Greece has two island archipelagos, the Aegean and the Ionian, which host a rich array of plants and wildlife, particularly endemic and threatened plant species. Greece is important because the Aegean islands hold important populations of Mediterranean birds endangered elsewhere, including 80 per cent of the world’s breeding population of Eleonora’s falcon and a significant proportion of the Yelkouan shearwater.

Greece also has the second highest number of threatened species in Europe as well as in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, after Spain. Greece has already designated 30.22% of its land and 19.41% of its marine area as Natura 2000. 309 species and 90 habitats are protected under EU law. This is among the highest percentages compared to other EU countries. A notable example of endangered species in Greece is Caretta caretta, the loggerhead sea turtle, in the Mediterranean. Although it nests usually in Kyparissia Bay in the western Peloponnese, our nearby beach in Ios has a surprise visit of 30 turtles that hatched this summer (2022). It is a protected species based on K.O.92/43/EEC and PD 617/80 -PD 67/81.

An Important Bird Area (IBA) is an area that has globally important habitat for the conservation of populations of birds, for example habitats that sustain a population of an internationally threatened species, or house large numbers or concentrations of migratory birds, shorebirds or seabirds, or which support a significant number of bird species with restricted distributions. To see the IBA in Ios, please visit here.

Biodiversity plays an important role in the day-to-day life of our hotel: from the food in the café bar to the wood in furniture and fittings, the products of biodiversity are everywhere inside Petra. While beyond our hotel entrance, the beautiful coastline & beaches of Ios and other natural habitats provide visitors with opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.

Petra Holiday Village recognises that conserving biodiversity is in long term interest of our hotel and the society of Ios island at large. Petra is not located in a critical habitat nor ecologically sensitive area although the Mediterranean sea is increasingly under threat from the impacts of human activities such as trawling and pollution.

Our hotel operations maintain legal compliance to Greek & EU biodiversity-related laws and regulation. We avoid the introduction of any new potentially invasive, non-native species to our island. We have identified biodiversity conservation organisations and seek to engage and collaborate with them in the future to learn from them and share their knowledge with our guests;

• • WWF Greece
  • Hellenic Society for Environment and Culture
  • Hellenic Ornithological Society
  • Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos
  • iSea, for the protection of aquatic ecosystems
  • Archipelagos – Institute of Marine Conservation
  • Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory

Petra supports more ambitious biodiversity targets at national level and an increase in the level of funding for biodiversity.

How we contribute to biodiversity and wildlife conservation?

• Petra aims to eradicate all types of litter. We lead seasonal beach cleans to remove litter from the nearby Gialos beach.
• Our Dark Skies policy reduces our impact on light pollution, while we maintain low noise levels on our property.
• We have switched to certified eco-friendly chemicals and cleaning products, where possible.
• We have removed single use plastics from our property.
• Our landscaping is natural to the environment. Native landscaping involves using plants that occur naturally in a local environment. Our garden includes olive trees, eucalyptus, myoporum, vines, fig, rosemary, bougainvillea, cedar, prickly pear, geranium, acacia and pistacia plants. We do not spray or use any pesticides in our garden.

Biodiversity Code of Conduct

We suggest that our guests be informed of the characteristics of the local biodiversity, what you can do to protect and enjoy that biodiversity and what actions our hotel is taking to contribute to conservation in Ios.

Dark Skies Policy

​​The natural island darkness and the night sky it creates, contribute to the tranquillity of the island’s nocturnal character. Outside lighting has a significantly greater impact in Ios, than would be the case in an urban setting like Athens. Incorrectly specified or installed, outside lighting may easily create light pollution or a nuisance.

​Petra has a responsibility for the consequences of our lighting scheme. As Ios is naturally dark at night, there is little other light in the vicinity of our hotel. Therefore, we realise less light is required to draw the attention of our guests than would be the case in an urban setting. Purposely, we do not use decorative flood lighting nor advertising signs to draw attention to our Village. We have carefully installed downlighting & path lighting, rather than uplighting and we give great thought to the adjustment of lighting in our houses.

