IOS
Where: In the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group, the island of Ios
Why: an alternative youth destination infused with a cosmopolitan flair that competes as an equal with well established destinations like Mykonos and Santorini. Walk through the picture-perfect Hóra, the epitome of elegance and sophistication, swim in the crystal clear water at internationally famous beaches like Mylopótamos and Maganári, and taste mouth watering local specialities!
Must visit: Hora, nestling comfortably on a hill, with its white-washed cubic houses and roofed alleys; the twelve wind mills; Panagia Gremiotissa (Madonna of the Cliffs), at the highest point of Hòra, with an amazing view of the bay and neighbouring Sikinos; Paleokastro Byzantine castle, built at the top of a hill; “Odysseas Elytis” Open-Air Theatre, built in one of the poet’s favourite locations and the well-preserved 2800 BC Protocycladic Settlement of Skarkos.
Where to stay: there are plenty of charming hotels and rooms to let in Chóra, while family-run beachfront guesthouses and guesthouses in the island’s mountain villages will also offer you a pleasant environment to stay in while visiting the island! If you are looking for something more alternative, then choose to stay on one of the island’s official campsites. Note that the island lacks the luxurious amenities you may have come to expect on an island holiday, but what it lacks in luxury it makes up for in adventure!
Join in with: One of the most impressive celebrations is that of Panagia Gremiotissa, on August 15, when there is a procession of a famous icon depicting the Virgin Mary around Hóra followed by a feast with performances of traditional instruments and dances!
Hot tips for young people:
• Follow ancient paths (Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá Beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá) that are still used by the local shepherds to explore the interior of the island and to discover its hidden beauties!
• The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or biking, while from its peaks you can enjoy a panorama of the island and the never ending blue of the Aegean!
• On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári there are special facilities for water sports, ranging from wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and sailing lessons to kite surfing and canoeing.
• The intoxicating night life of the island will certainly impress you! Every night cafés and bars along the narrow paved streets of Hóra and the beach bars all around the island are packed with crowds of young visitors enjoying colourful cocktails, dancing their hearts out all night long and spilling uproariously out into the streets and onto the sand!
Exploring Ios
Enjoy the breathtaking clarity of the Aegean Sea, bask in the Greek sun as its turquoise waters lap against white sandy beaches, stroll around picturesque spots by the sea, admire the unique whitewashed island architecture, surf in crystal clear waters and go on some spectacular excursions during the day – but don’t forget to save some energy for the nightlife!Where: In the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group, the island of Ios
Why: an alternative youth destination infused with a cosmopolitan flair that competes as an equal with well established destinations like Mykonos and Santorini. Walk through the picture-perfect Hóra, the epitome of elegance and sophistication, swim in the crystal clear water at internationally famous beaches like Mylopótamos and Maganári, and taste mouth watering local specialities!
Must visit: Hora, nestling comfortably on a hill, with its white-washed cubic houses and roofed alleys; the twelve wind mills; Panagia Gremiotissa (Madonna of the Cliffs), at the highest point of Hòra, with an amazing view of the bay and neighbouring Sikinos; Paleokastro Byzantine castle, built at the top of a hill; “Odysseas Elytis” Open-Air Theatre, built in one of the poet’s favourite locations and the well-preserved 2800 BC Protocycladic Settlement of Skarkos.
Where to stay: there are plenty of charming hotels and rooms to let in Chóra, while family-run beachfront guesthouses and guesthouses in the island’s mountain villages will also offer you a pleasant environment to stay in while visiting the island! If you are looking for something more alternative, then choose to stay on one of the island’s official campsites. Note that the island lacks the luxurious amenities you may have come to expect on an island holiday, but what it lacks in luxury it makes up for in adventure!
Join in with: One of the most impressive celebrations is that of Panagia Gremiotissa, on August 15, when there is a procession of a famous icon depicting the Virgin Mary around Hóra followed by a feast with performances of traditional instruments and dances!
Hot tips for young people:
• Follow ancient paths (Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá Beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá) that are still used by the local shepherds to explore the interior of the island and to discover its hidden beauties!
• The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or biking, while from its peaks you can enjoy a panorama of the island and the never ending blue of the Aegean!
• On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári there are special facilities for water sports, ranging from wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and sailing lessons to kite surfing and canoeing.
• The intoxicating night life of the island will certainly impress you! Every night cafés and bars along the narrow paved streets of Hóra and the beach bars all around the island are packed with crowds of young visitors enjoying colourful cocktails, dancing their hearts out all night long and spilling uproariously out into the streets and onto the sand!
