Ios is a very beautiful and picturesque island retreat, known for its excellent sandy beaches and many chapels. Its pretty Chora (capital), situated on a hilltop with medieval castle, and white-washed houses, narrow streets, blue domed churches and windmills. Part of the original walls of the old town are still intact and there are also ruins of the Temple of Apollo. An archaeological museum is open every day except Mondays and bank holidays.

According to Herodotus, Ios was the home of Homer mother Clymene, and the burial place for Homer. On 15th of May each year, the Homer festival, Homeria takes place and a flame is carried from the port to his tomb in Plakoto.

To reach Ios by sea, there is catamaran service, from Piraeus twice a day in high season (approximately 3 ½ hours). There are also frequent ferry links with Piraeus (7.5 Hours). Ios is on the same routes as Syros, Paros, Naxos Island, Sikinos, Folegandros, Santorini, Anafi and Milos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Mykonos and Crete. The island can be reached by air via Santorini Airport, and then a ferry or catamaran connection (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

Yialos, the port of Ios, is 2 kms from Chora. It has a sandy beach and a good selection of tavernas and bars. Close to Yialos are Koubara and Kolitsani beaches, and there are also caiques to other beaches on the island. Behind the port it is possible to climb the old stairway to Hora (20 minutes). Close to the villa we have to rent on Ios, and 5 kms away from Yialos, is the best beach on the island, Mylopotas beach, a one kilometre long sandy beach, also with bars and tavernas.