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Ios, Greece
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There is no island in Greece like Ios. There is no place in the world like Ios! Some might tell you it is like Spring Break in Daytona Beach or Panama city or even Cancun but the reality is that those places are tame compared to Ios. Ios is an all out international party of college age people that lasts from June until the end of August on one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands. |
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Around the island of Ios there are other beaches including Manganari which can be reached by small boat or by bus. Rooms can be rented there as well. Other beaches on Ios include Valmas beach, a ten minute walk, Psathi beach across the island and Kolitzani which is almost in town. Though reknown worldwide as the party capital and with a reputation that has lasted decades, Ios is also popular with older people too. Whether these are the same travelers who came here twenty years ago and are reliving their youth or sharing it with their families ("Look honey those are the steps where Daddy passed out on ouzo for the first time and woke up stark naked with his clothes nowhere to be found.") can only be acertained by asking each person individually. ("Old man. What was it like here in the seventies?") But don't be afraid to approach them. They will be happy to share those stories that they can remember. I know I am.
There are rooms to rent but in July and August you may want to book in advance so you don't spend all your time unsuccessfully looking for one. There are campsites too including the famous Far-Out camping which is sort of the cultural center of the island, with a bar that is open 24 hours a day, two swimming pools, a restaurant, basketball courts, volley ball and watersports. It's like a college town without the college (or the town). Speaking from experience, I am old and grey now, but my time in Ios I will never forget. I made wonderful friends. I had great girlfriends from all different countries. I drank more then I ever thought capable and I was amazed at how quickly a serious hangover can disappear when one has the clear blue Aegean sea to nurse you. If you are of college age and you had fun on springbreak, or you didn't... go to Ios. Guaranteed to blow you away. You may never be the same. 
Matt Barrett and friend Jill in Ios 1973 Travel Information for Ios
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Take a look at
Andy's reviews of the nightlife of Ios
and
Andy's Restaurant Guide
to Ios For more info, ferries and accommodations visit Dolphin Hellas or Fantasy Travel Both agencies have island-hopping trips that feature Ios in combination with Santorini, Crete, Mykonos and other popular islands, as well as great rates for hotels on Ios and in Athens. For students and budget travelers contact my friend Giorgios at Aegean Thesaurus Travel who probably has the lowest rates for any of the hotels on the island that you will find and also provides great service. If you are traveling to Ios and are on a budget or want to save your money for some of the other things this island has to offer take a look at the Markos Holiday Club in Ios Town, close to the nightlife and still easy walking distance from the beach (and it has a pool).
Going with a group?
Rent a sailboat. It can be cheaper than
staying in a hotel. Going alone? Join a
flotilla.How about a cruise on a cabin charter
with twenty or so cabins that stops at the
islands the big cruise ships can't? You can also find hotels and descriptions at www.hotelsofgreece.com For hostels and very cheap accommodation see www.greecetravel.com/youth-hostels For ferry schedules see www.athensguide.com/greek-island-ferry-schedules For more Greek Islands Visit Matt Barrett's Greek Island Synopsis and Greece Travel Guide For Flights to Greece see www.greeceflights.com If you arrive from abroad and you need to get to Pireaus to catch the ferry to Ios I recommend George the Famous Taxi Driver. Plus if you have some time to spare, as some of you will, you can do a little tour of the city. For your return to Athens from Ios I also recommend using him to get to your hotel or the airport. When the ferries arrive in Pireaus there are usually just 3 or 4 taxis waiting for several hundred disembarking passengers. You will be very relieved to see a guy holding up a sign with your name on it. |
Ios Hotels |
| If you are eager to book your hotels in Ios and don't want to go through a travel agency here are some of the most popular. Click on the hotel name for more photos and booking information. They are listed from highest category to the lowest. |
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| For more hotels in Ios see www.hotelsofgreece.com/cyclades |
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Ios: Where Spring Break lasts all Summer....
First impressions in
Ios can be
deceiving....
You arrive after a 7 hour boat trip from
Athens to what looks like a typical port
village, with cafes and restaurants lining the
square. But the old Greeks who play tavli in
the cafeneons are few and most of the people
hanging out are young, tanned and healthy
looking considering they have probably been
partying until dawn every night. Because once
the sun goes down, this quiet port and the
typical cyladic looking village that overlooks
it from the hill above, literally rocks all
night long. Those innocent little white
geometric houses open their doors to become
discos, bars, rock clubs, boutiques, snack
bars, cafes, restaurants and anything you need
to cause or cure a hangover.
Days on Ios are spent on the
beach with
Milopota being one of the longest and finest
in Greece, packed with young people of every
shape and color, from every country on the
planet and perhaps some planets beyond. It's a
time for swimming and meeting people in the
cafes and restaurants that share the beach and
for some it's the time to get an early start
for the evenings festivities if not a little
hair of the dog. There is a wide range of
water sports including scuba diving,
windsurfing and some of the more obnoxious
variety like jet skis or being dragged behind
a speedboat on a giant floating banana.
