“Where should we go out tonight?” IS the million-dollar question in Ios every summer.
And with so many crazy venues packed into a few tiny streets to choose from, it can feel overwhelming.
But after spending the last 2 summers living and partying on the island, I have you covered with the top 10 bars you need to visit while you’re in Ios.
Hot tip: If you’ve got more than a few nights on the island or you’re looking for something a little different, don’t be afraid to check out some of the other venues!
I’ve got a list here here of all the bars on the island that are worth a look-in (there are over 20!).
1. Far Out Beach Club
A list of the top bars in Ios would be incomplete without mentioning one of the world’s top 100 clubs – Far Out Beach Club.
Far Out is a Vegas/Ibiza style pool party venue that is open every day in Summer.
If you want to catch one of the ticketed events though and not just lounge by the pool with some tunes, check out their summer ’24 calendar here https://faroutbeachclub.com/ when it goes live.
Last year we were graced with artists like Peggy Gou, Timmy Trumpet and Will Sparks, with 3-4 events every week in the peak months of July and August.
For cheaper tickets I recommend buying online. But if you’re lazy (like me) you can generally always get them at the door.
2. Circus Bar
One of the most iconic Ios venues is Circus Bar located right on the main strip in Chora (Ios Village).
Don’t be put-off by the idea of live music – I’ve never been to a venue quite like it.
Its as though you’re in a club playing all the hits you can sing along to, but with a live musician and box player – you have to experience it for yourself.
Also make sure you try the salted-caramel espresso martini and test tube energy shot.
Circus is open until 3am every night in Summer.
3. Shush Bar
Ios’ one and only silent disco bar is located right in the heart of Chora next to Delta and Escobar.
With crazy neon lighting, three music channels to choose from and the infamous punching bag, Shush Bar has heaps to offer.
In 2023 entry was 10 Euros and included a headset with a choice of RNB, pop or techno tunes – or switch between all 3!
This was one of the most popular Ios bars in 2023 and was open until 5am every night. To avoid a line I recommend heading here before 12am or after 2am.
4. Delta (Ball-Pit) Bar
If you want to relive a childhood dream and dive headfirst into a giant ball pit – you need to put Delta bar on your Ios bucket list.
Delta is located on the main Chora strip, just down from Pash and Circus. It’s a small venue with a DJ that can fill up quick.
Also don’t forget to try their new blast shot – I’ll leave that up to you to find out what it is.
5. Slammer Bar
Ever wanted to do a shot and get hit on the head with a fire hydrant or even a chair? Then you need to visit Slammer Bar (don’t worry they put a helmet on you first).
Slammer is located up a small alleyway next to the square and Traffic Bar. Slammer Bar almost feels like stepping into a rave-cave, with low ceilings and tunes pumping until 5am every night.
My best tip is to get a stamp early and you can get back in later for free, entry during peak hours is 10 Euro with a free slammer shot.
6. Flames Bar
If getting hit on the head with a fire hydrant doesn’t quite cut it for you, how about being slapped in the face?
Flames Bar is home to the iconic Ios slap shot – and don’t worry, they do hit you hard.
Another small but iconic Ios venue that has been open for over 30 years, Flames Bar almost feels like a step back in time.
The music is a mix of top 40 hits from the last few decades and it’s open until 3am every night. If you do 7 wet pussy shots you can even score yourself a red Flames Bar G-string.
7. Lost Boys Bar
If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe with beer pong, good tunes and space to sit down and chat, check out Lost Boys Bar.
You might have seen their iconic Instagram with awesome shots of the island. They are even responsible for officially naming the stunning Never Bay.
Lost Boys is open from 9pm – 2am every night so get in early for pre-drinks before hitting the main strip.
8. Pash
As the old saying goes, if you didn’t go to Pash, did you even go to Ios? Pash is an Ios experience in itself and it’s one you can’t miss.
But it is NOT for the faint-hearted. Think strobe lights, blaring music, people dancing on the bar and the steepest “death” stairs (as the locals call it) to the toilet.
Pash is open until around 5am or 6am every night in summer but it can be a bit of a madhouse between 1am and 4am.
If it’s so busy you can’t even get to the door, I suggest heading to another venue and coming back a bit later.
9. Traffic Bar
With some of the best music on the island and the best toilets (as voted by the staff in 2023), Traffic Bar is an Ios must-do.
Another venue that is not for the faint-hearted however, Traffic can get jam-packed in summer.
It does have some of the best air-conditioning on the island, which you will really appreciate if you need a break from the sweaty 30-degree nights.
Traffic is open until 5am every night and is next to Slammer Bar on the main strip. Make sure you get in there and take a photo with the sign in the bathroom too.
10. Escobar
A bar that would Pablo Escobar proud, Escobar is rave-in-a-cave style with over 100 different shots on the menu.
Escobar plays all the classic hits you know and love, and you can even order buckets of alcohol.
If you’re feeling a bit hungover I love the Powerade or Vitamin C bucket – it feels like you’re hydrating and drinking at the same time.
On the shot menu, make sure you get a friend to try the ‘Cocksucker’ shot – you can thank me later. Escobar is open until 3am every night in summer and is on the main strip of bars under Shush Bar.