Why Ios is a Fantastic Destination for Tours
When you think of the Greek Islands, Ios might not be the first that comes to mind, but it’s a hidden treasure for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, authentic culture, and lively nightlife. Unlike larger islands, Ios offers intimate experiences that let you explore both its rugged coastlines and charming villages without the crowds.
Some of our favorite activities include a luxury beach cruise that stops at stunning beaches like Never Bay (where Big Blue was filmed), and private trekking tours through scenic hiking paths. If you’re curious about the island’s ancient past, there are electric bike tours to archaeological sites like Skarkos and Homer’s Tomb. For a touch of luxury, the private helicopter transfer from Ios to Santorini offers a quick, adrenaline-filled escape with spectacular aerial views.
Whether you want to relax on a boat, explore on two wheels, or experience local flavors firsthand, Ios’s diverse tours give you plenty of ways to enjoy the island’s true character. To get started, check out our top picks below.
Tour Types in Ios
This list covers a wide range of experiences, including boat cruises, trekking tours, bike adventures, cultural experiences, and nightlife excursions. For example, a 4-hour cruise of the best beaches takes you along the coast to swim and snorkel at seven beautiful spots (more details here).
If you’re into exploring on foot, the Ios Island Trekking Tours offer intimate insights into the island’s scenery and history (details here). For a more adrenaline-fueled outing, the speedboat cruise from Mylopotas Beach combines water adventures with visits to underwater caves and secluded beaches (see more).
For those seeking local flavor, electric bike tours around Chora or the upper valley provide a fun, eco-friendly way to see archaeological sites and taste regional cheeses (more info). Night owls can join lively bar and pub crawls that offer VIP access, free shots, and exclusive venues (details here).
Finally, for a truly luxurious touch, the private helicopter transfer from Ios to Santorini is an excellent way to travel in style and save time (check availability).
Now, let’s look at each tour in detail.
1. Ios: 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches
This luxury speedboat tour is perfect if you want a quick but comprehensive look at Ios’s stunning coastline. The trip visits 7 beaches, including the famous Never Bay, where the Big Blue scenes were shot. You’ll spend four hours swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun in some of the most beautiful spots on the island.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch and the quality of the boat — guests praise the smooth ride and attentive crew. The captain has years of experience, making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. The included food, wine, and beers are a bonus, especially considering many similar tours charge extra for meals. With reviews consistently at 4.8/5 from 136 travelers, it’s clear this cruise offers both fun and value.
Bottom Line: If you love beaches, water activities, and a relaxed vibe, this cruise hits all the right notes. It’s ideal for travelers on a half-day adventure who want a taste of Ios’s seaside beauty.
2. Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored
For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Ios Island Trekking Tours give you a private, personalized experience showing the island’s authentic charm. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this approximately two-hour trek takes you along scenic hiking paths away from typical tourist routes. You’ll learn about local history, traditions, and visit small churches and hidden spots.
What sets this tour apart is the small group size and tailored experience, making it ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Guests love the guide’s insights, with a perfect rating of 5.0/5 based on 31 reviews. One reviewer said, “George shared personal stories and made the hike a very beautiful and interesting way to learn about Ios.”
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re after a relaxed, intimate walk that combines scenery with storytelling. It’s great for independent travelers or those seeking a deeper cultural connection.
3. Ios Island: Speedboat Cruise from Mylopotas Beach
This 2.5-hour luxury speedboat trip offers a fantastic way to see Ios’s coast in style. Departing from Mylopotas Beach, the boat explores underwater caves, shipwreck sites, and secluded beaches. You can snorkel in reef areas or inside caves, making it a full sensory experience.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to visit private beaches with no other visitors around and the cheerful captain, Niko, who makes sure everyone has fun. The trip has a 4.7/5 rating from 20 reviews, with many praising the adventure and exclusivity of the locations visited. One reviewer called it “a VIP experience,” highlighting the tranquility and the beauty of the beaches.
Bottom Line: It’s a great pick for water lovers and those wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation in a short time.
4. Electric Bike Tour Chora to Diaseli Cheesery
If you want to cover more ground without the fatigue, this electric bike tour is a fun way to explore Ios. Starting from Chora, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Skarkos and learn about the island’s ancient past. The highlight is a visit to Diaseli Cheesery, where you can taste traditional cheeses made by local families.
The tour lasts about four hours, with trekking poles included to make the ride easier. The guide, George, gets high praise for his knowledge and enthusiasm, and reviews consistently rate it 5.0/5. The tour’s value lies in its mix of history, local flavors, and scenic cycling—a good choice for active travelers who want a taste of authentic Ios.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those comfortable on bikes and interested in local food and archaeology. It’s ideal for a half-day exploration with a personal touch.
5. 5-6 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours
For a more in-depth private experience, this extended electric bike tour takes you through Chora, the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos, and Homer’s tomb at Plakotos. With up to six people and a dedicated guide, you’ll enjoy a personalized itinerary that combines archaeology, local stories, and culinary tastings at Diaseli Cheesery.
