{"id":7303,"date":"2024-07-24T21:32:36","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T19:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelseefeel.com\/?p=7303"},"modified":"2025-12-04T21:04:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T19:04:50","slug":"ios-i-parexigimeni-ton-kykladon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelseefeel.com\/en\/ios-i-parexigimeni-ton-kykladon\/","title":{"rendered":"Ios. The misunderstood island of the Cyclades"},"content":{"rendered":"

It's almost non-negotiable! Summer without Cyclades<\/a> It's not possible! If you don't collect images of all-white houses, blue domes, sunsets<\/a> 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 full<\/a>This year, and for the reasons we will explain below, Ios was a conscious choice for us!<\/p>\n

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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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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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?<\/p>\n

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Did you know that...<\/strong><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

During the period of Turkish rule, Ios was also known as "Little Malta<\/a>", due to its natural harbor, which offered complete protection from the winds.<\/p>\n

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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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> brought them to the beach of Mylopotas, where they built their own huts, giving a special tone to the area.<\/p>\n

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What to see<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Windmills<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Moments<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Country<\/u> you shouldn't miss:<\/p>\n

\u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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The Cathedral and the chapel of St. Catherine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2013 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<\/sup> century).<\/p>\n

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Frankish church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2013 Explore the archaeological and folklore museums, as well as the photography exhibition \u201cA journey to Ios\u201d by German photographer Christian Diener with portraits of local people and snapshots from the 1960s.<\/p>\n

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A journey to Ios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2013 The \u201cOdysseas Elytis\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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Theater "Odysseas Elytis"<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sixth<\/u> of the Country:<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Saint Catherine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Scarkos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Beaches<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Sandy, 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.<\/p>\n

Manganar<\/u><\/p>\n

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 Santorini<\/a>The 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!<\/p>\n\r\n