“Where should we go out tonight” is the million-dollar question in Ios every summer. And with so many bars packed into a few small streets, it can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry! After spending two summers partying and working on the island, this is my expert list of all the best bars worth visiting on the island.
My number 1 tip for partying in Ios: See where the night takes you! Doing your own ‘bar crawl’ is my favourite way to party on the island.
Or if you dare, try the ‘Jetsetting Jacki Bar Crawl’ and do all 21 of these in one night.
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.
2. Circus
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
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
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
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’d 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 a rave-in-a-cave style bar 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. I also love the Harry Potter shot and the Flower shot. Escobar is open until 3am every night in summer and is on the main strip of bars under Circus Bar.
11. Lotus Bar
If you’re after the strongest alcohol on the island – head to Lotus Bar for an absinthe shot. I promise you they serve the real deal.
They also have an amazing cocktail list (my favourite is the Chuppa Chup) so it makes for a great place to start your night.
Lotus is open until 3am every night in summer.
12. Fun Pub
The Fun Pub name is pretty accurate – it is the only pub on the island and it is lots of fun.
If you’re after some classic pub food and a beverage, it is another great place to start your night.
There’s karaoke that goes off most nights at 10:30pm, as this is where Contiki groups start their bar crawl.
You can also come here to catch most big sports games, especially if you’re Aussie, Irish or British.
13. Astra Bar
Astra Bar balcony is my favourite spot on the island to start the night with a cheeky cocktail.
A lot of the staff tend to come here for a drink before work so it’s always got great vibes if you want to meet some of the summer locals.
DJ Branca plays all the classic hits from 9pm until around 2:30am when it closes. The dance floor is quite small so it pops off when it gets busy.
14. Vesuvius Bar
If you want cheap shots, Vesuvius Bar is the best choice on the Island! With an extensive 3 for 5 Euro shot menu in 2023, it’s perfect venue if you’re looking to party on a budget.
I LOVE the chocolate tequila and the brain shot, and don’y worry all the shots are cheap and cheerful (no nasty alcohol here).
Vesuvius is open until 3am each night and you can even do 7 shots and get your own cowboy hat.
15. Coo Bar
Coo is the only Ios bar that says they exclusively playing Hip Hop and RnB music.
It also has some of the best air conditioning for a bar on the island (trust me some of the venues can get very hot and sweaty in summer).
So if this your jam head down the alley way towards Flames and you will find Coo Bar. In 2023 you could also order Crunk Juice, which was a 5L jar of alcohol.
16. Tiki Bar
If you’re looking for a slightly quieter venue tucked away from the main crowds – check out Tiki Bar.
It has almost a hole in the wall/secret bar feel and they play some of my favourite music on the island.
The Tiki cocktail is a favourite here, and with 5 types of alcohol it hits fast!
If you want to sit and have a chat there’s some cute outdoor tables and chairs too.
17. Barmacy
Barmacy is the only exclusively techno-music venue on the island. It feels like stepping into a neon lit rave cave, with curved walls and mushroom themed artwork.
It’s located on the main strip right next to Escobar and Delta, open until 3am every night.
If everywhere feels a bit crazy in peak summer and you want some room to dance it can be only of the less busy venues on the island.
Make sure you try the mushroom cocktail too!
18. Baru Bar
Right opposite Pash on the main strip in Chora is Baru Bar. With super high ceilings and a sleek interior (and even a VIP bottle area if you’re into that), Baru is one of the classiest venues on the island.
But don’t worry classy doesn’t mean boring, at Baru you are welcome to jump on the end of the bar or get up on the tables and dance.
Baru get lots of the big groups coming in like Contiki and Med Experience so it’s also a great place to meet fellow travellers.
19. Disco 69
With some of the craziest lighting and pumping tunes in Ios, Disco 69 has some of the most hectic vibes on the island.
It generally attracts a younger crowd in summer, so if you’re 18-22 this is a sick venue to hit up.
In 2023 you could also do a shot and get slapped by the girl in the window – so hit this up if you’re feeling a little wild.
20. Sweet Irish Dream
Don’t worry you don’t have to be Irish to go to Sweet Irish Dream, but you will probably meet a lot of them here!
Besides Scorpion which closed in 2024, Sweet Irish Dream is the next biggest venue on the island, and it feels the most like a nightclub rather than a bar.
It attracts a variety of people, but the Irish love it, and Life is Beach Party end their crawl here every night.
Sweet Irish closes sometime after 5am, making it one of the latest venues on the island if you’re still looking for a party.
21. Bulldog Bar
Finally, a list of bars in Ios would be incomplete without mentioning the most local bar on the island – Bulldog.
With pumping Greek music until at least 6am every night in summer, if you want to see how the locals party swing by Bulldog.
Also look out for the flying napkins every where, it is a Bulldog signature every night.