Ios

Ios, midway between Santorini and Naxos, follows the trend of its more famous “companions” as far as tourist overcrowding is concerned. Not to discourage you at the start, but the situation on Ios in high and very high season is described as borderline-and sometimes well beyond!
In fact, it seems that the island has always attracted the “worst” kind of tourism, the rowdy kind, the kind of boozy beach parties until dawn, music “blasted” to a thousand and, in general, little respect for those who just want to get a peaceful night’s sleep.

That said – man forewarned… – Ios is still a beautiful island to visit, though compared to the other islands of the Cyclades it perhaps does not offer the same level of tourist attractions. There are the beautiful beaches, certainly, there are the sheer cliffs and there are the inevitable luxury stores, souvenirs all the same and multi-starred restaurants; however, real “rarities” are lacking, as many of the neighboring islands instead offer.

The village that takes the same name as the island-but is more often referred to by the name Chora-is certainly a picturesque collection of Cycladic houses, steep, labyrinthine streets (no cars run around here, thankfully!), beautiful views and typical churches. But it must be said that its atmosphere has been somewhat ruined by the prevailing god of tourism, which has changed its face, at least in the central part, and makes it always packed with tourists looking for something.

Apart from Chora, there is not much left on the island to visit; the other “villages” are little more than clusters of houses near the more famous beaches, the only archaeological site worth mentioning is located in the northern part of the island and has gained its notoriety due to the fact that it is said that and Ios was born the mother of Homer and the supreme poet himself is buried right here (a tomb within the site is often “passed off” as his, without scientific or historical basis).

So… all that remains is to rest! Tourists permitting. Ios has a decent port, considering the average that Greece has unfortunately accustomed us to. It is located at the foot of the village (at the foot not really: 15 minutes on foot, actually better if done by mule), in a well sheltered natural inlet that offers excellent shelter, except for the southerly winds with which you inevitably dance a bit (southwest, to be precise). The port proper is located in the east inlet, inside the bay; it offers quay and a breakwater that is an extension of the quay itself.

You moor there bow or stern, giving anchor bottom in about 5 meters depth, sand and mud bottom excellent keeper; or even sideways, if there is room. Don’t skimp on fenders; ferries passing by there generate lots of waves. Water and electricity are on the main dock; ask for a prepaid key at the office there. Refueling is not possible, while there appears to be free wi-fi. Of course, as always almost everywhere in Greece, available berths run out quickly.

In this regard, we point out that to the northwest of the port in a small inlet there is room for a single boat; the bottom holds well and there is more quiet but it is more exposed to southerly winds. The inlet right next to the one that houses the harbor, Koumbara Bay (to the west), offers space but is much less sheltered than the one in Ios; keep that in mind.
On the other side, to the east, is Milopotamos Bay, which offers excellent shelter (not as good as that in Ios harbor, but almost) and on its side has the fact that it is a quieter place: no discos, no parties, no roads. Four coves can be exploited; the sand and seaweed bottom holds very well.