When the Greek
sun begins to
go down and the
air begins to cool people make their way up
the road to town, passing clubs and bars on
the way. It may take a couple days to find the
bar that suits you the best or you may find
they all suit you. You may find that none of
them suit you but you don't really care
because you are happy to be there.
Many people begin their
evening by watching the sunset
from the Ios club,
listening to classical music, a tradition at
least since I was first there in 1973. Once
the sun has set it becomes a disco and you can
remain there and wait til the new crowds
arrive or you can have your choice of several
dozen other night spots. The main square in
the upper village, so peaceful in the day is
so full of young people at night that you can
barely get from one side to the other. There
are Irish pubs, jazz bars, rock clubs, slammer
bars, discos and believe it or not even a bar
that plays Greek music. As for restaurants you
will find all your typical Greek fare and some
places that are not so Greek and not even
fare. There is a Mexican restaurant, Italian,
Indian, and a Greek Taverna called Christos,
with fresh fish caught with their own
boat.
The worst part of Ios
is trying to
leave. I know
that when our holiday was coming to a close it
took us several trips to the port before we
found the strength and courage to get on the
ferry back to Athens and even then we would
have jumped off except for a hippy couple who
had jumped on and blocked our escape as the
boat was leaving the dock. But you can also
leave for other islands since Santorini is an
hour away and Mykonos two.
Over an
enchanting bay, merely ten minutes away from the harbour of Ios, in the famous
beach of Mylopotas you can find the Levantes Luxury resort. 
This hotel
has 2 large swimming pools and overlooks the sparkling crystal blue waters of
Ios most popular beach Mylopotas. Due to frequent renovations, the
grounds of the hotel constantly appear as if it has just been opened. They
offer many different facilities for guests to enjoy, such as water sports,
table tennis and billiard tables. For the younger guests there is a TV room
equipped with video games. In the evenings you can enjoy a gourmet meal in the
restaurant or experience one of the hotel's Greek nights. Get out and
about to see the island, whether it is visiting a club or bar in the evenings,
exploring the beautiful beaches of the island during the day or discovering the
island's traditional villages, Ios is sure to provide you with everything you
can expect from a beautiful Greek island. 
With the
calming view of the Aegean Sea and Mylopotas Bay, this hotel makes the perfect
choice for a relaxing holiday where your body and soul come first. Cool
down on the top of the world; the swimming pool is situated on the roof of the
hotel and has the most incredible view. Here you can stay away from the crowded
beach and stay fresh in peaceful surroundings. Enjoy the amazing sunset with an
exotic cocktail from the pool bar and some chill-out tunes. Spend some time in
the spa or the gym to revitalise yourself before you venture to the nightlife of
Ios. To experience Far Out Hotel & Spa is to experience a world of
tranquillity and well-being for body, mind and spirit. 
The Far-Out
Village Resort Hotel was built in 1995, harmoniously designed in the traditional
Cycladic architecture and set on the beautiful Mylopotamos Beach. 
Situated on
a hillside with breathtaking views facing the setting sun, this traditional
hotel is just a short walk from both Ios Village and the beach. Liostasi
Ios Hotel enjoys a picturesque setting, just a short walk from the captivating
bays of the island. 
Welcome to
Brother’s Hotel, where comfort, quality and style meet budget accommodation.
Situated near Yialos beach in Kambos Valley, within walking distance of
Ios Port, this family-run hotel combines a peaceful location with modern
facilities. 
Situated
just between the village and the port of Ios, Homer’s Inn Hotel is an excellent
base for travellers seeking the best of both worlds. Enjoy a cocktail at
the pool bar, after a swim in one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Ios.
Admire the lovely views of the port and Yialos beach from the spacious breakfast
lounge. 
Peacefully
situated and overlooking the beautiful resort of Yialos, this modern yet
traditional hotel has been built according to typical Aegean architectural
styles and offers wonderful panoramic views. This convenient location
provides easy access to all areas of greater Ios. The beach, the port and the
city centre are within easy walking distance. In the vicinity you will also find
an active nightlife, excellent transport links and modern amenities.
There is a large outdoor swimming pool with free loungers, parasols and
a smaller pool for children. The bright, light interior is designed and
decorated in a traditional style which generates a very homely feel. The hotel
also includes a restaurant and bar. With a warm atmosphere, stunning
vistas and comfortable accommodation, this picturesque hotel features all that
you can wish for in a holiday in this beautiful area. 
Galaxy
Hotel enjoys a privileged location, since it is located in Mylopotas beach, just
3 km away from Chora, and only 50 meters away from the beach itself. 
Pelagos
sudios are located in Mylopotas, only 750 meters away from the beach and 650
meters from the main village. Pelagos offers quite family atmosphere and
great views to the Aegean Sea. 
This guest
house is perfectly situated on Mylopotas Beach on Ios Island, overlooking the bay and
offering stunning views of the sea and sunset. 
Mare Monte
hotel is situated on the beach, only a few hundred meters from the main port of
Ios. Offering a beautiful view of Yialos beach from one side and the
mountains of Ios island on the other side, the hotel enjoys a privilege
location in a peaceful surrounding. 
Scala Hotel
is build in Ios village, in a setting with fantastic view of the town, the sea
and the awesome sunset. 