Ios Practical info


General Info

CLIMATE

The climate in the Aegean Sea is pretty much typical every year. During the summer, the heat is dry around 30-35 degrees Celsius and usually 3-4 degrees lower than in continental Greece.

The famous “meltemia”, which are strong winds, blow all around the Aegean Sea, but especially in Cyclades, during the month of August. Sometimes they are too strong, something that necessitates the prohibition of sea traveling.     
 
During the winter months there is a lot of rainfall and humidity. Snow rarely makes its appearance.

TELEPHONE

National prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. The majority of numbers in Athens start with 210 -fewer start with 211- and are followed by 8 digits (e.g. 210 3050020).
 
Area Code for Ios: +30 22860, which is followed by a 5 digit number (e.g. 22860 55555). If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialing the other country’s national prefix (i.e. Germany is 0049, England is 0044, etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.


CURRENCY

Euro €
Euro Coins: 1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color) 10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color) 1 euro = 100 cents/centimes
Euro Bank Notes: come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change from 200 and 500 euro notes.


Getting there

BY BOAT

Ios can be accessed by high speed, semi high speed and conventional boats. During the summer months there are daily itineraries between the ports of Piraeus and Rafina (about an hour drive from Athens) and the main port of Ios.
The high speed boat ride takes about 4.5 hours to reach Ios Island; the semi high speed boat takes about 6 and the conventional boat can take up to 7-8 hours, depending on the layovers.

Ios is also connected to all the other islands of Cyclades, during the summer months (Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, Koufonisia, Serifos, Kythnos, Mykonos, Paros, Tinos, Syros, Folegandros etc.).
Blue Star Ferries (semi high speed boats): For accurate timetables and tickets visit the Blue Star ferries website at www.bluestarferries.com.
High Speed (high speed boats): For accurate timetables and tickets visit the Hellenic Seaways website at www.hellenicseaways.gr.
Aegean Speedlines (high speed boats): For accurate timetables and tickets visit the Aegean Speedlines website at www.aegeanspeedlines.gr.
Ventouris Sea Lines (conventional boats): For accurate timetables and tickets visit the Ventouris Sea Lines website at www.ventouris.gr.


Local Transportation

Ios has a very good road network and an excellent public transportation system with new buses, which depart regularly from the port to various destinations (villages and beaches), but more often to Hora and Mylopota, where most of the hotels are located. There are bus stops every 500 meters or so, however if you kindly ask the driver, he will drop you anywhere you want, as long as it’s on the way.

LOCAL BUSES

Tel.: +30 22860 92015

TAXI SERVICE

Few taxis can be found in the island. The main taxi stand is just outside Hora. You are advised to ask beforehand about the fare, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. You can hail them, while on the street, but if the driver has been called already, he might not give you a ride. You can always ask, but don’t be surprised if they don’t stop.

Main Taxi Stand: + 30 22860 92015

Taxi Drivers
Mastrantonaki Maria: +30 22860 91437 & + 30 6944 293588
Mpouzalakos Panagiotis: + 30 697 7031708
Moraitis Konstantinos: +30 22860 91745 & + 30 6932 680896
Nikiforos Georgios: +30 22860 91606
Stratis Kyriakos: + 30 697 7760570

RENT A CAR OR MOTORBIKE

There are many car rental agencies on the island, mainly located around the port, but also in Hora and in Mylopota. Make sure you book well ahead, especially if you are planning on visiting the island during the months of July and August (peak season). If the agency does not have an office in the port, they will gladly bring the car to you upon your arrival.

Usually you have to be 21 years old to rent a car and you definitely need a valid driving license. Insurance is optional. Make sure you check the condition of the car beforehand. If you sign for its mint condition, this is how you should return it, otherwise you will be charged with damages. Also, you need to return the car with the amount of gas it had when it was delivered to you.

Be careful. No agency should withhold your driving license or ID card. These can only be photocopied, if necessary, and then delivered back to you. You should carry them at all times.

You should always remember that the streets on all the islands are small, sometimes dangerous, on steep cliffs and with abrupt turns. You also need to remember that you cannot park anywhere. Buses are bulky, the streets are narrow and if you are on the way, a tow truck might move your car and you will most definitely get a ticket. Remember not to violate the speed limits. Except from dangerous, some streets are often crossed by animals and/or pedestrians in the middle of nowhere.

Same rules apply in case you are interested in renting a motorcycle or a scooter. Only in this case you need to be extra careful and always wear a helmet.

Ios Rent A Car Tel.: +30 22860 92300
Jacob’s Rent a Car Tel: +30 22860 91047 & +30 22860 91700 & +30 22860 91638
Chiou Dimitrios Tel: +30 22860 91066
Fousterios Dimitrios Tel: +30 22860 92470
Far out Tel: +30 22860 91468
Vangelis Rent A Bike: +30 22860 91919
Trohokinisi: +30 22860 91166


Local services

BANKS & ATMs

Two bank branches can be found on the island of Ios: Emporiki Bank of Greece (blue color logo) and the National Bank of Greece (green color logo).

Opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 8.00 - 14.30 Friday: 8.00 - 14.00

National Bank of Greece: +30 22860 91354 & +30 22860 91565
Emporiki Bank:  +30 22860 91296

MONEY EXCHANGE

Banks exchange all major currencies, traveler’s cheques or Eurocheques; the commission is always lower for cash. Post offices exchange cash, but not traveler’s cheques, and usually charge lower commissions than banks. Travel agencies and larger hotels exchange cash and traveler’s cheques but usually charge a higher commission. Banknote exchange machines can be found in most tourist areas.

POST OFFICE

The Greek post is called ELTA. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW and usually divided into international and domestic. RED Post Boxes are rarer and they are used for URGENT mail. REGISTERED mail is handled by an employee and the customer should always be given a receipt.

Post office in Ios: +30 22860 91235

POLICE STATION

In case an unfortunate incident happens to you or someone else while on the island, do not hesitate to file a report to the local police station. Additionally, if you have any problem with your accommodation you can also report it to the police.

Tel.: +30 22860 91222

MUNICIPALITY OF IOS

Municipality of Ios: +30 22860 91505
Port authority: +30 22860 91264
Tourist Information: +30 22860 91936
Weather Forecast: www.meteo.gr

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
•    Police: 100
•    Fire Department: 199
•    Ambulance: 166

HEALTH
•    Health Center: +30 22860 91227

PHARMACIES
•    Michael Petropoulos: +30 22860 91562



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