Getting around on Ios

When I started travelling to Ios, there was only one paved road on the island. It went from the port to Chora and on to Mylopotas beach. Today are all major roads paved, including the ones to Manganari beach and to Homer's tomb.

BY SCOOTER AND CAR

Personally, I prefer to rent a scooter when I'm visiting Ios. The traffic is almost non-existent in the countryside and the paved roads are in good condition. The longest distance you can drive is to Manganari beach, about 25 kilometres. The road below goes to the small village of Psathi, to the ancient fortress of Paleokastro, as well as to the beach paradise of Manganari.

The extremely beautiful road on the east coast. The island of Iraklia in the background.

There are often many goats on the road to Agia Theodoti and Psathi.

Car and scooter rental places are found in the port, in Chora and at Mylopotas beach. If you are going to rent a scooter, I can recommend Vangelis on the outskirts of Chora, along the road to Mylopotas. Gas stations are only available between Chora and the port.

Vangelis Rent A Scooter & ATV in Chora is very good.

We prefer to rent a scooter at Ios.

BY BUS

Buses plies Ormos (port), Chora and Mylopotas four times an hour. The buses are so overcrowded during high season that you will hardly get on or off. The bus stop in Chora is outside the archaeological museum. During shoulder and high season, there are buses to Koumbara, Agia Theodoti, Psathi and Manganari once or twice a day.

Bus stop in the port.

The bus Manganari beach.

BY TAXI

There are a few taxis, you usually find them at the port or at the bus station in Chora.

BY BEACH BOAT

During the shoulder and high season you can go by beach boat to the beaches at Pikri Nero and Papas that is difficult of access, and to Mangarari beach. The boats usually depart at eleven in the morning and return at about five. A return ticket costs 10-15€. The boats starts out from the port of Ormos.

Beach boat to Manganari beach.

Beach boat to the hard-to-reach Pikri Nero and Papas beaches.

BY EXCURSION BOAT

One to two days a week it is possible to go on a boat excursion to the neighbouring island of Sikinos. It is a tranquil little island with about 240 permanent inhabitants. At Sikinos there are no boutiques, no swimming pools, no big hotels and no organized excursions. If you can live without that, you will love Sikinos.

Also if you like peace and quiet, take the day as it comes, read books without being disturbed by humming cars and go on easy hikes, then you've come to the right place. Islands like Sikinos do not grow on trees, in the Cyclades, it is only Kimolos that can be compared to Sikinos. I highly recommend a trip to Sikinos, you do not have to stay overnight, you will see a lot during a day trip.

HIKING ON IOS

Ios is good hiking island, So if you like to hike you will like Ios.

Read about hiking in Ios here »

READ MORE ABOUT IOS