Exploring the island of Ios in Greece is like taking a stroll through paradise. There are so many things that make this amazing place a real-life fairytale location including archeological sites, restaurants, nightlife, and the gorgeous beaches. Some people even suggest that it is the resting place of Homer, the great Greek poet. These 10 facts will make you cherish the island more.
Lovely Beaches
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Like other Greek islands beaches here are beautiful, quiet, clean, and interesting. Located in the southern side is the long sandy beach of Magganari. It is easily accessible with facilities like sunbeds and taverns. Other beaches you can explore include Koumbara, Kalamos, Mylopotas, etc.
The Flower Island
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In Greek, Ios means flower. The first site of this island and the beauty it has to offer will immediately explain why they gave it such a name.
Fun Activities for Everyone
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There are so many fun activities for visitors to get engaged with here. If you love camping, the Mylopotas beach is your location. You can also go diving in the coastline, hike along beautiful routes and paths, or engage in kitesurfing.
Five Major Festival Events
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If you visit during one of these festivals then, you’re in luck. Ios celebrates five very important festivals including the Homeric Festival that takes place in May, to celebrate Homer. The honor of Virgin Mary and Agios Ioannis both take place in August.
Cheese and Other Local Productions
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The island of Ios is also very popular for the production of milk and cheese. Locals are always very excited to show visitors around through their production process. Other local products you can try include goat soup, sundried picarel, pomegranate liquor, etc.
Tomb of Homer
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You can’t miss this very sacred place in the island, located at a palace called Plakoto. Through historical references, Herodotus explained that Ios is the place where homer had is last breath and was buried.
Chora
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The capital of Ios is a beautiful village and one of the most interesting locations in the entire Cyclades islands. Here you’ll find flowery gardens, stone windmills, theatre of Odysseus Elytis, and so much more.
Bustling Nightlife
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One of the things that makes Ios the perfect destination for tourists is the nightlife. The island always comes alive at night offering visitors and locals the very best of fun activities.
Archeological Site of Skarkos
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The archeological site of Skarkos is one of the most important destinations in the island. Located in the area called Kambos, this section of the island offers visitors the opportunity to explore settlements as far back as the bronze era. You can also visit the archeological museum of Ios where all the excavations are in the exhibition.
Church of Panagia Gremiotissa
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One of the hot spots and most beautiful places on the island of Ios. In Greek, the name of the church means collapsing. The reason is that the church was erected three times and each time it collapsed until it was built on the highest summit of hora.