Aegean Market

Aegean Market is a supermarket in Ios Town (Chora) with a second location near the island's port, giving it good coverage for both visitors staying in the village and those arriving by ferry. It operates seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, which makes it one of the more reliably accessible grocery options on an island where many smaller shops keep irregular hours.

The business was founded in 2006 by the Gialessakis family, who acquired a 340-square-metre store at Ios port that had previously operated under the AFOI ARVANITI brand. The store ran under the Carrefour Marinopoulos and later Carrefour Express banner until 2016, when a second location of approximately 196 square metres in Chora was acquired and began operating under the Aegean Market name. The company also runs a wholesale arm, active since 2013. For a small Cycladic island, this is a well-established operation with real infrastructure behind it.

With a 4.2-star rating across 155 Google reviews, the market consistently earns decent marks from both residents and tourists — a sign that it reliably stocks what people need rather than offering a minimal selection at inflated prices.

What to Expect

Aegean Market carries the range you'd expect from a compact but functional supermarket: packaged and fresh groceries, dairy, bread, drinks, water, snacks, and household basics. The Chora branch in the village is the one most visitors will use day-to-day, while the port-area store is convenient if you're loading up immediately after arriving by ferry from Piraeus, Santorini, or Mykonos.

The shop floor is organised in the standard supermarket layout, with shelving for dry goods, a refrigerated section for dairy and cold drinks, and a selection of Greek products including local pulses (ospria) and cheeses — both of which are highlighted on the company's own website as speciality categories. You'll find brand-name Greek staples alongside some imported products, which is typical of island supermarkets catering to international visitors.

For self-catering visitors renting a studio or villa on Ios, Aegean Market covers the basics comfortably: olive oil, pasta, tinned fish, yoghurt, fruit juice, beer, wine, and cleaning supplies. It won't substitute for a mainland hypermarket, but for a week's worth of essentials it does the job without requiring a trip off-island.

The store accepts standard payment methods. The staff are accustomed to serving international tourists alongside local customers, so English communication is generally not an obstacle.

How to Get There

The coordinates place the main Aegean Market location in Ios Town (Chora), the island's main settlement on the hill above the port. Chora is accessible from the port by the frequent bus service that runs along the island's main road — the journey takes around five minutes. Taxis are also available at the port.

If you're already in Chora, the market is on foot from most accommodation in the village centre. Ios Town is compact and largely pedestrianised in its upper sections, so driving directly to the shop may not be practical; parking is available at the lower edge of Chora near the bus stop area.

The port-area store is a short walk from the ferry dock, making it useful for stocking up on arrival or offloading supplies before departure.

Best Time to Visit

Aegean Market is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM throughout the week, including Sundays. The store tends to be busiest in mid-morning and again in the early evening, particularly in July and August when Ios sees its peak tourist volume. If you want a quick, uncrowded shop, aim for early morning — shortly after 8:00 AM — or around midday when most visitors are at the beach.

Ios is a summer island with the vast majority of activity concentrated between late June and early September. During shoulder season (May–June, September–October), the market will be quieter and well-stocked. Outside the main season, hours and stock levels may vary, though the store has enough of a local customer base to remain operational.

Tips for Visiting

• Check the port location if you've just arrived by ferry. The harbour-area store means you can pick up water, snacks, and supplies before heading up to your accommodation in Chora, saving a return trip.
• Bring a reusable bag. Greek supermarkets charge for plastic carrier bags, so having your own makes checkout faster and cheaper.
• Stock up on water early in your stay. Tap water on Ios is not recommended for drinking; bottled water moves quickly in summer, and having a few litres in your room from day one is practical.
• The store carries Greek dairy and cheeses. If you want feta, local yoghurt, or Cycladic hard cheese, this is a reliable source rather than relying on the smaller convenience shops in the village.
• Evening closing at 9:00 PM is firm. Unlike some tourist-area kiosks that stay open later in peak season, a supermarket operates on set hours — don't count on a late-night run for forgotten items.
• The wholesale arm serves trade customers. If you're managing a rental property or small business on Ios and need bulk supplies, the company handles wholesale orders — contact them directly via the email or phone numbers on file.
• Keep the phone number saved. If you need to confirm seasonal hours outside peak summer or check stock on a specific item, calling ahead (+30 2286 091810) is straightforward.

Practical Information

Address: Ios Town (Chora), Ios 840 01, Greece (second location at Ios Port) Phone: +30 2286 091810 Email: [email protected] Website: www.aegeanmarket.gr Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Rating: 4.2/5 based on 155 Google reviews Facebook: facebook.com/Aegean-Market-210377349344789

The business is operated by GIALESSAKIS AE, founded in 2006. The Chora store is approximately 196 square metres; the port store is approximately 340 square metres. Wholesale purchasing is available for trade customers.