Local Festivals
Α primary activity, to experience Ios as a local, is to attend one of the festivals that take place in several churches. These festivities start in early summer, on St John Prodromos’ Day, the 14 th of June.
On the 29 th of June, St John is celebrated both at Kalamos and Psathi. Finally, on the 7 th of September, just before the end of summer season, celebrations take place both at Palaiokastro and Agia Theodoti.
All these festivities are accompanied with traditional meals, such as meatsoup and local chickpea delicacies as well as live traditional folk music until dawn.
Entertainment
Ios has been long-believed to be a place of vivid nightlife and party until the morning light.
This fact has partially changed. Lately, the island is an attraction for a variety of traveller types, combining tradition with modern life, intense nightlife with the serene family-friendly atmosphere, making the island of Homer an ideal destination.
Regarding dinning options, Ios has a leading role in comparison with most of the Cycladic islands, featuring a wide range of restaurants and picturesque taverns with gourmet modern Greek cuisine, challenging and intriguing your taste buds.
Nightlife and entertainment place Ios high in the preferences of young visitors, as a plethora of bars and clubs offer intense parties daily.
In the meantime, not far from Chora, the port and Mylopotas can provide relaxation and tranquillity to those who prefer it.