Ios

Ios lies between Mykonos and Santorini, and is known as the burial place of Homer – Homer may Rest In Peace, but in summer, in Chora, no-one else does, as Ios  is also known as a Party destination, popular among young people and groups of friends looking for a party holiday experience on an island blessed with glorious beaches and an extremely picturesque village. The sad thing is that Ios’ fame as a backpackers’ party pad is slightly misleading and puts other people off going to this beautiful island – The beach party strip is actually a  kilometre long beach of wide golden sand and does not spill out into other areas.  If you are stopping off between Mykonos and Santorini, you  will wonder what the fuss is about.

While Ios town does have a  lively nightlife,  it offers quieter treasures as well,  and unlike other islands, the nightlife, or “vavoura” as it is called in Greek,  is concentrated in one place, Hora and the nearby beaches.  Off Season Hora is one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, and the extraordinary things about Ios is that once you get away from town and Mylopotas beach, the island is practically deserted – rough track roads (hire a jeep,) and a few houses scattered across a prodigal wealth (30 +)  of wide golden sand beaches.  Ios,  and all its beauties,  is yours to discover in peace!  August 15th you may well find yourself on your own on a huge beach.

BEST FOR

Chora –  the old town has more windmills than Mykonos, and is a dream of domed churches, whitewash and photo opportunities.

Sandy beaches of all sizes and kinds, from remote Manganari to buzzing Mylopotas  with organized sports

Easy access by hydrofoil to Piraeus, Paros and Naxos, plus from Crete, Mykonos and Santorini (only 12 km away),  which have international airports.

The Angalia Art Hotel in the Port, with its extraordinary  design and high glamour bathrooms, all designed in person by a low -profile Greek billionaire eccentric.

Nightlife:

Not as prevalent as rumoured, but Ios does have lively nightlife, particularly centered around Chora’s main square. Bars and clubs cater to a diverse crowd, ranging from backpackers looking for cheap drinks to party enthusiasts seeking all-night revelry. Iconic nightlife spots like Far Out Beach Club and Slammer Bar draw large crowds, hosting international DJs and themed parties throughout the summer season.

WORST FOR

High season crowds and noise  around Chora and the nearby beaches. The backpacking hordes in summer

WOULD SUIT

Beach nuts and sporty types, younger groups wanting to hit the beach parties and then sleep it off on a quiet beach,

Lovers of the Cycladic light,  look and atmosphere, hikers and bikers.

WOULD NOT SUIT

Porsche drivers with low-slung chassis…(the Porsches, not the drivers.)

Those wanting elegant social life and sophisticated pleasures –  not yet anyway, there are plans afoot to increase what Ios can offer to the glamour and luxury-seeking traveller. Contact us for information!

DON’T MISS

Homer’s Tomb;  tradition has it that the poet is buried there –the  Homeria Homer festival takes place on May 15^th.

Ios Open Air Theatre – a steep climb, but once there, the view is magnificent.

Ios Archaeological Museum – housed in a yellow neoclassical building with displays of ceramics, Roman artifacts, prehistoric tools and Cycladic figurines.

The ruins of the ancient temple at Psathi and the ancient tower .

The Venetian Castle, also known as Paleokastro in Chora. The 15th century castle offers panoramic views

The road going down to Psathi Beach – well worth a visit for its breath taking views and you might see loggerhead turtles at Psathi.

Skarkos  archaeological site showcases the remains of a Bronze Age settlement.

A drink at sunset at the brand new Pathos cocktail lounge/rock-hewn amphitheatre dug out of the cliff above the port, with  devastating views of the sunset. Due for completion late in 2014. You read it here first.

ACTIVITIES

Sporting: Scuba diving, wind-surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, knee-boarding, barefoot, banana, tube rides, sailing, boating, canoe/kayaking, hiking.

Ecotourism: farm visits, cheese making, handmade pasta, capers, oregano and fava beans.

Clubbing and beach parties.

Hiking trails  –  try the trail that leads to the summit of Mount Pyrgos, the highest point on Ios, offering breathtaking views

HIGH SEASON

Yes – like all the  main Cycladic islands, crowds and wind..

LOW SEASON

The lovely landscape and golden beaches are yours to explore on your own!