IOS

Ios, called Nios by friends and locals, is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It has numerous bays, large and small, which form countless beaches, some stretching at length along the coastline, others forming reclusive beaches to suit lovers and loners. The horizon is an endless alternation of differing shades of blue, as sky and sea contend for every glimpse and gaze of eyes lost in an intense effort to embrace this image, to secure a lasting copy of it deep within the mind and the heart. This natural beauty, along with the heartily offered hospitality of its people and the liveliness of its nightlife, make Ios a most popular tourist destination. Ios is believed to be the birthplace of Homer"s mother and the place where Homer himself lived his final days. Among the most important sights that a visitor can visit are the evocative ruins of a medieval castle in the mountainous area of Palaiokastro, the remnants of an ancient temple in Psathi, the Archaeological Museum in Chora, many churches and a privately owned Modern Art Museum in Kolitsani, close to Chora. Ios has developed impressively in terms of tourist infrastructure. As far as accommodation, entertainment and shopping are concerned, there is a wide range of facilities offered, including agrotourism options. There many hotels, rooms-to-let, and camping sites, while Ios is renowned for its nightlife. In this field, Mylopotas is one of a kind and a lot of action is going on there. Water sports facilities are also available on the beach of Mylopotas, while the rugged landscape of the island poses a challenging task for trekkers, who will be rewarded by the endless view to endless blue. Visitors should not leave without tasting local honey, as well as other delicacies such as "xinomyzithra" and "kaltsounia". Ferries and flying dolphins sail from Piraeus to Ios, throughout the year, and link Ios, with Anafi, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Crete, Folegandros, Astypalea and Kalamata.

Usefull telephones:

IOS AREA CODE:  22860-

POLICE STATION: 22860-91222, 92222

MUNICIPALITY: 22860-91505, 91028

MEDICAL CENTER: 22860-92227, 28611

PORT POLICE: 22860-91264, 91268

BUS STATION: 22860-92015

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22860-91399, 92099

POST OFFICE: 22860-91235

PHARMACIES: 22860-91562

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE: 22860-91850