Why Visit
Where: In the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group
Why: an alternative youth destination infused with a cosmopolitan flair that competes as an equal with well established destinations like Mykonos and Santorini. Walk through the picture-perfect Hóra, the epitome of elegance and sophistication, swim in the crystal clear water at internationally famous beaches like Mylopótamos and Maganári, and taste mouth watering local specialities!
Must visit: Hóra, nestling comfortably on a hill, with its white-washed cubic houses and roofed alleys; the twelve wind mills; Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Cliffs), at the highest point of Hòra, with an amazing view of the bay and neighbouring Sikinos; Paleókastro Byzantine castle, built at the top of a hill; “Odysseas Elytis” Open-Air Theatre, built in one of the poet’s favourite locations and the well-preserved 2800 BC Protocycladic Settlement of Skarkos.
Where to stay: there are plenty of charming hotels and rooms to let in Chóra, while family-run beachfront guesthouses and guesthouses in the island’s mountain villages will also offer you a pleasant environment to stay in while visiting the island! If you are looking for something more alternative, then choose to stay on one of the island’s official campsites. Note that the island lacks the luxurious amenities you may have come to expect on an island holiday, but what it lacks in luxury it makes up for in adventure!
Join in with: One of the most impressive celebrations is that of Panagia Gremiotissa, on August 15, when there is a procession of a famous icon depicting the Virgin Mary around Hóra followed by a feast with performances of traditional instruments and dances!
Hot tips for young people:
• Follow ancient paths (Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá Beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá) that are still used by the local shepherds to explore the interior of the island and to discover its hidden beauties!
• The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or biking, while from its peaks you can enjoy a panorama of the island and the never ending blue of the Aegean!
• On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári there are special facilities for water sports, ranging from wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and sailing lessons to kite surfing and canoeing.
• The intoxicating night life of the island will certainly impress you! Every night cafés and bars along the narrow paved streets of Hóra and the beach bars all around the island are packed with crowds of young visitors enjoying colourful cocktails, dancing their hearts out all night long and spilling uproariously out into the streets and onto the sand!
History
Prehistoric times Ios has been inhabited since the early Cycladic period, as proved by the archaeological excavations which brought to light various findings. These mark the existence of human life on the island during ancient years. The well-preserved remains of the walls of a castle and vessels, discovered at the west and north entrances of Chora, testify about the existence of a flourishing community. They also prove that the castle was inhabited since archaic period.
Various findings show that the history of Ios starts from the Prehistoric times. The island was originally inhabited by Careans, Pelageans, Achaeans and Phoenicians. In 1050 BC, the Ionians settled down in Ios. Various suppositions have been made about the origin of the name Ios. The most predominant and credible of all is that the island took its name from the Ionians. A second version supports that Ios owes its name to the many violets ("ion" in ancient Greek) that bloom on the island each spring.
Ancient times
Inscriptions, coins and some texts from ancient historians, among which Herodotus, testify that Ios is the birthplace of the mother (Klymeni) of the Greek epic poet Homer and in fact the great poet was buried there. This belief has become a great myth and an ancient site on the island side of the island is believed to be the tomb of Homer.
Ios established a democratic political system during the Classical period, when it became a member of the Athenian Delian League. In 338 BC, Ios came under Macedonian rule until 315 BC when it regained its independence. In the 2nd century BC, Ios came under Roman authority. The Romans were using the island as a place of exile, in the same way as the other Greek islands. Many churches were built during the Byzantine period in Ios, using the columns and marbles of the ancient temples.
Byzantine and Recent history
During the years following the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Ios, like most of the Greek islands, suffered from many pirate raids and the inhabitants would hide in the fortified castle to escape from the savagery of the pirates. In 1204, the island was occupied by Crusaders and came under the authority of the Venetian family of Crispi in the 15th century. Ios became part of the Duchy of Naxos and the Crispi rebuilt a new castle on the ruins of the old one for a better protection against the fearsome pirates. That didn't stop the famous pirate Barbarossa from occupying Naxos in 1537 as well as almost all of the Greek islands.
The following years were very difficult for Ios, facing the constant attacks from the pirates and the Turkish fleet. During the Greek War of Independence against the Turkish domination, Ios took part in the Revolution, offering 24 well- equipped ships. The island finally gained its autonomy in 1829 and became a part of the Modern Greek State. The history of Ios very much resembles the historical events of the rest of the Cycladic islands.
Museums - Archeological
Ios is identified with Homer, the most important poet of antiquity, as it is believed to be buried there, in Plakoto. The interesting antiquities of the island bear witness to a rich historical background. Excavations brought to light numerous treasures from the Cycladic times.
The Archaeological Museum of Ios is housed in the beautiful 20th century neoclassical building, at the centre of the town and exhibits dozens of findings from different periods including prehistoric tools and other items from the inhabited settlements. The collection includes lovely pottery and ceramic pieces, relics and marble statues.
A short walk away from Chora, in Kolitsani area, there is the Modern Art Museum. It owns the private collection of Jean Marie Dro, a French writer and cinematographer. Paintings, sculptures, photos and personal items are on display.
Beaches
Mylopotas, Manganari, Agia Theodoti, Cape Karatzas, Diamoudia, Gialos, Kalamos, Kambaki, Kolitsani, Koumbara, Loretzena, Neraki, Papa, Plakes, Plakoto, Psathi, Tripiti, Tris Klisies, Tzamaria, Valmas, Vathirema
Religious Monasteries and Churches
From top to bottom, Ios is filled with whitewashed churches, found in every corner of Chora and its surrounded villages. Today, most of the churches and chapels are open to the visitors and many religious feasts are organized to commemorate the saints. Churches in Ios are characterized by their unique architecture (basilica with dome) and their old icons.
Panagia Gremiotissa is the first church that is well-worth visiting in Ios. The whitewashed church stands on a privileged location, on top of Hora, overlooking the sea and the rest of the island. Its pure and simple architectural form in combination with its glorious ambience captivates every visitor. It is the symbol of Ios and the most photographed site on this island.
The Cathedral of Ios is recognizable by its historic building that dominates the centre of Hora. Its colors reflect the Cycladic architecture and its interior is well-decorated with many icons. Another church that dots the landscape of Chora is Agia Ekaterini built on the remains of an ancient town.
