Ios is a star of the Cyclades: whitewashed lanes, domed churches, and a coastline that flips from hidden coves to sweeping beaches. The island’s roots run deep—prehistoric Skarkos is one of the best-preserved sites of the Early Bronze Age, and local lore links Ios to Homer’s final resting place. Today, travelers come for a blend of history, sea, and a nightlife that hums without losing the island’s laid-back soul.

Across a week you’ll swim at Mylopotas and Manganari, taste farm-made cheeses and island wines, and circle the coast by boat. The hilltop capital, Chora, rewards wanderers with bougainvillea-draped alleys and sunset perches above the Aegean. When the sun dips, cafés shift into cocktail bars and the town quietly transforms into a Cycladic night out.

Practical notes: peak season runs June–September; May and October are calmer with warm seas. Expect the meltemi wind on some summer days (great for cooling, choppy for boats). ATMs are in Chora and the port; buses connect the port–Chora–Mylopotas and, in peak season, Manganari and Agia Theodoti. Car/ATV rentals are popular for reaching remote beaches.

Ios

Ios pairs postcard Cycladic beauty with easygoing energy. Chora (Ios Town) climbs around a hill of churches and windmills, while beaches like Mylopotas and Manganari rank among the Aegean’s finest. Food swings from family fish tavernas to modern Greek at hilltop hotels, with sunset lounges tying it all together.

• Top sights: Skarkos prehistoric site, Panagia Gremiotissa Church at sunset, windmills of Chora, Mylopotas and Manganari beaches, Homer’s Tomb (north).
• Where to stay: Chora for nightlife and views; Mylopotas for beach-first days; Koumpara/Port for sunsets and easy arrivals.
• Search stays on VRBO or compare hotels via Hotels.com (consider Liostasi for elevated dining and views, Ios Palace at Mylopotas for a beach base, or Levantes for boutique style above the bay).
• Getting there: Fly to Athens or Santorini, then ferry to Ios (40–90 minutes from Santorini; 4–7 hours from Piraeus). Search flights on Trip.com or Omio (for Europe), and book ferries on Omio Ferries. Expect ~€20–€45 Santorini–Ios, ~€40–€85 Piraeus–Ios in season.

Day 1: Arrival, Chora Wander, and Sunset above the Aegean

Afternoon: Arrive at Ios Port and transfer to your hotel in Chora or Mylopotas (bus ~€2–€3; taxi ~€10–€20 depending on distance). Shake off travel with a light bite at Ios Bakery (spanakopita and koulouri) before an unhurried stroll through Chora’s lanes—peek into boutiques for linen, ceramics, and Cycladic prints.

Evening: Climb to Panagia Gremiotissa Church for a classic first-night sunset—blue dome, bells, and the sea spread out below. Dinner at Katogi in Chora (Greek meze with creative touches—fried cheese with honey, slow-braised pork, local salads). Nightcaps at Ios Club Sunset Lounge, a longtime favorite for terrace views and thoughtful cocktails.

Day 2: Mylopotas Beach Day and Coastal Views

Morning: Set up at Mylopotas Beach—soft sand, clear water, and sunbeds in front of laid-back beach bars. Brunch at Cantina del Mar (smoothie bowls, omelets) or Karma Beach Bar (eggs and espresso).

Afternoon: Try SUP or kayaking when winds are calm; otherwise, walk the coastal path toward Kolitsani for viewpoints. Lunch steps from the surf at Harmony (island-favorite Mexican with live music some evenings) or a seafood platter at Drakos Fish Taverna at the bay’s far end—grilled octopus, taramasalata, and the catch of the day.

Evening: Sunset at Pathos Restaurant & Sunset Lounge near Koumpara—dramatic cliffside setting and cinematic light. If you’re in the mood for a scene later on, swing by FarOut Beach Club back at Mylopotas (summer nights bring live DJs); otherwise, explore mellow bars in Chora’s backstreets.

