Ios is a small Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea.The island got its name from the flowers that grew there, which were called “Ia”. Ios is full of hiking trails and has a trademark lighthouse at the entrance of the harbor which can be visited. Mainly famous for the vivid nightlife, the island is known as one of the best destinations for partying. The party scene isn’t just about the epic clubs and bars so, it is a way of life, even just for the days you’ll spend on the island. Surprisingly enough, Ios is also a destination to kick back and relax. Climb up to Odysseus Elytis theater to marvel at a breathtaking sea view. Watch the sun setting in the horizon from Panagia Gremiotissa church. Visit Homer’s grave, one of the island’s most significant historical monuments.

You arrive after a 7 hour boat trip from Athens to what looks like a typical port village, with cafes and restaurants lining the square. But the old Greeks who play tavli in the cafeneons are few and most of the people hanging out are young, tanned and healthy looking considering they have probably been partying until dawn every night. Because once the sun goes down, this quiet port and the typical cyladic looking village that overlooks it from the hill above, literally rocks all night long. Those innocent little white geometric houses open their doors to become discos, bars, rock clubs, boutiques, snack bars, cafes, restaurants and anything you need to cause or cure a hangover.

Days on Ios are spent on the beach with Milopota being one of the longest and finest in Greece, packed with young people of every shape and color, from every country on the planet and perhaps some planets beyond. It’s a time for swimming and meeting people in the cafes and restaurants that share the beach and for some it’s the time to get an early start for the evenings festivities if not a little hair of the dog. There is a wide range of water sports including scuba diving, windsurfing and some of the more obnoxious variety like jet skis or being dragged behind a speedboat on a giant floating banana. Around the island of Ios there are other beaches including Manganari which can be reached by small boat or by bus. Rooms can be rented there as well. Other beaches on Ios include Valmas beach, a ten minute walk, Psathi beach across the island and Kolitzani which is almost in town.

When the Greek sun begins to go down and the air begins to cool people make their way up the road to town, passing clubs and bars on the way. It may take a couple days to find the bar that suits you the best or you may find they all suit you. You may find that none of them suit you but you don’t really care because you are happy to be there. Many people begin their evening by watching the sunset from the Ios club, listening to classical music, a tradition at least since I was first there in 1973. Once the sun has set it becomes a disco and you can remain there and wait til the new crowds arrive or you can have your choice of several dozen other night spots. The main square in the upper village, so peaceful in the day is so full of young people at night that you can barely get from one side to the other. There are Irish pubs, jazz bars, rock clubs, slammer bars, discos and believe it or not even a bar that plays Greek music. As for restaurants you will find all your typical Greek fare and some places that are not so Greek and not even fare.