Table of Contents:
THE CHORA.
THE REST OF THE ISLAND
SCENIC IOS.
If you do not know where to look, you could miss Ios completely.
To the north of Santorini and southwest of Naxos, you can see it from either island on a clear day.
Although famous for its young crowd, nightclubs, and beaches, the island has more to see.
There are dramatic coastlines, ruins from the Bronze Age, and possibly Homer’s final resting place. In short, you need to see Ios.
The Chora (Upper Town.)
There are predominantly two parts to the main town on the island.
Gialos (Yialos) is the port (lower) town where the ferries arrive.
The Chora refers to the area of the town on top of the hill. Here you will find older architecture, museums, churches, and more.
Evangelismos Cathedral.
This large Whitewashed 1930s church with its blue dome is the center of the Chora.
Aghia Ekaterini.
From the 17th century, this church includes several fragments of columns and a piece of Ionic capital in its construction.
Panagia Gremiotissa Church.
This church dates from circa 1797 A.D. It sits on a hill above the Chora, making it visible from almost anywhere in town.
Windmills.
The island has 12 traditional windmills. Nine of them are awaiting restoration. Today, they are private properties, some serving as houses.
Although there are no UNESCO sites to see, the Chora is a great place to explore. Take part of a day to lose yourself.
Ios Outside of Town.
Odysseas Elytis Theater.
Dating from 1997, this open-air theater is in the style of those from thousands of years earlier.
Archeological site of Skarkou.
This early Bronze Age settlement (circa 3200 B.C.) is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Cyclades.
Church of Agia Irini.
This lovely white 17th-century Byzantine church is a great location to sit and watch the harbor traffic come and go.
Modern Art Sculptures of Ios.
On the road to Homer’s Tomb sit four statues along the road. The locals are not saying why.
Homer’s Tomb.
The man, the legend. But was he a man? Some think maybe he was a group of men. Where is he from? When exactly did he live? Did he die on Ios?
Even if you do not believe any of the lore, the scenic drive is rewarding.
Agia Theodoti Church.
A ten-minute detour off the road between town and Homer is the oldest church on the island.
Agios Ioannis Byzantine monastery.
On the road to Papa Beach is this 17th-century monastery. The views are the reason to stop.
Paleokastro.
This 1400 A.D. Byzantine castle is on the Eastern side of the island on the road to Psathi.
Diaseli Ios Traditional Cheesery.
This local dairy farm has been producing cheese for decades. There is a small cheese museum on the property. It sits near where the road splits to Psathi or the southern part of the island.
The island warrants getting a car for a day and exploring. It will also get you away from the crowds near town.
See Ios’s Natural Beauty.
There are more than 30 beaches, from large full-service ones to small deserted bays. The beaches of Ios are often in the Top Ten of Greek beaches.
Mylopotas (Milopotas).
Just south of town, this beach is the most popular on the island. It offers everything you need for a day in the sun.
Magganari.
This south shore lagoon offers four beaches.
Agia Theodoti.
This is a quiet beach with a traditional tavern. One of the few you can get near using a car.
Psathi.
This serene beach is popular for windsurfing and swimming.
See Ios Summary.
Yes, Ios is for the young looking to party all day at the beach and the clubs by night.
But, there are options for those who do not want to shake their groove thing.
The ruins and archeological sites are not on the UNESCO list. But, they also don’t have the crowds that come with those sites.
There are great family-friendly beaches where you do not have to hear the thump thump thump of the beach clubs.
And see Ios during a sunset. The shadows, the colorful clouds, and the sparkling water are a must-see.