​In meeting our hotel’s needs for external lighting, we consider others and try to avoid causing a nuisance to them. We do not overlight nor direct illumination obtrusively outside of our hotel, into the properties of others (‘light intrusion/trespass’) or into the night sky (‘sky glow’). ​O​ur lighting is sufficient for its intended task and not excessive.

Quiet Hours Policy

Petra is located in a naturally quiet area, across the bay from the port and next to the relaxing sounds of the Mediterranean sea. Many of our guests return to us every year for much needed rest and relaxation.

We ask guests to be mindful of the volume of noise they produce inside their house and in all common areas of the Village. Televisions, voices, or other devices must be kept at a respectful low level at all times.

Our “Quiet Hours” are from 11:00pm to 10am.

If you become aware of a disruptive guest, please contact a staff member immediately.

 Just a few nautical miles away from Ios is the island of Sikinos. In ancient times, the island was called Oinoi, meaning winemaker. Located on the northwest side of Sikinos, Manalis Winery is attempting to revive the atmosphere of that era, when everything was natural.

Petra can help you organise a boat tour to Manalis Winery on Sikinos island. Depending on your preference and the condition of the sea, you can take either a speed boat or a traditional sailing boat from Ios and explore the charming island of Sikinos before your visit to the winery.

Included in the tour is the transfer from Sikinos Port to the winery.

The winery facilities operate in an organic wineyard exclusively with renewable energy. It is perched at 400 meters above sea level and is cultivated on terraces. The landscape is carved out of stone and sea while our estate is situated on a wild, rough, but fertile vineyard land. Manalis have revived this vineyard with arid Cycladic varieties, which they cultivate with passion in the rugged microclimate of the Aegean sea.

Manalis Winery currently produces four wine labels:

The SIKOINOS White: Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Monemvasia.
The SIKOINOS Rose: Aidani and Mavrotragano.
The SIKOINOS Red: Mavrotragano and Mantilaria.
The Liosato: Sweet local wine.

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more.”

Lord Byron

Ios is more than just another place to visit. It is a refuge of nature. We present some environmental-related information on our area (local animal habitats, native plant species and landscape) to help to deepen your geographical understanding of the island of Ios. 

Local Wildlife 

The blue, clear waters of the Aegean host important marine habitats, such as the meadows of Poseidonia and the unique coral reefs. Marine mammals such as the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus, the common dolphins Delphinus Delphis and the sea turtles Caretta Caretta swim in the Cycladic waters. To the surprise of many, the Cycladic islands are home to animals like badgers and whales. However, the number of living mammals in general is small. Most of these animals are nocturnal so as to avoid humans, including the local islanders! The following are some examples of wildlife that live here in Ios and other Cycladic islands.

Hedgehogs

The hedgehog is one of the most common mammals in the Cyclades. They are active and move usually during the night when looking for food; they feed on insects, snails, worms, lizards, snakes and plants.

Bats

Bats are the only mammals that are capable of real flight. They are typically nocturnal animals and therefore rarely observed in daylight. They feed on insects that they grab in the air. The islanders call them ‘nychterides’, from the ancient name for night creatures. The small bat is the most common species of bats in the Aegean islands. They are observed more widely in Syros. The bat species is under threat in the Cyclades due to the overall degradation of the natural environment in which they live such as caves.

Wild Rabbits

Active, particularly at dusk as well as during the night, the wild rabbit can sometimes be seen during the day. It digs labyrinthine tunnels into the ground where it hides and bears its young. The period of breeding in the Mediterranean countries begins during the winter and ends late in the spring. 

Badgers

While widespread in mainland Greece, badgers are rarely seen in the Cyclades (mainly in the islands of Tinos, Andros and Sifnos). It moves and searches for food during the night, leaving characteristic traces. The badger eats almost everything it finds: herbs, fruits, nuts, seeds, snails to rabbits, chicks.

