Ios

The island of Ios is located between the islands of Santorini, Paros and Naxos.

It is one of the most famous Greek islands due to its intense nightlife. In addition to entertainment, the island has beautiful landscapes and several calm and peaceful places. Its shoreline is characterized by miles of soft sand and crystalline, emerald waters.

The island takes its name from the presence of the Iones tribe, who once inhabited the island. Previously, following the conquest of the territory by the Phoenicians, the island was known as Finiki.

A more romantic version derives the name of the island from the presence of many violet flowers, "ion" in Greek, which cover the island in spring.

Inscriptions, coins and some texts of ancient historians including Herodotus testify that the island of Io is the birthplace of Klymeni, Homer's mother and that he was buried here. This belief has become a real myth and is the pride of the inhabitants of the island.

In the 2nd century BC. C. the island fell under Roman rule who used the island as a place of exile. In 1204 it was occupied by the Crusaders and in the 15th century it fell under the authority of the Venetian Crispi family. The island was part of the Duchy of Nasso and the Crispi family built a new castle on the remains of the old one for better protection against the fury and attacks of pirates. During the Greek War of Independence against the Turkish domination, Ios took part in the cause and actively participated in the Revolution by offering 24 well equipped ships. The island was liberated in 1829 and became part of the Greek state.

There is a good public transport system within the island. There are buses that run every 15 minutes between Ormos, Hora, Mylopotas, others that connect Ormos to Koumbara every hour.

Some taxis go to Ormos, Hora, Mylopotas, Agia Theodoti and Manganari beach. The Taxi-boat service leaves regularly from Ormos to Manganari and to the other beaches of the island.

The telephone number for the taxi service is as follows:

Taxi +30 22860 91606

The island can only be reached by sea. 4 daily ferries connect the island to Piraeus (journey time: 7 hours), Paros (journey time: 2.5 hours) and Naxos (just over 1 hour), while others connect it to Santorini (1 hour) and Mykonos (4 hours).

5 weekly ferries go to Sikinos (journey time: 20 minutes) and Folegandros (journey time: 1.5 hours).

4 weekly ferries connect it to Ios and Anafi (2 hours) and two weekly ferries to Syros (almost 3 hours).

A weekly ferry connects it to Amorgos (2 and a half hours), Kimolos (2 and a half hours), Milos (3 and a half hours), Sifnos (5 hours), Serifos (6 hours) and Crete ( 6 hours).

High-speed ferries can also be used that connect Io to Santorini in 30 minutes, to Naxos in 50 minutes, to Paros in 1 hour and a half, to Mykonos in almost 3 hours, to Tinos in 3 and a half hours, to Syros in just over 2 hours, to Sikonos in 10 minutes, to Folegandros in 45 minutes, to Amorgos in 2 hours, to Anafi in 1 hour.

The hydrofoils reach Koufonisia in 3 and a half hours, Shinoussa in 3 hours, Iraklia in 3 and a half hours, Crete in almost 3 hours, Donoussa in 2 and a half hours.

The island of Io is also about 7 hours by ferry from Athens.

Me - On the island there are many places to visit.

Ormos

2 km from Chora, it is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a mountain. It is the second most populated area after that of the capital and is the main port of the island, where the ferries dock when they arrive on the island. In Ormos there are rooms for rent, pensions and hotels. All around there are several tourist facilities and popular beaches. From Ormos there are regular boats making day trips to the island's beaches and nearby islands.

Ancient aqueduct of Agia Theodoti beach

Near the mountain, the remains of an ancient aqueduct and a tower from the Hellenistic period are clearly visible. There are also two water tanks called Tholo and Tholaki, from the Frankish period.

Church of Santa Irene

Of great interest, the Byzantine church was built in the 17th century. It is located near the port of Ormos and can be reached via a path. The church is completely white and shines under the sun's rays. It is clearly visible from Yialos and is one of the first things a tourist sees when arriving on the island of Ios by ferry.

