Ios is one of the smaller inhabited islands in the Cyclades, with a total area of 105 square kilometres. The island is 18 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide at its greatest width. The island has a twin-peaked mountain at its centre, with two summits of around 700 metres (2,300 feet). The population fell as low as 500 in the 1950s but since the boom in tourism this number has almost tripled. The island has about 400 churches.

HISTORY
Cist graves dating back to the Early Cycladic period (3000 BC) attest to the long period of habitation on the island. The island takes its name from Ion, the founder of the Ionian people. Tradition says that Homer's mother was born on the island, while another legend claims that Homer died on the island and was buried there.

Ios followed the same history as much of the rest of the Cyclades. It is hardly heard of in antiquity. It was ruled by the Crispi and then the Pisani family during the Venetian period before falling to the Turks. Today the island heaves to the sound of music as young people from all over Europe flock there for the beaches and the night life.

The Chora is a very pretty town with great views of the fine natural harbour and bay below. The town is dominated by two blue-domed churches in one of which ancient remains have been incorporated.

SIGHTSEEING
Ios is a small island with only one real town but there some things to see. The Venetian fortress known as Palaeocastro was built around 1400 by Duke Marco I Crispi and inside it the remains of the Venetian town can still be seen. The fortress is, however, quite a long walk (over 2 hours) from the Chora. Nearby is the church of Ayios Theodotis, where villagers are said to have taken shelter from pirates and saved themselves by pouring boiling oil on the pirates as they were trying to break into the Church.

USEFUL INFORMATION
Most of the boats on the daily Piraeus-Santorini run call at Ios as well as a number of smaller boats that ply the Cyclades Islands. You arrive at the port of Yialos. A regular bus service leaves for Chora, but the 15 minute walk, although uphill, is well worth doing at least once in order to enjoy the spectacular views. Rooms are available at Yialos, Koumbara, a short distance along the coast, at Milopotamos where there is a splendid beach, and of course in Chora, though if you stay anywhere near the bars you may not get much sleep.

by Ian Swindale
Photos © Ian Swindale
Copyright: Hellenic Electronic Center