Holiday in Ios

What makes Ios special as a destination?

Ios is the island of contrasts – during the day a Cycladic picture book with white cube houses and golden beaches, at night one of the wildest party destinations in the Mediterranean. The small Cycladic island between Naxos and Santorini has made a name for itself as a legendary party spot over the past decades, but behind the facade of clubs and bars lies a surprisingly versatile island with spectacular beaches, ancient history, and quiet corners. Mylopotas Beach is the main beach and the epicenter of summer life. The wide sandy beach stretches over a kilometer and offers sun loungers, water sports, and beach bars during the day, which turn into open-air discos in the afternoon. For quieter alternatives, there’s Manganari in the south – a paradise of several connected coves with a Caribbean flair – and Kleftiko-like rock coves on the west coast. The Chora of Ios, the main village on the hill above the harbor, is a dream of white alleys, blue domes, and blooming bougainvillea during the day. Over 70 bars and clubs are concentrated in a small area – in summer, the Chora transforms into one big open-air party after midnight. But Ios also has a serious cultural side: According to legend, Homer, the poet of the Iliad and Odyssey, is buried here. His presumed grave is located in the north of the island and can be hiked to. From Germany, Ios can be reached via Athens and ferry (fast ferry about 3.5 hours from Piraeus) or by ferry from Santorini in just 35 minutes. Ios can be perfectly combined with Santorini and Naxos for an island-hopping route.