Ios doesn’t need much of an introduction, it’s the island Greece sends when nightlife is the assignment (aside from its older sibling Mykonos of course). You may show up expecting just beach clubs and bar crawls, and you’ll miss the point entirely. Between the whitewashed hills and turquoise coves, there’s a quieter side to Ios that most people scroll right past. Great food, easygoing beach days, and a price tag that won’t wreck your budget the way Mykonos might. Two days is enough to get a real feel for the island and here’s exactly how I’d spend them.

Ios GREECE AT A GLANCE

Best Time To Visit	May & September if you want less crowds June – August if you want the best weather
Getting There	Ios does not have an airport. Its decently connected by ferry because it is so close to Santorini.
Where to Stay	There are a ton of places to stay in Ios depending on what you want to get out of your trip. Liostasi Hotel would be my choice if I wanted to be closer to Chora. Calilo is where I stayed and it will be hands down the most unique hotel you ever stayed in!
Ideal For	It’s no secret this is a party island so definitely great for friend groups. If you’re staying on the quieter side of the islands, a couples getaway would also fit!

Day 1: Arrival

Depending what time of day you get into Ios, you can take it easy day 1 or try to pack in some fun places. Check into your hotel, we stayed at Calilo hotel and WOW. Absolutely insane and one of the craziest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. If you’re in the mood to party, I got some recommendations for you there too.

Places to Go

If you decide to go out and about on day 1, these are the places I recommend visiting

• Chora: The main town of Ios, built up the slope of a hill above the port. It’s classic Cycladic architecture: whitewashed cube-shaped houses stacked close together, narrow winding alleys and stairways, arcades, and small chapels scattered throughout. Full of tavernas, bars, shops, and the cluster of hilltop churches (Panagia Gremniotissa and the chapels) that make it one of the most photographed towns in the Cyclades, especially at sunset.
• Ios Windmills: A row of old stone windmills on a hill just above Chora. We were kind of disappointed by the upkeep of these windmills. Not very well kept but still nice to take a walk and check out.
• Agia Irini: A small white church right near the port, just a couple minutes’ walk from where boats arrive. Known for its lovely view back over the harbor and Chora . A nice, easy first stop on the island or perfect for sunset views.
• Mylopotas Beach (far out beach club): If you’re in the mood for beach I recommend Mylopotas Beach. So many volleyball nets, outdoor activities, and beach clubs of course. One of the most iconic being Far Out Beach club.
• Tomb of Homer (optional): If you have a car, this would be a great historic site on the northern tip of the island to check out. Tied to the ancient belief that the poet Homer was buried on Ios (based on old writings rather than physical remains), cool historic site to see.

Dinner recommendation: You MUST go to Ios club for dinner with the most stunning sunset views. Food and drinks were 10/10, one of our favorite meals on our 8 night stay in Greece.

Day 2: Churches & Beaches

Ios is definitely about relaxing and taking it slow! Beach hopping, climbing the hilltop churches, you name it. Day 2 is packed to get the most of your time in Ios.

Places to Go

• Panagia gremiotissa church: The iconic big blue-domed church, easily recognized by the two tall palm trees next to it. Amazing to watch the sunset and get amazing views of the island. First stop when visiting the cluster of hilltop churches.
• Chapel of Agios Eleftherios: A small white chapel just past Panagia Gremniotissa on the uphill path. It’s the lowest of the trio of chapels, so it’s your first stop after the main church, with views starting to open up over the sea.
• Chapel of Agios Nikolaos: The smallest and highest of the group of churches, sitting at the very top with a full 360-degree panorama. It’s a peaceful spot with incredible views over the sea and the white houses below — this is the best perch for sunset itself. 
• Tzamaria Beach: A quieter, more local beach reached via a set of stairs down from the road. Crystal-clear water, a mix of sand and rock, and views back toward Agia Irini and the port, a good escape from the busier beach clubs.

Dinner recommendation: Drakos Taverna is a great seafood spot right on the water with yet again… perfect sunset views. I did feel like it was on the pricer side (lots of market price fish) but worth it for the setting and how close it is to the beach.

Practical Tips for IOS

Getting Around

• Car: I would say renting a car depends on where you are staying on the island. I think ATVs and 4 wheelers are lot more common in Ios. However, if you want the freedom to move around, I would get a car.
• Public Transit: Because of the party scene, there are a ton of buses through the island of Ios. Main route (most useful one): Port → Chora → Mylopotas Beach, running every 20 minutes between 08:00 and 24:00
• Ferry: You will likely get to Paros via ferry which is located in Parikia.

Where to Eat

• Ios Club: Truly not just a place for sunset and drinks. The food was outstanding and some of our favorite on the trip. The morrocan chicken and braised rib tacos are a must!
• Drakos Taverna: Perfect seafood spot by the water, more sunset views duh! The market fish was the my favorite part, you got to hand pick your fish!
• Grandma’s Restaurant – A fine-dining spot in Chora known for elevated Greek cuisine with a gourmet twist, table-side prepared dishes (like their aubergine), and a bar/patio with Adirondack chairs where you can watch the sunset before moving to dinner. It’s not fussy despite being upscale, definitely on my list to try next time.
• Vilaeti Tavern – A countryside taverna a short drive from Chora, beloved by locals and visitors alike for grilled meats, big portions, and genuinely warm service. Worth booking ahead in high season — it’s consistently rated one of the best meals on the island.

Save This Itinerary!

I hope this iteinary helped you plan your trip to Tinos! Pin it for later, share it with a travel buddy, or drop a comment below with your questions. I read every one! I have so many more greek itineraries including Milos and Paros!