Ios

Map of Ios

Ios is the 8th bigger island of the Cyclades with 2.024 population and 108km² extension. Though not terribly different -geographically and architecturally- from its neighbours, no other Greek island attracts the same vast crowds of young people as Ios. Although it has worked hard to shake off its late-twentieth-century reputation for alcohol excesses and to move the island's tourism one class up with some success, Ios is extremely popular with young backpacker set who take over the island in July and August.

The only real villages, Yialos, Hora and Mylopotas, are clustered in a western corner of the island, and development elsewhere is restricted by poor roads. As a result there are still some very quiet beaches with just a few room to rent. Most visitors stay along the arc delineated by the port, at Yialos, where you'll arrive, in Hora above it, or by the beach of Mylopotas. Despite its past popularity, sleeping on the beach on Ios is strictly banned these days and so is nudism.

Hora or Ios Town, the capital, is a twenty-minute walk up behind Yialos port, and is one of the most picturesque towns in the Cyclades, filled with meandering arcaded lanes and whitewashed chapels. Still, it gets pretty raunchy when the younger crowds moves in for the high season. The main road divides it naturally into two parts: the old town climbing the hillside to the left as you arrive and the newer development to the right. The archaeological museum (Tue-Sun, 8:30am-3pm, free), in the yellow town hall, is part of an attempt to attract a more diverse range of visitors to the island. It contains some interesting finds from ancient Skarkos, a few kilometers inland from Yialos.

Yialos, with its surprisingly peaceful beach- isn't in the same league as Hora, but it provides a refreshing, breezy escape from the hot, noisy capital. Alternatively there's the popular Mylopotas, the site of a magnificent beach, lots of water activity outlets and surprisingly little nightlife.

Beaches

Yialos

Yialos is the most central beach of the island and is just a few meters from the port. You can go on foot or by bus which makes the route Port-Hora-Mylopotas. The Yialos beach is very popular and for that reason there are many restaurants and hotels, and various sport activities.

Mylopotas

Mylopotas Beach is the most popular and busiest beach in Ios. Located southwest of Hora and visitors can either go on foot in 15 minutes or by bus. It is one of the longest beaches on the island, one kilometer in length, and has restaurants, hotels, cafes and water sports. It is the favorite beach, especially for young people.

 

Mylopotas

Maganari

Located on the southern coast of the island, 23 km from the center. Visitors can either go by bus or by boats leaving from the port. It is a beautiful place, which is divided into five smaller beaches with sand or pebbles and crystal clear waters. It is the ideal location to relax, sunbathe and swim. The surroundings are breathtaking and will surely be thrilled. There are taverns and hotels.

Agia Theodoti

The beach of Agia Theodotis is one of the quietest on Ios and is suitable for those who desire peace, away from the crowds. Visitors can swim in the crystal waters and enjoy the sun.

Koympara
Located Northwest of the port. Visitors can get there either by bus or by car following the road to Yialos or to walk after half an hour walk . There are taverns and hotels available , but is generally a very quiet area . The location is fantastic and is popular for the unique sunset, better than any other place on the island.

Kalamos
The beach of Kalamos , located on the East coast of the island at a distance of 16 km from the port . The route is worth a stop to visit the monastery of St. John. The beach is secluded and often can not find anyone there. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

Psathi

Psathi
On the way to the Agia Theodoti will find two small exotic beaches belonging to Psathi . It is very quiet and is very popular with windsurfers, due to favorable winds blowing in the area .

Transportation

By ferry: Ferries dock in Yialos, an easy 20min trek from the capital, Hora.

Destinations: Amorgos(1 weekly, 3hr), Anafi(1-2 weekly, 4hr), Folegandros(4-6 weekly, 1 hr), Kea/Lavrio(1 weekly, 11hr), Kimolos(3-4 weekly, 3hr), Kythnos(1-2 weekly, 8hr), Milos(3 weekly,4hr), Mykonos(1-2 daily, 1hr 40min), Naxos(4-5 weekly, 45min-3hr), Paros(2-4 weekly, 5hr), Pireas(1-2 daily, 3hr), Rafina(1 weekly, 4hr), Santorini(2-3 daily, 1hr 30min), Serifos(1 weekly, 6hr 30min), Sifnos(3 weekly, 3hr-5hr), Sikinos(1-2 daily, 20min), Syros(3-5 weekly, 5hr), Tinos(5 weekly, 2hr).

Ios

Getting Around

By bus: Buses constantly shuttle between Yialos, Hora and Mylopotas(every 2030min, 8am-midnight).

By boat: From Yialos, daily boats depart at around 10am to the beaches on the South coast.

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Ios: 22860 91228

Police Department: 22860 91222

Health Center: 22860 91227

Pharmacy: 22860 91562

Port Authorities: 22860 91264

Post: 22860 91235

Taxi: 22860 91606