Ferrets

Ferrets are particularly populous in Andros. They have a uniform, dark brown colour and are usually active during the night. Ferrets nest in cracks of rocks and openings of the ground or between stones, very often in villages and towns. Although it moves mainly on the ground, it can climb very skilfully.

Mediterranean Monk Seal

The Mediterranean Monk seal is one of the rarest and most endangered species of mammals all over the world. In 1994, the total population in the Cyclades was extremely low: (385–505). Important populations worldwide have been recorded in the island complex of Kimolos-Polyaigos in the Cyclades. In Greece, this seal was not always rare; there were once significant seal populations in the Ionian Islands, the Corinthian Gulf, the coasts of the Peloponnese, of East Greece, in Crete, Evia, the Cyclades, the northern and the eastern Aegean. The Mediterranean Monk Seal is a large animal that can reach 3.80 m in length, but usually ranges around 2.20 m and weighs up to 230 kilos. Males tend to be darker and females often have white or yellowish spots on the underside of the body. The basic coloration can be brown, black, silver or grey, with or without lighter spots on the underside of the body. However, both totally white and totally black individuals have been found. The diet of the Mediterranean Monk Seal includes fish, octopuses and lobsters. The life of the Monk Seal is estimated at 30–35 years. You can read about the conservation of the monk seal in Northern Cyclades here. 

Wild Goat of Eremolilos (Ibex) 

The Ibex goat is characterised by a reddish-brown colour and the black spots of the body. Nowadays the Wild Goats of Eremomilos are protected, although the conditions on the island, with the lack of surface water, are not the most favourable.  The Wild Goat is an ancestor of today’s domestic goat and looks much like it. The Wild Goats live in groups where the males make a strong presence during the mating season late in the autumn and winter. They feed on a wide variety of plants either by grazing or cutting leaves and stems from the trees, resting on the hind legs and standing up.

Reptiles

The Lillte Crocodile Laudacia stellio is located on the islands of Delos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos. 

Bird fauna

The Cycladic islands are a place of transit for millions of migratory birds travelling to and from Africa every spring and autumn. Especially in the spring, the islands are an important resting and supply place as they arrive tired, hungry and dehydrated having crossed the Sahara and the Mediterranean. The small wetlands of Tinos, the wetland of Serifos, the lagoon of Aliki in Naxos, the lake and the salt pans of Milos, the wetlands of Paros and Antiparos and the wetlands of Patmos are very important for migratory birds.

Seabirds use the open sea as their habitat where they feed, mate and sleep. They come ashore only to nest on isolated islets, which offer them safety without land predators. The Audouin’s Gull is the only gull found exclusively in the Mediterranean, a symbol of the islets.

Eleonora’s Falcon or Varvaki, as the residents of the Aegean islands call it, nests in colonies on small islets (or on steep rocky coasts), and every morning it begins to fly over the sea to feed and bring food to its young. The special feature of that bird that makes it unique in the world is the fact that Eleonora’s Falcon is the only predator that has specialised in exclusively hunting migratory birds over the sea. 70% of the world’s population is found in the islands of the Aegean, where it finds abundant food, winds that facilitate hunting, and isolated islets without land predators to nest.

Native Plant Species

Despite the seemingly barren and rocky landscapes and the relatively poor vegetation of the islands, there are more than 1,600 species of plants in the Cyclades, of which over 200 are rare or endangered endemic species. Thanks to the Cycladic microclimate, you can find many indigenous plants and herbs, along with vines and olives, in Ios with specific characteristics. Many of these plants provide intense flavour and taste to food. 

The following is the most common flora to be found in Ios:

Oregano

Greeks and Romans held oregano as a symbol of joy and happiness. In Ios, the dry climate, the sea and sun develop unique flavors of oregano. The warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor of oregano makes it the perfect addition to Mediterranean cuisine. In foods and beverages, oregano is used as a culinary spice and a food preservative. 

Fennel

Fennel is an aromatic and flavorful herb with culinary and medicinal uses and, along with the similar-tasting anise, is one of the primary ingredients of absinthe. Dried fennel seeds are often used in cooking as an anise-flavoured spice. 

