Ios

The Cycladic Island of Contrasts

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Ios is an island where ancient history and contemporary luxury coexist harmoniously. Known for its vibrant nightlife and serene landscapes, Ios offers discerning travelers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern sophistication. With its whitewashed villages, crystal-clear waters, and a burgeoning culinary scene, this island presents a tranquil alternative to its more bustling neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini.

Luxurious Retreats and Boutique Elegance

Calilo – Papas Beach

Set on the secluded Papas Beach, Calilo is a 5-star resort that epitomizes luxury and privacy. With suites featuring private pools, artful interiors, and panoramic sea views, guests are enveloped in opulence. The resort's commitment to environmental sustainability adds a thoughtful touch to its lavish offerings. ​

Liostasi Hotel & Suites – Chora

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Liostasi Hotel & Suites embodies Cycladic elegance. The hotel features refined accommodations, a spa, and the award-winning Grandma’s Restaurant

Agalia Luxury Suites – Tzamaria

Overlooking the serene port of Ios and the charming Chora, Agalia Luxury Suites offers a tranquil escape. With 19 beautifully designed rooms and suites, including options with private pools, the hotel seamlessly combines modern comfort with the natural beauty of Ios. ​

WHERE TO STAY

EXPERIENCES

Top Experiences: Embrace the Island

  1. Private Yacht Charter

    Explore the hidden coves and nearby islands with a private yacht charter. Tailored itineraries offer snorkeling, sunbathing, and gourmet dining on board, providing an exclusive way to experience the Aegean.

  2. Cooking Class in a Traditional Home

    Join a local family in their kitchen to learn the secrets of Ios' cuisine, from handmade cheese to savory pies, culminating in a shared meal.

  3. Hike to Homer's Tomb

    Embark on a guided hike to the reputed resting place of the ancient poet Homer. The trail offers panoramic views and a connection to the island's mythological roots.

  4. Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards

    Visit local vineyards to sample indigenous grape varieties and learn about traditional winemaking techniques unique to the Cyclades.

  5. Wellness Retreats

    Indulge in holistic wellness experiences, including yoga sessions overlooking the sea, spa treatments using local ingredients, and meditation workshops designed to rejuvenate the mind and body.

WHERE TO EAT

1. Grandma’s Restaurant – Chora (Liostasi Hotel)

Perched within the elegant Liostasi Hotel, Grandma’s Restaurant offers a sophisticated take on traditional Greek cuisine. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Christos Kanoulas, the menu showcases dishes crafted from high-quality local ingredients, presenting a harmonious blend of classic flavors and modern techniques. Guests can dine on the open-air deck, enjoying panoramic sea views and the gentle Aegean breeze. The restaurant's commitment to excellence has been recognized with the prestigious Toques d’Or award in the “Modern Cuisine” category from 2019 to 2024. ​

2. Salt Restaurant Bar – Mylopotas Beach

Located along the vibrant Mylopotas Beach, Salt Restaurant Bar offers a chic beachfront dining experience. The menu features fresh, bespoke dishes that highlight the flavors of the Mediterranean, complemented by an extensive selection of refreshing cocktails. The restaurant's stylish decor and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere for both lunch and dinner. ​

3. Katogi – Chora

Tucked away in the charming alleys of Chora, Katogi is a cozy eatery known for its warm ambiance and inventive Greek tapas. The menu offers a variety of shareable plates, including options for vegetarians and vegans, such as falafel, chickpeas in tomato sauce, and hummus with pita. The restaurant's eclectic decor and friendly staff contribute to its reputation as a must-visit dining spot in Ios. ​

4. Pathos Lounge – Koumbara

Set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, Pathos Lounge combines fine dining with a vibrant nightlife scene. The venue features two large infinity pools, contemporary artworks, and expansive terraces that offer panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can indulge in a diverse menu while enjoying live music and a lively atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from dinner to dancing. ​

5. Drakos Taverna – Mylopotas Beach

Situated at the southern end of Mylopotas Beach, Drakos Taverna is a family-run establishment renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. With a history spanning over 40 years, the taverna offers a rustic setting where guests can enjoy dishes like marinated anchovies, steamed mussels with ouzo, and various seafood pastas, all while overlooking the serene bay.

A SENSORY GUIDE OF THE DESTINATION

We’re here to book the best accommodation for your trip, the best guides and drivers, and to make sure you receive top-quality service every step of the way. But there’s one thing we can’t do for you — and that’s to truly feel and sense the destination by being present in the moment.

To help you get a real feel for the place and take home a fully sensory travel memory, we’re sending you a few suggestions on how to experience the heartbeat of the destination.Find a moment to fit them into your trip, and you’ll enjoy a more holistic experience — one you’ll never forget.

👁️ See

The radiant white of Cycladic houses glowing against endless blue. Windmills spinning lazily above Chora. Copper-tinged sunsets that set Koumbara Beach ablaze. Terraced hillsides unfolding toward the sea. The surreal, hand-sculpted beauty of Calilo’s marble suites, etched with poetry and light. Mosaic-tiled pools, candlelit dinners, and the moon reflecting on mirror-flat waters.

👃 Smell

Salt on sun-warmed skin. Jasmine blooming outside chapel doors. Smouldering charcoal from seafood grills along Mylopotas. Wild oregano and thyme carried on the breeze from rocky hillsides. Freshly baked pitarakia pastries in the early morning air. The distinct, floral depth of local olive oil poured generously over everything.

👂 Hear

The gentle hush of waves folding onto quiet beaches. Church bells chiming above Chora’s whitewashed domes. Laughter echoing through narrow alleyways. A DJ warming up at Pathos Lounge as the sun begins to fall. Silverware tapping on ceramic plates at a waterfront taverna. The distant drone of a fishing boat returning to port just before dusk.

👅 Taste

Grilled octopus kissed by the flame, dressed simply in lemon. Velvety local cheeses with wild thyme and fig jam. Iced cocktails on a cliff-edge lounge. Sweet tomato and cucumber salads drenched in unfiltered oil. Sea urchin plucked fresh and served barefoot on the beach. Spoonfuls of revithada, slow-cooked chickpeas rich with citrus and herbs. A final glass of mastiha under a star-filled sky.

✋ Touch

The grain of rough stone walls brushed by sea air. Smooth driftwood beneath bare feet. Cool linen sheets after a long swim. The snap of a wind-blown pareo as you stroll to breakfast. The silk of local honey on warm bread. Ancient marble warmed by centuries of sun, as your fingers trace the curve of Skarkos.

🧠 Feel

Feel the freedom of space. Of sky. Of stillness. Ios is more than the party stories — it’s the quiet luxury of rhythm: unhurried days, thoughtful design, long lunches, and timeless views. You feel it in the welcome of a shopkeeper. In the warmth of a sunset dinner. In the subtle luxury that doesn’t shout, but lingers long after you’ve gone.
Ios doesn’t just impress. It grounds you.