Rated 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, travelers love how this tour balances history and local life with the ease of electric biking. One reviewer noted George’s passion for the island, which added a special layer to the experience. The tour includes stops where you’ll hear about Homer’s legend and sample authentic cheese.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a comprehensive, private tour with cultural depth and flexibility.
6. Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades
Looking for nightlife? This bar crawl takes you through five venues with free shots, VIP entries, and exclusive access. Starting at the Life is a Beach Party HQ, you’ll visit venues like Alt Bar, Circus Bar, and the Silent Shush Bar with its unique headphone dance experience.
Rated 4.5/5 from 14 reviews, it’s a lively way to see the vibrant nightlife scene. Travelers enjoy the fun atmosphere and the chance to experience several bars without worrying about transportation or entry fees. It’s best suited for night owls who want to meet other travelers and enjoy some drinks and music.
Bottom Line: Ideal for social travelers eager to experience Ios’s party scene in an organized, fun way.
7. Full Haros Family Cooking Experience
This hands-on cooking experience involves the local Haros family sharing their traditional recipes and cooking methods. Over about two and a half hours, you’ll learn how to prepare authentic Greek dishes, experiencing local culinary traditions firsthand. It’s a chance to connect with Ios’s food culture in a warm, welcoming setting.
Guests describe the experience as personal and authentic, with a focus on family stories and regional flavors. Although reviews are fewer, the tour’s emphasis on cultural exchange makes it a memorable choice for foodies or those wanting to learn about Greek cuisine directly from locals.
Bottom Line: Best suited for culinary enthusiasts and travelers who want an authentic taste of Greek home cooking.
8. Electric Bike Tour Chora to Homer’s Tomb
This 4-hour electric bike tour combines archaeological exploration with scenic scenery, starting in Chora and visiting Skarkos and Homer’s Tomb at Plakotos. The tour is easy to manage, with e-bikes helping you cover greater distances comfortably.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, travelers appreciate the depth of information on mythology and history that guide George shares. It’s perfect for those interested in literature, archaeology, and a moderate physical activity that doesn’t tire you out. The tour ends with fantastic views and stories about Homer.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and literature buffs who want to combine sightseeing with storytelling.
9. Electric Bike Tour Around the Upper Valley
This short 2-hour tour takes you through Ios’s upper valley, exploring its nature and archaeological sites. With free admission to Skarkos, the focus is on local flora, fauna, and the island’s agricultural past. You’ll collect herbs like oregano or figs depending on the season.
Rated 5.0/5 from 1 reviewer, it’s praised for its informative guide and beautiful scenery. It’s a good choice for a quick, active introduction to the island’s natural beauty and cultural history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want a quick but enriching outdoor experience.
10. Private Helicopter Transfer from Ios to Santorini
When comfort and time are priorities, this private helicopter transfer offers a 15-minute flight with breathtaking views of the Cyclades. It’s a luxury option that transports you directly from Ios to Santorini, avoiding long ferry rides or crowded boats.
Rated 5.0/5, travelers love the personalized service and spectacular aerial views. Although it’s the most expensive option on this list, it’s perfect for special occasions or travelers with tight schedules who want to start their Santorini stay in style.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, time-saving choice that elevates your island-hopping experience—best for those seeking exclusivity.
11. Pub Crawl in Cyclades
Another lively nightlife option, the Pub Crawl in Cyclades lets you visit five venues with free shots and VIP entries. Starting at Life is a Beach Party HQ, you’ll explore some of Ios’s most popular nightlife spots like Circus Bar and Shush Bar, with its unique silent disco.
Rated a perfect 5.0/5, this tour is loved by night owls who want an organized, energetic way to experience the island’s famous party scene. It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and late nights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Ios’s vibrant nightlife with ease.
12. Half Day Private Tour on Ios Island
This customizable private tour allows you to select your own focus—whether it’s archaeological sites, local villages, or food tasting. Led by passionate locals, it offers insider tips and stories that make your visit unique.
Rated 5.0/5 from 1 review, travelers appreciate the personalized approach and flexibility. It’s perfect for families or groups who want a tailored experience and want to cover less crowded, more meaningful sights.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a bespoke, private experience that can adapt to their interests.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Ios
When deciding, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For instance, if water activities excite you, the 4-hour beach cruise (see more) offers incredible value. For those eager to explore local culture and history, electric bike tours (more info) provide an immersive experience. If nightlife is your focus, the bar and pub crawls (details here) are perfect.
Budget-wise, group tours like the half-day private tour (link) can be more economical per person, especially if you travel with friends. For maximum comfort and speed, the private helicopter transfer (see availability) is unbeatable, but it’s a splurge.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the speedboat cruises and private transfers. Check availability ahead of time, and consider your travel style and interests when choosing.
To sum it up, Ios offers a variety of tours to suit all tastes—whether you’re after a relaxing boat trip, an active cycling adventure, or a lively night out. Two top picks are the 4-hour beach cruise for its stunning scenery and snorkeling, and the private helicopter transfer for a truly luxurious experience. For cultural lovers, the private and group electric bike tours provide meaningful insights into the island’s history and traditions. Don’t forget to book early to secure your spot—these experiences promise to make your Ios trip unforgettable.
