The Cycladic island of Ios is considered the queen of young tourists, because of its colorful nightlife. Day and night, the main village becomes a center of entertainment where young people from all over the world enjoy the famous Ioski Nights.
In fact, swimming in beautiful beaches and enjoying the colorful nightlife are the main things to do on Ios, an island where activities are limited to walking around the colorful capital. Milopotas, Gialos, Agia Theodoti and Manganari are the most popular beaches on Ios, while a jeep safari to secluded beaches is also an enjoyable activity.
However, there are some interesting places on the island of Ios that are worth visiting. Most of them are located in Hora and its surroundings, but numerous churches and other buildings are located all over the island.
Below you can see the best sights of Ios: ancient places, museums, churches, castles and other points of interest. .
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Skarkos – a settlement from the Early Bronze Age
Skarkos is an Early Bronze Age settlement found on Ios. The most important prehistoric archaeological site is located there Cyclades and about a thousand years older than the famous Akrotiri na Santorini , of the archaeological site of Skarkos!
Skarkos has provided archaeologists with important information and significant evidence of how societies were organized in the Cyclades during this period. It was built in a circular shape and at a high altitude so that its inhabitants could look at the harbor and the sea.
The village had a very well-organized street plan with squares and two-story buildings with stone floors, enclosed terraces and defensive walls. Excavations have revealed seals and engraved symbols that show people used them to declare their identity, as well as evidence of a drainage system and a cemetery.
Several finds from the excavations are in the Hora Archaeological Museum; pottery, kitchen utensils, metal, stone and bone tools are just a few. Moreover, the findings showed that the settlement probably had trade transactions with neighboring islands such as Milos and Santorini.
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Church of Panagia Gremiotis on the island of Ios
On top of the hill above Chora, the capital of Ios, there is a small church on Ios dedicated to Panagia Gremiotis, the patron saint of the island. The name of the church translates as Virgin Mary from the steep cliff, probably because of its location. With a blue dome, white walls and a tall bell tower, this church stands out because of the palm tree right next to it - that's why it can be seen from all parts of Hora.
It was built in 1797 AD and its location offers an incredible view of the white houses, the harbor and the blue Aegean Sea. There are three more churches on the same hill.
Since the church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it is celebrated on August 15.
Windmills on the island of Ios
Walking to the entrance of Chora, the capital of Ios, you will see some of the very well-preserved traditional windmills of Ios, surrounded by beautiful, colorful gardens that are now used as homes.
Most of the windmills are located in the beautiful capital of the island - Hori. Twelve windmills on top of the mountain slope complete its picturesque beauty. They have been damaged over time, but still proudly watch over the small church of St. Nikolaos nearby. Two windmills have been restored today.
At one time, these windmills were used to generate energy for grinding grain and contributed immensely to the agricultural economy and meeting the island's food needs. Today they stand as decorative monuments that contribute to the landscape and testify to the unique local architecture.
Archaeological Museum
The small Archaeological Museum of Ios is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building called Amiradakio Hall. The Town Hall of Ios is located in the same building. The museum contains ancient objects that were excavated on the island from the second half of the 20th century onwards. Most of the findings come from the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos and the ancient city of Ios.
The most interesting exhibits in the Archaeological Museum of Ios include clay statuettes from the first Cycladic period, inscriptions from the classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras, marble states, prehistoric tools and grave pillars. In the courtyard there are marble architectural pieces, statue pedestals and a sarcophagus.
From April to October, the Museum is open from 08:30 to 15:30 every day except Tuesday.
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Homer's tomb on the island of Ios
Homer's tomb on Ios was allegedly discovered by Pasch van Krinen, who was a government representative during the Russian Naval Brigade.
Legend has it that Homer breathed his last on the island of Ios and was buried in Plakot, on the northernmost part of the island on a hill. The evidence that indicates that the body of the great epic poet rests under this place is not irrefutable.
Homer was among the greatest poets in ancient Greek history. He is world famous for his epic poems, including the Odyssey and the Iliad.
He supposedly died sometime between 1100 and 900 BC. Some say that his mother, Clymena, was with Ios and that is why he decided to spend his last days there. Some say that he died succumbing to an illness that developed after the fall, others that he could not solve the riddle set for him by the townspeople and that he died of suffering.
The islanders had little evidence to prove that Homer was actually buried there until a 17th-century archaeologist found several graves in the same region and stated that one of them had an inscription identifying it as Homer's. In addition, there were coins and texts of ancient historians Strabo, Pausanias and Herodotus that proved the fact that Homer was indeed buried here.
The main tourist attraction for Ios
Since then, the tomb has become a major tourist attraction for Ios. Various elegant, carved and engraved tombstones are also found in the area. Even then, some doubt whether this is really Homer's grave, as there is no concrete evidence for it.
To reach the tomb, you can take a motorbike or car from the port or Hora and head to Pano Kambos, an extremely fertile valley full of vineyards and olive groves, and then to Kulida. From there, if you leave the asphalt road and take the path to the left, you will be on your way to Plakoto beach. Just a few meters away is a path that will take you to the ancient ruins of tombs dating back to the Hellenistic period, one of which is believed to be Homer's.
Even if Homer isn't actually buried there, the trip is definitely not in vain. The scenery around the grave is so beautiful that you have to take a moment to simply appreciate it. After visiting the tomb, you can relax on Plakoto Beach, drive to Agia Theodoti Beach or visit the wonderful 16th century Agia Theodoti Church, which is the oldest on the island.
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Venetian castle on the island of Ios
The Venetian castle on Ios is also called Paleokastro, which translates as "old castle". It is located in the eastern part of Ios, on top of the highest hill on the island.
After returning from Pyrgos, you will end up on a beautiful, winding, stone-paved road. What appears to be a picturesque blessed place was once a fortified area and was originally built to protect the local population from frequent pirate attacks.
The area is now completely isolated, but the ruins give visitors a glimpse of what life might have been like in the Middle Ages. One of the ruins you can see is a Venetian castle dating back to the 10th century AD. It is made of marble and surrounds a beautiful Byzantine chapel. It is about a 15-minute walk from Psati. Part of it has already collapsed from the cliffs into the sea, but a few walls still remain.
Lighthouse on the island of Ios
Overlooking the deep blue waters of the sea, the stone lighthouse of Ios stands on top of an impressive rock in front of the entrance to the island's harbor. .
The building has been renovated and the only way to visit the secluded lighthouse is on foot, on a dirt track starting from Kumbara. The view of the wild landscape from there is truly stunning and definitely worth the effort!
Amphitheater Odysseus Elitis
Odysseus Elitis was a famous Greek poet who wrote modern poetry and received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1979. The Amphitheater of Odysseus Elitis on Ios is named after the poet and is located on top of Hora, behind the white windmills that are there.
Although the amphitheater is made of marble and in the ancient Greek style, it was built relatively recently compared to the other architectural wonders of Ios. It is a colossal building and can accommodate up to 1100 people. Most of the island's cultural events take place there every year.
The events are organized by the municipality of Ios. During the summer, music concerts and other performances are held. You should definitely visit it, whether you like the show or not.
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Cathedral Church
The church on Ios is located in the heart of Chora, the most lively place on the island, near the chapel of St. John of Prodrom. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is celebrated every year on March 25.
The church was built in 1930, and it officially opened its doors a year later. It was built on the ruins of the old church that was dedicated to Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).
The church is a basilica and has a recognizable Cycladic style, with white walls and a blue dome, as well as a beautiful bell tower. Inside the church there are various impressive murals and icons.
Please note that it will not be open to the public daily.
