Chora: The main Ios village, or Chora is located between at a top of a hill between the port and Mylopotas beach. A stroll inside its traditional narrow alleys with white washed houses and small chapels will reword every visitor. Chora’ s well-known byzantine chapels and traditional thirteen windmills, co-exist harmonically with the island’s vivid night life . In Chora you can also visit the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, which is wisely located at the highest point of Ios Town: a picture-perfect church, built in 1797 AD, that owes its name to its rocky location. From there, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Town as well as an amazing view to the sunset.
The Archaeological Museum: In the town hall of Chora, opened in 1999. There the visitor will get an outline of the history of Ios island. A large hall is reserved for items from the copper period and the excavation site of Skarkos.
Pro-Cycladic settlement of Skarkos: Skarkos is the largest and most important known settlement of the procycladic world. It is estimated that was established during the 3rd millennium B.C. The good condition, in which this unique settlement was found, makes it possible to admire its advanced architecture. The buildings – some of them two storied - were organized according to town planning with a water supply system using rain water. Clay pots, signets and marble figurines were uncovered as well as metal, bone and stone utensils and tools, part of which can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. The excavation site has been open to visitors since 2009.
Odyesseas Elytis Amphitheater: It is located at a top of the hill near the main town of Ios is named after the Greek Nobel winning poet. The theater has the same acoustics and architecture as an ancient Greek amphitheater and offers amazing views towards Mylopotas beach and Santorini.
Homer’s Tomb: Remains of graves of the Hellenistic period, where tradition claims that the tomb of the poet Homer lies, to the northern site of the island.
Paleokastro: A Byzantine castle built 300 m. above the sea to protect the locals from the pirate invasions. The stone path that leads to Paleokastro can be found on a hill a little before reaching Psathi. Pull over, follow the path and enjoy the spectacular views to the Aegean see.
The lighthouse of Ios: Built at the end of the 18th century by French technicians, it was renovated in 2005, using original materials and methods. It is open to visitors.
The Cheese Factory: When on the way to Psathi make a quick stop at the cheese factory, where you can learn about the production and taste the delicious local cheeses.
