Ios Attractions

Skarkos is an early Bronze Age settlement found in Ios. It is the most important prehistoric archaeological site of the Cyclades located only a few kilometers from the port of Ios.

The church of Virgin Mary Gremiotissa is the trademark of the island. It stands on a high hill above Chora and distinguishes for the palm tree on its side.

The windmills on a hill above Chora are not in use today. However, they have been restored today and stand today as samples of traditional Cycladic architecture.

The Archaeological Museum of Ios is located in the center of Chora and it is housed in Amiradakio Megaron, of Neoclassical style. It exposes various archaeological findings excavated on Ios, so visitors will see interesting prehistoric tools, Cycladic objects, and figurines.

According to the myth, at the end of his life, Homer returned to the homeland of his mother and died there. Scientists believe that his tomb is located on the northern side of the island but the site is almost abandoned today.

Today there is nothing but few remains of the Venetian Castle of Ios in the region of Paleokastro, between Agia Theodoti and Psathi. The castle had visual contact with Apalyros Castle in Naxos and helped to control the inner area.

The lighthouse of Ios is located in the area of Koumbara, in a close distance from Ormos village. It is easily accessible on foot.

Located in the centre of Chora, the Cathedral of Ios is an imposing whitewashed church with blue domes in accordance to the standards of the traditional Cycladic architecture. Its interior is beautiful and includes several holy icons.

This church is located in Chora and has been built on the remains of the ancient temple of Pythian Apollo, as archaeologists believe. Agia Ekaterini is a whitewashed church with an austere and elegant interior.

This open theatre close to Chora was named after the Nobel-winner Greek poet, Odysseas Elytis. Many cultural events on Ios, such as music concerts, theatre festivals and performances in summer take place there. This was the favorite spot of Elytis on Ios because of the breathtaking view it offers.

There are visible remains of a tower from the Hellenistic period and traces of an ancient aqueduct near the hill. There are also two water tanks called Tholo and Tholaki from the Frankish period.

Above the bay of Kolitsani, in a walking distance from Chora, there is the private Museum of Modern Art. It hosts the collection of the French writer and documentary maker Jean-Marie Drot.