Ios or Nios for the locals is an island in the Cyclades among Naxos, Sikinos, and Santorini while it is 11 nautical miles away from Piraeus. it covers 108.713 km in total and its coastline is 87km long. According to the inventory of 2011, the population of the island was 2.030 people. 

Chora is Io's capital while some other important seaside settlements are Ormos, Psathi, Mylopotas, and Manganari. if Ios is known for something, this is the magnificent beaches and the intense nightlife. besides, it was not characterized by chance as a party island. Also, Ios claims the title for being Homer's hometown as it is estimated that the burial monument in the Plakoto location is the tomb of the great epic poet of antiquity.

Ios is considered one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. There are various interpretations for its name, which comes from the Ionians who settled on the island in the 2nd millennium BC. It is said that its name has ancient roots from the word Ia, the flowers that grew in abundance on the island. However, it may owe its name to the Phoenician word Ios which means a pile of stones. 

One of the largest settlements of the Cycladic civilization has been identified in Ios. The civilization dates back to 2,700 to 2,300 BC. in the proto-Cycladic period II. Ios has hosted several cultures including the Carians, the Minoans, the Achaeans, and the Phoenicians. In the 10th century BC, the Ionians occupied the island. Then the island of Ios joins the Athenian alliance and comes under Macedonian rule.

During the period of the supremacy of Rome and Byzantium, the Cycladic island was plagued by pirate raids. Ios came under the rule of Markos Sanoudos in 1207 and in 1269 it returned to the Byzantines, while it was finally occupied by the Turks. During the years of the Turkish occupation, the island was a den of French pirates.

According to Herodotus, Homer, an ancient Greek poet and the first great creator of European and Western literature, is buried here.

The island of Ios belongs to the heart of the Cyclades archipelago. Ios is famous beyond its deep blue beaches and intense nightlife for its architecture. The island is dominated by a mix of Cycladic traditional and modern styles, while some buildings date back to the Byzantine era.

The Cycladic traditional architecture includes the whitewashed houses with flat roofs and the magnificent blue dome found in Niot churches. Panagia Gremiotissa, located in the center of the island, is one of the most emblematic churches for its special architecture. What makes it stand out is the unique blue dome, which is surrounded by a whitewashed bell tower, being a cultural ornament and a stop for tourists.

An interesting example of architecture from the Venetian influence of the island of Ios is the old Venetian castle in Chora, which was built in the 15th century. In addition, among the modern architectural examples is the new terminal of the airport, which exudes a modern and minimalist character.

It is important to mention that Ios is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which have breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. The architecture of the beaches of Ios fits perfectly with the Cycladic style, being an ideal place for moments of relaxation and enjoyment.

Ios has a rich tradition and culture. Among the most important museums that the island has is the Archaeological Museum of Ios, which is housed in the Amoiradakeio Megaro and is located in the central square of Chora. It presents collections from excavations of the last 30 years, with exhibits from the Old Archaeological Collection, specifically from the settlement, the cemetery of Skarkos, and the ancient city. 

In addition, it is important to visit the Folklore Museum of Ios if you wish to get to know the folklore history of the island over the centuries. The museum opened its doors to the public in 2017. The Jean-Marie Dro Museum of Modern Art is located very close to the beach of Mylopotas, it is private and has been housed in the mansion of the Frenchman Jean-Marie Dro since 1993. It houses paintings by artists from Greece, France, Italy, and other countries.

Among the most historical monuments and places of historical interest are Panagia Gremiotissa, the tomb of Homer, and the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos. The churches of the island have been designated preserved, historical monuments of the post-Byzantine years mainly. Apart from Panagia Gremiotissa, most churches are located in Chora and the port, while small churches can be found in areas such as Kalamos, Psathi, and Paleokastro. A local tradition wishes there were 365 churches on the island, one for each day of the year.

Panagia Gremiotissa is the most famous church of Ios, which was built in the 18th century on top of the hill of Chora, next to the Venetian walls, and is dedicated to Panagia. The tomb of the glorious poet Homer is located in the area of ​​Plakotos on the island’s north side, on the hill of Psathopyrgos. Many sources state that the poet died on Ios after he failed to solve a riddle set for him by the fishermen of the island.

The prehistoric settlement of Skarkos is located in the area of ​​Kampos and has an area of ​​eleven acres. It is the largest to date settlement of Proto-Cycladic civilization during its full bloom, the Early Bronze Age. The findings are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of the island. The settlement of Skarkos has been awarded for the good preservation and promotion of antiquities at an international level.

The beautiful Cyclades island has its own local delicacies. The food of Ios can cover all tastes. Among the most popular are the island cheeses, such as graviera, "scotiri", mizithra, local wines, thyme honey, "cimetia", the famous pumpkin flowers with rice, "matsi", traditional noodles οf Ios, chickpeas and the chickpea meatballs, the so-called "mosenda", which is the traditional and special watermelon pie of the island, "kalasounia", loukoumades, and dried figs.

It is worth visiting the island of Ios and tasting the local products and the traditional Niot recipes!

It is a fact that the beaches of Ios are characterized by clear blue and crystal waters, which are awarded a blue flag every year. The Cycladic island has organized beaches suitable for water games and water sports. However, what makes Ios unique are the hidden beaches accessible by boat and footpaths. Among the most beautiful beaches are Mylopotas, Manganari, Kalamos, Psathi, Papa's Beach, and the Three Churches.

Mylopotas is the most popular beach on the island. It includes golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. On this beach, one can indulge in water sports and enjoy the seascape organized with umbrellas and sunbeds of the beach bar.
Manganari is one of the most impressive beaches on the island, as it has exotic features. The golden sand and the turquoise waters add to their exotic beauty. One part of it is organized.
Kalamos has a long sandy coast and is distinguished by blue-green waters. It is for lovers of natural beauty, as it is not organized and is accessed by a dirt road.
Psathi is a small organized but quiet sandy beach and one part of it overlooks Heraklia
Papa's Beach is a bay with natural crystal clear waters surrounded by a green landscape. It is a quiet destination for those who wish to enjoy moments by the sea.
The Three Churches is a deserted beach, next to Manganari, which is accessible via a path. It is worth taking a dip in its crystal clear waters!

It is the capital of the island and the largest settlement of Ios. Amphitheatrically built on a hill over the harbor, it is characterized by the narrow paved cobblestones and the white houses of traditional architecture. In Chora, you will find Panagia Gremniotisa, the old Venetian castle while here, in one of the famous bars of the island, you will experience the intense nightlife of Ios.

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Info

Ios In general

History of Ios

Architecture of Ios

Museums of Ios

Monuments and Monasteries

Gastronomy in Ios

Beaches of Ios

Chora Ios