Guide: all countries » Greece » Ios Island »

Sightseeing in Ios Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Charming island of Ios is widely regarded as the most picturesque of all Cyclades. It’s very popular among young tourists and fans of beach vacations thanks to its famous night clubs and scenic beaches. Busy life is mostly limited to the island capital city, while outside of Chora it’s very calm and peaceful even in high season. Ios is also an excellent choice for those looking for landmarks. There's a number of interesting historical symbols on the island and visiting them will be excellent experience.
Family holidays with kids in Ios Island. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.
Ios is not a large island. Its width is 10 kilometres and the length is about 20. There are not many amusements parks and cinemas, but your child won't be bored on the island. Ios gives the … Open
The best place to start exploring historical heritage of the island is Chore itself. Walking around it you can visit the Church of St.Irina, which is the symbol of the city. This charming and simple snow-white church is situated next to the port area and thus is usually a first stop of many excursions. It’s highly recommended to travel through Chora by feet; getting from port to the city center wouldn’t be a too difficult task.
This miniature town looks very colorful and original to foreigners thank to spots of bright colors on snow-white background of buildings. City streets are decorated with thousands of nectareous flowers, while colorful doors, shutters and window-ledges are distinctive feature of local houses. The capital is situated on a high hill and it's highly recommended to get to the very top of it. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Cuisine of Ios Island for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe
You can find all the traditional Greek dishes on Ios. Despite the fact, that it is not the biggest island of the Cyclades, there are a lot of taverns. However, there are many catering … Open
Along with spacious viewpoints, you can also find several traditional architectural landmarks, including elegant snow-white chapels with blue cupolas. Walking down the hill you can find the most interesting landmarks of Ios, the old windmills. They still work despite their age.
Paleokastro has another landmark to offer, the beautiful Venetian fortress built back in 15th century. Ios is commonly associated with Homer. It's widely thought that Ios is the place, where the poet has spent his latest years and has been buried. His burial tomb is located among the ruins of ancient town of Plakoto, which in turn is highly recommended to those fond of history.
Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Ios Island inhabitants
Every tourist should know that Greek people have their own gestures. They raise their eyebrows and their whole head upwards, while softly clicking with their tongue. It means «no». When … Open
Church of Saint Ekaterina located in Agea Ekaterini is another outstanding landmark of Ios. Saint Ekaterina is widely regarded as holy patroness of islanders and there are lots of legends associated with the church. For years island has been a point of interest for scientists and archeologists exploring it throughout. Results of these researches are represented in the local Archeological Museum that houses an impressive collection of findings.
Travelers interested in modern art should visit Museum of Modern Arts located In Kolitsani. It retains an extensive collection of works by modern painters and also regularly hosts various cultural events. There's also a bunch of Classic landmarks on the island, including an amazing amphitheater. It’s visible from Chora hill and its ruins are excellent place to walk around for fans of history.
Excursion over cultural sights of Ios Island - 'must visit' points of interest
Ios is a place where you can get to know the traditions, culture and customs of ancient Hellenes. According to testimonies of reliable ancient writers, like Herodotus and Pausanias, Ios was … Open
Ios Island is the location of one of the most beautiful beaches in whole Greece – Mylopotas Bay. The length of this sandy beach is roughly 1,000 meters. It is a very calm and shallow place, so there is no wonder why this beach is an ultimate choice of family tourists. The beach has a well-developed infrastructure with numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers nearby. Ormos Village is also famous for its wonderful beach that never ceases to attract fans of relaxing in a comfortable setting.
Ios A large number of vacationers is the main disadvantage of popular beaches. Fans of secluded and idyllic places usually prefer to relax in small bays. Some of them are accessible only from the water. The area near Psathi is particularly rich in wonderful wild beaches. Ios Island is also suitable for fans of scuba diving. Mylopotas and Manganari beaches are considered the best destinations for diving. There are several modern sports centers near the beaches where visitors can order water skiing sessions or learn to ride a scooter. It is also important to mention that Manganari Beach is distinguished by an excellent ecological index, so this coastal area was awarded a Blue flag several years ago.
Ios Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Ios Island
♥   Castle 'Goulas Castle' Akrotiri, 30 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Belonia Tower' Naxos, 38.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Kastelli of Pyrgos' Pyrgos Kallistis, 40.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Sanudo Tower' Naxos, 43.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Naxos Castle' Naxos, 43.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Ios Island from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Santorini

From the series “Monochromatic Cities - Stunning Views”
Check on the map:   Distance from Ios Island center - 39.5 km.
Except beaches on the island you can see a lot of wonderful landmarks. There has placed a great number of old monasteries and more than 330 Orthodox churches and temples. Santorini is known for its unique archaeological districts. Several years ago, on the Akrotiri Peninsula, the researchers had found traces of the ancient city of the Minoan period. Some historical buildings were rebuilt, thereby, this archaeological place is open for visitors. Even a usual walk in any Santorini city can become unforgettable. More than that, there you can take a lot of wonderful photos. … Read further

Santorini Volcano

From the series “Volcanoes and Traps That Changed the Face of the Planet”
Check on the map:   Distance from Ios Island center - 36.5 km.
The volcano remains active. Its last eruption occurred in 1950. Santorini Volcano impresses with its size, the diameter of its crater reaches 1 680 meters, and height is 130 meter. Santorini Mountain disappeared as a result of the Minoan eruption. A large oval gulf formed instead. Now it's filled with waters of the Aegean Sea. … Read further

Sightseeing in regions nearby Ios Island

Oia
It is not hard to reach Oia because the town is located only eleven kilometers from the capital of the island, the city of Fira. Daily buses departing from the central bus station take tourists to the popular resort. Of course, it is always possible to get a taxi to ... Open »
Folegandros Island
Small Folegandros Island is part of the Cyclades islands. It has begun attracting attention of travelers a few years ago. The island covers 32 square kilometers. Only three settlements: the capital city of Chora, Ano Meria and Karavostasi are situated on the island. ... Open »
Santorini
Santorini Island is located in the Aegean Sea near Crete. This is one of the most attractive islands in the Cyclades. The island appeared after a volcanic eruption, when the part of the volcanic rock had gone under water and the remaining volcanic rock had formed a ... Open »
Paros
This resort will perfectly suit outdoor activities fans, and those tourists who enjoy staying in silence and solitude. This wonderful picturesque island features numerous interesting programs for travellers. Everyone will find here something to fit one’s taste. The ... Open »
Naxos
The first mention of the Greek island of Naxos dates back to the 8th century BC. It is the largest island of the Cyclades, which never ceases to attract fans of history and ancient architecture. In the early 13th century, it was the base of pirates, so enthusiastic ... Open »
Sifnos Island
This town is considered the most scenic and picturesque on the island, because of its original architecture. Streets of the village consist of small snow-white houses with brightly decorated balconies. The center of the old village area is Platia Iroon, next to which ... Open »
Secure Connection
Main Office
Weegschaalstraat 3, Eindhoven
5632 CW, The Netherlands
+31 40 40 150 44


Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About us
Copyright © 2002 - OrangeSmile Tours B.V. | Incorporated by IVRA Holding B.V. - Registered in The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel KvK, The Netherlands) No. 17237018