It's almost non-negotiable! Summer without Cyclades It's not possible! If you don't collect images of all-white houses, blue domes, sunsets and pink bougainvilleas, it's like you never experienced it. And no matter how many times you go to our beautiful islands, the only thing that's certain is that you won't you are fullThis year, and for the reasons we will explain below, Ios was a conscious choice for us!
When you hear Ios, the first thing that comes to mind is those vacations you went on a long time ago as a student, when the only thing you cared about was having endless fun! The island had (and perhaps still has) its sign of the party so it was almost inevitable. The years passed, you started a family or you have your relationship or maybe not and you want to go somewhere where you can have a carefree time and be refreshed.
Well, Ios has changed and is what you're looking for this summer! The island has wonderful beaches, not many but big enough so you don't feel crowded, a beautiful Cycladic Chora, incredible sunsets, taverns with good food and a light-hearted vibe. Do you need anything else to convince you?
Did you know that...
Ios or Nios, as the locals call it, was the birthplace of Homer's mother and according to ancient tradition the burial place of the great epic poet. The island took its name from Ios, which in ancient times means flower as it was believed that the island was full of flowers!
During the period of Turkish rule, Ios was also known as "Little Malta", due to its natural harbor, which offered complete protection from the winds.
The hiking trails and dry stone structures, found everywhere on the island, have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. You will find them all gathered together here.
Another story you will hear on Ios is about the hippies and their special presence on the island. In the 1960s, their expulsion from Matala in Crete brought them to the beach of Mylopotas, where they built their own huts, giving a special tone to the area.
What to see
The windmills! Tradition says that once upon a time there were about 200 windmills operating on the island! Today, twelve of them survive in Chora and you can't miss them.
The beautiful Chora! It has been declared a traditional settlement and you won't get tired of exploring it. Picturesque alleys, covered narrow streets (the so-called stigadia), blue windows and beautiful corners that hide elegant shops, bars and restaurants.
In Country you shouldn't miss:
– The Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The metropolis of the island, in the central square of the town, in the colors of the Aegean and the Cyclades, white and blue. Next to it is the doll-like chapel of Agia Ekaterini, where after excavation Byzantine foundations and objects from antiquity were found.
– There is also the old entrance (door, in ancient times the ancient market was located there) and a little further down the ruins of Frangoklesia (founded in the 14th century).the century).
– Explore the archaeological and folklore museums, as well as the photography exhibition “A journey to Ios” by German photographer Christian Diener with portraits of local people and snapshots from the 1960s.
– The “Odysseas Elytis” theater, with a capacity of 1100 spectators, with local marble and stone, a view of the Aegean Sea and an orientation that protects from the meltemi. It is built according to the models of ancient Greek theaters and hosts important cultural events.
Sixth of the Country:
As the ship approaches the beautiful harbor settlement, you will notice a whitewashed church that resembles the island's hostess. St. Catherine stands proud like a lighthouse and welcomes you to the island.
On the hill of Skarkos, which is located a short distance from the port and Chora, one of the largest settlements of the Cycladic civilization has been identified. The settlement has been dated to the early Cycladic period, that is, approximately 2,700 to 2,300 BC. It is built so as not to be seen from the sea and has a pericentric organization. Access is via a dirt road and it is best to go early as there is no shade.
If you like exploring, half an hour from Chora are the ruins of a Hellenistic tower, where the locals claim that Homer's tomb is located. Also in the area of Paleokastro are the ruins of a Byzantine castle, which was built to monitor the sea routes and protect against pirates.
Beaches
Sandy, cosmopolitan, deserted, with water you can drink from a glass, the beaches of Ios will make you spend unforgettable moments! We mention them in the order we liked them the most.
Manganar
In our opinion, this is the best beach on the island with three bays, golden sand and turquoise clear shallow waters. The bays create a unique landscape with a fascinating seabed and a view of the insurmountable SantoriniThe beach is organized but has several spots where you can set up your own umbrella. Choose the large bay and don't forget a mask to enjoy the exotic colors of the seabed!
