Ios is 35 minutes by fast ferry from Santorini -- close enough for a comfortable day trip to an island with some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, a charming hilltop village, and a nightlife scene that's famous across Greece.
In this guide
Ios has a reputation as a party island, and that reputation is earned. The bars in Chora go until the early hours and the beach clubs on Mylopotas pump music all afternoon. But there's more to Ios than that. The village itself is a beautiful tangle of whitewashed alleys and blue-domed churches. The beaches are genuinely excellent -- better sand than anything on Santorini. And there's enough history and scenery to fill a day even if you don't touch a cocktail.
How Do You Get There?
Ferries run daily from Santorini's Athinios port to Ios.
Check which ferries are running and book at Ferryscanner.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 40 km |
| Journey time | 35 min - 1 hr 15 min (depending on operator and ferry type) |
| Ticket price | 7-35 EUR one way (economy class) |
| Operators | SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries |
| First ferry | Around 07:00 |
| Last return | Around 19:30 (check seasonally -- times change) |
Booking tips: - Book ferry tickets in advance during July-August. The popular morning departures sell out. - Fast ferries (SeaJets, Golden Star) take 35-45 minutes and cost more. Conventional ferries take about an hour and are cheaper. - Arrive at Athinios port at least 30 minutes before departure. The port is chaotic in summer.
Getting to Athinios from your hotel: - By bus from Fira (about 25 minutes, frequent in summer) - By taxi (15-25 EUR depending on where you're staying) - Most hotels can arrange a transfer
When you arrive in Ios, the port (Ormos) is at the bottom of the hill. Chora (the village) is at the top. A bus runs between them (about 10 minutes), or you can walk up the path (20-25 minutes, steep but scenic).
What Can You See and Do?
Chora (The Village)
Ios's main settlement is a postcard-perfect Cycladic village: narrow white alleys, bougainvillea, blue shutters, and hilltop churches. It's smaller and less manicured than Oia, which is part of its charm.
Walk up to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa at the top of the village for a panoramic view of the harbour, the village, and the surrounding islands. This is also one of the best sunset spots on Ios.
The main street through Chora is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants by day. After dark, it transforms into the island's nightlife strip. If that's your thing, you're in the right place.
Mylopotas Beach
The main beach on Ios and one of the best in the Cyclades. A long crescent of golden sand (not black volcanic sand like Santorini) with clear turquoise water. The beach is well-organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars including the famous Far Out Beach Club.
Mylopotas is about 2 km from Chora. A bus runs between them regularly in summer, or you can walk (20-25 minutes downhill, longer coming back).
After days on Santorini's black pebble beaches, the soft golden sand at Mylopotas feels luxurious. The water is clearer too. If you're a beach person, Ios wins.
Magganari Beach
A more remote beach on the south coast, often cited as the best on Ios. Multiple coves with crystal-clear water and fine sand. Less developed than Mylopotas, with a few tavernas for lunch. A bus runs from Chora in summer (about 30 minutes) or you can take a boat.
For a day trip, Magganari is worth the effort if you arrive on an early ferry and have the full day. If you're on a shorter schedule, stick to Mylopotas.
Homer's Tomb
Tradition holds that Homer (author of the Iliad and Odyssey) died and was buried on Ios. The supposed tomb site is in the north of the island, about 12 km from Chora on a dirt track. It's a modest stone structure on a hilltop with sweeping views. Whether Homer is actually buried here is debatable, but the setting is peaceful and the walk is pleasant.
Getting there requires a car, ATV, or a long walk. Not practical unless you arrive on the earliest ferry.
The Odysseus Elytis Theatre
An open-air amphitheatre perched on the hillside above Chora, named after the Nobel Prize-winning Greek poet. Hosts concerts and performances in summer. Even without an event, the views from the theatre are worth the short walk up.
How Should You Plan Your Day?
Here's a realistic day-trip itinerary:
- 07:00 -- Ferry from Santorini (Athinios)
- 07:45 -- Arrive Ios port. Bus or walk up to Chora.
- 08:15 -- Breakfast in Chora. Wander the alleys.
- 09:30 -- Walk or bus to Mylopotas Beach
- 09:45-13:00 -- Beach time. Swimming, sunbathing, beach bar.
- 13:00 -- Lunch at a Mylopotas taverna
- 14:30 -- Back to Chora for a walk, coffee, shopping
- 16:00 -- Walk up to Panagia Gremiotissa for the view
- 17:30 -- Early dinner in Chora
- 19:00 -- Bus to port for the return ferry
This gives you a full day with beach time, village exploration, and meals. If you take an earlier ferry (06:45), you gain an extra hour for Magganari or Homer's tomb.
What Should You Know Before Going?
- Check the last ferry time before you go. Missing it means an unplanned overnight on Ios. The last return to Santorini is usually around 19:30, but this varies by season and operator.
- Ios is hot in summer. Hotter than Santorini, with less wind on the south-facing beaches. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The party scene is concentrated in Chora after dark. During the day, the island is relaxed and family-friendly. You won't encounter nightlife chaos during a day trip unless you're seeking it out.
- ATV rental is available at the port if you want to explore further afield. Around 25-35 EUR per day. Good for reaching Homer's tomb or remote beaches.
- Bring cash. Some smaller beach bars and shops don't accept cards.
- Ferries can be delayed or cancelled in rough seas. The Meltemi wind affects the Cyclades ferry routes, especially in July-August. If the wind is strong, check your ferry status before heading to the port.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
June and September offer warm weather, good ferry schedules, and manageable crowds.
July-August are the busiest and hottest months. The beaches are packed and ferry tickets sell fast. Book ahead.
May and October are quieter. Some beach facilities may not be open yet (May) or winding down (October), but Chora is still charming and the weather is good for walking.
Winter -- ferries still run but infrequently (one or two per day). Ios is very quiet outside summer.
Ios is 40 km from Santorini. Fast ferry takes 35-45 minutes. Tickets from 7 EUR one way. Check the return ferry schedule before you go.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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