Travel Tips

Some useful information

Access

Currently there is one option: the ferry (as there is no airport in Ios, which is probably why this Island has stayed as it is and hasn’t become as popular as some of the other Greek islands!)

If you fly to Athens, Santorini or Naxos, you’ll be able to get a ferry to come across. (Athens will probably be cheaper, even once you add a ferry cost on, but have a look at flights and ferry’s and compare, we use Skyscanner for our trips)

At the summer months there are frequent ferry services to and from Piraeus(daily), as well as small local ferries that offer a service from some of the neighboring islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, Folegandros, Sikinos and others! Beware that those options are not daily!!!(We’d also recommend pre-booking a boat at high season!!As past clients of ours have reported some minor issues finding seats on ferries!!)

How to get to Blue Horizon Ios:

Inform us two days’ prior of your check-in, the name of the ferry-boat and the time of your arrival.

We will assign a driver with a mini bus waiting for you at the available parking lot next to the port of Ios (Free shuttle from 9:00-18:00)

Rent a vehicle from the port and use Google Maps to drive to us.

Link to our location

Take the Bus from the port to the Village. Ask at the driver to stop at the Pet Shop in the village and from there you can use Google Maps to walk to our location.

Climate

The sun is very taxing during the summer time!! Try to avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities from 12:00 to 16:00!! Always carry a bottle of water with you, at least during the day and wear proper clothes – sunscreen for the sun!

Water

Please be aware that the water from the faucets in Ios island is not drinkable. The same goes for most of the island in our country.

Transportation

Getting around in Ios

You can either walk all distances (a bit hard) or use the public bus system linking Mylopotas Beach – Ios Town – Port (less than 2,00 euro per ride).

Timetable

If you are not in the mood of walking that much then Renting a car / quad bike / motorcycle in Ios is actually the best option in order to have and enjoy as much of your time as you can in your vacations (rather on getting around on the island)!

From where to rent one? There are 6-7 places that do rent cars-bikes in Ios

George’s Bikes, at the Port
Vangelis Rentals, at the Village
JACOBS RENT A CAR -SCOOTER-ATV, at the Port
Trohokinisi rent a car, at the Village

Beware! In order to rent any type of vehicle you will be asked in advance to provide the corresponding legal driver license under the European Union regulations! So, if you consider this option, do not forget to pack your driver license with you!!

Also as a personal preference I would certainly avoid the small motorcycles (50cc), as Ios has many hills.

Tour the Island On an ATV

One of the most popular things to do in Ios is to explore by ATV. Some of the roads in Ios are dirt and this is the best way to see these parts of the island. Traffic on Ios is limited to the Chora and the roads to the main beaches, so you won’t have to worry about sharing the road with too many cars. A great thing about renting an ATV is that you can rent it for just the day. Parking in the Chora will be fairly easy as well.

Banks

Chora, the main village. can provide a shopping experience as most of the local stores are stationed here, plus you can find coffee/light meal shops, banks (1,2) and ATM facilities.

Currency

Greece is part of the European Union and Greece money currency is Euro. (Euro replaced Drachma in 2002).
The euro banknotes come in: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5.
There are coins of 2 and 1 Euros and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents of euro.

Postal Services

The closest postal service to our small resort is called Acs and it is less than 500meters away.
Acs postal service

Electrical Appliances

Each room has it is own breaker panel and most are labelled.

Following a power outage, please ensure that all electrical appliances are pulled off from the plugs. When external power is restored there will be no risk of damaging the appliances (power surges, spikes and voltage fluctuations).

Appliances that you can usually found in your room are:

small flat tv
aircondition
refrigerator
kettle
iron
lights

Archaeological Museums and Collections

Visit Homer’s Tomb

The famous poet Homer is supposedly buried on Ios. Homer wrote both the Odyssey and the Iliad and decided to spend the last part of his life on Ios because his mother was from this Greek island.

The tomb is located on a hill in the northeast area of Ios overlooking the Aegean Sea and offers stunning views. There are brown signs indicating the route to the tomb from the port and it’s free to enter.

Visit the Ruins of Skarkos

Skarkos is an early Bronze Age (Proto-Cycladic period) settlement not far from the port of Ios(locals call it karavola, which interprets to snail). It is one of the best preserved prehistoric sites in the Aegean (The discoveries are in the archaeological museum in the center of Chora). The cost is €4 for entry and it is usually closed on Monday.

To find the entry to the settlement look for the football-soccer stadium of the island! From there you will find it very easy as there are signs! There is a paved road all the way to the ruins on top of the mountain.

The view as you climb up as well as from the ruins is amazing. You can easily spot Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, as well as several other smaller islands.

Start and End of the path

Covid-19

Protocol for arrival in Greece: https://travel.gov.gr/#/ Hand sanitizers have been installed in all public areas of the property.

Regarding the measures that have come into force, we faithfully follow the instructions of the National Organization of Public Health (EODY).

You can see here the instructions of the National Organization of Public Health (EODY): https://eody.gov.gr/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-travellers/

Precautions

The staff is aware of the factors that require the immediate further updating of the health services and is constantly informed about the latest developments of the competent authorities to avoid dispersal.

Cleaning materials have been replaced with quick-acting disinfectants.
The cleaning process has been intensified on frequently used surfaces, such as knobs, handrails, etc.
In case of emergency, special disinfection or benefit spraying is performed.

Always Buy Travel Insurance

A medical emergency can wipe out your savings — or even worse.

Let Someone at Home Know Your Plans

This is extremely important when traveling solo, but it’s still a good idea no matter how many people are in your travel group.

Make Photocopies of Important Documents

Keeping a copy of your passport in a separate bag from your actual passport.

Learn Common Phrases of the Local Language

A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way. We also like to learn the word for wine, but that’s just us.

Be Flexible

We always plan for delays and try not to get upset when things inevitably go wrong. Patience is extremely important when traveling!

Put Your Room Number & Hotel Address in Your Phone

We hope we are not the the only one’s who can’t remember our hotel room number. There has to be others out there..

Ask The Locals

We always ask the locals to point us to the best restaurants, awesome spots to watch the sunset, the best coffee shops, etc. Let them know what type of food you are craving though (thought, tripadvisor usually doesn’t let us down either).

Take a Boat Tour (one of the top things to do in Ios)

Many beaches on Ios are only accessible by boat. Taking a boat tour allows you to visit several of the best beaches in one day (Koumbara caves, Kolitsani beach, Manganari beach etc.) The tour usually takes you to the best beaches based on that day’s weather! (some tours take you to a specific beach no matter what so be careful when choosing!). You can find them at the port!

Pre-plan Your Outfits

Your photos will keep your memories alive. Do not look back at photos and wish you had put more effort into packing.

Pack Extra Underwear

Undies are small and it’s always a good idea to have a few extra pairs in case of emergencies. Another option is to pack these quick-dry underwear so you can easily wash them on the road.