Ios, the sunny part of the Cyclades is located in the south of the island complex near Santorini.
A popular destination and known for its frantic nightlife, Ios is recommended to those who know what fun, dancing until the morning and fun will mean!
Apart from being cosmopolitan with luxurious hotel units, it also remains picturesque, maintaining its Cycladic architecture and tradition.
The beautiful Ios with its crystal clear beaches and unspoiled natural landscape, its fairytale settlements and its important history has many faces and if you like the alternations and contrasts, it is time to discover it!
In a short distance from the port of Ormos is the enchanting town of Ios. One of the best examples of Cycladic architecture, the traditional settlement of Chora is considered a protected monument.
You will understand why walking in the “stigmata”, the covered streets, gazing at the white houses and the churches with the blue domes and taking photos in the ornate windmills, where you will feel the sea air cooling you.
If you look up you will see Panagia Gremiotissa hanging on the edge of the cliff overlooking the Aegean! Do not hesitate to visit it as you will enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets of the Cyclades.
In the central square of Chora you will find everything you ask for to have an unforgettable time. Cafes, nightclubs, restaurants and accommodation of exceptional aesthetics.
In Ios the turquoise waters will entice you to spend all day on the beach!
You will find both busy and organized sandy beaches and deserted pristine pebble beaches if you are looking for peace and relaxation, beach bars that are full of life and deceptive shores.
The most famous and organized beaches of the island are Mylopotas, Agia Theodoti, Psathi and Manganari. Do not stress because you will find there everything you need!
Nevertheless, if you want to get to know the quieter side of Ios, we suggest Kalamos, Papa’s beach, Treis Ekklisies and Tzamaria. You will need to walk a bit but we guarantee that the landscape and the crystal clear waters will compensate you.
If the many faces of Ios intrigue you, do not be late and come and discover them yourself!
Activities
- Do you like adrenaline and the sea? You have found the right destination for you. The beaches of Ios are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- And if you want to discover your enchanting seabed, we suggest you take your mask and indulge in non-stop snorkeling and scuba diving! In Mylopota and Manganari you will find organized water sports centers to get the right equipment.
- Like most islands of the Cyclades, Ios has a hiking network with careful and organized paths that lead you to the hidden treasures of the island.
- Choose one to your liking and you will find yourself in heavenly beaches, dreamy churches and archeological sites with energy that magnetizes you!
- And because some of the most beautiful coves of the island are accessible only by sea, take the boat from the port that makes the round of the island and swim in clear waters that will rejuvenate you!
Sights
Ios has an impressive Archaeological Museum, which is housed in the Amoiradakeio Mansion.
If you want to get to know the island and its history better, definitely take a walk. You will find information about the natural environment and exhibits that testify to the rich archaeological history of the island.
While through the exhibits of modern history you will be able to compose the puzzle of today’s Ios!
- One of the most important sights of the island and the Cyclades in general is the Archaeological Site of Skarkos. The prehistoric settlement of Skarkos is located in the lower Plain, surrounded by the famous Cycladic “dry stones” and will take you to another era of the island.
- Ios is known for another reason. The Odyssey and the Iliad have traveled to the ends of the earth. If you travel to Ios, pass by the area of Plakotos where the tomb of Homer, the greatest epic poet of all time, is located!
- Finally, if you go around the whole island it is said that you will meet 365 small churches, that is, as many as the days of the year. Most of them are post-Byzantine and are considered historical and preserved monuments!
You will also find the complex identity of Ios in gastronomy. You will find what your appetite craves. From gourmet restaurants of high gastronomy to neat taverns with traditional cuisine.
We suggest you try them all!
From the fine local products of Ios do not forget to taste the delicious scotiri of Ios (local chesse) and to combine it with local Eotic wines.
You will get to know the flavors of the island by trying dolmadas with fresh vine leaves, pumpkin study, chickpea and chickpea meatballs, tsimetia (pumpkin with rice), maci (traditional noodles) and sun-dried maride.
And if you are looking to sweeten your palate, Moseda, a traditional watermelon pie from Ios, the sweet pumpkin pie and the donuts with the local thyme honey will enchant you!
When leaving, take pickled figs, pomegranate drink and sweet watermelon with you to remind you of the scabies of Ios
