Ios: Where Spring Break lasts all Summer....
There is no island in Greece like Ios. There is no place in the
world like Ios! Some might tell you it is
like Spring Break in Daytona Beach or Panama
city or even Cancun but the reality is that
those places are tame compared to Ios. The island of Ios is
an all out international party of college age
people that lasts from June until the end of
August on one of the most beautiful of the
Greek islands. And for those of you who are older and can do without the partying Ios in the off-season is like any other Greek island: The best place you have ever been.
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| First impressions in
Ios can be
deceiving....
You arrive after a 7 hour boat trip from
Athens to what looks like a typical port
village, with cafes and restaurants lining the
square. But the old Greeks who play tavli in
the cafeneons are few and most of the people
hanging out are young, tanned and healthy
looking considering they have probably been
partying until dawn every night. Because once
the sun goes down, this quiet port and the
typical cyladic looking village that overlooks
it from the hill above, literally rocks all
night long. Those innocent little white
geometric houses open their doors to become
discos, bars, rock clubs, boutiques, snack
bars, cafes, restaurants and anything you need
to cause or cure a hangover.
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Days on Ios are spent on the
beach with
Milopota being one of the longest and finest
in Greece, packed with young people of every
shape and color, from every country on the
planet and perhaps some planets beyond. It's a
time for swimming and meeting people in the
cafes and restaurants that share the beach and
for some it's the time to get an early start
for the evenings festivities if not a little
hair of the dog. There is a wide range of
water sports including scuba diving,
windsurfing and some of the more obnoxious
variety like jet skis or being dragged behind
a speedboat on a giant floating banana.
Around the
island of Ios there are
other beaches including Manganari which can be
reached by small boat or by bus. There are 2 or 3 tavernas and rooms can be
rented there as well. Other beaches on Ios include
Gialos, Valmas and Kolitsani, all walkable from town. Ag Theodori, Psathi
are just 2 out of the many beaches across the island that can be reached by car and there are several more remote beaches that can be reached on foot.
If you have a car full of kids and want to escape the buzz then Google Maps is your friend. There are loads of beaches on Ios, some with hotels, restaurants, beachbeds and umbrellas and some with sand, sea, rocks and a few trees. Outside of the main town and Milopotamos, Ios is pretty much like any other Greek Island, fun for all ages.
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When the Greek
sun begins to
go down and the
air begins to cool people make their way up
the road to town, passing clubs and bars on
the way. It may take a couple days to find the
bar that suits you the best or you may find
they all suit you. You may find that none of
them suit you but you don't really care
because you are happy to be there.
Many people begin their
evening by watching the sunset
from the Ios club,
listening to classical music, a tradition at
least since I was first there in 1973. Once
the sun has set it becomes a disco and you can
remain there and wait til the new crowds
arrive or you can have your choice of several
dozen other night spots. The main square in
the upper village, so peaceful in the day is
so full of young people at night that you can
barely get from one side to the other. There
are Irish pubs, jazz bars, rock clubs, slammer
bars, discos and believe it or not even a bar
that plays Greek music. As for restaurants you
will find all your typical Greek fare and some
places that are not so Greek and not even
fare. There is a Mexican restaurant, Italian,
Indian, and a Greek Taverna called Christos,
with fresh fish caught with their own
boat. Try Katogi and Lord Byron in Chora and Elpis in Mylopotas. For an upmarket fine dining meal try Grandma's.
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| Though renown
worldwide as the
party capital and with a reputation that has
lasted decades, Ios is also popular with older
people too. Whether these are the same
travelers who came here twenty years ago and
are reliving their youth or sharing it with
their families ("Look honey those are the
steps where Daddy passed out on ouzo for the
first time and woke up stark naked with his
clothes nowhere to be found.") can only be
ascertained by asking each person individually.
("Old man. What was it like here in the
seventies?") But don't be afraid to approach
them. They will be happy to share those
stories that they can remember. I know I
am.
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| The worst part of Ios
is trying to
leave. I know
that when our holiday was coming to a close it
took us several trips to the port before we
found the strength and courage to get on the
ferry back to Athens and even then we would
have jumped off except for a hippy couple who
had jumped on and blocked our escape as the
boat was leaving the dock. But you can also
leave for other islands since Santorini is an
hour away and Mykonos two.
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There are rooms to
rent but in July
and August you may want to book in advance so
you don't spend all your time unsuccessfully
looking for one. There are campsites too
including the famous Far-Out camping which is
sort of the cultural center of the island,
with a bar that is open 24 hours a day, two
swimming pools, a restaurant, basketball
courts, volley ball and watersports. It's like
a college town without the college (or the
town).
Speaking from
experience, I am
old and grey now, but my time in Ios I will
never forget. I made wonderful friends. I had
great girlfriends from all different
countries. I drank more then I ever thought
capable and I was amazed at how quickly a
serious hangover can disappear when one has
the clear blue Aegean sea to nurse you.
If you are of college age
and you had fun on springbreak, or you
didn't... go to Ios. Guaranteed to blow you
away. You may
never be the
same.
Matt Barrett and
friend Jill in Ios 1973
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Travel Information
for Ios
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For more info, ferries and
accommodations visit
Dolphin Hellas
or
Fantasy
Travel. Both agencies have island-hopping trips
that feature Ios in combination with
Santorini, Crete, Mykonos and other popular
islands, as well as great rates for hotels on
Ios and in Athens. For students and budget
travelers contact my friend Giorgios at
Aegean Thesaurus Travel who probably
has the lowest rates for any of the hotels on
the island that you will find and also
provides great service.
