The once land of the hippies and parties is changing. In the meantime it evolved, but still has so much to give. Ios- the island of Homer and the eternal blue will stay young forever.
Ios attracts large crowds of visitors from all over the world and is known as the Aegean party island. One of the southernmost Cycladic islands, it is located between Naxos, Sikinos and Santorini. The capital of the island is Chora or Ios, while its major villages include Ormos (Gialos), Mylopotas, Manganari, Psathi, Agia Theodoti and Epano Kambos. The main port of Ios is located in Ormos. According to the tradition, Ios got its name from the Ia flowers (violets) that grew on the island.
CHORA
In the first light of day, after a night of wild fun, Chora seems plunged into sleep. The capital of ios is amphitheatrically built on a rocky slope above Ormos, overlooking the round port, near the island of Sikinos. Immersed into quietness, you wander through the maze of streets, stumbling upon alleys draped with vibrant purple bougainvillea, little shops and picturesque chapels. When you find the Megali Piatsa area, you already know that your road will get you to the highest peak of the village, the location of the Panagia Gremiotissa church. The narrow street now opens, with the sugar- cubed houses seemingly climbing on the barren hill and at the sight of the much- photographed palm tree and blue dome, you recognize the most famous of 365 churches of the island. Reaching the Windmills plateau, you find yourself gazing at 12 landmarks of Chora, forgotten by time. They are lined in two rows. Two of them have been restored so you can take a look at their traditional interior.
ORMOS-GIALOS
This one-time haven for the pirates of the Mediterranean is now packed with luxury yachts, sailboats and fishing vessels. At last, the ship is moored to the dock and you set foot on Gialos. Having a great tourist infrastructure, with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, travel and car rental agencies, the second largest village of the island welcomes you. The titular beach with amenities stretching at the left side of the port is easily accessed for those who cannot wait to dive into the crystal clear sea. The street above the beach is full of hotels, bars and tavernas, promising high- quality services and a laid- back atmosphere. At the sight of the Agios Georgios Basmenos Church, this is the starting point of the traditional cobbled path that, among geraniums and eucalyptus trees, will lead you to Chora.
AGIA IRINI
Seeing Ios for the first time is a one of a kind experience. At the right side of the port stand the Byzantine Church of Agia Irini, humble, yet radiating with pristine white beauty, at the edge of a rock since the 17th century. Perched on the base of a barren hill, above natural harbor, Chora, the island’s capital, awaits your encounter.
ODYSSEAS ELYTIS THEATER
The open- air theater is one of the most beautiful locations in ios with beautiful views of the Aegean, full of colors and scents. The German architecture professor Peter Haupt showed his love for Ios by designing a copy of an ancient Greek open theater making Tsoukalaria a popular destination. Built with marble and local stone, it includes a circular orchestra with a diameter of 40ft and 1100 south- facing seats. It hosts anumber of cultural events, like theatrical performances and concerts for the summer Omireia.
THE TOMB OF HOMER
From the windmills, follow the asphalt road leading to the northern side of the island called Plakoto. Above the beach, in the middle of the Aegean, is supposed to be the resting place of Homer. According to the legend, the ancient epic poet died and was buried in Ios, home of his mother Klymeni, as reported in texts by Herodotus and Pausanias. Another legend says the he died from distress when he could not solve a puzzle given by the local fisherman. Although many scholars dispute over the origin of the ancient poet, most agree that he died and was buried in Ios. In fact, coins of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC were also found at this point with the Homer’s portrait on one side. Another popular theory suggests that it is not a burial monument but a Hellenistic tower.
MANGANARI
A location straight out of a movie set, exotic ambience, sea in the colors of aquamarine and the amazing sensation that you are left alone on earth… A courtesy of nature, in the south of Ios. Due toits distance from Chora (23km), Manganari isn’t crowded thus keeping its low profile. Still,there is a part of the coast organized with sunbeds, restaurants as well as places for isolation and relaxation. As for the landscape? The large double beach, with the three smaller idyllic inlets is covered with fine golden sand united with shallow, warm waters. It’s this amazing natural beauty that convinced Luc Besson to film here some of the scenes of the “Big Blue” making Ios popular all over the world.
GIALOS
The nearest beach to Chora, ideal for those who don’t want to use the car.. Despite being set next to the harbor, the sea is crystal clear and shallow, perfect for families with children. You will find everything you need here: sunbeds, beach bars, restaurants and water sports.
KOUBARA
The asphalt road that passes in front of Gialos beach leads to the Blue Flag awarded beach- Koubara. Sandy, organized, with accomodation options, stores and beach bars, Koubara has its own fan club. The lucky ones will stay till late in the afternoon so as to gaze at the spectacular sun diving into the infinity of the Aegean sea, just behind the Diakofto islet.
TREIS KLISEIS
A wind- free inlet, in the southeastern side of the island. If the blue waters of Manganari are not enough for you, you should drive to the Treis Klisies beach. This beach is also ideal for nudists and loners.
AGIA THEODOTI
Six miles away from Chora, in the northeast, there is an extended golden beach which looks to Irakleia and is adored by the etesian winds. A part is equipped with sunbeds. It’s also worth visiting the chapel from the 16th century.
MYLOPOTAS
Approximately 2 miles in the south of Chora, this beach has been in the spotlight since the 70s. Back then, it was known in the entire Greek archipelago as a hippies; haven welcoming the flower children from all over the world. Today it’s the most popular beach on the island fully equipped with luxurious hotels, rooms to let, beach bars etc.
LORENTZENA
Ahidden paradise, 3 miles north of Chora, next to Diamoudia beach. Lorentzena beach maintains its exotic beauty due to the fact that it is accessible through a harsh, winding dirt road. However, the evocative scenery, with the emerald waters and the white pebbles, rewards visitors for the inconvenience. You will choose it for its unique sense of isolation and for its rocky seabed, if you love snorkeling. Don’t forget to bring with you water and food supplies as it is not organized.
