Holidays in Ios island Cyclades Vacations Greece
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Holidays in Ios island

The sensual island of Ios; this charming island with its wild nature, is perched on the Aegean Sea, at the Cyclades Complex. Ios was meant to identify its name with the youth and the frenetic nightlife. However, it also has another, more informal face; the white houses, the flowered beds, the picturesque squares, the old windmills, theimportant monuments, the golden beaches and the idyllic sunsets create an exquisite blend with authentic Cycladic color!

 

The island's capital is the captivating Chora, which unfolds on a hillside. The traditional Cycladic houses, the flowery patios, its labyrinthine streets, the famous “stigadia” (roofed road segments), the cobbled squares and the churches with blue domes and the arched bell towers compose a place of inexhaustible charm! The northeastern part of Chora is dominated by old windmills, a landmark of the island. Behind the windmills, at Tsoukalaria area, there is "Odysseus Elytis" open theater. It is worth attending a cultural event at this beautiful theater which has as a background the deep blue sea. The experience will be unforgettable! Do not miss visiting the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, nestled in a hill in Chora, looking as it has clung at the edge of the cliff. It is worth staying there until sunset and admiring the picture of the sun falling behind Sikinos island, bathing the sea in the shades of purple color! Among the sights of Chora the Archaeological Museum and the Cathedral-Metropolis are included. In the capital of Ios, apart from the famous bars and nightclubs, you will find traditional restaurants, stylishly taverns and interesting boutiques.

 

Within walking distance from the town, the peaceful Ormos or Yialos, island’s natural harbor, lies. Benchmark of this town is the beautiful church of Agia Irene, which dominates the entrance of the harbor. In Yialos you will find shops, café/bars and taverns.

 

Ios hosts major attractions of historical and archaeological interest. It is worth visiting the great and admirable restored Cycladic settlement of Skarkos. Of great interest are also the ruins of Palaiokastro; the Byzantine castle with panoramic views over the deep blue of the sea and the neighboring islands. There, you will see parts of the walls, as well as the church of Panagia Palaiokastritissa. Finally, at Plakoto, on a hill, a monument dominates, presumed to be the tomb of Homer.

 

Ios offers various activities such as climbing and cycling. It also has a remarkable network of trails, ideal for hiking expeditions. If you love water sports, you can practice wind and kite surfing, water ski and diving.

 

The windswept island of Ios with its authentic Cycladic color, is waiting to unfold its secrets, in a dreamy journey, full of idyllic images which awaken and captivate the senses...

 

 

Ios island Map Greece Cyclades islands

Beaches 

Ios is famous for its beautiful beaches, some crowded and some completely deserted. The organized and sheltered beach of Gialos unfolds next to the port and is recommended for those wishing to avoid traveling.

North of the harbor, there is the organized beach of Koumbara; ideal for families with children because of its shallow waters. From there, you will have the opportunity to admire a spectacular sunset. The most popular beach of the island is the vast, golden, sandy beach of Mylopotas. It is organized and ideal for water sports.

Among the most beautiful beaches on the island the quiet Agia Theodoti, unfolding in the northeastern part of Ios, offering beautiful views of the opposite Heraklia is included. The beach has organized sections. A little further on the south, Psathi small village where you will find two quiet beaches, ideal for windsurfing at windy days, lies.

On the eastern coast of the island, the deserted beach of Kalamos unfolds.

On the south side of Ios, in Magganari, there are successive beaches with golden sand and crystal waters. In Pikri Yialos, you will find three idyllic coves. For solitary dives, select the heavenly Papa Avlaki, with white sand and turquoise waters.

Photos 
Worth... 

Visiting

- The preserved old settlement of Chora

 

- Paleokastro

 

- The archaeological site of Skarkos

 

- Some of the 365 churches of the island. The most famous churches are Evagelistria in Chora, Panagia Gremiotissa, the prophet Elias on the top of a hill overlooking the Chora, Saint John in Kalamos village and Agios Georgios in Yialos

 

- The Archaeological Museum in Chora

 

- Windmills in Chora

Swimming

- At Manganari beach

 

- At Mylopotas beach

 

- At Koumbara beach

 

- At Agia Theodoti beach

 

- At Psathi beach

Tasting

- Bougiourdi

 

- Young goat with honey

 

- Sun dried whitebait

 

- Tsimetia: courgette flowers stuffed with rice

 

- Mazali: sweet creme

 

- Matsi: handmade noodle

 

- Mermitzeli: handmade pasta

 

- Skotyri: soft cheese with herbs

 

- Ladopsomo (bread with oil)

 

- Nougat

 

- Avgokalamara - pancakes

 

- Myzithropites or Melitinia or cheese pies: pancakes baked with mastic and fresh soft cheese

Useful Information 

How to get there

Travelling by boat

You can reach Ios by boat from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Heraklion with the ships of Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.

For more information on the ferry routes to Ios visit the web sites of the companies:

 

 

http://www.bluestarferries.gr/

 

http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/

 

 

Travelling by plane and boat

You can also reach Ios firstly by plane from Athens International Airport - Eleftherios Vanizelos to Paros, Naxos and Mykonos and then by ferry to Ios.

 

Transfer within the Island

For your transportation on the island you can use the Intercity Buses (KTEL Bus of Ios) as well as taxies.

Medical Care

During your stay in Ios, you can be served for health issues:

 

Health Center of Ios, Tel: (+30) 22863 60000

Useful phone numbers

Ios Port Authority: (+30) 22860 91264

 

Police Station of Ios: (+30) 22860 91222

 

Health Center of Ios: (+30) 22863 60000

 

Fire Department of Ios: (+30) 22860 25199, 24850

 

Intercity Bus of Ios: (+30) 22860 92015

 

TAXI: (+30) 22860 91606

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Meltemi Dive Centre Ios Scuba Diving in Greece. Holidays in Ios island
Meltemi Dive Centre in Ios
Archaeological Museum of Ios Greece
Archaeological Museum of Ios

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