IOS

Ios, otherwise known as Nios, was named after the flowers of the same name that once grew on the island. According to another interpretation, however, the island draws its name from the Phoenician word ‘ios’, which means ‘pile of stones’.

Historically, the settlement of Skarkos is worth special mention: It has been dated to the Protocycladic Period (2800 – 2300 B.C.), of which it is the largest, best-preserved settlement. The archaeological site has received awards for its restoration and preservation. According to Herodotus, the poet Homer died on Ios, while ancient tradition places his tomb at Plakoto, at the island’s northernmost point. Also intrinsically connected with the island’s history are the UNESCO-recognised footpaths, most of which have their starting points at Chora.

Visitors to Ios should start their exploration at Chora, taking in its picturesque alleyways and the ruins of its medieval castle. Panagia Gkremiotissa sits atop the island’s highest point, offering truly impressive views. It is one of over 365 chapels on the island. The three largest coves of Ios are Gialos, next to the island’s port, Magganari, and Mylopotas, all easily accessible beaches. A little-known fact about Ios is its wealth of exotic, rugged beaches with captivating waters. This, together with the fact that Magganari beach was used as the backdrop for the French film ‘Le Grand Bleu’, should tell you all you need to know about what to expect when visiting the island. Ios has an array of strikingly beautiful beaches, such as Kolitsanoi, Treis Kleisies, Agia Theodoti, Pikri Nero, Sapounochoma, Koumpara, and Papa.

Gastronomy

Despite its small size, Ios is known for its distinctive cuisine. This small Cycladic island is renowned for its cheeses, which display a truly fascinating array of flavours. Most famous among these are xino (a soft, spreadable cheese with a tangy flavour) and spicy skotyri, which is reminiscent of kopanisti from Mykonos (a blend of myzithra and kefalotyri made with aromatics such as savory), while the island also produces kefalotyri, myzithra and graviera. The cheeses of Ios are evidence of the intensive local livestock breeding, focused mainly on the local goats, which explains the many traditional recipes for the preparation of goat meat. One famous traditional dish is tsimetia, honey-stuffed zucchini blossoms. Many meat-based dishes are served with handmade pasta, such as hilopites (locally known as matsi) and orzo (mermitzeli). Make sure to try local goat meat with orzo; rooster or lamb with hilopites; and many other, similar traditional dishes. Pies also figure prominently in the island’s cuisine.

Honey is another major product of the island; it’s often combined with cheeses in local sweets like melitinia and sweet myzithra pies. Some additional local confections worth sampling are pasteli with orange, watermelon fritters and watermelon pie. Ios has also seen its wines grow in popularity in recent years, with the locally grown Iitis and Assyrtiko varieties impressing wine lovers.

How to get there

Ios is an island in the Cyclades. It is located between Naxos, Sikinos and Santorini, and is serviced by ferry from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina.