Ios

Day 1: Chora, golden hour and the classic bar crawl

Ease into Ios with a slow morning in its whitewashed hilltop village before letting the day build towards an unforgettable sunset. Tonight, experience the island’s famed bar circuit at your own pace—late and lively is the Ios way.

• Morning: Wander Chora’s alleys for coffee at a kafenio, then continue to the windmills for a first panorama. Wear good footwear; the polished stone steps can be slick. If it’s breezy (Meltemi winds), bring a light layer even in summer.
• Midday: Cool off with a swim at Mylopotas or Gialos beach and grab a simple seaside lunch. In July–August, avoid the peak heat (13:00–16:00) and hydrate; shade is your friend.
• Afternoon: Climb to Panagia Gremniotissa and, if you want fewer heads in your frame, continue up to the three small chapels or the Teatro Odysseas Elytis viewpoint. Arrive 60–90 minutes early in July–August (sunset ~20:30–20:45), dress modestly around the church, and stay through Blue Hour for the best photos.
• Evening: Drift down through Chora for dinner, then start the crawl after 23:30. Warm up in shot bars (pace yourself, alternate with water), then, after 03:00, move to late clubs like Sweet Irish Dream; use the night bus, not scooters, and agree a meeting point—Chora is a maze.

Day 2: Sea, west-coast sunset and a choice of vibes

Today blends turquoise water time with a showpiece west-coast sunset. Pick your evening flavour: high-octane DJ sets or toes-in-sand simplicity.

• Morning: Hit Mylopotas early for paddleboarding, kayaking or a boat trip before the afternoon Meltemi picks up. Sunscreen and a hat are essential; book watersports the day before in peak season.
• Midday: Long, lazy lunch by the beach, then a siesta or pool downtime to recharge for the evening. If you’re sensitive to heat, plan indoor visits now and keep electrolytes handy.
• Afternoon: Head to Koumbara for the sunset. Choose Pathos for a curated scene (consider reservations, possible entry fee, and bring a light layer for the breeze), or sit at a traditional taverna at the far end of the beach for an unhurried meal as the sky turns copper.
• Evening: If you’re partying, reach Chora around midnight and ride the flow—small bars first, big rooms after 03:00. If low‑key, linger at Koumbara, then take a calm nightcap in the port; buses run late, but taxis are scarce.

Day 3: Hidden Ios and a farewell on the water

Get off the beaten track this morning for big views and empty beaches, then cap the trip with a sunset at sea (or a rugged lighthouse hike if you prefer land). It’s a quieter, more contemplative finale that locals love.

• Morning: Drive to Palaiokastro and hike 20 minutes up the rocky trail for a 360‑degree panorama; start early for cooler air and solitude. Sturdy shoes, water and sun protection are musts.
• Midday: Roll down to Agia Theodoti beach on the east side for a relaxed swim and simple lunch; facilities are limited, so bring cash and snacks. The light here is gorgeous even before golden hour.
• Afternoon: Join a sunset cruise from Gialos (2–3 hours, usually with a swim stop and a glass of wine) to watch Chora glow from the water; book a day ahead in peak season. Land alternative: hike 30 minutes to the lighthouse at Cape Fanari from Koumbara—take a torch for the return and mind the wind on exposed sections.
• Evening: Back at the port, enjoy a final seafood dinner and linger through Blue Hour. In May–June and September–October, sunsets are earlier, skies clearer and crowds thinner—arguably the island at its best.

By Air

• Ios has no airport. The closest airports with direct ferry links are:
  • Santorini (JTR): 20–30 min by taxi/bus to Athinios Port; fast ferries to Ios in 35–60 min (1.5–2 h on conventional). Frequent year-round, highest frequency Jun–Sep.
  • Naxos (JNX): 10–15 min to Naxos Port; ferries 1–2 h.
  • Paros (PAS): 15–20 min to Parikia Port; ferries 1.5–2.5 h.
  • Mykonos (JMK): 10–15 min to New Port (Tourlos); ferries 2–3.5 h (often via Naxos/Paros).
  • Athens (ATH): connect to Piraeus/Rafina ports; ferries to Ios 3.5–8 h depending on vessel.
• Seasonal direct flights from European cities serve Santorini/Mykonos/Paros/Naxos in summer; year‑round flights from Athens.

By Ferry

• Primary way to reach Ios (port: Gialos). Book ahead for July–August; meltemi winds can disrupt schedules.
• From Athens:
  • Piraeus: high‑speed 3.5–5 h; conventional 6–8 h. Multiple daily in summer.
  • Rafina: mainly seasonal high‑speeds via other Cyclades, ~4.5–6 h.
  • Lavrio: limited, longer routes (~8–10 h).
• From nearby islands:
  • Santorini: 35–60 min (fast); 1.5–2 h (conventional). Highest frequency.
  • Naxos: ~1–2 h (fast); longer on conventional.
  • Paros: ~1.5–2.5 h.
  • Mykonos: ~2.5–4 h (usually via Naxos/Paros).
  • Crete (Heraklion): seasonal via Santorini, ~4.5–6 h.
• Major operators: Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Zante Ferries, Golden Star Ferries (summer). Vehicle transport available on conventional ferries.

By Train

• No rail on Ios. On the mainland, use rail/metro to reach ports:
  • Athens Airport/City to Piraeus Port: Metro Line 3 (Airport–Piraeus) ~60–70 min; or Suburban Rail with a change (~60–70 min).
  • No rail to Rafina/Lavrio; use buses or taxi.

By Bus

• Athens Airport to Piraeus Port: Express bus X96, ~60–90 min (traffic dependent).
• Athens Airport to Rafina Port: Direct bus (~30–50 min).
• Central Athens to Rafina/Lavrio: KTEL Attikis coaches from city stops (check latest departure points/timetables), ~45–75 min to Rafina; ~90–120 min to Lavrio.
• Local island buses do not connect to Ios from the mainland (ferry required).

By Car

• You cannot drive to Ios; drive to a mainland port (Piraeus/Rafina/Lavrio) and take a car ferry if bringing a vehicle. Reserve vehicle spaces well in advance in peak season.
• Parking near ports is limited in summer; consider leaving the car on the mainland and renting on Ios (cars/ATVs/scooters widely available).