Informations about Ios
Geographical & Historical Outline of Ios
Ios is one of the southern Cycladic islands, lying south of Naxos, with Amorgos to the east, Sikinos to the west and Santorini to the south.
It lies 107 nautical miles away from Piraeus and has an area of 108 square kilometers.
It is a small, mountainous island with a few small plains, several olives and vines.
It has an indented coastline with many attractive bays and sheltered inlets.
It was originally called Phoeniki, because it was inhabited by the Phoenicians.
According to tradition, it was later given the name of Ios by the Ionians who settled on the island at the end of the 2nd millennium BC.
In Roman times it was used as a place of exile.
Ios is renowned for its relationship with the great epic poet Homer.
Tradition says that the great poet was buried on the island. There is, in fact, a ruin at Plakoto, which is called Homer’s tomb.
During the Byzantine period, when it was known as Nios, it fell into decline and was almost completely abandoned.
It was captured by the Venetians, who built a strong castle on the hill at Chora to protect it from pirate raids.
In 1537 was occupied by the Turks.
The final liberation came with the incorporation of Ios in the modern Greek State, which was founded by the signature of the protocol of London on the 10th of March 1829.
Informations about Ios
HOW TO GET THERE
There is a ferry service from Piraeus to Ios all year round.
Ios is also connected with others islands of Cyclades (Syros, Paros, Naxos, Sikinos, Folegandros, Santorini, Anafi, Milos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Mykonos) and Crete.
There is a frequent bus service between the port Yialos and Mylopotas via Chora.
Taxis are available.
Motor bikes and cars are also available for hire.
Informations about Ios
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
- Port Autority of Piraeus
Tel: + 30 210 4226000
- Port Autority of Ios
Tel: + 30 22860 91264
- Ios Public Buses KTEL
Tel: + 30 22860 92015
ktel-ios.gr
- Archaeological Museum of Ios
Tel: + 30 22860 91246
- Health Center of Ios
Tel: + 30 2286 360000
- Municipal Library
Tel: + 30 22860 91940
- Municipality of Ios
Tel: + 30 2286360400
ios.gr/en
- Police Station
Tel: + 30 22860 91222
- Post Office
Tel: + 30 22860 91235
