The back story
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The back story
Ios: the party island grows up
Famous for nightlife, especially historically, with some of the loveliest sand in the Cyclades.
Island guide · Ios, the Cyclades
Ios island guide
Ios built its reputation as the party island of the Aegean, a rite of passage for young backpackers since the 1970s. It still parties hard in high summer, but there is a calmer, beautiful island too.
Plan your trip:Ferry timetables Arriving in Athens The Athens Riviera
Towns & villages
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Pretty by day, party by night
Chora, Ios
A classic white hilltop village of chapels and windmills, whose lanes become the island’s nightlife strip after dark.
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The beach heart of Ios
Mylopotas
A long sweep of golden sand with hotels, beach clubs and watersports, linked to Chora by bus.
Sights & experiences
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Sunset over the bay
Panagia Gremiotissa & the windmills
Steps through Chora to the church of Panagia Gremiotissa and the windmills, for views over the bay.
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A marble theatre with a view
Odysseas Elytis Theatre
An open-air theatre above Chora named after the Nobel-winning poet.
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Where Homer is said to rest
Homer’s Tomb
A site in the north of the island that ancient tradition calls the tomb of Homer.
Beaches & beach clubs
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Everything for a beach day
Mylopotas Beach
A long golden beach with clean water, watersports and bars from end to end.
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The most beautiful beach on Ios
Manganari
Sheltered coves of fine sand and turquoise water at the southern tip.
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The spirit of Mylopotas
FarOut Beach Club
A beach club with a pool, restaurant, rooms and big-name parties.
Where to eat
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Cosy in the lanes
Lord Byron
An atmospheric favourite in Chora with Greek and Mediterranean dishes at fair prices.
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Traditional by the windmills
The Mills
One of the oldest restaurants on Ios, serving traditional food near the windmills.
Bars & nightlife
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The classic sunset cocktail
Ios Club
A long-running bar in Chora known for sunset views over the bay.
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Old-school Ios
Orange Bar
One of the oldest bars on the island, fun and friendly in the lanes of Chora.
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Dancing on the tables
Sweet Irish Dream
An Ios institution where the night ends with everyone dancing.
Where to stay
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Seclusion above Manganari
Calilo
The most exclusive place to stay on Ios, with suites, a huge pool and a beach of its own.
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Terraces down to the beach
Ios Palace
A hotel stepping down the hill to Mylopotas, with pools and a good restaurant.
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Close to Chora, out of the noise
Liostasi
Stylish suites with a spa and sea views, walking distance from Chora.
Getting there & around
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Port, Chora, beach
Ios buses
Buses shuttle between Ormos, Chora and Mylopotas, late into the night in summer.
Share your Ios experience
Been to Ios? Share your tips with other travellers.
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