Every year at the Cycladic island of Ios takes place the wildest party which assures you with an unforgettable experience. Ios’ nightlife reputation goes beyond the borders and attracts tourists from all over the world that are willing to know Homer’s famous island. It is beyond doubt the fact that the majority of the travelers visit Ios for the endless nightlife but it is a destination that has much more to offer. Get ready for a journey full of drinks, love, smiles but also sea, tradition, and nature!
Welcome to Chora of Ios island
The island’s Chora is scenic and with white colors, circularly built upon the island’s hill and above the debris of the ancient town that used to be located in the same spot. You will notice all the features of the classic Cycladic architecture. The circularly built white houses, the chapels on the hillside, the alleys, and the small yards create a picturesque dreaming setting. The village is located under Panagia Gkremiotissa which dominates a part of the medieval castle of the island. It is worth visiting the Archeological Museum which is located on the ground floor of the city hall and the Museum of Modern Art ‘Jean Mari Drot’.
A walk to Magkanari
Magkanari stands on the south part of the island and via a paved road is connected with Chora and the harbor. The route to get there is one of a kind as it crosses the island and reaches almost the highest place of that at approximately 500 meters. The shape of the rocks is impressive and towards the end, you will set eyes on the extraordinary view of the three back-to-back beaches of Magkanari. Truly exotic scenery!
Religious monuments
Many of Ios’ churches have been characterized as historical landmark designation monuments of the post-Byzantine period since they are considered as typical evidence of the Cycladic island architecture. The island’s oldest church, named Agia Theodoti, is located in the northeast part of the island and it was built in the 16th century, over the ruins of Apollo’s temple. It is a worth-seeing landmark! On the other hand, Fragkokklisia is the catholic church of Ios and has stood near the elementary school at Chora from the 14th century.
The great historical figures of the island.
According to tradition, Ios is considered to be the homeland of the mother of the legendary poet Homer. It is assumed that the poet died and was buried in Plakoto, where his grave stands in the north part of the island. It is far away from Chora but it is worth visiting as it offers a great view of the surrounding area.
Another great historical figure of the island is Odysseas Elitis, remembered as the architecture ambassador of his beloved Ios. You will find the extraordinary ‘Odysseas Elitis’ theater with 1.100 seats at Chora, built according to the ancient model and named after the Nobel-priced poet.
A dip in the vast blue sea.
A day on the island starts and ends at the magical beaches. The vast gold sand of Mylopotas beach with the impressive bay and azure waters is undoubtedly the best part of the island. There you can find any type of leisures and supplies such as water sports, food, transportation, and accommodation to be prepared for the party.
Magkanari beach steals the show as it connects beautifully five bights with five golden sanded beaches with crystal clear waters. This magical location is worth your attention if you want to experience the scenes from the movie ‘The Big Blue’ at the place where they were filmed.
This is the definition of fun!
Ios nightlife doesn’t need a lot of recommendations. You’ll have already heard a crazy story and taken a little taste of what it is like. The mood is already good from the time that the clock hits midnight. Young people coming from all over the world are connected to create an unforgettable night full of passion, dance, music, and much more drinks. So, are you ready?
