How To Explore Ios in One Day: Beaches, Scenic Drives, and Sunset

Ios might have a legendary reputation for all-night partying, but I discovered the Greek island’s quiet charm over one day in July. Renting a car allowed me to wander beyond the clubs and crowds.

My day unfolded slowly. I beach-hopped along golden coves where turquoise waters sparkled beneath clear skies. I strolled Chora’s whitewashed alleyways by late afternoon, captivated by bougainvillea-draped doorways and hidden cafes.

The day came to a colorful conclusion atop a hill, watching the sun dip slowly into the Aegean Sea from a peaceful church. Far from the thumping nightlife, I found the quieter magic of Ios while island-hopping in Greece. What follows is my itinerary for a serene day in the Cyclades.

Rent a Car

I typically avoid renting cars in foreign countries, but Ios is such a small island with little traffic that even I overcame my fear and made it happen. And unlike my experience driving around Rhodes, I was on my own and could spend as much or as little time as I wanted wherever I went.

The day after I arrived in Chora by ferry from Santorini, I departed Hotel Mediterraneo Ios on foot for a car rental company in the port. I filled out the paperwork, handed over my credit card, and grabbed the keys to a small four-door sedan.

Ios Itinerary

1. Visit the Tomb of Homer

Once behind the wheel, I drove eight curvy miles north through the fertile Kampos Valley to Homer's Tomb. I parked the car at the end of the asphalt road and walked up a set of stone stairs, followed by a dirt trail, to Psathopyrgos Hill and Homer's Tomb.

This rocky grave site on the northern coast of Ios honors the legendary poet, famed for composing the Iliad and Odyssey, cornerstones of Western literature. I read The Odyssey specifically for a Classics course in my first year of college and felt a sense of nostalgia visiting this site.

While debates persist over Homer’s origins and resting place, locals cherish the tradition that he spent his final days here on Ios. As I had read, there is little to see at the archaeological site. However, you get excellent views of the nearby Paros and Naxos islands to the north.

Three small, rocky beaches dot the north coast of Ios, the nearest of which is Plakotos. But, there are many prettier, sandier beaches further south, so I didn't spend any time at the northern ones.

2. Agia Theodoti Beach

Returning to the curvaceous roads of inner Ios, I made my way eight miles south and east to Agia Theodoti Beach. I immediately fell in love with this horseshoe-shaped beach, as I had it to myself mid-morning.

I rented a sunbed and umbrella at the north end for an hour and relaxed fully. The golden sand and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. At the southern end of the beach, the Kantina Andreas food truck serves coffee, cold drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.

Visitors can also explore the 16th-century Byzantine church of St. Theodoti, the oldest on the island. About six miles (and a 15-minute drive) south is Panagia Palaiokastritissa, a church within the ruins of a 16th-century fortress. While I didn't stop there after visiting Agia Theodoti Beach, those who do report stunning views from the hilltop.

3. Manganari Beach

After an hour of blissful beach time at Agia Theodoti, I hopped in my rental car for the 13-mile (30-minute) drive through central Ios to Manganari Beach on the southern coast.

I unknowingly passed the Diaseli Traditional Cheesery & Museum along the way. If I could rewind time, I'd have stopped for a 30-minute cheese tasting. Visitors are also invited to tour the folklore museum or purchase some goat cheese to enjoy later.

Manganari Beach is a little livelier than Agia Theodoti, but equally gorgeous. Chairs with umbrellas are available to rent. In the interest of time, I didn't camp out. Instead, I walked around the beach and took photos.

Several beachside restaurants, including Grand Blue Restaurant and Cantina Del Mar Magganari, offer shaded seating for fresh salads and seafood.

4. Mylopotas Beach

I completed my morning adventure at Mylopotas Beach, about 10 miles north of Manganari Beach on the west coast of Ios. It's about 1.5 miles (a 30-minute walk) south of where I stayed in Chora town.

Mylopotas is one of the largest and most developed beaches in Ios. It's party central, with many bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels lining the sand. Sikinos, another of Greece's Cyclades Islands, is visible in the distance.

5. Lunch at Drakos Tavern

I walked across the fine golden sand of Mylopotas Beach from the north end to the south. I was happy to hang out and eat lunch on the water at Drakos Tavern, a seafood restaurant that had been open since 1963.

As you see throughout the Greek Islands, fresh-caught octopus is hung from lines to tenderize and dry it, concentrating its flavors. Whole lobster, grilled fish, seafood pasta, and much more are also on the menu.

6. Explore Choma

After lunch, I quickly drove back to the port to return the rental car. Then, I set about exploring Chora. The capital of Ios, Greece, is a picturesque Cycladic village perched on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Chora's history dates back to ancient times, and evidence of early Cycladic civilization has been found in the area. Wandering through Chora’s narrow, winding streets reveals whitewashed houses, cafes, and blooming bougainvillea.

Chora embodies traditional Greek island charm. While you'd be forgiven for spending all your time on Ios at the beach, I recommend at least one walk through Chora before you go.

7. Sunset from Panagia Gremiotissa Church

To conclude my one-day exploration of Ios in Greece, I walked up to the Panagia Gremiotissa Church for sunset.

Despite it being the peak tourist season in mid-July, only a handful of other people were gathered, watching the sun set over the sea. Unlike other sunset spots I've seen in my travels, it was a relaxing experience. Afterward, I wandered back into town for traditional Greek food and called it a night.

Exploring Ios, Greece, in just one day proved that this island offers far more than nightlife. Its peaceful beaches, historic landmarks, and quiet moments revealed a beautifully serene side worth discovering.