Top 6 Activities To Do in Ios
Ios, a stunning island in the Cyclades, is a popular location in Greece, due to its rugged landscapes, picturesque beaches, and clear blue water. In this article, you’ll discover the top 6 best activities to do while visiting Ios!
Like many other islands in Greece, Ios features a unique and varied terrain, with rugged hills, verdant valleys, and striking cliffs. It is also home to many beautiful beaches, ranging from lively and bustling to serene and secluded. The main village of Ios, Chora, is a charming location full of narrow, winding streets lined with white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and vibrant bougainvillaea. The island is also a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear, calm waters. For these reasons and more, Ios is a must-visit island in the Cyclades. We’ll go through the top 6 activities to do in Ios to inspire you for your next adventure!
1. Scuba diving
One of the best activities to try while visiting Ios is scuba diving. The underwater world around Ios is rich with marine life and fascinating dive sites. The island’s clear, warm waters offer excellent conditions for scuba diving. A popular place for scuba diving is Mylopotas Beach, the most famous beach on Ios. You can discover scuba diving for the first time, take part in a guided excursion for certified divers, or get your own certificate through a PADI open water diver course. Scuba diving in Ios will take you to unique dive spots, featuring shipwrecks, underwater caves, and vibrant coral reefs.
2. Boat Tour
A boat tour in Ios is a great way to discover the island from another perspective. From the sea, you’ll have excellent views of the island’s rugged coastline and pristine sandy beaches. On a boat tour, you can also explore hidden coves and secluded beaches only accessible by sea. On this discovery boat tour in Ios, you’ll visit 7 of the island’s most popular beaches, Kolistani, Sapounochma, Klima, Pikri Nero, Pepa, Tripiti, and Manganari. You’ll also have stops along the way to swim and snorkel in the azure waters.
3. Hiking Tour
While Ios is a paradise for water activities, it also offers many scenic hiking trails. A hiking tour provides a great opportunity to explore the island’s rugged terrain and beautiful countryside, with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll also learn about the island’s rich history and Greek culture. On this historical hike in Ios, you’ll start from Chora, the main village, and visit the island’s beautiful old churches. If you’re looking to combine a hiking tour with a delightful culinary experience, why not try this hike and Greek cheese tasting in Ios?
4. Bike Tour
Another way to explore the countryside of Ios is on an enjoyable bike tour. On this private eBike tour to Homer's Tomb from Chora, you’ll visit one of the most popular sites on the island. According to legend, the tomb of the ancient Greek poet Homer is located on Ios. The trail to the tomb provides beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and a sense of connection to ancient history. An electric bike is also a great way to cover more ground in a short amount of time.
5. Windsurfing
Mylopotas Beach in Ios offers excellent conditions for windsurfing, with the high-pressure Meltemi wind and mesmerising views. You can take part in beginner’s windsurfing lessons to learn all about this thrilling sport. With a certified instructor, you’ll go through windsurfing techniques and practice on the beach’s shallow waters. Experience the feeling of gliding across the water, with excellent views of the island's scenic coastline.
6. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is another adventurous water sport available in Ios. You can try an exhilarating wakeboarding session at Mylopotas Beach. Wakeboarding combines elements of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. While standing on a wakeboard, you’ll be towed by a motorboat. As you glide across the water, you can perform jumps, tricks, and manoeuvres!
Ios in Greece offers a wide range of activities that cater to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. From hiking to water sports, the island provides endless opportunities to explore its natural beauty and enjoy its vibrant landscapes. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful retreat in nature, Ios has something for everyone!
If you're visiting other islands in the Cyclades in Greece, you can also check out our top activities in Santorini, and top activities in Mykonos!