The flower of Cyclades, Ios or Nios, as local people call it, is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, like a flower, as its name suggests, (“Ion” (a kind of flower. According to myth, Ios was the homeland of Homer’s mother but also the burial place of the great epic poet.
Ios seduces its visitors with its heavenly beaches, its unique liveliness and rich history.
An island which is not very big and presents countless options for all ages. From intense fun From intense fun to quiet secluded places you can enjoy.Clear waters tempting you to drink them, breathtaking seabed colors, beaches for loners but also for parties.
Ios has landscapes of unique natural beauty.
Natural paths, sandy beaches, sea caves, picturesque landscapes, 365 churches, sport activities, hiking, entertainment, history, museums.
Mylopotas, Magganari, Psathi, Kalamos, Agia Theodoti, are only some of the beaches and if you dive there once you will never forget them. Windsurfing, water skiing, diving, watersports, canoeing, hiking, runningand touring of the island by boat or mountain bike.
The “Odysseas Elytis” theater is a real gem, hosts significant cultural events with an amazing view on the Chora and the Mylopota beach.
Homer’s tomb, the Early Cycladic settlement of Scarco that has rceived a prize by the European Union and Europa Nostra for his exemplary restoration and promotion a well as the Ancient Aqueduct, are only a few of the archeological monuments that you cannot miss. A Byzantine castle built to monitor the maritime routes that led to Crete, dominates the northwest (perhaps clearly North) side of Ios on a hill with unobstructed view towards Paros, Naxos, Amorgos and the small Cyclades.
In Ios flavours abound. discover its delicious cheeses, xio, skotyri and more, ask for capers in your salad and enquire about tsimetia, and pause for a moment to grab a bite of a nice pasteli. You may not have heard of it (ask for it) but you should have. In Ios we also produce wine, white, rosé and red wine, accompany it with your food, or just let carry you away when the sun goes down.
Discover the beauty of our island and create once- in a lifetime experiences!