Milopotas
The famous beach of Ios, known for its parties and youthful atmosphere. It is located close to Chora and that is why many people prefer it. However, there are also places where you can be isolated. Because in some places there is a rock when entering the water, prefer the parts around the beach bar Free, next to Far Out and Salt. Make sure to go when there is not much wind because the sandblasting is annoying.
Moneybags. A special landscape with the twin beach ideal for swimming at sunset. It has sand in the center but also some rocky areas on the right and left that are best avoided. It is not protected from the north wind, so prefer it when it is not windy.
Gialos
It may be close to the port, but that doesn't mean it's not clean. For a quick dip near Chora, it's just right. Sit towards the center because the south side has areas with seaweed and rocks.
Glazing
When the wind blows hard, it's like being in a swimming pool. You leave the car on the road, go down a few steps and enjoy. Be careful of the stones that you will find scattered on the beach.
Agia Theodoti – Psathi
Two golden sandy beaches to take your dips away from the crowds. Access is via a paved road, and there is a tavern and beach bar at both. They are not recommended when the north wind blows, as entering the sea is difficult, due to large slippery rocks. Ask once you reach the beach about the spots that have sandy access to the water.
Where will you see the best sunset?
The orientation of the island and the morphology of the terrain offer some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Aegean! The three best spots to see free the sun setting giving you amazing clicks is:
1) In the courtyard of the Gaitis-Simosi Museum under construction. You will also have the city in your view while you will be almost alone.
2) At the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. Stunning view with the sun “dipping” into the sea.
3) At the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, located at the highest point of Chora above the beautiful Panagia Gremniotissa. It is the most famous spot and you will meet quite a few people.
If you want to accompany these images with a drink, then we recommend the Alma Sunset bar, the Ios club or the Garden of IosYou will need to make a reservation in advance as demand is high, especially during high season.
Gastronomy
Like every place, Ios has its own local cuisine and products that are worth trying. The famous Niotika cheeses (skotyri-sour goat cheese-sour mizithra, etc.), olives (you will find many olive trees in Epano Kampos), capers, arid melons and watermelons. Try tsimeti (zucchini flowers stuffed with rice), watermelon pie, chickpeas, kaltsounia and pastelia.
For a cheese tasting, book a visit to the traditional Diaseli cheese factory on the road to Manganari. In Chora you will find mamadisia stews at Magerio at the basketball court (also has delivery), while the bakery Ios bakery has all the bread and sweets you could want. For brunch you should go to Cantina del Mar. In the colorful Cafe in Nios there is something to eat at all hours and in the evenings rebetiko nights are organized. In Katogi has good food and a nice and unique bohemian setting (requires reservations, they usually don't answer the phone, so go there and order from there). You will find local traditional flavors at His box Saini and The NestFor cocktails you will go to Balm, the Stairs and Click, but you will come across so many bars that you won't know where to choose first!
In the port, the Ithaca for gourmet food and Da Luigi if you want divine pizza in a wood-fired oven. In Epano Kampos, the famous butcher's tavern is Vilayet, in Koumbara the Polydoros and on the wave for fish Koubara Seafood. In Mylopotas you will sit down for lunch at Salt and for seafood at Dolphin.
Where to stay?
The options are as follows: Either you will stay at the port, or in Chora or in Mylopotas. With a search you will find several accommodations. We have to recommend you a “value for money” and family friendly option. A short distance from the beach of Mylopotas is the Almyriki, με καλαίσθητα δωμάτια και θέα το γαλάζιο.
Closing
Ios is undoubtedly full of contrasts! On the one hand, the frenetic nightlife and partying until you drop, and on the other, the deafening calm and island simplicity during the day. Beaches with music and endless parties and deserted paradises with tamarisks and turquoise waters. Young people of all ages with a desire for adventure and singles, couples or families looking for peace. In Ios you can meet all of this even within a few meters! The island is small, but it has room for everyone and you will really find whatever you are looking for…