Day 3: E‑Bike Through History—Skarkos, Villages, and Flavors

Morning–Afternoon (Tour): Join the 5 -6 Hour Full Heritage & Flavor Tour to glide gently between the prehistoric site of Skarkos, viewpoints above Chora, and local tastings. Expect insider storytelling, light pedaling on e‑bikes, and stops that reveal daily island life.

Evening: Dine at The Mills (near Chora’s windmills) for classic Cycladic plates—lamb kleftiko, baked feta, and village salad heavy with capers. For dessert, grab loukoumades (honey-drenched doughnuts) from a Chora sweet shop, then slip into the night at cozy alleys bars—Circo/Circus is lively without being overwhelming.

Day 4: Full-Day Boat Adventure to Coves and Blue Water

Spend the day on the water with the Allday tour in Ios, Cyclades. Circle the coast to swim in fluorescent-blue coves, snorkel above rocks, and anchor at beaches only boats reach—an unforgettable way to grasp Ios’ coastline.

Evening: Clean up for dinner at Grandma’s Restaurant at Liostasi—refined Greek flavors on a terrace with a view (reserve for outdoor tables). Sip a final mastiha or Greek gin at the hotel bar before a leisurely walk back to Chora.

Day 5: Hiking Trails, North-Coast Scenery, and Remote Beaches

Morning: Lace up for Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored—guided trails reveal chapels, dry-stone terraces, and wide Aegean views with local context on nature and traditions.

Afternoon: Drive (or take a seasonal bus) to Manganari Beach—a set of luminous sandy bays ideal for a long swim. Lunch at Antonis Tavern right by the sand: grilled sardines, Greek salad with capers, and house wine.

Evening: If you have energy, detour to the hilltop near Homer’s Tomb for a late golden-hour view (the site itself is modest; the panorama is the reward). Back in Chora, keep things simple with souvlaki and gyros from a local grill and a quiet gelato before turning in.

Day 6: Cheese & Wine, Crafts, and a Night Out

Morning: Browse Chora’s boutiques for woven bags, ceramics, and linen pieces—many are local collaborations. Coffee at a town café; try freddo espresso with a slice of portokalopita (orange cake).

Afternoon (Tasting): Join the island’s flavors at the Cheese and Wine Tasting (Guided Tour INCLUDED)—a warm, family-style introduction to local dairy traditions and wines, with stories that connect products to place.

Evening: Sunset aperitifs back at Ios Club Sunset Lounge or at Koumpara’s shore. For dinner, book Drakos again if you loved it, or try a modern taverna in Chora for baked chickpeas, fava with caramelized onions, and slow-cooked goat. If you want a late night, the compact Chora bar scene—think Slammer Bar and neighbors—keeps the island’s youthful spirit alive.

Day 7: Last Swims, Local Bites, and Departure

Morning: Final dip at Mylopotas or a quiet cove near Koumpara. Brunch on the beach—eggs, Greek yogurt with thyme honey, and seasonal fruit.

Afternoon: Ferry back to Santorini or Piraeus—book via Omio Ferries. If flying onward, compare routes on Trip.com or Omio. Depart with a jar of local capers or a wheel of island cheese as your edible souvenir.

Extra Tips

• Buses connect Port–Chora–Mylopotas frequently in summer; schedules expand to Manganari and Agia Theodoti in peak months.
• ATV/car rentals run roughly €35–€60/day; reserve ahead in July–August.
• On windy days, favor south-facing beaches like Manganari for gentler seas.
• For more guided flavor: culture-focused e‑bike rides like the Culture & Taste Tour are excellent alternatives.

Summary: In one week, you’ll swim Ios’ best beaches, trace Cycladic history from Skarkos to hilltop chapels, and taste the island through cheese, wine, and seaside tavernas. The pace is flexible: active days on e‑bikes and boats, slow evenings under a pink Aegean sky.