Capers

The plant is best known for the edible dark green flower buds (capers) and the fruit (caper berries), both of which are usually consumed pickled. It is grown during summer on rocks, along the stone land near sea with strong sunlight and humidity. The Cyclades islands are the ideal place for this plant. Given its salted nature, it is often used as a seasoning or garnish.

Wild Thyme

Ios has an abundance of wild thyme. It is considered one of the best foods for bees and the honey produced as a result is often excellent quality.  Wild thyme was the symbol of ancient Greek gods Ares and Aphrodite who represented power, war and love. They used thyme to add aroma to cheese and wine. They used it also as a mild sedative drink that empowered their health and also used to burn thyme to repel poisonous reptiles and scorpions. Thyme gives fragrance to olive oil, olives, pickles, vinegar, salt, pulses, vegetables, salads, sauces and soups and is used to marinate meats, poultry and fishes.

Lavender

Lavender flowers are small, usually violet in colour. It has been well-known since antiquity where Ancient Romans used lavender in cookery, but also to scent garments, bed sheets and baths. The word lavender is derived from the Latin lavare (to wash). Lavender essential oil is used in laundry, perfumery, skin treatment, massage oil and soap making. It also has antiseptic & medicinal properties.  In cooking it can be used in combination with other aromatic plants such as thyme, fennel, and rosemary, oregano to marinade meats, poultry and fish. It combines very well with lemon. In general it suits all citrus fruits, as it mellows their acidity. 

St. John’s Wort

It was named St John’s wort because, along with other plant tips, St John used them as food when in the desert. It is used mainly for medicinal purposes.

Greek Sage

The name of the plant is derived from the Latin verb “salvare”, which means “to save”; hence it is the saviour plant. It is used as a condiment and as a preservative in the food and the oil industry. It gives aroma to poultry, meats, fish, pasta and legumes.

Landscape

Set in the south Aegean Sea, Ios belongs to the group of islands called the Cyclades. A largely infertile extension of mainland Greece, this group forms a circle. In the past, there were not enough fields for the locals to plough and produce sufficient food. Making use of local stone, they built stone walls to support terraces. Continuous stone-wall-supported terraces define Ios’ slopes making a strong impression on today’s visitors. Very common throughout the Cyclades and other parts of southern Greece, their original purpose was to provide precious soil for cultivation. They retained soil by creating strips of land where crops could grow. 

Terraces turn erosion into an advantage. Heavy rains (precipitation is a seasonal event only) often occurs in Ios in wintertime, gradually carrying good soil from the mountain tops to lower elevations. Kept in place by the terracing stone walls, this fertile mud fills the rows of terraces that mark the most desolate, rocky seaside slopes. Mostly in disrepair today, Ios’ terraces are centuries old. They extend to its most remote, rocky and windswept slopes, often reaching from the seafront all the way to the top of the mountains, to places that seem accessible only to goats. 

Like many places around the world, Ios is enduring land degradation due to severe erosion. This erosion has led to biodiversity loss and fragile terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In times of heavy rainfall, anti-erosion solutions, including vegetation and the use of traditional terraces, are required to stop rainwater running off into the sea carrying debris (soil, stones, sand) and to repair the land.

An Island of “Special Natural Beauty”

Petra Holiday Village supports the preservation of the natural value of Ios. Ios is an island of outstanding beauty, high sensitivity and ecological interest, which we love to share with our guests.

For more information on the protection of nature in Ios and its landscape, please visit the island’s environmental & cultural association, Save Ios. Visitors to Ios can also help protect the island by becoming a member of the association.

