IOS

A great ambassador of this unique setting is most definitely the island of Ios.

It is the island for the young and young at heart. This bustling island which has become synonymous to an endless party for the young and not so young, has so much to offer. Of course, its beaches are absolutely amazing with Mylopotas and Manganari standing out for their fine sand and crystal clear water. However, Ios has so much more to show its visitor.

Homer, the world famous poet is said to have been born in Ios by Clymene, his mother. His tomb, discovered in 1770 can be visited in the area called Plakoto. The “Omiria” cultural festival is held on the island every year in honor of the great Greek poet Odysseus Elytis. A spectacular theatre named after him, which is made of stone and is a replica of the ancient theater of Sicily, is worth a visit.
It is said that there are as many churches in the Cyclades as there are poppies in a field in spring; Ios definitely holds the prize with over 400 churches and chapels scattered around the is land. Visit a church found lying half-sunken in the ground on the road from the port up to Chora – the ‘capital’ of the island.

According to ancient mythology, once the Cyclades were plagued by a deadly epidemic. Apollo’s son Aristaios made a sacrifice to Zeus imploring him to help.That is when Zeus sent a northern wind called the ‘meltemi’ which blew for 40 days, cleaning the Cyclades of this epidemic and thus saving the people.