3 Days of Aegean Sun & Nightlife
Just a short ferry hop north from Santorini (about 45 minutes by high-speed boat ), Ios feels like a wild younger sibling in the Cyclades. The official VisitGreece site calls it “a charming Cycladic island…renowned among the young for its vivid nightlife” .
I arrived eager and a bit nervous – Ios “can absolutely party” as one travel writer put it, with Far Out Beach Club and Chora’s bars pulsing into the wee hours . But as I’d soon discover, there’s more to Ios than 24/7 club music. By day the island is gloriously mellow – post-card white villages, sparkling beaches and even an ancient Homer’s Tomb to explore.
Ios’s main town (Chora) is a textbook Cycladic village: pure white cube-houses tumble up the hillside, narrow cobbled alleys twist between them, and twelve quaint windmills perch at the top . In the morning light Chora feels picture-perfect. (If you want an iconic shot, walk up toward the big Panagia Gremiotissa church on the hill – it offers sweeping views of the bay below .)
After dropping our bags in a boutique inn, I took a detour 3 km down the road to Mylopotas Beach for my first taste of Ios sun and sea. It did not disappoint: gold sand, aquamarine water, and world-class beach bars. Local guides rave that “Mylopotas is the place to be” for swimming and watersports, with velvety sand and every resort amenity you could want .
The view above Chora and its blue-domed churches is postcard-perfect . After settling into our hotel (Ios has lodging for every budget), we strolled through Chora’s maze of alleyways.
We popped into cafes and tavernas for Greek salads and fresh tzatziki, savoring the relaxed vibe. By late afternoon the sun was intense, so we napped a bit then headed back to Mylopotas for sunset. Watching the last light fade on the golden beach, we mentally braced for nightfall: Ios’s real scene was about to begin.
Day 1: Sunset Cocktails in Chora
As night fell, Chora’s main square lit up with buzzing bars and lanterns. We started with a casual dinner at a taverna in the village (fresh grilled seafood and local wine). Afterwards we wandered the cobbles of “the heart of Ios nightlife” . In Ios Town you’ll find hip spots like Slammer, Traffic Bar and Coo Bar around the square, and hidden gems (think Shush, Circus) along the alleys .
The crowd was a mix of backpackers and Greek families; by 11 PM, live DJs were spinning pop and house tracks. One thing impressed me: despite the party vibe, Chora stayed charming, not chaotic .
The night crescendoed at the legendary Scorpion Club, a cavernous dance hall on the edge of town. (It only opens mid-season, but in summer it’s the biggest club on the island.) We danced until the early morning – as promised, the bars and clubs “pulse with energy well into the early morning” here .
Around 3 AM we finally caught a bus back down to Mylopotas (the late-night KTEL bus runs until midnight and often has friendly fellow partygoers on board ). Back at our hotel, I collapsed into bed already planning tomorrow’s beach recovery.
Far Out Beach Club at Mylopotas really lives up to the hype. The day after, fueled by greasy gyro sandwiches and coffee, my friends and I trudged back to Mylopotas beach. By 6 PM we were at Pathos Sunset Lounge (on the cliff above Mylopotas) sipping cocktails as the sun dipped – the perfect mellow interlude. But night two would be just as lively.
Maria from The Greek Vibe sums it up: you can start with a drink in the Hora (Chora town) then “head to the massive party on the beach at FarOut Beach Club at Mylopotas” . So we did: at 9 PM we hit Far Out.
Far Out is an open-air nightclub right above the sand that beckons global DJs and on-the-spot foam raves. The bouncer’s advice was correct: just bring a swimsuit and “good vibes” .
By midnight the sprawling lawn was packed with hundreds of young travelers dancing under colorful lights. The music boomed and the crowd sang along – even on our second day in Ios we were up until dawn again, and it was incredible fun. If your party legs survive, Far Out is mandatory.
Day 3: Chill Beaches and Island Culture
By day three we all needed a break. I slept in and then caught the bus north out of Mylopotas toward Agia Theodoti, a quiet pine-lined bay with crystal water. (Tip: only one daily bus goes to Agia Theodoti and Psathi in the mornings , so you have to plan ahead after a late night.)
Agia Theodoti was blissfully empty – only a couple of families and a charming little seaside church. We spent the morning lounging there, swimming and snacking on our leftover pastries. In Greece Travel Guide terms, spots like Agia Theodoti and Psathi are among Ios’s “best beaches” for escaping the crowds .
In the afternoon, I took advantage of Chora’s more serene side. Up on a rocky spur overlooking town are the remains of the medieval Byzantine castle. I hiked there (it’s steep but short) and clambered around the old ruins while looking back at Chora’s jumble of white houses.
Nearby is Homer’s Tomb (labeled on Google Maps as Agios Ioannis Cemetery) – local legend says the poet Homer was buried here . Sure enough, a low stone wall encloses a marble tombstone inscribed with his name. It was a peaceful, even poignant spot – a world away from last night’s disco beat.
For my final sunset, I returned to Chora. Perched at the very top above the village is the little Panagia Gremiotissa church – the island’s highest point. Locals tout it as a “sunset panorama” .