References;

Hellenic Ornithological Society

The Mammals of Cyclades, Syros Letters, Vol. 29, 1995 (translated by Constantine Hatziadoniu)

Dimaki Μ. 2010. “Aigeo: Mia thalassa zois. Ta erpeta. I Fisi”: volume 129, pages 28-30. Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature

Maria Livanou and Vangelis Paravas, The Marine Mammals of the Greek Sea. WWF Hellas

Anni Mitropoulou, Life Lessons From The Cyclades And Their People

Anastasia Kanli

You don’t need to choose between staying somewhere special and staying somewhere dog-friendly! At Petra Holiday Village we welcome well-behaved pets at no extra charge. They can enjoy the natural open space of our village with you, explore the many Paths Of Ios and run the half kilometre beach right next to us!

Petra encourages “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities” (The World Tourism Organization). As an accommodation provider on the island of Ios, we endeavour to embrace the following;

• •  – support the local community
  •  – provide an immersive experience
  •  – preserve resources and protect the environment

Ios has a lot to offer to visitors apart from sun, sea and entertainment, with rich Cycladic tradition not known by most tourists. Enjoy high quality accommodation of traditional Cycladic architecture and experience the locals trade and traditions; the island’s traditional cheese-making farm, beekeeping and local fishing activity. Petra offers you the possibility to acquaint, explore, live and enjoy the uniqueness of the nature of the island. Book your 2022 holiday with us!

Read our Green Policy here.

Our village is perfect for those seeking a safe environment to holiday in this summer. Guests have privacy, space and complete convenience.

Book your 2022 holiday and come explore Ios with a range of family-friendly activities on our doorstep like hiking and water sports.

Petra Holiday Village offers booking flexibility should COVID-19 restrictions prevent you from holidaying in Greece in 2022. By booking directly with us, you have the freedom to change your booking, should the need arise. We understand the importance of this for many guests and are therefore happy to reassure you that we will do all we can to help.

COVID-19 Specific Cancellation Policy *

Our COVID-19 specific cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to arrival offering flexibility in these uncertain times.

Reservations for stays can be made on our website, by email or telephone. Booking directly with us offers the best available rates with no booking fees or hidden costs.

*please note that we are not responsible for the policies of travel agents, online booking platforms nor third party professionals. Guests who have made a reservation via such booking providers, must please contact them directly for any adjustments.

If you need a change of scenery from your home office, join us at Petra Holiday Village for a working vacation and healthy outdoor living on the beautiful island of Ios.

Our houses are self-contained, each with their own kitchenette, private terrace and high-speed internet connection, providing the perfect setting for productive work! Situated next to the beautiful Gialos Beach, Petra offers you an ideal work-life balance.

Looking for a change of pace? Consider working remotely from Greece. Come sit at our café bar with your laptop or books and be as productive ever; next to the sea; under a pergola, and of course high speed WiFi.

• Beach-side & sea-view accommodation
• Private terrace
• Quiet and tranquil environment
• High-speed internet in all spaces
• Laundry service

If you are interested in staying for a longer period, please contact us directly.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or trail runner who is interested in challenging treks or a beginner who enjoys short hikes to admire beautiful scenery while on holiday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ios. A hiker’s paradise, Ios Island offers a huge variety of hiking routes thanks to the work of Ios Paths. There are at least 136km of hiking trails, suitable for walkers of any age, to walk through.

If you love walking, then Petra Holiday Village is the best place to start from and explore the unique landscapes of Ios island. An amazing hiking experience starts with great hospitality! We provide detailed information & maps about the best hikes, in printed or electronic form, and also have a wide range of hiking gear (backpacks, walking poles, first-aid kit, binoculars…) for guests’ use as well as offering healthy packed lunches.

Nutritious Greek breakfast starts the day off just right, with a selection of traditional homemade products using local ingredients, which will provide you with all the energy needed for your hike.

Setting off from our accommodation at Petra, you can explore one of the many trails below, with views of the sea. Take a break and swim off one of our blue flag beaches.

Gyalos-Koumpara-Faros (1,2 km)
From Petra Holiday Village, follow the road to Koumpara. The route is offered for an enjoyable evening walk.

Mylopotas-Sapounohoma beach-Klima beach (3,7 km.)
The trail starts from the dirt road of Mylopotas beach and leads to the beautiful beach of Sapounohoma or Klima, passing through a fascinating landscape.

