Life on the Island of Ios

Ios is a delightful little island situated between the well known islands of Santorini and Naxos.

Probably a little less known than it's neighbours, the island has a similar classic Greek feel with gorgeous blue water and cute little sugar cube buildings.

It does have a bit of a reputation as a party island but if you go in September when the majority of the party people have headed home, it's a beautiful place just waiting to be explored.

This year was our second time on the island, and also our second time at Sea Breeze Hotel because we just loved our first stay so much.

Can you blame us?

Just look at that view overlooking the port from the pool!

Plus, they're dolphin friendly :)

The hotel is ran by the loveliest couple, Chris and Annerie.

From the moment we arrived at the port (the island doesn't have it's own airport so you need to get a ferry from the surrounding islands) they couldn't do enough for us.

They even took us on a quick drive around the island to point out the best places to explore, where to eat, where not to eat and where to catch the best sunset.

They really make you feel at home and I would recommend this hotel to anyone. Never mind it's location with these views.

Unlike Santorini, Ios has some beautiful beaches. I'll start with Mylopotas. This is the 'party beach' but down season it looks like this...

Dreamy eh...?

These huge sun loungers can be reserved so I would recommend this if you want to spend the day there. They are around €20 for the day (bargain) and that includes a little button which you press for someone to come over and take your food and drinks order.

I'll drink to that.

To the left of this beach is an amazing Greek restaurant serving fresh fish caught that day, this is one you must also reserve as we couldn't even get a table this year!

To the right of the beach, if you fancy something a little less 'Greek' is Harmony, a Mexican themed restaurant run by a lovely bunch of Australians.

Breakfast Mexican Style and a toast to our newly engaged friends...cheers!

They have these super cosy hammocks.

And the view from here is pretty incredible...

If you hire a car or quad bike (highly recommended for getting around) then the trip through the hills to Manganari beach is a must. The journey will take a couple of hours but it is well worth the trip, the views from that high up are something else, the pictures don't even do it justice.

We hired a little jeep type thing, and off we went.

The beach itself is very different to Mylopotas in that it is a lot quieter with only two restaurant/bars across the whole stretch of beach.

Perfect for strolling, in my homemade kimono.

I just couldn't resist dipping my feet in that water and exploring the rockery.

I just love how peaceful this beach is.

So after all of that exploring, you're going to want some eats.

This little place is tucked away far from the port on a road just behind Sea Breeze Hotel and is well worth a visit.

If you carry on down this path you will find Pathos Lounge Bar, one of the best places to catch the sunset on the island. The music is chilled out until the sunset, when it becomes all loud and dramatic to build the atmosphere.

This little island to the left is owned by one person and his house looks amazing all lit up after the sunset.

It also makes a nice background for some solo shots, no?

Most people leave after the sunset and head back to their hotels to freshen up before hitting the town which seems to liven up around midnight.

For the less hardcore, like myself, a stroll down the port for a gyros will finish off your night perfectly.

If a gyros is not your style, then there is also a 24hr (yes 24hr) bakery open at the port, full of yummy baked treats.

After the early-ish night, there is no excuse not to get up to enjoy the sunrise and maybe even go for a little run.

How cute that this restaurant leaves bottles of water and treats out for runners passing by.

If you do want to explore the Ios nightlife a little more, then it is all scattered around the Chora. You won't miss it as at the centre is this beautiful church.