here are some details:
Location
The tomb is located on a hill in the north of the island, near the village of Plakoto.
From there, visitors have a fantastic panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Historical background
According to legends, Homer died on the island of Ios while he was on a journey. The island therefore claims to be his final resting place.
However, it is not scientifically certain whether it is actually Homer’s tomb. Nevertheless, the site remains a symbol of veneration for the great poet.
How to reach Homer’s Tomb?
Getting there:
It is best to do so by renting a quad bike, scooter or car, as the path is a bit remote.
A hiking trail also leads to the tomb, ideal for nature lovers.
Duration: From the capital Chora it takes about 30-40 minutes by car.
Do you have any feedback, an addition, found an error or a comment? Send us an email to: mail@griechenland-insel.de
Comments
A reader wrote a few years ago about the island of Ios:
Ios has changed a lot in recent years. Even though the party life is still the focus of island tourism, this is mainly concentrated in the high season in August. Ios is becoming increasingly popular with families who appreciate the long beaches and quiet places far away from the main towns. The road network is now better developed and there are enough buses to go to remote places. This of course also means that prices have risen enormously. From July 25th to August 25th, hotels, rooms and restaurants are almost unaffordable. Room prices of at least 50 euros per person are the norm. The best time on Ios is June or September. This island is fantastically beautiful, its people friendly and open-minded – but only outside of the time when it mutates into one big party and the tourists mean the money for the whole winter.
I have been going to Ios for six years, with long stays of 3-6 months
A reader wrote about Ios a few years ago:
So I was on Ios last year. I don’t know if you are still updating the page or if you want to change something. A lot of what you said is true. The only thing that is actually different from what you wrote is that Ios is mainly visited by English and Germans. Germans are an ABSOLUTE minority there. I didn’t meet a single one and I talked to a lot of people. There are certainly a few English and Irish people, but the majority come from Scandinavia (Sweden + Norway maybe 20%), Canada (around 20%), the USA (10%) and above all Australia (40%). The rest is then divided up among all the other nations, although I was there in June. What everyone said is that there are a lot of Italians on the island in July and August. What really surprised me was how they all ended up on the small Greek island. But I think that’s interesting. Because you can find English and German people everywhere in Europe. But what I really liked about Ios was that there were people from all over the world there.