Location: Ios
Top Things to do in Ios
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Things to do in Ios, South Aegean: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Ios embodies that classic Greek island ambiance—hillside clusters of blue-roofed white buildings, an amphitheater, golden beaches that spill into the sapphire sea. The spindly windmills of Ios are like something from a storybook, and a visit to the Tomb of Homer (yep, that Homer) is an exercise in awed contemplation. When the sun goes down, party it up at one of Ios’ many electrifying nightspots. Favorites are Astra Cocktail Bar and the (kind of insane) alt-rock scene, The Orange Bar.
Restaurants in Ios
1. Diaseli Traditional Cheesery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Built at the highest point of Ios next to the family farm, the traditional cheesery "Diaseli" offers the visitor a savouring experience in the middle of the Aegean Sea while travelling in time. The estate is open to visitors for guided tours which present the chronicle of the agricultural life of Ios. The experience ends with a degustation of various handmade products produced on-site.
Reviewed By 572thomasv - Copenhagen, Denmark
Such a nice time visiting the cheese factory and learning about local life and cheese making. I normally never eat goat cheese but all the cheeses we got to taste were really tasty! Will happily go back again.
2. Archaeological Site of Skarkos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
When I first visited Ios in the early 1980's the site of Skarkos was not known yet, since its discovery goes back to 1984 and the excavations started two years later with archaeologist Marisa Marthari being mainly in charge. The conservation efforts were awarded the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage in 2008. Today the site on a hilltop between Ios Bay and the islands most fertile area of Kambos is well protected and organized. Fenced off, the place can only be visited daily, except Tuesdays, from 8am to 3.30pm. Entrance fee is 4€ to be paid at a little stone building to the right after one has gone through the gate. Plenty of oleander bushes add some colour to the excavation. There is almost no parking at Skarkos, just for the employees at the site. The best way to get here is anyway by walking, especially on the official hiking path No 1 in 20 minutes from Chora. A path, which then continues to Epano Kambos. There is no direct path from the harbour. By the ticket office is a small exhibition room with photos and 3 information boards in Greek and English. There are three more excellent information boards on the site itself. They are worth reading, since to a layperson the ruins itself don't offer much understanding, besides that they are mostly fenced off. The finds of this settlement of the Early Bronze Age (mid 3rd millenium BC) are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Ios in Chora.
3. Agia Irini Church
4. Paleokastro
5. Panagia Gremiotissa Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Faberge36 - Auckland, New Zealand
This church is really one of 5 that take you up the hill above Chora, with the highest one offering breathtaking views of the town and port. Well worth the effort, and best to walk early in the morning for best pics of tony and port. There are a myriad of walkways that will eventually take you to the top.
6. Agios Ioannis
7. Odysseas Elytis Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By 861JaneD - Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
We walked from the old town, it is a steep walk. All paved and many steps just steep! (At midday you need water with you). The view is totally worth it! Opened in 1997, the architecture and craftsmanship that has gone into this really is outstanding! It must be breathtaking to attend a performance here! Would highly recommend a visit.
8. Papa Beach
9. La Tomba di Omero
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By ruthpcymru - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Glad we made the effort to visit, tranquil, amazing views and we caught the sunset. Short walk to the ‘tomb’ from parking area. On our visit we were totally alone in the peaceful and beautiful landscape
10. Mirabello Art
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 14 reviews
Mirabello Art is a gallery / recording studio in Ios island, since 1985 with original music - from world/ethnic to techno/progressive - and original paintings on canvas and on T-shirts. Order your personal design and have your own unique piece of art. Thousands of friends all over the world enjoy and share our music and art. Don’t miss the experience of meeting Mirabello from 18:00pm to 2:00am
