IOS

Ios is well known as the party island with the lively atmosphere and the endless fun. Its coastline is adorned by kilometers of fine soft sand and crystalline emerald waters which are a real temptation. Its pretty Hora (capital), is a dazzling mix of white washed houses and blue domed churches. Ios Greece is one of the Greek Island's best keep secrets attracting visitors from all over the world. There are three main parts to the island: the port - where you arrive; the village - where all the bars, clubs, shops and restaurants are located; and Mylopotas Beach - the main and biggest beach on the island, located only 15 minutes walk from the village with regular buses every 15 minutes going in both directions.

Party mayhem is almost totally confined to the Ios capital town and of Chora it's neighbouring beach. Those who prefer a more traditional Greek island will find it just about everywhere else. Even though during the last decades Ios had a "bad" reputation and gathered many tourists that took part in drinking marathons, today things are quite different. The tourism in Ios regained its quality and the young visitors are more restrained, giving accent to fun and not to their personal conflicts.

The charming Chora, the capital of the island is located just 2 km from the port. At night time the island transforms in to one of the best party islands ever , the heart of party is located in the village with a big variety of clubs and bars for all kind of tastes

After driving from Chora to Mylopotas, follow the dirtroad at the end of the beach, leading to the south coast of the island. This itinerary will may offer you the most interesting excursion.
By passing Mylopotas and turning right at the crossroads, you reach the splendidly isolated beach of Klima. A short way off lies Manganari. Four of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean, each one lying next to the other, wait for the visitor to enjoy their peaceful nature.

If you enter the main road again, it will take you to the monastery of Kalamos, a very well-preserved 200-year-old building, a special place of worship for the locals.The same road leads straight to Kalamos, a beautiful pebbly beach, or, if you turn left after the monastery, the way to Tris Klissies reveals three beautiful secluded beaches, accessible only on foot.

Near Agia Theodoti beach (which is surprisingly quiet, by the way), you will find the remains of the Byzantine fort of Paleokastro. Also, maybe you could visit the Archaeological museum in the Amoiradakeio Mansion that exhibits findings from the excavations that have taken place on the island. Now Ios is one out of seven islands that claim to be the hometown of Homer, but the ruins are lovely even if they may not be what they claim to be.

By speed-boat now, there are several scheduled routes (winter-summer) from Rafina. Throughout the year and particularly in the summer, Ios is also linked by ferries and speed-boats to the majority of the Cycladic islands, the Dodecanese and Crete, either by the lines of Piraeus and Rafina or by boat lines.