Ios, Greece
Ios has for years been a party island for youngsters, Greeks or Internationals, and tried to follow the steps of Mykonos (unsuccessfully). However, the last few years it tries to change narrative to become a more family friendly and chic, modern oriented island. Boutique hotels are being built, as some luxurious apartments and villas, you will also find modern restaurants and more sophisticated café-bars, while maintaining a local, traditional aspect. But Ios is not only that. It has a hidden cultural and historical side. There is an ancient Cycladic site, surprisingly very well preserved-the ancient city, some art museums and artistic halls being developed and artistic and cultural festivals and events taking place. Let’s see what the future holds for the island.
Niki’s Tips:
As you will still find the party crowd around the island, I would advise, in order to avoid them, keep in mind that they are hanging out mostly in Chora, in the cheap bars and clubs, in the famous Pathos club in Koubara and in some beach bars of Mylopotas. As for the rest of the island you won’t be bothered by them.
There are some quieter areas of Mylopotas beach like the beach bars Nostos and Salt.
There are many beautiful beaches in the island better approached by the sea. So do rent a boat or find a small cruise locally to visit those beaches. The top ones to visit by boat are Tris Klisies, Papa, Plakes and more.
The beach of Papa now belongs to the Calilo hotel and if you want to go by land you have to pay a day pass in the hotel to use the beach sunbeds and facilities.
Do visit the cheese museum & factory of Diaseli. It is owned by the same family for one century. They have guided tours every day, starting every hour on the dot, from 11am to 4pm (last tour) and then you can have a cheese tasting. Or you can choose one of the two, all with a small cost. They also have a shop of their products.
Culturally you can visit Jean Marie Drot’s museum, a small sustainable building, built one with nature that hosts a huge selection of paintings, sculptures and photographs from different worldwide artists; from Haitian ones to the famous Greek artist Giannis Gaitis, who helped Drot build his house just nearby. Usually, it is free to visit but make sure it is open. Nearby the Gaitis-Simossi museum is being built, for the famous painter and his sculptor wife. Opening to the public soon. Two minute’s walk from there you can visit the Odysseas Elytis amphitheatre with amazing views in Mylopotas and Sikinos island.
If you like ancient history, you can visit the ancient site (city) of Skarkos, belonging to the Protocycladic civilization, which is very well preserved. Also, you can visit the tomb of Homer, even though it is not proved that it is his. There is also the Archaeological Museum in Chora, which contains mostly artefacts from Skarkos.
Skarkos ancient site
Beaches:
Magganari beach: the most beautiful beach of the island, and really worth to visit. They have options for sunbeds and parasols. There is a taverna nearby even though the food is not great.
Mylopotas beach: the most popular as it is close to the Chora and most hotels. The quieter side is Nostos and Salt beach bars.
Agia Theodoti beach: an organized beach on the north of the island, best enjoyed when it is not windy. It is a large beach with blue waters and small rocks mixed with sand. There is a canteen for drinks and snacks on the right side of the beach, otherwise north on the signs you will see driving there.
Psathi beach: a small, sandy beach in the north. Offers sunbeds and parasols as well and a beach bar and restaurant. Actually, two restaurants. Best when not windy.
Koubara beach: an organized beach near the port and the Chora. Gets busier with young people and families.
Yalos beach: it is close to the port and offers sunbeds and beach bars. Again, easy for young people and families.
Kolitsani beach: a tiny, beautiful beach between Chora and Mylopotas. It is unorganized.
Papa beach: a beach belonging to the Calilo Hotel now, so in order to have access to the sunbeds and facilities you should pay a day pass in the hotel to use them.
Plakes beach: a small, beautiful beach, unorganized.
Restaurants & Cafes:
Katogi, Chora: amazing Greek tapas to share, with colorful tables in a small patio and a very cute Spanish style bar. You must book in advance.
Sainis, Chora: hidden in the white little streets of Chora, here you will find great Greek flavors to share. They offer whatever fresh they cooked for the day. Advisable to book in a busy season.
Drakos tavern, Mylopotas: come here for fresh fish and seafood, located on a deck on the water, overlooking the beach of Mylopotas. In busy season better to book.
Koubara tavern, Koubara: for fresh fish and seafood, overlooking the beach of Koubara.
Bilaeti tavern, in the middle of the island: on the road to Agia Theodoti and Psathi, you will find this traditional meat tavern in the middle of the road. Has some amazing choices of local dishes, based on meat. Due to the location better visit for late lunch or dinner.
Polydoros, Koubara: Higher up in Koubara, come here for plain, traditional, cheap Greek dishes
Ithaca, Port: gourmet, fusion Greek cuisine, in a modern setting on the port.
Grandma’s, Chora: located in the boutique hotel of Liostasi, it has made a culinary mark in the island. You can order the tasting menu or a la carte.
Cantina del Mar, Chora: come here for brunch or just coffee.
Alonistra, Psathi: a traditional tavern, overlooking the beach of Psathi. We went for seafood and homemade dishes.
Nios, Chora: a traditional kafeneio style bar/café/meze place. Sometimes you may be lucky and listen to Greek live music.
For more grown up drinks go to Valsamo bar in Chora, hidden in the little white streets, away from the buzz of the tacky bars or go for sunset hour in Ios Club or Garden of Ios or even Alma sunset bar. I think the best is Ios Club, which may be advisable to book.
Salt, Mylopotas: for modern and casual dishes in Mylopotas. Except Drakos it is the next best choice.
Thai Smile, Chora: a small Thai place, yes indeed, and I have heard very good comments.
Click cocktail bar, Chora: a buzzy cocktail bar on the lower end of Chora.
Passagio, Chora: come here for Italian pizza and pasta.
Garden Of Ios, Chora: the owner is a French yogi, who has made this a beautiful boho chic vibe of a bar-restaurant, with a gourmet cuisine with bio ingredients, from local suppliers and her garden. It is a little gem that still is quite unknown in the island.
Katogi, Chora
Salt, Mylopotas
Nios, Chora
Sainis, Chora
Alonistra, Psathi
