Ios is a Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago. It’s a beautiful island, with lovely beaches. A very pleasant place to spend a few days’ vacation. Here is our advice and practical information for how to go and get around Ios, when?… We help you make the most of your vacation on Ios:
- Ios vacations: for whom? Festive island but not only
- How to get to Ios?
- How many days in Ios?
- What’s the best time of year to vacation on Ios?
- Getting around Ios Should I rent a car?
Holiday island? Yes, but it’s also very family-friendly!
We hesitated for a long time before going on vacation to Ios, a little put off by the island’s reputation as a “party island”. But frankly, we did well to overcome our prejudices, as we really enjoyed this island.
Of course, Ios is an island where young people come to party. But the party scene is highly concentrated (mainly in Chora). Best of all, the party’s at night, and during the day the island is very quiet. If you live on a “family” schedule, you won’t even notice.
What’s more, unlike some islands where bars of dubious aesthetics, slot machines and noisy karaoke bars line the seafront, on Ios everything is done with taste and the seafront retains a traditional feel. There are no big resorts or beachside clubs here.
In short, Ios is certainly a party island… but it’s also an island of breathtaking scenery, so characteristic of the Cyclades. Increasingly, it attracts a family clientele that is well-to-do. Ios is truly an island with two faces: calm during the day, with peaceful little coves, but also with a lively atmosphere at night in the heart of the Chora.
How to get to Ios?
If you’re planning a vacation on Ios, there’s no airport on the island. On the other hand, it is easily accessible by ferry, as it is located on the Mykonos-Santorini line. There are regular crossings either from Athens (Piraeus or Lavrio) or from other Cycladic islands.
Some people choose to fly to Santorini, Naxos or Paros and then take the ferry to Ios.
For air travel, we recommend the greek company Aegean Airlines. And for ferry schedules, visit the FerryHopper website.
How long can I stay in Ios?
We recommend spending three or four days on Ios. This will allow you to visit Chora, of course, but also to tour the island and enjoy the beautiful beaches. See also our article: 10 best things to do in Ios.
Ideally, you should combine Ios with another Cycladic island: Santorini, for example. But also Naxos or Paros.
What’s the best time of year to visit Ios?
The best times to go on vacation to Ios are undoubtedly spring and late summer. June and September are perfect. It’s much less crowded than in summer, and hotel rates are much lower. Read our article Where to stay in Ios?
July and August are pleasant months, but they are more crowded and accommodation prices are high during this period.
Avoid going to Ios completely out of season. During the winter months, most hotels and restaurants are closed.
Getting around Ios? Should I rent a car?
There’s a good KTEL bus service on the island, providing frequent daytime connections between Gialos, Chora and Mylopotas. In high season, there are also buses to the beaches of Koumbara, Manganari and Psathi. Unfortunately, the buses are packed in summer.
There are a few cabs on the island:
- Ios Taxi Service +30 697 77 60 570
- or other companies +30 697 703 17 08 and +30 697 873 44 91
Most beaches are also served by caiques or water cabs… but this service is rather expensive.
The best way to discover the island is to rent a car. This allows you to get off the beaten track and explore small coves. We recommend the RentalCars website, which will enable you to compare the different offers in the blink of an eye and find the car of your choice at the best price.
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And to find out more about Ios, see also our articles :
- Our top 10 things to see and do on Ios
- Where to stay in Ios? Our selection of hotels and accommodations
- The most beautiful beaches on Ios
We wish you a wonderful vacation on Ios!
Laure M.
Updated February 6, 2024
