Seeking Wanderland

Ios is a vibrant Cyladic island, located in the center of the Cyclades, close to the islands of Santorini, Sikinos Paros and Naxos. It is equipped with beautiful bays, cobblestone streets, remnants of a medieval castle and renowned parties and nightlife. The island features the classic Cycladic architecture with whitewashed settlements and small alleyways. According to legend, Ios was poet Homer’s burial ground and his mother’s birthplace. The name Ios is derived from the Greek word “ion,” which means “flower,” and refers to the abundance of blooms sprouting on the island.

Chora is located on a slope above the harbour and is built close to the remnants of the medieval castle on the top of the hill. The town has a lot of stairs and small arcade- covered paths that prevent automobiles from entering. Chora’s maze of lanes is packed with Cycladic whitewashed houses, twelve windmills, churches with arched belfries and light blue domes, flower-filled patios, bakery scents, and locals conversing while walking, drinking coffee or even knitting, combine to form a one-of-a-kind residential district.

The ancient town of Ios, situated on the hilltop of Chora, includes remnants of structures, roads, and an ancient sewerage network, as well as the remnants of the Mediaeval fortress built in 1397 and the churches of Agios Nikolaos, Evangelismou, and Agias Aikaterinis, which is said to be built on an ancient temple of the God Apollo. The most important of the island’s 365 churches is Panagia Gremiotissa, perched on the brink of a cliff near Chora’s highest point, with an outstanding view of the open sea. This location is the focal point of one of the most important religious festivals on the island, which takes place on the 15th of August and includes a procession through Chora with the image of the Mother of God – Panagia.

Ios island features some majestic beaches inclusive of Mylopotas, Agia Theodoti, Kalamos, and Manganari. Most of the beaches in the island are sandy with golden sand and clear blue waters. There are both organized bays with beach bars, taverns and watersport centers and more secluded and remote ones, sometimes having a more difficult accessibility through dirt roads or bumpy walking paths. During the past years there have been actions to improve the infrastructure of the island, in order to attract a variety of visitors. New paved roads have been constructed, a magnificent amphitheater has been erected and numerous villas, cottages and luxury hotels are operating all over the island.