Out of the eight European countries I have been to, Ios, Greece was the best place to go if you’re looking for all night bar hopping, sleeping in, and days on the beach. When I first arrived by ferry, everyone asked how long I would be staying here. Three nights was what I had planned. They responded saying that’s how long they thought they would stay as well…and then proceeded to laugh at me. Why were they laughing at me? I had made plans to stay in Ios three nights. That’s plenty of time on one island, right? Practically everyone I had met thought they were only staying for a couple of nights before taking off to Santorini or Mykonos, but after a night in Ios, you don’t want to leave. After a few nights, I joined in with the laughs when someone who had just arrived said they were only staying one night. Most people change one night to a week, or an entire summer if you’re like all of the bartenders on the island.
First things first about this crazy island: Everyone you meet is a traveling soul like yourself, and they’re all looking for a good time on this paradise island. What I also found crazy is practically everyone I met was Australian or Canadian. I met a fair share of Americas, Europeans, and Greeks of course, but there was one point where I was surrounded by about 15 people, and I was the only American. This is a whole other issue regarding how Americans travel way less than other countries, but, I digress…
This is the island to go to if you are searching for the craziest party in Europe. Perhaps I’m bias: I didn’t make it to Ibiza, an island off the coat of Spain (the largest clubs in the world are located there). Barcelona’s clubs were wild as well, since they were right on the beach. Budapest’s ruin bars are super interesting, and its spa parties are hot-tub parties with hundreds of people, but a pool can never compare to the Aegean Sea. But in Ios, there is a bar for everyone and the simplicity of the island life is too good to pass up.
Are you convinced yet? I hope so. If you’re planning on staying in Ios, check out this list of some of the best bars in Ios.
Harmony Restaurant
This restaurant is the best place to pregame. The deck overlooks the Aegean, so you can watch the sunset while enjoying your two-for-one happy hour deal sangria or one of the typical Greek beers Mythos.
Photo via Facebook
Fun Pub
Fun Pub is where a lot of visitors in Ios like to start their night. With pool tables, dart boards, and a giant Jenga set, it opens up the night to meeting new people over some drinking games.
Photo via Fun Pub Ios
Circus Bar
While listening to live music, you can watch the awesome fire shows that the bartenders put on every night.
Photo via Facebook
Slammer Bar
Slammer Bar is notorious for its slammer shot, where you take a shot of your desired liquor with a helmet on. Then, the bartender hits you in the head with a bat or something other object. People pay for this, I swear. If you didn’t do the slammer shot, did you really go to Ios?
Photo via Two Penniless Wanderers
Flames Bar
There is throwback, rock music playing that everyone knows the words to. When you’re tired of actually putting effort into dancing, you can just jump up and down and dance here. It’s a great way to end the night.
Photo via Weekend Notes
There are several other bars that you can float in and out of throughout the night that are all in the same area. These are just few that you can’t miss while your in Ios. While you’re there, just remember to take lots of pictures so you actually remember these unique, exciting bars.
What’s your favorite Greek island?
