Cyclades
Islands
: Amorgos, Andros,
Folegandros, Ios,
Kea, Kythnos,
Milos, Mykonos,
Naxos, Paros
and Antiparos, Santorini,
Sifnos, Serifos,
Sikinos, Syros,
Tinos
Northern
Aegean Islands:
Chios, Ikaria,
Limnos, Lesvos,
Samos, Samothraki,
Thassos
Ionian
Islands:
Corfu (Kerkyra), Ithaki,
Kefalonia, Kythera,
Lefkada, Paxos,
Zakynthos
Saronic
Islands:
Aegina, Angistri,
Poros, Hydra,
Salamina, Spetsis
Sporades
Islands:
Alonissos, Skiathos,
Skopelos, Skyros
Dodecanese
Islands:
Astypalia, Halki,
Kalymnos, Karpathos,
Kassos, Kastellorizo,
Kos, Leros,
Nisyros, Patmos,
Rhodes, Symi,
Tilos
Other
Islands:
Crete, Evia,
Cyprus
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Cyclades Islands - Ios
Ios Island's history predates the Venetian fortress that
was built here in the 15th century. Ios Island is about
67 miles round. The great Greek poet, Homer, himself,
is said to be buried on this Greek Island; Indeed, there
is a tomb that is named for him. According to Greek
mythology, his mother is said to have been born on
Ios.
Ios Island is known for its rowdy nightlife.
About 100 bars are located around the town square of Chora.
Ios Island, known as Nios to the locals, was a 24-hour
party town, but residents decided to insist that bars
close at 3 a.m. Indeed, you will find no shortage of testimonials
from youth that Ios is the "spring break" capital
of Greece all year.
Construction of the boxy white buildings continues up
the mountainous island and encircles the highest peak.
It is the stark contrast of the dry brush and the bright
white of the buildings that invites you in from the Mediterranean.
The deep blues of the sea that caress the white sandy
beaches are startling in their contrast, as well. No where
in the world will you find truer blue seas than around
the Greek Islands.
Water sports, including snorkeling and yachting are popular
here and you will find many conveniences on this island
because it is so popular with youth. The mountains are
surrounded by vineyards and olive
orchards, which are so standard in Greek
cuisine.
Strolling along the cobblestone village streets is reminiscent
of the traditional images of Greece. Small, close walkways
wind throughout the towns and provide a glimpse of its
history. Two of the churches located on Ios Island have
a "mission" feel to them. The other church,
the Cathedral of Ios is more traditional in architecture
with it's "cubed" look and white-wash paint.
The capital of Ios Island is Hora, which is where the
city literally steps down from the mountain toward the
beautiful beaches. It is in Hora that you will find rich
traditional construction as well as more modern buildings
and churches. The beautiful blue domes of the churches
offer similar contrast as do the white
sandy beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. Beautiful
and breathtaking are the words that best describe Ios
Island, a popular island for youth, but offering enough
tradition to make it a nice stop on your vacation
in the Greek Islands.
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