How do you get to enjoy a beach on a Greek island in relative privacy? Go during the shoulder seasons, for example May (like I did, and the weather was still lovely) or September. Less tourists, more relaxation.
Mylopotas Beach, with many water activities available to keep busy
With 75% of the TripAdvisor activity list for Ios comprising of bars and nightclubs, it is a true party island by all accounts.
While the legendary nightlife was just opening for the season in early May, it wasn’t at the crazy level I’d imagine it would be in June or July. This could be a good or bad things depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for!
Even the back of my hotel door proving Ios means party business
I was there with a group so we made our own fun anyway and there was still heavy participation in the ‘buy x amount of shots and get a free t-shirt’ promotions you’ll see around the place.
There was also one fun night in particular at the well known Slammer Bar- where bartenders will deliver you a blow to the head in addition to alcohol (they kindly provide a helmet though).
Skateboards, fire extinguishers and stools are among the weapons
This is the kind of destination where there’s not a lot to do but enjoy the scenery, soak up some sun and go out. For three days this suited me just fine.
One day we did go for a cruise on a pirate style ship, which was cool except it was overcast for most of it unfortunately!
Special mention goes to the accommodation we stayed in called Far Out Village. You can read about it more in depth here.
It’s basically a backpacker paradise, in that it’s a self contained site complete with pools, a fantastic restaurant, little supermarket and the beach is across the road.
The bus to town stops right in front of the entrance or you can walk there in about 20 minutes. Quad biking is the other popular way to get around, especially to check out some of the more isolated beaches around the island.
I didn’t have a bad meal here at Far Out either! The service is on Greek time though (in other words, prepare to wait a long time for everything, to get a menu, get your meal and the check) but I was used to this since the same is seen almost every restaurant in Greece.
I really didn’t take a lot of pictures here, especially compared to Santorini and Mykonos, but I think it mainly comes down to the fact that you’re too busy either being lazy or having a good time when you’re on this island and that’s the whole point Ios!
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