Nightlife

Escobar Ios is a shot-lover’s paradise and one of Chora’s most iconic late-night spots. Tucked into a moody, cave-like space with pulsing lights and a booming sound system, it’s all about bold energy and bigger nights. The star of the show? Their legendary shot menu—over 100 creative options, from quirky themed shooters to their crowd-favorite flaming tequila, poured and lit right on the bar for a fiery spectacle. Every night feels like a celebration, with DJs spinning dancefloor anthems and the bartenders serving up energy as strong as their drinks. If you’re chasing unforgettable moments and want to sample every wild shot Ios has to offer, Escobar is the place to do it.

Disco 69 is one of the most legendary clubs in Ios, right in the middle of the action in Chora. It’s been around since 1979 and has built a reputation as the go-to spot for a wild, high-energy night out. The vibe is loud, fun, and unapologetically over-the-top, with DJs spinning everything from old-school disco to current party anthems.

One of the things it’s most known for is the “wet pussy” shot challenge—six shots in six seconds gets you a free Disco 69 tank top, but if you fail, you’re footing the bill. It’s all part of the club’s over-the-top, party-hard atmosphere. There are also themed nights, a couple of VIP areas, and a steady stream of international partygoers keeping the dance floor packed until well past sunrise.

If you’re in Ios to party, Disco 69 is almost a rite of passage. It’s not subtle, but that’s exactly the point.

Shush Bar Ios in Chora is the island’s first—and only—silent disco, where partygoers groove under neon lights to one of three music channels blasting through your personal headphones: think R&B, pop, house, techno, even old-school hits. It’s a vibrant, intimate twist on the typical bar scene—no booming speakers, just colour-coded fun and conversations without shouting. Open from around 11 PM till dawn, it’s become a staple stop on the popular bar crawls through Ios, drawing a lively summer crowd who love the freedom to switch beats on the fly and sip creative cocktails in a playful, colourful setting

Fun Pub Ios, nestled on Chora’s main strip, is the ultimate launchpad for your island adventure—a lively sports bar and restaurant that’s big on games (think darts, pool, giant Jenga, beer pong) and huge on atmosphere. With six large screens showing live sports from around the globe, casual comfort food, and a lineup of cocktails and beers, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends before diving deeper into Ios’ nightlife. Memorable for its social buzz, karaoke nights, and friendly staff, Fun Pub genuinely lives up to its name—it’s where locals and tourists start singing, playing, and getting in the mood for a long night ahead .

Coo Bar Ios, tucked just off Chora’s main square, is the island’s go‑to hip‑hop and R&B hangout since it opened in 2007. With a mural on one wall and ambient, changing lights all around, and their expertly crafted cocktails—think espresso martinis, fruity syrups, chocolate and coffee infusions—mixed by skilled bartenders using premium spirits. A hotspot for international DJs, Coo spins feel‑good beats ranging from old‑school 80s through the freshest Afrobeats and R&B, keeping the dance floor buzzing until the early hours. Visitors love its friendly vibe, smooth drinks, and upbeat soundtrack—definitely a stylish pitstop in Ios nightlife.

Slammer Bar Ios, a Chora institution since the late 1970s, is famous for its energetic rock‑cave vibe—complete with stone‑arch ceilings, three bustling bars, and a lively dance floor that stays active until dawn. It’s best known for the rambunctious “Slammer Shot” challenge: don your helmet, down tequila slammers, and take a comical tap from a plastic hammer for a free branded tee—a tradition that’s earned it a world‑famous reputation. With a mix of rock, house, hip‑hop, and disco pumping through its speakers and a friendly, local‑run atmosphere thanks to the Valmas family, Slammer Bar is where casual fun meets classic Ios nightlife rowdiness—a must‑stop for anyone looking for a high‑octane evening with fellow party lovers

Circus Bar in Chora is a cozy, high-energy favorite known for its nightly live acoustic music, quirky cocktails, and friendly, backpacker-style crowd. Tucked down a narrow alley, it’s a great spot to warm up your night with singalongs, €5 shots, and a buzzing social vibe. One of its signature attractions is the “bar hanging challenge”—a test of grip strength where you hang from a metal bar for 100 seconds to win a prize. Simple in concept, but surprisingly tough after a few drinks. With free entry and a welcoming staff, Circus is equal parts chill and cheeky, making it a must-visit on the Ios bar crawl.

Flames Bar in Chora is a staple of Ios nightlife, famed not just for its packed dance floor and fiery cocktails, but for its unforgettable “Slap Shot” ritual. After downing a shot, you pay about €5 and brace for a sharp slap from the bartender—part initiation, part bragging-rights moment that visitors love. This daring pastime has become so iconic that almost no other bar dares to do it anymore—Flames holds the torch as the one and only place to experience it now. With nearly four decades in the game, lit interiors, and a crowd ready for wild fun, it’s a blazing highlight of an Ios night out.

Lotus Cocktail Bar in Chora brings a touch of elegance to Ios’s vibrant nightlife, with cozy open‑air seating, twinkling lights, and an energetic yet relaxed vibe. Open from around 8 PM, the bar has become legendary for its “infamous Absinthe shot”—a fiery ritual where you chase the Green Fairy and feel that signature absinthe kick echo through the evening. Whether you’re winding down your night or warming up for a late‑hour adventure, Lotus offers expertly crafted cocktails, friendly service, and cocktails that burn bright long after the sun sets.

raffic Bar in Chora is a compact, high-energy hotspot that feels more like a 90s street party than your average island bar. Inside, vibrant neon décor tosses you into an R&B and hip-hop haven where the music pulses nonstop and the air feels electric. Despite its size, it’s unforgettable—staff like “Big Mike” keep the crowd hyped and the bar buzzing until dawn, while one standout tradition lets you shoot down seven shots in exchange for a branded T-shirt, turning the night into an epic challenge. Open until around 5 AM, Traffic is famed for its stellar music, cool lighting, and even its spotless toilets—making it a must-visit stop in Ios’ nightclub circuit

Delta Bar Ios—also known as Delta Ball Pit Bar—is the colorful, playful pit-stop that’s become a summer staple in Chora. This season, under fresh ownership, it’s received a fun refresh: the legendary ball pit remains, but staff are even more enthusiastic about the newly introduced “blast shot” challenge—down a rapid-fire round to score a free hat or tee. Despite its compact size, the spot packs big energy, lively DJ sets, and cheap shots. Just a heads-up: it fills quickly after midnight, and upselling can be a bit intense, but if you’re after a carefree, cheeky milestone in your Ios nightlife crawl, Delta’s new-look vibe makes it a must-visit