For ferry schedules and tickets I recommend Ferryhopper.com where you can book your tickets and pick them up at the port right by the boat.
I recommend Fantasy Travel's Island Hopping Packages which offer low prices and they take care of all the details: 1)Athens-Ios-Mykonos 2)Athens-Paros-Ios 3)Athens-Ios 4)Create-your-own-Ios-itinerary
If you are traveling
to Ios and are on a budget or want to save
your money for some of the other things this
island has to offer take a look at the
Markos Village Hotel in Ios Town, close
to the nightlife and still easy walking
distance from the beach (and it has a
pool and free wireless internet).
Going with a group? Rent a sailboat. It can be cheaper than
staying in a hotel. Going alone? Join a
flotilla.How about a cruise on a cabin charter
with twenty or so cabins that stops at the
islands the big cruise ships can't?
For more Greek Islands
Visit Matt Barrett's Greek
Island Synopsis and
Greece Travel Guide
If you arrive from
abroad and you need to get to Pireaus to catch
the ferry to Ios I recommend
George
the Famous Taxi Driver. Plus if you have
some time to spare, as some of you will, you
can do a little tour of the city. For your
return to Athens from Ios I also
recommend using him to get to your hotel or
the airport. When the ferries arrive in
Pireaus there are usually just 3 or 4 taxis
waiting for several hundred disembarking
passengers. You will be very relieved to see a
guy holding up a sign with your name on it.
If you need to spend the night in Athens either on the way there or back I recommend the Hotel Attalos which is on the metro line from the airport and to the port, it is inexpensive, clean, has a great rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis and you can walk to all the historical sites, museums, restaurants, clubs and shopping
areas.
Thank you to Fantasy Travel for the above photos.
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Ios Hotels
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Far Out Village
The Far Out Village Hotel, is a 3-star hotel, located on the beach of Mylopotas, 2 Km from Ios town.
On the beautiful island of Ios, nestled in the corner of Mylopotas beach, the Far Out Village Hotel is the place to enjoy the most beautiful time of a vacation, in this laid back and lazy Mediterranean way of living under the sun. Built, reflecting traditional Cycladic architecture, protected from the shining sun and the strong prevailing summer winds, the Far Out Village hotel is an oasis of beauty and serenity where original Greek style meets the needs and comfort of a modern society.
With this perfect setting, life becomes a real pleasure, and now begins the time to discover the great value of freedom and happiness with a restaurant, bar, snack bar, safety deposit boxes, swimming pool, children's pool, poolside bar, mini market, table tennis, Internet service restaurant, pizzeria and sea sports.
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Liostasi Ios Hotel & Spa
Situated on
a hillside with breathtaking views facing the setting sun, this traditional
hotel is just a short walk from both Ios Village and the beach. Liostasi
Ios Hotel enjoys a picturesque setting, just a short walk from the captivating
bays of the island. The deluxe hotel offers a variety of stylish and comfortable
rooms to meet your individual needs. Spend the day relaxing around the
outdoor pool or in the soothing Jacuzzi. In the evening, relax with a drink on
your private balcony as the sun sets.
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Homer's Inn Hotel
Situated
just between the village and the port of Ios, Homer’s Inn Hotel is an excellent
base for travellers seeking the best of both worlds. Enjoy a cocktail at
the pool bar, after a swim in one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Ios.
Admire the lovely views of the port and Yialos beach from the spacious breakfast
lounge. Take the 10 minute walk to explore the village or reach the port in just
5 minutes. There is also a very regular bus service, from right outside Homer’s,
which can take you to Mylopotas and Koumbara beach. Recently
refurbished, Homer’s Inn offers all modern amenities, including wireless
internet access, air conditioning and satellite TV.
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More Hotels on Ios
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The Ios Palace Hotel is an attractive hotel - bungalow complex, built in typical Cycladic architecture, overlooking the magic of the Aegean Sea and located on the long sandy beach of Mylopotas. It is conveniently situated 1.2 km (¾ mile) from the main village. Set in the vibrant heart of the port, Acteon Hotel offers the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers wishing to explore the wonders of Ios, business travelers in search of a comfortable hotel with spacious sea view rooms where they could unwind and relax, families looking forward to discover the startling beaches of Ios and younger travelers eager to experience the renowned nightlife and set off to visit the cafes, bars and clubs of the island along with the nearby effervescent town. Greek styled villas at the Petra Holiday Village with spacious sea view terraces and private gardens combine the privacy of a holiday home with the amenities of a hotel. There is a lovely bar with breathtaking views and a beautiful amphitheater on the beach front hosts live concerts, painting exhibitions and various art events through out the season. The Ergina Studios and Apartments is a small family run business offering a total of 17 spacious studios and apartments, suitable for 2 to 6 persons. Several of the apartments are built in traditional style with stone and built in beds. Situated just 2 kilometers (1¼ miles) from Mylopotas beach on Ios, the Ergina studios and apartments are also near to the nightlife (bars/restaurants), but in a quiet area, so you can relax on the large verandas and enjoy the evenings with a BBQ at the wood burning oven.
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| Use Matt Barrett's Create an Itinerary Form and we will help you with hotels and ferry tickets. You can also find Villas, Self-catering apartments, holiday homes and Air BnB Style accommodations on Matt's Hotels of Greece Ios Page. |
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 Use Ferryhopper to find all direct and indirect ferry routes for the islands of Greece, Spain, Italy &
Turkey, compare ferry companies & prices, and book cheap ferry tickets with no hidden fees in one go!
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