Ios

This time we will speak about Ios. It is a very likeable small island in the southern Aegean Sea. So let’s see what makes the island so special!

Ios has around 2000 inhabitants, but in the summer months it can happen, that around 10 000 foreign people enjoy the beautiful beaches and nice villages of the stunning island. Its length is around 15 km and its width is around 7 km. So the small island has ca. 100 km2. The highest point of the 8th biggest island of the Cyclades is Pyrgos, which has 732 m.

During its history Ios went, like so many other Greek islands, through different possessions. The first inhabitants can be detected around 3000 BC but it is possible, that human lived already longer on the island. Before Christ Ios was member of several Sea leagues, like the Delian League. After the Roman Empire it fell to the Byzantine Empire, where it stayed, with a short interruption by the Duchy of the Archipelago, until the 13th century. Its possession changed a few times more, when it came to its last Emperor, the Turkish general and pirate Khair ad-Din Barbarossa. Since 1835 the island is Greek again.

One specialty of Ios is the grave of the Greek poet Homer. Myths say that his mother was born there and later he died on this island. The residents of the island love to visit the small hill where his grave lies. The 365 churches (one for every day of the year) are also worth a visit, as well as the ruins of the Venetian castle Paleokastro from the 15th century. Don’t forget the small historical village Skarkos, which is the best preserved village from the early Cycladic Keros-Syros culture.

Ios has a big night life in summer and with its wonderful beaches and the idyllic capital it doesn’t surprise that it attracts so many tourists. The buildings of the capital are typical for the Cyclades completely white. Moreover Ios town has due to its small streets no cars. So if you want to spend typical Greek holidays with a touch of culture, Ios Island is the right location for you!

But to make yourself an opinion you have to visit the amazing little island!