Ios, the island of light and colour

Ios, unique and beautiful, picturesque and irreconcilable, has been showing in recent years its other face and to highlight its beauties, Cycladic energy, beautiful Chora and clear blue waters.

The first impression you get as soon as you arrive on the island is enchanting: the centre (very close to the port of Ormos) welcomes travelers. Amphitheatrically built on the slope of a hill, at the top of where are ruins of a medieval castle. It is a traditional settlement that has been declared a protected area and is one of the best preserved examples of Cycladic architecture.

The whitewashed houses, the picturesque covered streets, the windmills that resist like loyal guards in the strong wind, the churches with the arched bell towers and the blue domes create a unique residential ensemble, which characterize the uniqueness of the island.

The island also has enchanting beaches, which are an attraction for lovers of water sports and diving. Be sure to visit the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, built literally on the edge of the cliff, with an amazing view of the sea, the tomb of Homer, the beach of Mylopotas and the sunset in Chora or Paleokastro. Its beauty is truly breathtaking!

Try and enjoy the cuisine of Ios

A feast of local flavors awaits the lucky ones who will visit the island: falafel and sun-dried marigolds, tsimetia (stuffed zucchini), pumpkin omelette and dolmadakia with fresh vine leaves from the countless vineyards that offer the wine. And also sougli with tsiarides (traditional breakfast), panada (sourdough bread dipped in red sauce ideal for breakfast!), goat soup and, for dessert, pumpkin pie from sweet pumpkin, "Mosenta" (watermelon pie) as well as pickled figs!

Do not leave without taking with you the local "skotyri" cheese (soft goat cheese with herbs), kefalotyri and mizithra, as well as the excellent thyme honey, pastelia, sweet watermelon, mizithropites and pomegranate drink.

Best period to visit Ios

Needless to say, the best time to visit Ios is in the summer period-summer in Greece starts in May and ends many times in October. So you can start packing without fear!

How to use transportation in Ios

Port transfer options

There is no airport in Ios so, to get there, you have to fly to Santorini and then take the ferry or the flying dolphin to the island.

The port of Ios is located 2 km from Chora.

Ios is connected by ferry and speedboat with Piraeus and Rafina, Heraklion and Rethymnon but also with the rest of the Cyclades. There is also the possibility of landing an helicopter at the modern and fully equipped helipad of Ios.

Ferry options

Piraeus - Ios: The route runs throughout the year. The trip takes 4 hours by speedboat and about 6.5 hours by conventional ferry.

Rafina - Ios: The ferry connection is seasonal and is served by speedboats during the summer months. The duration of the trip varies from 4 to 6 hours depending on the ship and the route.

Santorini - Ios: The route Santorini - Ios is very popular, especially during the summer months. The journey from Santorini to Ios takes about 40 minutes.