O. Ios, Greece

Port of call

O. Ios, Greece

Description — O. Ios, Greece

An ancient island, located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea.

Climate: For comfort, the best time to visit the island is from May to October-during this period there are practically no rains and the weather stays warm and pleasant.

Its area is 108 sq km- not large, but quite diverse: there are plains with vineyards and olive groves, as well as mountains with cliffs.
If you’re an avid “bookworm,” you simply must visit the island where Homer himself is buried, the legendary ancient Greek poet, author of the world-famous “Odyssey” and “Iliad.” Since the 70s, the island’s highlight has been its “party” lifestyle-at evenings, you’ll definitely not be bored; young people come here from all over the world. The islanders are ready to offer music and bars for every taste and budget. Good prices on drinks compared to Mykonos or Santorini.

Ios Island is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Proof of this is the crystal-clear water and one of the best beaches in Greece-the Milopotamos Bay, not far from the capital, Chora, with a length of 1 km. We also want to draw your attention to beaches such as: the main port of the bay “Ormos,” beaches near the settlements of Manganari, Kalamasa, Plakes, Dzamaria, Kolitsani, Agia Theodori, and Psathi.
For diving, water skiing, snorkeling, and “banana” boat lovers, Milopotamos, Chora, and Manganari are a must-visit.

In mid-May, the Homer Festival is held. You can feel like a winner by arriving on the island on September 8-the Day of Victory over the Pirates (Victory Day over the Pirates in Agia Theodoti)
And unmarried women should come to the island on June 24-St. John the Baptist’s Day. To this day, the custom called “Clidonas” has been preserved: traditional fortune-telling about one’s future spouse, accompanied by ceremonial songs and dances.

Location on the map

Sights

  • Archaeological and local history museum in the capital of Ios (Iios)
    The exhibits will quite thoroughly show life on the island and introduce you to local historical attractions
  • In the capital of Ios there are many churches; the most impressive are the churches of Saint Catherine and John the Baptist.
  • At the top of one of the hills of Ios you can see the highlight of Greece - a windmill
  • Ios is the place where the greatest Greek poet Homer died, where, somewhere among the ruins of the ancient city of Plakotos, his tomb lies.
  • In the small town of Agia Theodoti you can explore what the “era of plumbing” in Greece began with and take a look at the ruins of a Hellenistic tower
  • In Psafi it is worth going to see the ruins of an ancient temple that has been preserved to this day.
  • While traveling around the area of Palaiokastro, you can see a partially ruined Venetian fortress.

What to see

What to do on the island
- Diving and snorkeling,

- Sailing and yachting,

- Hiking and walking,

- Rafting and kayaking,

- Fishing and underwater hunting,

- Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing,

- Festivals and carnivals,

- SPA treatments,

- Nightlife