Rollan

Rollan is a supermarket located in Chora, the main village on the island of Ios, and with a 4.4-star rating across 274 Google reviews it consistently ranks as one of the more reliable places to stock up on the island. Whether you need breakfast supplies before a beach day, water and snacks for a hike to Skarkos hill, or the basics for a self-catering stay, this is a practical first stop.

Chora sits at the center of island life on Ios, and having a well-stocked supermarket within it saves the trip down to the port or out to more scattered shops. Rollan is open every day of the week, which matters in the summer season when supply runs need to fit around ferries, beaches, and everything else.

What to Expect

Rollan operates as a full grocery store rather than a convenience kiosk, carrying the range of everyday products you'd expect: fresh produce, packaged foods, dairy, drinks including water and juice, snacks, cleaning products, and household staples. For self-catering visitors renting apartments or villas around Chora, it covers the essentials without requiring a trip off the hill.

The store is a local business, not part of a major Greek supermarket chain, which typically means a more curated selection shaped by what the island actually needs. Stock levels can thin out in peak July and August when Ios sees heavy tourist traffic, so shopping earlier in the day tends to give you a better choice.

The address is in the 840 01 postal area of Chora, placing it within or close to the main village hub. Chora is compact and walkable, so most accommodation in the village puts you within a short walk of the store.

How to Get There

Chora is reached from the port of Ios (also called Gialos) by bus, taxi, or on foot. The bus runs regularly between the port, Chora, and Mylopotas beach — the Chora stop puts you in the center of the village, from where Rollan is accessible on foot. The uphill walk from the port takes roughly 20–25 minutes and is steep in places.

If you are arriving by ferry and staying in Chora, the bus is the most practical option with luggage. Taxis are available at the port and in Chora's main square. Parking in Chora itself is very limited and the village lanes are narrow, so driving is not particularly practical for a grocery run if you are based in the village.

Best Time to Visit

Rollan is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The Sunday hours are notably shorter, so plan ahead if you need supplies over the weekend — a Saturday evening visit before Sunday is a sensible habit.

In high summer, Ios is one of the busiest party destinations in the Cyclades, and Chora fills up significantly from late June through August. The store will be busiest in the early evening when day-trippers and late risers are out. Shopping in the morning, shortly after opening, is the quietest window and gives you the best pick of fresh stock.

Outside peak season — in May, June, or September — the store is more relaxed and supply tends to be more consistent.

Tips for Visiting

• Check Sunday hours carefully. The store closes at 2:00 PM on Sundays, which is earlier than you might expect. If you need supplies for a Sunday afternoon or evening, shop on Saturday.
• Bring cash and a card. Greek island supermarkets often accept both, but having cash available is useful as a backup.
• Shop in the morning during peak season. Fresh produce and popular items move quickly on a busy island. The 8:30 AM opening gives you a head start.
• Stock up before long beach days. Mylopotas beach has its own facilities, but buying water and snacks at Rollan before heading down is more economical than buying at beach-side kiosks.
• Phone ahead for specific items if needed. The store's phone number is +30 2286 091344 if you need to check availability of something specific before making the walk.
• Don't rely on the store for specialty dietary products. Selection on Ios is more limited than in Athens or larger islands. If you require gluten-free, vegan, or other specialist products, bring what you need from the mainland or a larger port city.
• Factor in the walk. If you're buying heavy items — multiple water bottles, wine, bulk supplies — consider how you'll carry them back uphill to your accommodation. A small wheeled bag or backpack helps.
• Late-evening closings work well for most schedules. The 9:00 PM weekday closing is later than many island supermarkets, which is convenient if you've spent the day at the beach and need to shop before dinner.

Practical Information

Address: Chora, Ios 840 01, Greece

Phone: +30 2286 091344

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Google Rating: 4.4 stars (274 reviews)

No official website is currently listed for Rollan. For directions, the Google Maps listing is the most reliable way to pinpoint the exact location within Chora before you set out.