From its edge we watched the sky turn bright orange as Ios’s lights began to twinkle below. This view is quintessential Ios – whitewashed houses spilling down to the bay, with the distant isles silhouetted on the horizon. It was the perfect bookend to our trip.
Where to Stay: Budget to Luxury
Ios has accommodations for every taste. As Nomadic Matt notes, most travelers base themselves in Chora or down at Mylopotas Beach . If late-night club access is your priority, Mylopotas-area hostels and campsites are ideal.
For example, Francesco’s Hostel and even the Far Out Camping site sit right by Mylopotas Beach , meaning you can roll out of bed and onto the party. (These spots are cheap – dorm beds around €20/night – but expect the party vibe around the clock.)
If you prefer a private room, Chora has lovely small hotels and guesthouses. One highly-recommended choice is the Pavezzo Hotel by the port – it has fairytale Cycladic charm and a helpful owner (bonus: it’s a short walk to town and the harbor restaurants).
At the top end, the hilltop Liostasi resort is worth the splurge : it has pools, a top-rated restaurant, and even its own outdoor cinema overlooking the sea. In short, backpackers will love the friendly dorms at Mylopotas; couples or higher budgets should consider a boutique inn in Chora or a seaside hotel near Ormos . (Pro tip: Ios is generally more affordable than Mykonos or Santorini , so your money goes further here.)
Practical Tips
- When to Go. Peak season is mid-June through August, when the island “buzzes with backpackers” . July and August are hottest (daytime ~27°C ) and clubbing peaks. If you want warm weather with fewer crowds, consider late May/early June or September . (In winter most hotels close, so avoid off-season.)
- Getting Around. Ios is small (only about 18 km end-to-end). The cheapest way to get around is the local KTEL bus: a ride from the port to Chora or Mylopotas is about €1.60-€2.00 , and buses run frequently in summer. There’s also a once-a-day bus to far-flung beaches (for example, one bus goes to Manganari and Psathi around midday ). Taxis exist but can be scarce late at night, so if you’ll drink, factor in bus schedules or book a taxi in advance. Renting a scooter or ATV is popular too – it gives you freedom to chase beaches (but remember to drive carefully on the narrow coastal roads).
- What to Pack. Sunscreen, hats, and light clothing are a must – “pack for lots of sun” . Bring sturdy sandals or sneakers for walking the cobbled streets of Chora. Don’t forget beach gear (swimsuit, towel) and a dry bag if you plan boat trips. If you’re hitting the clubs, pack a party outfit (and a shawl or sweatshirt for cool late nights). Other essentials: photocopies of your passport, basic meds (it’s a party island, after all!), and a portable phone charger. Ios has ATMs and shops but carrying a bit of cash can be handy in small cafes and bars.
- Food & Drink. Greek classics reign here. We loved the fresh kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), simple horiatiki salads with local feta, and grilled fish by the harbor. Don’t miss Ios specialties like skotyri (a tangy sheep’s milk cheese) and mosenta (a sweet watermelon-and-fig pie) . Late-night party people should sample souvlaki or gyros stands for a €4-5 fix. For a fun splurge meal, book Ambrosia or The Soul Food restaurant in Chora for Mediterranean twists (and remember to reserve on weekends).
Sunrise, Sunset & Photo Ops
Ios is stunning at golden hour. For sunrise, head east (even Mylopotas or the quieter Kalamos lagoon will catch morning light). Sunset is king: the Panagia Gremiotissa hilltop church is famous for it .
Also grab a photo of Chora’s 12 windmills at dusk – from that perch you see town, the harbor, and the sea in one shot. The hillside café Windmill Sunset Bar (located at Agios Georgios) is an easy sunset stop, or simply climb up the steps behind Chora and pick a rock to perch on.
For nighttime skyline shots, the view from Panagia or even from Ios port (Yialos) is lovely. (The island lights reflecting in the bay are beautiful after dark .) In short: keep a camera or phone handy at those golden hours, because literally every corner of Ios wants to be on Instagram.
Hidden Gems & Chill Spots
Despite the party reputation, Ios has many quiet spots for recovery. We loved Manganari Beach on the southwest corner – a long bay of pale sand and pine trees, only reachable by one boat or an infrequent bus . It was practically empty and perfect for napping.
Palaiokastro (Olena) Beach in the north is another peaceful choice, with a fun beach bar and soft sand. Mid-day in Chora, escape the sun at little café Angelina’s (the owner’s mother’s home) and chat with locals over horiatiki. For a short hike, try the trail from Agios Ioannis (Homer’s Tomb) down to Palaiokastro for scenic views.
In the late afternoon or on the final day, many of us simply relaxed back in Chora’s hidden courtyards. Sitting at a shaded taverna sipping ouzo or a frappe (Greek iced coffee) while locals shake dice on the sidewalk may not sound exciting, but after two wild nights it felt utterly blissful.
Off to Folegandros…
When it was time to move on, we hopped a 1–2 PM ferry to Folegandros (the crossing is only about 1h20 ). As we sailed east, we reflected on how Ios gave us the best of both worlds: sunbathing and sea by day, and one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Greece by night . Whether you came for the party or the peace, this little Cycladic island has room for everyone – and plenty of memories in between.