Diaseli Traditional Cheesery & Museum — Attraction in Municipality of Ios

Visiting Diaseli was an experience that far surpassed any expectation we had about it!! It is a unique experience that connects you deeply to the island, its energy as well as the energy of Cycladic civilization! I am Greek myself and although I am skeptical about such 'excursions' (because often they are very touristy), I was completely blown away by how wondefull and authentic this experience is! I think all tourists and all Greeks visiting should experience this 'time travel' into the authentic island life! My family who was with me from the States also fell in love with the place. The tour was incredible - the tour guide, wife of owner is an excellent hostess who obviously loves what she does!- and the cheese by far the best thing we've ever tried! But it was not just about how wonderful the cheese degustation, the tastes, the freshly cut tomatoes and cucumbers from their garden and their local wine, honey, herbs, as well as the presentation of the food in traditional olive - wood platters was: it was the entire energy of sitting there, amongst ancient tools, learning about the actual life of the islanders, visiting the traditional 'cell' - old islander's house, and really feeling that this was a true visit to the island!! Above all, all the family hosting us there welcomed us with smiles and very good energy! We fell in love with the place and we would absolutely visit again!...

So, I booked this experience through Trip Advisor & was very excited about it! The drive to the cheesery from the port in Ios was about 20-30 minutes. We rented a car, but there was a couple that drove an ATV up there too. That said, I don't think a cab to it would be cost effective. Once we were there, the setting was absolutely beautiful! Walking in, they made us feel right at home. We were about 20 min early, but they took us in right away. Just as a heads up, English is another language option, even if it was not included on the website to book. Helen was amazing!! She was incredibly patient, very knowledgeable, and just a delight. The tour was relatively quick, but gives you good history and a background of the area. Now, we went into the tasting. OMG, their cheese was unbelievably delicious! They gave about 8 different cheeses, along with corresponding jam/honey to taste it with. It was all delicious. I'd say come hungry, because it was like a large charcuterie board shares between two people. The wine was absolutely fine as well. The surprise was the rose raki that we had as a digestif once we were finished. I would absolutely recommend this as an excursion if you...

We stumbled on this cheesery on our way to Manganari Beach. Turn left at the junction and follow the signs. What an amazing experience! It is in a beautiful location, the old house has been turned into a museum. Helen is incredible as she hosts a tour round. She is so interesting and she explains the history of the island. She also speaks many languages. All the artefacts are fantastic. The tour is around 20 mins so just enough. Then you are able to taste 8 cheeses. I loved all of them and their pairings with the freshest tomatoes and capers, two different honeys and fig jam. My favourite was the 5 year aged one. This was accompanied with local wine and finally a homemade rose raki. We were then able to buy a variety of products. Helen's family run the cheesery and this experience and are a delight. We paid 28 euros each and it was worth it. But do go on an empty stomach! You will not be disappointed this was the BEST experience of all in Ios. Thank you Helen and family and good luck! Janet- Nina, Graeme and...