Ios: the Cycladic island of fun and nightlife

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The island of Ios (108 sq km, 1,300 inhabitants) is located in the Aegean Sea, in the central-southern part of the Cyclades archipelago. Located south of Naxos and north of Santorini. The closest island to Ios is the island of Sikinos, which is located a few dozen kilometers to the west.

The island, like all the islands of the Cyclades archipelago, is mountainous and poor in vegetation. It has steep and arid coasts, but also numerous beautiful beaches, the most beautiful of which are Mylopotas and Manganari. The highest point of Ios, Mount Pyrgos, reaches 735 meters in height.

The main center of the island is the town of Hora, it is located in the interior, a short distance from the port of Ormos which is located at the end of the bay of the same name along the west coast of Ios.

The island is famous above all for its night life and also for the numerous beaches. In addition to this there are also some interesting prehistoric remains, such as the Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos and the ruins of a Venetian castle in Paleokastro.

According to an ancient tradition, Homer, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, would have found death and burial on the island. For this reason, its head is depicted on ancient coins minted on the island. In addition to tourism, agriculture and fishing are the main activities.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: WHAT TO VISIT IN IOS

Ios is the youngest and most vital island in the Aegean Sea, mostly frequented by young people during the summer. The island is also known for its naturalistic landscapes of extraordinary beauty, its sandy beaches are particularly beautiful. Among the most beautiful beaches, we recommend those of Mylopotas and Yalos near Chora, Aghia Theodoti (on the east coast), Psathi, Kalamas, Plakes, Tzamaria, Kolitsanoi, Koumbara, and the beautiful Manganari.

OSMOS: ONE OF THE MOST CHARACTERISTIC CENTERS OF THE CYCLADES

On a hill above the suggestive port of Osmos, with its fishing boats and boats, lies the main inhabited center, Ios or Chora, considered one of the most beautiful and characteristic village of the Cyclades. Chora (Hora) is a typical Cycladic village, with white houses with blue roofs, narrow streets and churches. Among the latter, the churches of Aghia Ekaterini, Prodromos and Aghii Anarghiri are noteworthy. Chora also has an interesting Archaeological and Folklore Museum.

The archaeological center of Skarkos is a Bronze Age settlement located on a hill near Kambos. This is the most fertile area of the island, about a kilometer north-east of the port of Osmos and a few hundred meters north of Chora (Hora). The settlement of Skarkos dates back to a period between 2700 and 2300 BC. and was probably abandoned due to an earthquake.

Among the monuments of the island are the ruins of an ancient aqueduct in Aghia Theodoti. The ruins of an ancient temple in Psathi. The remains of a 15th century Venetian castle in Paleokastro. The ruins of a Hellenistic tower in Plakotos.

As for entertainment, the narrow streets of the village of Ios change their appearance at night. Welcoming thousands of young people ready to go wild among over one hundred bars and discos, most of which offer free admission or free admission with compulsory consumption.

HOW TO GET TO IOS

FERRIES: Being an island without an airport (the closest is located in Santorini) the only way to reach it is by sea thanks to the ferries that stop in the small port of Ormos.

The island of Ios is connected with numerous Cycladic islands, the most important are Santorini (1 hour by ferry), Paros (2 hours and 40 minutes by ferry), Milos (2 hours and 40 minutes by ferry), Mykonos (1 hours and 30 minutes by ferry), Naxos (45 minutes by ferry), Folegandros (1 hour by ferry), Serifos (4 hours by ferry), Sifnos (about 3 hours by ferry) and Sikinos (25 minutes by ferry).

From mainland Greece there are ferries to Ios which depart from Piraeus. From Piraeus the ferries take between 4 and 8 hours to reach Ios. The duration of the crossing depends on the stops made.

FLIGHTS: If you come to Santorini by plane you can take the ferry that daily connects Santorini to Ios. The stretch of sea between Santorini and Ios is covered, according to the ships, between 40 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The climate of Ios: when to go.