Essential Tips for First-Time Travellers
Ios is the perfect mix of beaches, nightlife, sunsets, and social energy.
But if it’s your first time visiting, there are a few things you should know to make your trip smoother, cheaper, and a lot more fun.
1. Ios Is a Walking Island
Chora is compact, steep, and filled with steps — trainers are your best friend.
Avoid:
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Heels
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Loose sandals
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Slippery shoes
Link: Ios Nightlife Mistakes to Avoid
2. Nights Start Early
Don’t make the rookie mistake of starting at midnight.
The real flow is:
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9–11pm: Nio Fusion Happy Hour
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11pm: LIABP Bar Crawl starts
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2am+: Clubs & after-parties
Show up at 9–10pm and you’ll meet 10× more people.
Link: Best Pre-Party Vibes at Nio Fusion
Check-out: NioFusion.com
3. Book Ferries Early — Especially June–August
Ferries sell out, especially on:
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Swedish Midsummer week
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Irish College & Leaving Cert week
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Australia Day travellers
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Peak July weekends
Link: How to Get to Ios in 2026
4. Cash + Card Both Work
Most bars take card, but small kiosks and taxis may prefer cash.
ATMs are available in Chora and the Port.
5. Avoid Overpacking
Ios is hot, casual, and walkable.
You don’t need much.
Link: Ios Packing List — Advanced Edition (Blog 3)
6. Use the Official Ios Wristband if You’re Staying 3+ Days
It simplifies your whole trip.
You get:
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Free bar crawls
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Free FarOut entry
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Free club entry
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Discounts
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Priority access during busy weeks
Link: Is the Official Ios Wristband Worth It?
7. Days Are for Recovering or Partying — Choose Wisely
Ios gives you both:
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Mylopotas → chill beaches
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FarOut → day parties
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Pathos → incredible sunsets
Plan your nights around your energy.
Link: Best Beaches in Ios
Link: IosIslandEvents.com
8. Hydrate Constantly
Ios is hotter than travellers expect.
Between the sun and nightlife, dehydration sneaks up fast.
Stock up on:
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Water
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Electrolytes
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Snacks
Final Word
Ios is easy and fun once you understand how the island flows.
Follow these tips and you’ll avoid rookie mistakes while maximising every day and night.