Ios Island, Cyclades, Greece, pictures and information, beaches, nature, car rental

<XMP><body> </xmp> Ios Island, Cyclades, Greece, pictures and information, beaches, nature, car rental
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IOS ISLAND

We didn't want to visit Ios, because in all the guidebooks it's described as a party-island for the youth, with liters of beer and alcohol, loud music and teenagers throwing up on every corner. But when we passed it on the way to Santorini and Anafi it looked so attractive, especially with the beautiful white church standing alone on a rock in the harbour, that we decided to take a look at it on the way back, and stay in the harbour, since most of the partying was taking place upstairs in the Chora of Ios island. We found a wonderful apartment with an unobstructed view of the village and the harbour, right on the beach. It was nice and clean, with a possibility to have breakfast, and on our big terrace (actually we had two) we had breathtaking views (Hotel Glaros, Yialos Beach, tel/fax 0286/91876). We can really recommend it if you want to go to Ios. Since we were out of season, somewhere in the end of september, there was not much partying going on anymore and it was relatively quiet, especially where we stayed. Some restaurants even started to close down after a couple of days. In the harbour we found the most wonderful Indian restaurant, run by a funny Brittish woman and her husband, and you could just tell that they loved to cook. If ever we are going back it will be just to have a bite to eat there. It was that wonderful. The second day we didn't even get a menu anymore, instead she just said that she was going to cook something very delicious for us, and she did. One of the guests must have been a regular, because he broke a chair and fell on the floor :-). The ferry-harbour is nice, situated in a big bay, with a big beach, and it's especially nice in the evening when the ferries sail in with their lights on. The ferry-harbour of Ormos isn't too bad and the Chora is attractive enough to have a look at, with lots of churches and shops, and some big trees. You can make a couple of walks on the island, but I did not stay long enough and I haven't seen it all to tell you if it is good for a long stay. Ios has good ferry-connections to other islands, so it shouldn't be a problem to go to another island if you have decided that you are finished with it.

Ios, party island or not?
Since the 60's when Ios became a popular destination for students it has gained a bit of a reputation as a party island. The reality is different from the myth and it all depends on when you go, where you stay and which part of the island you visit. The second part of Juli and the month of August the island of Ios is the busiest (it is the same on all other islands) and at this time Ios might live up to its reputation. If you don't like the crowds than it is better to avoid Ios at that period, but as said before: it will be crowded on allmost any Greek island at that time. Ios has got a lot of things that make it worth a visit. There are a couple of really good beaches, an attractive old Chora (capital) and easy connections to other islands. Nowadays it is not just the youth that visits but more and more families find their way to the island. The port of Ormos (or Gialos) is quite sleepy and quiet compared to some other harbours on the Cycladic islands, and there are a few bars and tavernas. The people that want to escape the worst excesses of the nightlife often choose to stay here. There are some good hotels, nice restaurants, a bakery and there is an excellent town beach. Ios Town or Chora is best reached by bus or taxi. It is a combination of an attractive old village with churches, squares, boutiques and shops and a center for the bars and discotheques. During the daytime it is a quiet place to stroll around in and explore. On the top of the village there is a beautiful old church and a bit further there are three small churches next to eachother on a hill. I have never been present but the real party in Chora supposedly starts at around 22.00 o'clock in the evening and ends around 3.00 o'clock in the night.

A bit more about Ios island
Ios is an island that belongs to the Cyclades, a Greek islands group located in the Aegean Sea, east of the Peloponnese archipelago. Ios is located north of Santorini and southwest of Naxos. In 2005 the island had about 1820 inhabitants. The capital, Ios City, lies in the west of the island, on the coast. The city itself has a port which is located northwest of it. There are several ferry connections with this island, including from Santorini and Piraeus. The beaches and bays of Ios can be called beautiful. It is a mountainous island with many churches and chapels. Ios-city (Chora) is the capital of the island and has a typical Cycladic style with picturesque streets and white houses. Chora was built against a hill and on the top are two ruins of the medieval castle and the Venetian Aghios Nicolaos chapel.
The beaches of Ios
The best beach of Ios and one of the best beaches in the Aegean is the beach of Mylopotas, which is situated just outside the port on its east side. It is a large beach with golden sand which can easily accommodate all the visitors, even in high season. The beach is backed by bars, tavernas and hotels. On the rest of the island the roads are not so good and it's a lot more quiet. Two beautiful beaches are Manganari in the south and Agios Theodotis on the north coast. These are the two naturist beaches of Ios. In Agios Thedotis are still the ruins of a Venetian kastro.

