Ios: The Island Full of Surprises
I’ve roamed across dozens of Greek islands, each with its own personality, quirks, and moments of magic. But nothing quite prepared me for the mix of curiosity, hesitation, and thrill I felt the first time I set foot on Ios. Years later, I still stumble across articles that wildly misrepresent this island — and I think it’s finally time to clear the air.
How I Ended Up on Ios
Truth be told, if I’d known Ios had a reputation as a wild party island, I probably would’ve skipped it entirely. And I’m sure I’m not the only traveller who might’ve written it off for the same reason. So, how did I end up there? And what was it actually like?
Back in 2017, I was planning my first Cycladic island-hopping adventure. I started in the north, aiming for a logical route through Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Santorini was the natural next step, and I figured I’d round things off in Crete before flying back to the UK.
While plotting ferry routes and fine-tuning my itinerary, a curious little island popped up on Google Maps between Naxos and Santorini — Ios. I’d never heard of it. How had it slipped past me after all the time I’d spent poring over Greek island guides?
Assuming it was a quiet, lesser-known gem, I spontaneously booked two nights. It felt like a fun wildcard to add to the mix. A few clicks later, I locked in the rest of my trip: Santorini, then Crete. Done.
Weeks later, I circled back to research things to do on each island. That’s when I made a worrying discovery.
Some might tell you it is like Spring Break in Daytona Beach or Panama city or even Cancun but the reality is that those places are tame compared to Ios. The island of Ios is an all out international party of college age people that lasts from June until the end of August
Matt Barrett, greektravel.com
Uh-oh.
Had I just slotted a booze-soaked, bass-thumping party mecca into the middle of my chilled, sun-drenched island journey? I was 35 — not ancient, but not exactly queuing up for shots at 3 a.m. either. I started to panic. Would Ios be a non-stop frat party? Was I in for two sleepless, miserable nights?
I considered cancelling. But something told me to just go and experience it for myself—good or bad, at the very least, it would make for a fun story.
What I Found on Ios
Fast-forward to the trip itself. I’d been loving the islands so far — Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros — each bringing something new. I made great connections, especially on the ferries, and shared meals and sunsets with new friends. Then came the moment of truth: the ferry to Ios.
As the boat docked, my nerves returned full-force. I took the local bus up to Mylopotas, surrounded by mostly younger passengers. I braced for chaos. But there wasn’t any. No shouting, no thumping music. Just… people.
Still hesitant, I didn’t even unpack. I walked out, determined to get a feel for the place. And then I turned the corner onto the road that runs behind Mylopotas Beach — and stopped in my tracks.
The beach was enormous. Wide, golden, and surprisingly quiet. No DJ’s. No drunken beach games. Just soft sand and shimmering water. I tossed down my towel and let the sun melt my anxiety.
An hour later, I ventured into the sea. The water was cool, the waves playful. As I swam out into the bay — a lifelong swimmer’s paradise — the tension lifted. Ios wasn’t what I feared. It wasn’t even close.
A Whole New Perspective
By the end of day one, I’d already made friends — right there on the beach. We explored the island, grabbed drinks in Chora (which was lively but far from chaotic), and even hired a quad bike to chase views and sunsets. I visited Homer’s Tomb, soaked up endless sunshine, and fell for the laid-back charm that Ios had in spades.
Two days later, as I boarded the ferry to Santorini, I felt a mix of joy and frustration: joy from the unforgettable experience, frustration that I’d almost missed it because of a reputation that didn’t tell the whole story.
About That Nightlife…
Now don’t get me wrong — Ios can absolutely party. If you’re here for the nightlife, you’ll find it. Far Out Beach Club is a buzzing spot, and Chora doesn’t truly come alive until after midnight. Clubs pulse with energy well into the early morning. If you want that scene, it delivers, and in a much more refined way than the likes of Laganas in Zante, Kavos in Corfu or Malia in Crete.
But here’s the twist: since that first trip, I’ve returned five times. Each stay an improvement on the last. In 2023, I spent ten nights on Ios. In July 2024, another full week. It’s not just a place I stumbled across — it’s a place I now long to return to. A second home in the Aegean.
More Than a Party Island
What struck me most about Ios wasn’t the beach clubs or sunset cocktails — it was how emotionally connected I felt to it. Maybe it was the low expectations of my first experience. Maybe it was the joy of being surprised. But the connection stuck.
Ios is often reduced to a single label: “party island”. But that’s like calling Santorini a photo-op or Crete a resort destination. It misses the mark.
Yes, the nightlife is there — and it’s good. But the rest of the island? It’s dreamy. Traditional. Beautiful. Beaches like Psathi, Agia Theodoti, and Magganari are among the best in the Cyclades. Chora is a postcard come to life, with churches perched above the town offering unbeatable sunset views. The harbour? Calm and welcoming.
It’s not packed with sights or adrenaline-fueled activities. But if you’re looking to relax, swim, eat amazing food, and soak in the Greek island vibe, Ios is hard to beat. Better still, it’s hidden in plain sight on a popular north-south ferry route between some of the most well-known and popular islands: Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini. You can easily slot Ios into an island-hopping adventure, and you definitely should.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve written off Ios based on reputation alone, I urge you to think again. Whether you’re chasing serenity or strobe lights, this island has room for both — and everything in between.
So, what are you waiting for?
If you want to start planning your Ios adventure, use the search box below to find and book your ferry crossing.
Be aware that many ferry operators don’t release their summer schedules until March-April each year, so if you don’t see availability for your chosen travel dates, bookmark this page and check back again later.
See you in paradise 😎
