Ios (also called Nios by the locals) is a small island in the heart of the Cyclades with a sandy coastline and mostly mountains inland. Offering scenic bays, olive groves and grapevines, it makes for a wonderful place for your next vacation.

Tradition claims that this is the island where the tomb of poet Homer lies.

The island is said to be the one that young people from all over the world meet at and enjoy their summers. It is famous for its vivid nightlife with an innumerable amount of bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants.

The tourism has regained its quality and the young visitors are more restrained, giving accent to fun and not to their personal conflicts. Therefore Ios with the endless golden beaches was re-discovered by Greek and foreign tourists and became the ideal destination for couples but also for family vacations. Backpackers and others enjoy traversing through the arid mountain landscape. There are campgrounds and hostels are available for lodging, besides the rooms, hotels, inns, apartments and villas.

The main village of Chora is a labyrinth of winding alleys and whitewashed houses spread along the top of the hillside. It offers bell towers, blue cupolas, windmills and tiny chapels, like the pretty little chapel of St. Irene at the entrance to the harbour. Its square is calm during the day and becomes the center of nightlife after dusk, where young people from all over the world come to enjoy the famous Ios nights.

Shopping is always a fun activity to engage in while you’re here. There are stores for everything like clothes, shoes, and jewelry and of course for souvenirs.

Gialos is the main port of call for the island. It offers a beautiful golden beach and plenty of snorkeling opportunities in the rocks nearby.

Mylopotas Beach is by far the busiest on the island. You can find nearly everything here; cafes, restaurants, mini markets, bars, and of course a long sandy shoreline. It’s a beautiful location to go windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding.

Manganari Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean Sea. It offers white sand, where you can just relax and catch some rays.

Aghia Theodoti: is a very nice bay with crystal clear water and sandy beach.

Yialos Beach is the first beach you'll see when entering the harbour. It offers water sports including “Crazy Banana” rides, windsurfing, waterskiing and canoeing.

Koumbara Beach is a long and beautiful, sandy beach. It’s an excellent place for snorkeling along the Ios rocks or try cliff diving. Don’t miss out on the marvelous sunsets.

Kalamos Beach: is a long and sandy beach, usually very quiet so you can have the chance to enjoy it alone.

All this coupled with the many places to stay on this idyllic island and numerous types of eating establishments to enjoy, make Ios your next holiday vacation spot. After all, it’s not just for the young but the young at heart.