Ios is principally one of the islands, which has been identified with the meaning of entertainment and the vivid rhythms of life that its visitors live and enjoy. Centre of attraction mostly for young ages (but not only), consists the choice for many people who want to combine their holidays with intense moments of entertainment and unique memories.
Among all the Cyclades islands, Ios has been for many years the one most loved by young people of all ages. And rightly so, since it combines all the ingredients of a Greek island that one would dream of. Well known as the island where the great poet Homer died, Ios is the place where beauty and culture meet party people from all around the world.
The Ionians came and settled to the island in 1050 B.C. A version about the origin of the island's name claims that it derives from the name of the Ionians, but this doesn't seem to be valid linguistically, because in such case the name would be "Ionia" or "Ionis". According to another version, the name derives from the Phoenician word "Iion", meaning "a heap of stones". This version doesn't seem valid either, as we know that the Phoenicians had inhabited places that were much rockier than Ios. Finally, according to the prevailing version, Ios took its name from the violets (Greek "ion") that fill its countryside each spring. The island has been related with the death of the poet Homer, creating a myth that in the course of the centuries turned into a tradition.
Until Ios came under Frankish rule, it suffered a lot from the pirate raids, as its natural harbour was a sheltered anchorage for all ships. At that time, whenever the islanders saw a foreign ship in the port, they would barricade themselves in the castle, sending the oldest women of the island to the port. If they came back, then everything would be all right. If not, then they would have to prepare for battle. In 1204 Ios was occupied by the Crusaders, and up to the 15th century it was ruled by the noble family of Crispi, forming part of the Duchy of Naxos. The Crispi rebuilt the castle on the ruins of the old one to protect the island from the pirates. But in 1537, Hairedin Barbarossa, the Turkish pirate, occupied the Duchy of Naxos, together with Ios. 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.
The most significant local feasts celebrated during summer are: On the 24th of June and on the 2nd of August, the feast of St. John Prodromos at the monastery of Pyrgos, on the highest spot of the island.
On the 29th of August, St. John's is celebrated in two parts of the island, in Kalamos and Psathi. Each year on this date, hundreds of pilgrims attend vespers, taste the meat soup served in wooden dishes ("skoutelia") and dance to island music all night through.
Located in Cyclades, Greece Ios is only accessible by boats since Ios does not have an airport. Most people choose to fly directly to Athen or Santorini and from there take the ferry to Ios. Boats and Ferries mainly depart from Piraeus port in Athen (Greece biggest port) from and to Ios
Climate
The warmest month are July and August, with average temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius the day time.
However, a prevailing north, north east wind brings some fresh air and cools you down. In winter time it is and 10-18 degrees Celsius.
During spring Ios is much greener, almost beyond recognition in comparison to summer period.
