Ios Island, Greece: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2025!

This is one view of the Ios Island, in Greece. If the photo doesn’t give you any clue to its facilities, take a look at the picture below which shows the capital city Chora, an aerial view, taken from a cliff.

Chora’s Greek name is Hora. For your information, Ios town’s other name itself is Chora.

It’s a small island measuring 15km by 8km in length and width respectively.

The island is hilly, with very narrow streets and narrower steps to climb. This means that getting around the island is mostly impossible by car.

Location of Ios Island:

The small Greek island is located in the Aegean Sea, somewhere between Santorini, and Naxos. I think that is a very convenient location as it acts as a gateway to very popular Greek islands.

Ios is put under the Cyclades group of islands.

The island possesses all the scenic beauty of other Greek islands. Though it lacks the bustling life of Santorini or Crete, it is more serene and has a slow-paced life.

Some adventure activities are possible. The beaches are captivating, and a few historic sites are among the attractions on the island.

How to reach Ios?

The first bad fact is that you can’t fly into the island. Sea passage is the only option.

Ferries ply from Piraeus port in Athens. The distance to Ios is 265 km. Therefore, be prepared to spend at least 4 hours in the Aegean Sea.

The 4-hour voyage duration is only possible during peak season when fast ferries are available.

Slow ferries might take up to 10 hours. If you really have nothing to do on Ios, kill time on the sea as well, and it can be also be a bit cheaper.

Historic facts

Here is a very interesting fact. The island’s name was mentioned in the great Greek poet Homer’s Iliad. As a matter of fact, it is believed that his mortal remains are buried here. The locals proudly say their island is Homer’s island.

Best time to visit the Ios island:

October to December is the ideal period when the sun is not too hot on your back.

Best Things to Do in Ios Island, Greece:

Achlades Peninsula

You may not find much information about it but it is one of the must-see attractions in Ios Island. It is the endpoint (southern tip) of the island. The peninsula’s end faces the northern tip of Santorini Island.

This is considered a mind-blowing attraction in Santorini. The geographical name of the northern tip of Santorini is Cape Mavropetra. There is a beach in that name on Santorini.

From your hotel in Chora, you need to travel 18 km to reach the Achlades Peninsula.

It is said to be a breathtaking seascape. A few cove-shaped beaches are safe to snorkel and swim.

At the backdrop are rugged hills. Indulge in some hiking adventures for stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

In the small town, there is the Agios Georgios Church. Enter the shrine and experience the instant calmness that envelopes you.

You can see the valley is filled with violet beds.

I think this is a wildflower.

It is possible to reach the peninsula by car. Alternatively, when you hire a boat to circle the small island, the boat passes by the Achlades Peninsula and will make a stop on request.

Mylopotas Beach

Generally, all the beaches on any small island are attractive and less crowded. Mylopotas Beach somehow got famous and invites all the tourists to the island.

The beach appears to occupy a large area and almost runs along the length of the island (15 km).

I think the length is the sole reason that makes the beach beautiful.

Quite a number of shaded seats and lounges are scattered on the beach.

A village exists in the same name. Some people live there. There is a shop and a café, abutting the beach.

You will have ample time to go to the following beaches also.

Koumbara Beach.
Agia Theodoti Beach
Manganari Beach-this beautiful beach is located a bit far away from Honiara city. But still, tourists are spotted there. It is an ideal example of coved beach.
Gialos Beach
Valmas Beach-it is located off the beaten path. There are pebbles near the water.

Overall, the sea is calm and swimmers friendly.

Trekking

The island is on a hilly terrain. It has a few summits that invite trekkers. Kastro Peak stands at a comfortable, 2700+ feet!

3 more summits are also worth trekking up to. The shortest summit measures a little less than 1000 feet.

Homer’s Tomb

Weather you believe it or not, at least visit the place, which is on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Paleokastro

It is again on an elevated land with wonderful views of the sea. The site is of the remnants of a castle built in the 14^th century.

Visit nearby islands

Two islands that are very close to Ios are worth visiting. Sikinos and Folegandros.

While the former is located only 13 km away, the latter is 37 km away. You only need half a day to visit both and come back to Chora.

Odysseas Elytis Theater

This is an amphitheater, built in typical, classic Greek Style. The stands are made of marble stone.

It seems it can accommodate 1000 viewers. That is more than sufficient in a small island.

The view of the Aegean Sea from anywhere in the stadium is an added attraction.

Birds to watch on the island

On all Greek islands, you can spot the Cormorants and Seagulls. They are classified under ‘seabirds’.

What to buy on Ios

Say cheese. The islands make a fragrant cheese made from goat’s milk. When you go to a shop, ask for Skotiri brand cheese.

Graviera is also a popular brand.

Finally, try this Kefalotiri cheese.

All these cheeses are hand-made only.

Do you like honey as an edible souvenir? If so, buy a bottle of it. The bees extract the nectar from Thyme flowers. That must taste odd but still sweet.

Sesame Candy can be a good and cheap edible souvenir.

The interesting part of this candy is the use of thyme honey as the sweetening agent.

A preservative made from ripe watermelon fruit is sold in all the shops. It is known as ‘comfiture’.

I think it is a watermelon jam or spread.