Characteristics of the island of Ios

Ios is a mountainous island and its size belongs to the smaller ones (the length of the island is about 15 km and the width is 7 km). There are about 2 thousand permanent residents, but they are almost exclusively concentrated in the capital of Ios (also called Chora) and the popular tourist resort of Mylopotas. Ios is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Greece. It is also sometimes labelled a "party island", as it used to be a popular destination for exuberant European youth. Today, the area has become quieter and is trying to return to a more traditional Greek way of life, but of course you can still find discos and bars with music.

If we dig into Greek mythology, we find that the island of Ios is associated with the famous Greek poet Homer. According to an old legend, Homer's mother was born here and some legends claim that Homer himself is buried here. In the north of the island, in a place called Plakotos, stands his tomb. Ios is also known as the "island of churches and chapels", of which there are nearly four hundred.

Trip from Santorini

If you want to arrive on Ios from the neighbouring island of Santorini, make sure to allow a full day for this trip. Or better yet... stretch your stay here overnight and soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque Greek island, so close and yet so different from Santorini. Santorini is originally a volcanic island, very rocky, where the predominant colours are grey, brown and black. And on the tops of these rocks, like whipped cream on a cake, white houses and chapels shine in the distance. The island of Ios, by contrast, is bursting with more colour - golden beaches, white and blue houses and colourful boats.

Departing from Athinios, the main port of Santorini, the cruise takes about an hour (depending on whether you use the smaller high-speed boats or the larger ferries). Visitors' first steps traditionally lead to the capital of Ios (Chora), a charming town with lots of churches, cafes, shops and small narrow streets. The island is dominated by typical Greek Cycladic architecture, and the highest church of Our Lady of Gremiotissa is certainly worth a visit, from where you will have the whole of Ios in the palm of your hand. If you want to spend some time on the beach and enjoy the warm fine sand and crystal clear sea, we recommend Mylopotas beach.

Travel agencies organise optional trips to Ios as a day trip, returning in the evening. And the cruise back is just a beautiful finishing touch to the day, as you can watch the magnificent sunset right from the deck of the boat.

More touristic destinations of Santorini

Tips for trips on Santorini: Caldera Boat Trip, Sunset in Oia, Most beautiful beaches of Santorini, Discovering the beauties of the capital city of Fira, Visiting Ancient Thera

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Santorini.