Ios, Greece: definitive guide

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Visit Homer’s tomb

At school you will certainly have been told that Homer’s existence has not been confirmed at all, so you may be wondering how it is possible that there is a Tomb of Homer.

What you find in Ios is actually a cenotophy a cenotophy and is located on the island because, according to some legends, Homer. (if he had ever existed) he would have died on this island: for some he was killed by the inhabitants of Ios because he did not know how to answer one of their questions, for others he would have chosen to die on the island that was the birthplace of his mother Climene

The visit is totally freeand you just need to follow the directions or coordinates of Google maps.

You will then find yourself on a closed road, park and continue following the path that begins marked by some marble pillars.
The path is really simple and not at all tiring.

Discover Paleokastro

These are the remains of a Byzantine castle whose charm is given by the path that one faces to get there; you will walk along the mountain on a very well maintained road.

Perhaps he suffers from vertigo he might be a little afraid (especially if the day is also a bit windy).

However, the route is very simple and offers truly unique panoramic views.

The visit is obviously free.

Do not trust Google Maps, rather help yourself with the local signs (brown signs with white writing).

Google maps will probably take you to an old abandoned house, in this case go down that dirt slope, turn left and follow the road for about 4 minutes.

On the road you are traveling on, on the right, you will see the sign indicating the exact climb.

Aperitif in Mylopotas

Mylopatas is a very popular area in Ios, frequented by young people and families.
You can take deck chairs and umbrellas at a reasonable price or eat a gyros for only 2.70, in one of the beachfront bars.

Enjoy the sunset

If you type in Google “sunset in Ios”you will probably get some sunset bars reviewed on Tripadvisor among the first results.

We have found a fantastic photo spot that we share with you.

Follow the signs forIos Club Sunset Dining Barthen continue along that road for a few meters (the road ends on a private property bordered by a gate).

The curve just above is a perfect spot.

Here are the gps coordinates on Google Maps: 36 ° 43’18.6 “N 25 ° 16’39.2” E

Another enchanting place to watch the sunset is the church of Agia Irini, a wonderful all-white Orthodox church overlooking the sea. You see it as soon as you enter the waters of the port of Ios which welcomes arriving travelers and greets those who leave.

Dinner or lunch in a Greek tavern

The Greek taverns, the real ones, are the best solution to eat well and spend little. We have found and tried two in Ios for you that we highly recommend:

The Nest, tavern in Chora, where you can taste only and exclusively Greek dishes.

We ate:

• Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chicken in Tomato Sauce with Potatoes and Rice (really generous portions)
• Typical dessert
• Natural water
  Cost € 17.50

Koukos, tavern in Agia Theodothi, with a beautiful view of the beach.

In this case we ate:

• Traditional Moussaka
• Pastisio
• Natural water
• Fix Hellas half-liter beer.
  Cost € 20.50.

A day of relaxation and sea inMagganari

Magganari is a really large beach that is divided in fact between North, Center and South, characterized by ivory sand and transparent water with a not too high and beautiful seabed for snorkeling.

Here you will find free parking areas, lidos, free beaches, bars and restaurants.

We ate for lunch at the Venus Bar Restaurant but the cost for two salads and a bottle of water was not cheap at all (about 35 euros).

Go in search of deserted and half-known beaches

Here are the beaches that we discovered in Ios aboard our scooter and that we recommend:

• Manganari: not to be confused with Magganari, it is a very large beach with golden sand and pebbles and a shallow seabed.

• Paralia Plakes: a beautiful, poorly ventilated cove characterized by golden sand and a shallow seabed but perfect for snorkeling.
  Often you will be in the company of goats that graze behind you

• Theodothi: a truly kilometer-long beach divided between the south and the north, also with golden sand and the possibility of umbrellas and sunbeds.

• Tris Ekklisies Beach: beach accessible only by boat but it is a real sight to see it from above.

• Psathi: a few straw umbrellas and a lot, a lot of free beach to enjoy a seabed that is not exactly low, on the contrary it goes down quickly and a few meters from the shore you already lose foot.

• Loretzaina: a small cove but sheltered from the wind. Walk along a perfectly paved downhill road and enjoy this uncrowded beach, even if not at all equipped.
  

• Almyros: another lonely but rocky beach. Splendid sea but unfortunately it is a place abandoned to itself and for this reason it is often quite dirty and really badly kept.

• Tzamaria: beach near the port, truly enchanting. A small wild nature reserve. Even this beach is not equipped but the crystal clear sea leaves you speechless. Pleasant to spend a few hours here and then move to the port for refreshment.