Hotels on Ios
There is a good choice in hotels, studios and apartments on Ios island. Most of the accommodation can be found in and around the Chora and Mylopotas Beach. Some of the hotels are in Gialos and on other more quiet locations. Below is my choice.

Brothers Hotel near the beach of Yialos - Ios - very good reviews and well priced.
Welcome to Brother�s Hotel, where comfort, quality and style meet budget accommodation. Situated near Yialos beach in Kambos Valley, within walking distance of Ios Port, this family-run hotel combines a peaceful location with modern facilities. There is a beautiful open air swimming pool, ample parking space and a bar that serves a range of refreshments and snacks. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped to ensure a comfortable stay, each with a private balcony with views of the pool, sea or gardens. The Brothers Hotel offers a peaceful, family atmosphere for a perfect getaway.
Check availability and prices & book Brothers Hotel on Ios CLICK HERE

Galini Pension near the beach of Yialos - Ios - very good reviews and well priced.
Beautifully situated beside Yialos beach and the port of Ios, our traditional guest house is a welcoming family-run business with a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. The surrounding area features everything you might need such as restaurants, supermarkets and excellent coffee bars along with much more. We are also not far from the village; nothing is too far away on the island of Ios. Housing homely, comfortable and contemporary accommodation with functional furnishings, the hostel also offers a tranquil natural garden, a relaxed snack bar and a terrace with views of the sea. Providing reasonable prices, a good quality of facilities, service and overall standard, helpful staff and clean accommodation, this residence is the perfect base for any visitor to this wonderful island
Check availability and prices & book Galini Pension on Ios CLICK HERE

Markos Village Hotel - Chora, Ios - for young people and friends - twins, triples, quads.
In the beautiful Cycladic Island of Ios with its endless golden beaches, Markos Village is built in a traditional style, in a unique site with panoramic views of Chora, one of the most picturesque villages in Cyclades. You can enjoy your drink in our pool bar next to the swimming pool. Ios is famous for its natural beauties as well as for its lively international ambiance, features which combine to make it popular among young people of all ages. Your stay in Markos Village will therefore be pleasant and comfortable in a cheerful and youthful setting. If you would like to spend some quality time surrounded by nature, beauty and comfort, we are looking forward to see you at Markos Village.Check availability and prices & book Markos Village Hotel on Ios CLICK HERE

Princess Sissy - between Yialos and Chora - Ios - singles, doubles, triples and quads.
The Princess Hotel has a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea and is situated in a central location of Chora, with only 300 metres to the beach. The town�s main square is a short walk from the hotel and hosts a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops. The night life in Chora is vibrant and is the island�s centre of entertainment. The Princess Sissy Hotel provides you with a restaurant and bar for your immediate convenience. Free wireless internet and private parking are also inclusive.
Check availability and prices & book the Princess Sissy Hotel on Ios CLICK HERE

Villa Mata Pension Yialos Beach - Ios - singles, doubles, triples and quads.
At the edge of the picturesque port of Ios, this is a family-run, traditional guesthouse, just 50 metres from the sandy Yialos beach and 800 metres from the village. Villa Mata consists of 2 separate buildings and is surrounded by a beautiful garden where you can enjoy many relaxing and fun barbecue nights. In Villa Mata, every room combines traditional Aegean structure and modern facilities, including free Wi-Fi. Frequent buses and taxi services provide you with easy access to and from the village of Ios and the other beaches of Ios.
Check availability and prices & book the Villa Mata Pension on Ios CLICK HERE

Liostasi Ios Hotel & Spa - Ios - luxury accommodation on the island of Ios.
Situated on a hillside with breathtaking views facing the setting sun, this traditional hotel is just a short walk from both the village and the beach. Natural elegance and discreet luxury are spread all over the hotel premises, surrounded by a natural environment that presents the rare beauty of the island, creating a positive atmosphere for the perfect holiday. The architecture of the building remains authentic following the traditional Cycladic characteristics. This hotel is ideal either for a family or couples since there are several activities on the complex or close by in the vicinity.
Check availability and prices & book Liostasi Ios Hotel & Spa on Ios CLICK HERE

Hans Huisman, Markos Village Hotel, Liostasi Ios Hotel & Spa, www.angelfire.com/super2/greece 2009