Ios rises out of the ocean on a lot of cliffs, then rises even further with its hills, the most picturesque of which are covered in whitewashed buildings cascading down them like waves, the blue domed roofs like beach balls. Cars don't do well in these villages, the main one of which is Chora, a particularly winding alley-crossed example. Tourism is the main draw, and many of the island's settlements have been taken over by cafes and restaurants for the visitors.

Ios doesn't have as well a developed archaeological reputation as many of Greece's other islands but it does have a particularly promising prehistoric settlement dig happening on Skarkos hill. Dating four or five thousand years ago the homes here are two storey and have complex sewerage systems.

Ios does have its claims to fame though: it was the island Homer's mother was born on, and is where the great chronicler was buried, and among its selection of lovely beaches is Mylopotas, one of the hippest and most happening places to party, then sleep on the beach in your sleeping bag, in the 70s.

Written by  Jodie Kimbah.

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