Ios is truly one of the most beautiful islands of Greece. Its long golden beaches, clean sea, secluded beaches and its intense night life have made the island internationally known as the island of youth. However Ios, which has been connected with the name of the poet Homer, has still a lot to offer to visitors apart from sun, sea and entertainment, since it combines cosmopolitan life with the rich Cycladic tradition.
Ios or Nios has an extent of 108 square kilometres and a permanent population of 2000 residents. The name probably came from the “ion” (flower), since the island was full of flowers in antiquity.
Arrival at the Harbour of Ios, with the beautiful church of Agia Irini on the right and the beach of Yalos on the left, offers a very beautiful picture and the best welcome for the visitor.
The majestic Hora is the capital of the island, and is amphitheatrically built on the hill above the harbour. Here,classic Cycladic architecture dominates in all its splendour: narrow streets, whitewashed houses with thick stone walls for protection from the cold and the blinding sun of the Aegean, small paved squares with sprigs with drinkable water and many churches. The ancient city of Ios was located at the place where Hora is built today, on a steep hill above the harbour. Parts of the defensive walls, a building, the street to the harbour and the temple of Apollo are still visible today.
The temple of Apollo was located at the place where the church of Agia Ekaterini is found. Between Agia Ekaterini and in the church of Agioi Anargyroi is where the market of the Ancient city was. Rich discoveries from the prehistoric until the roman years are found in the Archaeological Museum of Hora. Walking up the hill on the east of Hora , we meet another one from the numerous beautiful sights of Ios: the old white windmills, and the Open Theatre “Odysseas Elytis”, a masterpiece of architecture made of stone and marble, built to one of the poets beloved places, with an amazing view. The most characteristic picture of Hora is the church of Panagia Gkremiotissa, with the palm tree and the amazing view towards the bay, the island of Sikinos and the immense blue Aegean Sea. Its there that the visitor has the chance to see the best sunset of the island.
Mylopotas, the settlement with the famous long sandy beach, is found 3 km South-east of Hora. Agia Teodoti is a traditional settlement 10 km from Hora and with a splendid sandy beach. Psathi is another small traditional settlement with a beautiful beach, found 20 km west of Hora.
The archaeological site of Palaiokastro, where you will see a Byzantine fortress, (height of 2,5 m.) and the church of Panagia Paliokastritissa built on the fortress, is a place of great interest.
Magganari found on the south part of the island, is one of the most beautiful regions of Ios. Seven continuous beaches with golden sand await for you here. It is not accidental that scenes from the film “The Deep Blue” were filmed here.
One of the most beautiful sights of Ios is the Windmills. They are found on the east of Hora, on the Theatre hill and are very picturesque.
Ios has more than 33 large and small beaches, almost all with amazing thin and golden sand. Out of its 86 kilometres of coastline, 32 are covered by sandy beaches. The visitor has an opportunity of choice among many types of beaches, small or long, busy or quiet and with easy access or approachable only on foot or by boat. One of the most beautiful beaches of Ios is the beach of Mylopotas. It is a beautiful beach with golden sand, clear blue waters, which is considered one of the most beautiful of the Aegean and has been honoured many times with the “Blue Flag” (symbol of clean waters). The road (23km.) towards Magganari, begins from the end of the beach of Mylopotas. It is an amazing gathering of five continuous beaches, with golden sand and above all crystal clear waters. Following the road to Epano Kambos we are directed to Agia Theodoti. Its sandy beach and protected gulf in addition to its sunset views to the islet of Irakleia, compose a picture worthy of attention.
On the road to Agia Teodoti and on the right hand after the church of Ai Dimitris, there is an exit towards the gulf of Psathi-with the two very beautiful beaches which are characterised by their clear blue waters their quietness and their waves.When there is wind, Psathi turns into a popular place for surfing and relaxation. Her wild beauty promises renewal. On the east side of the island, we meet the beach of Kalamos. Usually very quiet and with spotless waters, it is an ideal place for snorkelling. The isolated beaches of Papas and Plakes are found westwards of Kalamos. Many other beaches such as Kampaki, Plakotos, Petalidi, Neraki, Diamoudia, Sapounohoma, Valmas, Kolitsanoi, Klima, Pikrinero and Tzamaria, offer a lot of possibilities for excursions and unique experiences.
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