Ios island Greece, worth seeing, map, accommodation, hotel, rooms to let

A taste of Ios island

The arrival at the Port of Nios, with the lighthouse on our left and the white chapel of St. Irene on our right, is a very beautiful picture and the best omen for the visitor.
The first image in the beautifully lit (at night) Nios port with the yachts and their white sails, falls back as we start to ascend the road connecting Yialos to Chora. The remains of the walls that protected the island’s main settlement in the past, have as their continuation the Church of the Annunciation, and the entrance to Chora, one of the most beautiful towns in the Cyclades.

Hotels and rooms to let in Ios island

One of our first walks through the village leads to a characteristic image, Panagia Gkremmiotissa with the palm tree and the amazing views of Ormos, Sikinos and the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. From there, the visitor has the opportunity to see the best sunset on the island.

The classic Cycladic architecture dominates all the village’s buildings. Among most homes there are many small churches and, of course, in Chora, you can find numerous restaurants, hotels, apartments, shops, cafes, bars and every convenience for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. From midday onwards, Chora starts throbbing with life (throughout the summer) and the visitor gets lost in its alleys, searching for his own unique images of the beautiful town of Nios. At the edge of Chora, we find ourselves in the area of the windmills that, several years ago, were part of the production dynamics of the island but are now an attraction for visitors. Going further, we reach Tsoukalaria, where a small cradle of modern civilization lies, the ancient theater "OSISEAS ELYTIS" and the Museum of Modern Art "John Gaitis - Gabriella Simosi."

The stone-marble, open theater of "ODISEAS ELYTIS" (1000 seats) built on the balcony of the Aegean, one of the favorite places of our great poet, has spectacular views of the Gulf of Mylopota and the magnificence of the entire Aegean. Here, several cultural events take place, organized every summer by the Municipality of Ios, as part of the "Omiria". The enjoyment of a play or a musical evening with the background lights of Mylopota under the moonlight is an extraordinary feeling.
The museum of modern art is named "John Gaitis - Gabriella Simosi", two artists who loved Nio and the Cycladic light. John Gaitis, a painter with worldwide recognition, has become widely known with his characteristics impersonal human figures, while Gabriella Simosi has excelled at her amazing work in sculpture. The museum of modern art is located in a prominent position with spectacular views and unique colors and light in the sunset.

We return to the main road that starts at the port, passing by the town and arriving at the beach of Mylopota. A beautiful beach with golden sand, blue sea, and all kinds of facilities (water sports, food, trasportation, lodgings) on the busiest beach of the island, that is considered one of the most beautiful in the Aegean and every year claims the Blue Flag, the symbol of quality.
Following the way to Epano Campos from Myli, we head to St. Theodote. The sandy beach, the sheltered bay and the sunrise overlooking the island of Heraklia, compose a picture worthy of the visitor’s attention. The changing colors of the sea from green to blue are like brushstrokes on a painter’s canvas.
At the top of the hill above Epano Campos, if we continue straight (and do not descend to St. Theodote), the paved road will lead us to Psathi Bay, with its 2 very beautiful beaches. Its clear blue waters and wild beauty promise renewal and relaxation. When there is strong wind, the waves make Psathi a popular surfing spot.

After the intersection for St. Theodote, on the road to Psathi, there is a sign prompting you to turn towards Maganari. It is a challenge that should not be missed. Maganari is an amazing arrangement of five bays - beaches, with golden sand and above all, crystal clear waters. This magic place is worth a visit just to relive scenes from the "Big Blue", which was shot here.
The island is full of beautiful beaches. For the lovers of nature and Cycladic paths, from the area of Katsiveli in Chora you can descend to Kolitsani beach. Also, from the church of Agia Irini at the port, you can take a nice long walk to the beach of Valmas.

To the east of the island, we find Kalamos beach. It is very quiet with clear waters, ideal for underwater quests. Next to Kalamos are the secluded beaches of Papas and Plakes. Many other beaches are: Kampaki, Plakotos, Petalidi, Neraki, Diamoudia, Sapounohoma, Klima, Pikri-Nero, Tzamaria and Koumbara, that offer many possibilities for excursions and unique experiences.
We must not forget that 32 km of sandy coastline is not a common phenomenon and the uniqueness of Nios’ Beauty will fascinate all visitors.

Source: Municipality of Ios

Accommodation
For your stay in Ios, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In the town of Ios (Chora), as well as in many other areas of the island, there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.

Access
Every day high speed ferries and ferry boats go to Ios from Piraeus. Trip duration is 7 hours.
Ios also connects with Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Siros, Sikinos, Anafi, Folegandros, Koufonisia, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos, Kimolos, Tinos, Crete by flying dolphins, ferry boats or catamaran.

Public buses in Ios are very well organized and the tickets are very cheap. Every 15 minutes there is a bus that goes to Chora, Ormos, Mylopotas and every 1 hour to Koumbaras.

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.