Language: Greek    |    Currency: Euro (EUR)    |    Local time: UTC+2   |    Avg. Flight time: 3.45 hrs

Why go?

The tiny hilly island of Ios, part of the Cyclades group, can be found in the Aegean Sea between the islands of Naxos and Santorini...

Ios holidays begin with flights into Santorini, followed by a boat trip to Ormos harbour.

You'll find an island that was a beloved hippy backpacker destination, when longhaired party animals would kip on the beach in sleeping bags after a night on the tiles. These days there are plenty of hotels and self-catering accommodation to select from.

Despite its diminutive size, there’s still a lively nightlife scene on Ios, probably thanks to its hippy party heritage. But this is mostly a laidback and peaceful island, and one that is the alleged burial place of the Greek poet Homer.

Chora is the only real village on the island of Ios, while Mylopotas is the only resort to speak of.

The pretty village of Chora is a picture worth snapping. Whitewashed houses cover the foot of the hill and the streets are so narrow that cars cannot navigate around it. Holidaymakers and locals fill the streets of Chora instead, and there are many restaurants, bars and shops lining the pathways.

There are plenty of beaches on the island on which to lounge during the hot days of summer. Most feature soft pale sands and turquoise waters backed by soaring green hills. The best beaches are Mylopotas, Manganari and Kalamos.

Peppered across the island are the windmills of Ios. They present yet another perfect picture opportunity, especially as the sun disappears behind them.

To discover more about holidays on Ios, read our guide and then use the search tool on TravelSupermarket to find bargain breaks to this lovely part of Greece.

When to go?

Cloudless skies and high temperatures make Ios a popular destination for sun-worshippers in summer...

You can expect to feel highs of 30C in July and August, while early summer brings crowds eager to see the island while avoiding the hottest months. Spring and autumn experience pleasant weather, with warm days and cooler evenings. There isn't much of a tourist season here in winter despite mild temperatures, as the options to reach the island are limited.

Cheap holidays to Ios are easy to find throughout the year. Avoid the busiest months of July and August and potentially save even more money.

What’s on?

Find out what’s on when with our handy guide to events in Ios...

Homeria Festival; May: The epic poet is celebrated every year on Ios. His mother was reputed to be from the island, and it’s rumoured that the man himself was buried here. Sports, arts and cultural events take place during this festival.

The Feast of Agios Ioannis Prodromos; June and August: The two dates are important religious celebrations during the summer and are held at the Venetian castle that crowns the island.

Irish Day; July: Believe it or not, there's an Irish celebration every summer in Ios. A parade tours the streets and heads for Mylopotas Beach before hitting the resort bars.

What to do?

Package holidays to Ios can be as active or as restful as you want them to be. Whatever you’re into, there’s an experience for you in Ios...

Grown-up families: There’s a handful of diving schools on Ios so grown-up families can take a journey beneath the waves together. Get some practice in the pool before wading out into the dazzling blue sea.

Active types: Beaches pepper the coastline of this Greek isle so you’re never far from the next. If you don’t like the one you’re on simply put those walking shoes to good use and go in search of your ideal beach. A cooling dip in the sea will be a just reward for your efforts.

Nightlife: There’s beauty and peace, yet plenty of nightlife, on the small Greek island of Ios. You won’t have to go far of an evening to find a good party. Let your dancing feet lead the way (and wear comfortable shoes – you might be on the dance floor until the early hours!).