Hiking on Ios

Ios has never really attracted hikers, instead they have searched for quieter islands like Naxos and Amorgos. I think that Ios also will attract hikers in the near future, because Ios is a very good hiking island. The scenery is beautiful and outside the tourist areas there is a pleasant tranquillity, it is rare to meet someone else, often you are alone in the mountains.

The landscape is hiking-friendly and offers beautiful views.

One of the easiest hikes is between Chora and Mylopotas beach.

A nice hiking route starts at Mylopotas and follow the coast to the solitary beach of Sapounochoma. Another, clearly harder, hiking route begins at Mylopotas and ends in Chora. The hike takes you straight into the mountains, up to Ios highest peak of Pyrgos (713 metres above sea level), from there it goes down until you reach Chora, where a cold beer is waiting for you as a reward. If you just want to do an easy hike to feel what kind of hiking island Ios can be, I can recommend the hike between the port and Valmas beach, and on to Chora.

I can warmly recommend the short hike to Paleokastro.

In the northern parts of Ios, you can hike to Homer's tomb.

If you are going to hike on Ios, I can recommend the map from Terrain maps (1:25,000), describing seven hiking routes on the island. The map is available for purchase on Ios. I also recommend the hiking book Santorini, Sifnos, western and Southern Cyclades by Dieter Graf. The book describes three lovely hikes on Ios in detail. The book could possibly be available for purchase on Ios, otherwise you will find it on larger islands, or buy it on internet.

The short walk between Valmas beach and the beautiful church of Agia Irini.

...or strolling slowly along the beaches.