11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN IOS, Greece

Ios’ main town, Chora, is the heart and soul of the island. A labyrinth of white cube houses, colorful bougainvillea, and tiny chapels perched on the hills. 

It’s quite a workout exploring the streets of Chora since the town is built on a hill, but I loved strolling peacefully (it was so empty!) through its narrow paths, getting lost among quiet corners and hidden viewpoints. Walk all the way to the top for amazing views!

Come in the late afternoon when the light turns golden and the whole town starts to glow. By sunset, the rooftops and windmills shimmer in pastel pink. The windmills are also a popular spot to watch the sunset.

Sitting high above Chora, the Church is one of the most iconic landmarks on Ios. The walk up is through narrow, winding alleys that get quieter and quieter the higher you climb. Once you reach the top, the reward is a stunning 360 degree panorama over the village, the port, and the Aegean Sea.

The church itself is beautiful with its classic Cycladic architecture, whitewashed walls, blue dome, and a tall palm tree right next to it. It’s a peaceful spot to pause and feel the breeze.

At the very top of Chora, just above the Church of Panagia Gremniotissa, you’ll find the small Chapel of Agios Nikolaos. It’s such a peaceful spot with incredible views over the sea and the white houses below. 

The walk up might be a bit of a climb, but once you’re there, the view makes you forget all about it. It’s the perfect place to just sit for a moment and take it all in, especially at sunset. It gets busy during summer sunsets, but if you visit in the shoulder season like I did, you might have the whole place to yourself.

There is a small bench right at the top next to the chapel. Get there about 30 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot and enjoy the full show.

Just above Chora, behind the traditional windmills, sits (to me) the most magical and less popular spot to watch the sunset on the island. It’s calm, peaceful, and offers beautiful views over the Aegean. Bring a drink and just watch as the sun disappears into the sea.

Right next to it is the open-air amphitheatre, which is named after the Nobel Prize-winning Greek poet Odysseas Elytis. Built from marble in the style of ancient Greek theatres, it offers some of the most panoramic views on the entire island. It’s also used for cultural events and even weddings, which just adds to its charm.

This is the beach everyone talks about, the most popular beach on Ios, and for good reason. Mylopotas has it all: a long stretch of soft sand, turquoise water, beach umbrellas, sunbeds, and lively beach bars that keep the energy just right. My favorite beach bar was Salt Restaurant Bar!

If you are visiting in peak season, arrive early to secure a good spot. The beach fills up fast, especially around the popular beach bars.

One of my favorite little discoveries is just a short walk past the main beach and the Harmony Restaurant, keep walking and you will find smooth rocks that drop straight into the sea. There’s also a path to go down, but be careful. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the water here is incredible. Simple moments like this are my favorite and, we had it all to ourselves.

Bring water shoes if you plan to get in, as the rocks can be a little slippery, and take some water and snacks with you since it is a bit more secluded.

On the southern side of Ios, Manganari Beach is where you go when you want something calmer and more natural. The water here is shallow and seriously super clear. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Chora, but absolutely worth it.

The beach is made up of a few smaller coves with soft sand, surrounded by rocky hills. It feels much more remote than Mylopotas, almost like a small paradise tucked away from everything. There are umbrellas and sunbeds available to rent.

This Beach is one of those spots that most visitors walk right past without realizing it is there. Located right next to the port of Ios, it’s one of the easiest beaches to reach on the island. The water is calm and turquoise, and the beach has a relaxed, local feel to it.

It’s the perfect place to take a quick dip or spend a lazy afternoon. Nothing fancy, just a beautiful little beach that does exactly what you need.

Getting to Never Bay is a little adventure on its own. The crystal-clear waters of Never Bay make it one of the most beautiful hidden gems on Ios. Getting there takes a bit of effort as it’s about an hour’s drive from Chora, and the last part of the road is quite rough and bumpy, so it’s best to rent an ATV.

This secluded bay has crystal clear water surrounded by dramatic cliffs and wild, untouched landscape. It’s the kind of place that feels completely off the tourist trail. There are no sunbeds, no bars, just nature at its finest. Bring everything you need and enjoy a true escape.

When we visited in early October, the sea wasn’t calm and it was quite wavy, so it wasn’t possible to get in the water as it would have been too dangerous. It was still a great spot to hang out for a while and soak up the view, but for better conditions, I’d recommend visiting earlier in the season on a sunny day.

Ios is full of small, secret beaches worth exploring. Psathi, Agia Theodoti, and Kalamos are perfect if you want to escape the crowds and find your own little paradise. Rent an ATV or scooter, bring your swimsuit, and just go, every road seems to lead somewhere beautiful.

I have to include this one even though we did not get to experience it ourselves. Since we visited Ios in early October, Ios Club was already closed for the season. But I had to mention it because my friends who have been there absolutely raved about it and told me I have to visit.

Perched on the cliffs above Chora, this legendary sunset bar has been around for over 50 years. It is known for playing classical music and jazz as the sun goes down. So make sure you do not miss it while it is open.

Ios Club usually opens around June and closes in September. Check their social media before your trip to confirm the exact dates.