WHEN TO VISIT?
Ios attracts tourists from May until October. The busiest time is during July and August.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is May, June, September and October (our favourite months).
In peak season, just by venturing slightly off the beaten-track, it is still easy to find your own relaxed and tranquil piece of paradise.
WHO VISITS IOS?
The people make Ios. It's friendly locals and happy, laid-back bohemian reputation make it a place you'll want to revisit year after year as so many do, to catch up on all the friendships they've forged here over time.
Ios attracts a huge international crowd from all continents, whether Aussie or South American traveller (a huge mecca for backpackers), Scandinavian families, Italian teens, European couples, or Greek weekenders, there truly is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a great value budget option or five-star luxury.
IOS OVERVIEW
With a population of under 2000, a stunning little Cycladic village on the side of a hill and over twenty fabulous beaches (many of which get hardly explored), Ios is the perfect little spot for a great beach holiday and has far superior sandy beaches to discover and laze on than most of it's better known neighbours.
Don't think of Ios as just a 'party island'. It is so much more than that and whilst the nightlife is fabulous, this is only one small part of it and centred around small areas. Even in peak season, it is easy to escape from the crowds too.
Ios is a fantastic island with so much to offer. Your adventures will struggle to include visits to all of the superb restaurants, bars and beaches and even if you visit a different one each day of your holiday, you'll still be left with lots more great places to try.
There really is so much choice and even living here, it can take a whole season (or several) to try and get round to all of the best spots.
Ios' charm is that it is small enough that it maintains a 'local' traditional feel, yet still boasts world-class boutique hotels and restaurants, as well as more traditional and also budget options, nestled within it's unspoilt village and beachfronts.
The architecture adheres to Cycladic guidelines, which ensures that Ios retains an unspoilt landscape and it's wonderful charm.
As well as being a mecca for backpackers (especially at the Far Out Club - the young and beautiful visiting from all over the world) it also caters very well for families and an older and upmarket crowd too.
With luxurious hotels as well as fantastic budget hostels and seemingly an even unfeasibly grander yacht in the bay each day, there really is something for everyone, whatever your budget and taste.
GETTING AROUND
Getting around Ios is easy.
Almost all hotels and hostels provide complimentary transportation from the ferry port and meet each boat.
A bus runs from the port via Chora (village) to Mylopotos beach every 15 minutes in summer and every hour in winter.
During the summer, buses visit Manganari, Psathi and Theodoti beaches, which are also beautiful. These buses generally leave in mid to late morning and return later in the afternoon.
Alternatively, you could hire a bike or quad bike from about 15 euros per day and we recommend Jacobs or Far Out.
Taxis are also available and can take you anywhere on the island.
As already mentioned, BOAT TAXI / HIRE is also a fabulous way of getting around the many stunning beaches on the island.