The capital of the island of Io

Chora

It is a beautiful city full of whitewashed cubic houses with terraced roofs and blue windows, with doors next to each other, separated or connected by narrow white stone streets, stone steps, arcades, galleries, arches and small white chapels. Purple flowers decorate the whole city and create a beautiful contrast with the shimmering white of the buildings and streets.

To be seen

Church Panagia Gremiotissa

It is the symbol of the island. It is located on a high hill in the vicinity of Chora. Its name means "Virgin Mary of the steep cliff", probably due to its location. With its blue dome, white walls and high bell tower, the church is distinguished by the palm tree next to it, which makes it visible from all over Chora. It was built in 1797 a. C. and offers a wonderful view of the white houses of the city, the port and the Aegean Sea. Three other churches were built on the same hill, one next to the other.

Windmills

Built on the hill overlooking Chora, they are no longer in use today. However they have recently been restored and are an example of traditional Cycladic architecture.

Odysseas Elytis Theater

It is located at the top of the Chora hill and takes its name from Odysseas Elytis, a revolutionary Greek poet whose poetry differs from that of other poets who used to use Ancient Greece as a model for inspiration.

Although the amphitheater was built in marble according to the ancient Greek style, its construction is quite recent and can accommodate up to 1100 people. From the amphitheater it is possible to enjoy a wonderful view of the whole island and the Aegean Sea.

Cathedral

It is an imposing building overlooking the center of Chora, painted in the traditional white color, typical of the Cycladic style. Inside there are beautiful decorations and icons.

Museums

Archaeological Museum

It is located in the center of Chora and housed in a beautiful neoclassical building. It exhibits various archaeological finds from the island such as ceramics, Roman objects, inscriptions, prehistoric tools.

The Museum is open every day, except Mondays, from 08:30 to 15:00.

Ticket price: €2 (€1 reduced).

For further information: +30 22860 91246

Museum of Modern Art

Located in the city of Kolitsani, it exhibits the work of a number of talented artists.

Io

Beaches

The beaches of Io stretch for many kilometers and are characterized by golden sand and clean, emerald waters. Most of the beaches are almost completely deserted, without any tourist facilities and retain all their natural beauty.

Mylopotas beach

It is located 3 km from Chora. It is the main beach of the island and is known for its long sandy beach and tourist facilities. Its crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming and are also the main reason why Mylopotas has been awarded the Blue Flag numerous times. Here you can also practice windsurfing and diving. The beach can be reached by bus from Chora.

Manganari beach

23 km south of Chora, it has crystal clear waters and golden beach. Due to its remote location and long distance from the capital, this beach is not subject to crowds and noise during the day and offers an excellent opportunity to explore its natural surroundings. Here you can go snorkelling.

Kambaki beach

It is located 10 km north of Chora and is among the most secluded beaches on Io. Unspoiled, it offers a splendid setting: azure waters and a tranquil atmosphere. There are no tourist facilities and services and the only way to reach it is on foot or by boat.

Agia Theodoti beach

It is located 9 km northeast of Chora and takes its name from the small chapel of Agia Theodoti which is located on the hill overlooking the coast. It is a large beach, with golden sand and blue waters, ideal for healthy moments of relaxation. Near the beach there are the remains of an ancient aqueduct and a Hellenic tower.

Plakes beach

It is located 12 km east of the capital and is a beautiful beach, with clean waters and soft golden sand.

Vathirema beach

19km east of Chora, it is a beautiful secluded cove used exclusively by nudists.

Its crystal clear waters and golden sand are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is located between Psathi and Plakes and can be reached on foot or by boat. It has no tourist facilities and tourists can enjoy all the privacy they want.

Fun

The island of Io is famous for its entertainment and hundreds of tourists come to the island to experience the great entertainment offered by the many clubs and bars on the island. Io is a truly unique and special place.

Every year, in May, a very important cultural event takes place: the Homeria Festival, in honor of Homer. During the Festival, sporting events, theatrical performances, artistic exhibitions, dances, concerts and workshops take place.