Ios hiking routes

Ios Hiking Routes

hiking routes in Ios
acteon travel ios
acteon travel ios
acteon travel ios
acteon travel ios

Hiking routes in Ios

Explore the natural beauty of Ios, one step at a time

Ios is more than beaches — it’s also an island of rugged landscapes, ancient paths, and breathtaking views. With a network of hiking trails connecting beaches, hilltops, chapels, and historic landmarks, Ios invites visitors to explore its quieter, untouched side.

Whether you're up for a short scenic walk or a more adventurous trek, the island offers rewarding routes for all levels. Along the way, you’ll discover panoramic sea views, hidden coves, traditional villages, and peaceful hilltop chapels - all at your own pace.

Popular Hiking Routes in Ios

Gialos - Fanari Cape Lighthouse

  • This 5.1 km out-and-back trail starts from Gialos Beach and heads southwest along the coastline toward Cape Fanari, where a lighthouse marks the end of the route. The trail combines asphalt, dirt road, and a short walking path, making it an easy hike with rewarding views across the bay, the port, and up toward Chora. It’s a peaceful walk with very little traffic, perfect for hiking or mountain biking, and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace. Open year-round, this route offers a scenic and quiet way to explore the western edge of Ios.

Chora - Skarkos - Ellinika - Agios Prokopios Loop

  • This 10 km circular trail is a moderate-level hike that starts and ends in Chora, offering a beautiful mix of history, nature, and Cycladic scenery. Following a traditional path marked as number 1, through the rural area of Kambos, the route leads to the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos — one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Cyclades. From there, the trail continues toward the quiet area of Ellinika, then turns east to reach the chapel of Agios Prokopios before returning to Chora via the hillsides of Profitis Ilias. The full hike takes around 4 hours to complete and is accessible year-round, making it a rewarding way to explore the inland beauty of Ios at a relaxed pace.

Mylopotas – Klima Beach

  • This 8 km out-and-back hiking trail begins at the popular beach of Mylopotas and follows a coastal path marked as 4 towards the south toward the remote and peaceful Klima Bay. Set along the arid, rocky hills of western Ios, the trail offers wide views of the Aegean on one side and dramatic hillside landscapes on the other. The terrain is mostly open, with sparse vegetation and uninterrupted sea views throughout. The hike ends at Klima Beach, a small, sandy cove with crystal-clear waters — perfect for a quiet swim before heading back. It’s a moderately challenging route, taking about 3.5 hours to complete round trip

Local Tip:

The above trails are marked but vary in condition throughout the year, so we recommend wearing proper shoes, bringing plenty of water, and hiking in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Feel free to stop by our offices - we’ll be happy to advise you and provide a free hiking map of Ios.