• Historical Notes

It is said to be the most 'hot' island in the world. Ios is situated between Santorini and Naxos islands. It is one of the most southern island in Aegean. The island has area of 105 m2. It's shape is almost a rectangle, which diagonal is 18 km long.

There are several explanations about why the island was named Ios. Before that it was named Finiki (Φοινίκη), a name given by the previous inhabitants. Ios was probably named after its next residents, Iones ('Ιωνες). It is also believed that they named it after the Hebraic word 'Iion' which means pile of rocks, probably because of the rocky surface of the island. Another theory supports that the name was given thanks to the flowers io (viola), and it seems to be the most accurate one. Ios is the place the great poet Homer died (read more info at the respective page). Furthermore there are several marks of the ancient times. A temple of Apollo, one of the twelve gods, was placed in the ancient city. Apollo must have been the most venerated god in these times in Ios. The temple was ruined after Christians build a church on it after thousand years. In a church in Psathi (Ψάθη) a sign was found saying: Iraklidis Dio Fytalmioi (ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΔΗΣ ΔΙΟ ΦΥΤΑΛΜΙΩΙ). Fytalmios was a known nickname for Apollo.

Today Ios is a developing island. Although the government seems to be occupied and doesn't care that much about Ios many improvements have been made. Although the ancient findings are not fully developed (and many others not founded at all), the visitor is going to be able to visit many places which reveal not only the past of Ios but also the past of Cyclades and therefore Greece. The municipality of Ios is rather active and tries for the best. Many events are organised, concerts mainly, with famous or potentially famous participants. At May the great festival "HOMERIA" takes place. The festival comprises of athletic events, traditional dancing and acting mainly by schools coming from other islands and of course by the one in Ios. Usually the festival takes place in the second and the third weekend of May.  

• Nightlife

Nightlife of Ios is one of the reasons that made the island famous during the years. It is true that its nightlife is quite amazing. However many exaggerations have been made from bad reporters, looking for something that wasn't true and had to exaggerate a bit. The structure of the '"nightchart"' is quite simple. Most of the bars are inside the town of Ios, near or inside the main square. Although it is amassing is also very hard to describe and should be seen in person.

• Beaches

There are many beautiful beaches around Ios, covering all the tastes. Rental of cars and bikes is available but also you may use the tour buses which do day trips to beaches at a reasonable price. Some beaches are mentioned above, only to help you if you are coming for first time. You should also take a look in the map of Ios to find more beaches around Ios.