Chora- Agios Spiridon- Agios Prokopis-Anemogenitries-Agii Anargiri-Agia Theodoti beach (7,4 km.)
This beautiful path starts from Ios Chora, offering amazing panoramic views all the way.

Chora-Skarkos-Ellinika-Agia Triada-Agios Prokopis
A route in a very good condition, with dry stone walls to your left and right.

Agia Theodoti-Ormos Avlaki Kastrou (1,5 km)
Follow this beautiful short route for an afternoon walk with views to the nearby islands.

Psathi-Ormos Ntomino (1,4 km)
For a breathtaking view to Psathi beach from above.

Theater- Agios Dimitrios- Ioannis Prodromos monastery- Pyrgos (6,2 km)
This route offers a view to Mylopotas beach, a visit to Agios Ioannis church, and it ends up at Pyrgos.

Port – Agia Eirini-Valmas beach (0,8 km)
The path starts from the port and the entrance of Agia Eirini church and it offers a view to the sea, leading to the beautiful beach of Valmas.

For more information on the trails, visit Ios Paths. We kindly ask our guests to help us keep our paths clear of litter.

When you return from your hike you can wash your shoes and change your clothes. Our beachside Bar Café is also the ideal oasis in which to enjoy a delicious snack after a long day’s trek.

If you are looking for an escape into both nature & tradition and love explorations, Ios island is a perfect place for a walk along paths enjoying the birdsong & wildflowers. If you prefer, we can also arrange for you to be accompanied by an experienced and independent guide, who will give you a lot of interesting information, hints and tips on the way. We can also lend you books on nature and culture!

Enjoy your stay, explore the trails and have a fantastic hiking experience! We look forward to welcoming you in this new alternative adventure!

Our village is perfect for those seeking a safe environment to holiday in this summer. Guests have privacy, space and complete convenience.

Come and escape this summer! Explore Ios with a range of family-friendly activities on our doorstep like hiking and water sports.

Petra Holiday Village offers booking flexibility should COVID-19 restrictions prevent you from holidaying in Greece in 2021. By booking directly with us, you have the freedom to change your booking, should the need arise. We understand the importance of this for many guests and are therefore happy to reassure you that we will do all we can to help.

COVID-19 Specific Cancellation Policy *

Our COVID-19 specific cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to arrival offering flexibility in these uncertain times.

Reservations for stays can be made on our website, by email or telephone. Booking directly with us offers the best available rates with no booking fees or hidden costs.

If you need a change of scenery from your home office, join us at Petra Holiday Village for a working vacation and healthy outdoor living on the beautiful island of Ios.

Our houses are self-contained, each with their own kitchenette, private terrace and high-speed internet connection, providing the perfect setting for productive work! Situated next to the beautiful Gialos Beach, Petra offers you an ideal work-life balance.

If you are interested in staying for a longer period, please contact us directly.

Are you planning an escape this summer? We think that you need something to look forward to, now more than ever!

*please note that we are not responsible for the policies of travel agents, online booking platforms nor third party professionals. Guests who have made a reservation via such booking providers, must please contact them directly for any adjustments.

The archaeological tourism in Ios is associated with a visit to the archaeological museum in the Hora and to areas of archaeological interest like Skarkos, (Protocycladic settlement of Ios), the ancient walls of Hora, Roman aqueduct at Aghia Theodoti, the Byzantine Palaeokastro at Psathi, Ellinika at Epano Kampos, the ancient tomb at Plakotos claiming to be the burial site of the great poet Homer and much more.

In the book of Choiseul – Gouffier we can see in an engraving the oldest known image of Ios, where are shown the relics of the Ancient town, which are visible so far. The main residential centre of Ios, at least from the Archaic period and then, is the homonymous town. Its existence is also attested by Ptolemy: “Ios island and town” [Martharis, 1999]. The ancient town of Ios was located where the present Hora is, on the steep heep of the Castle which overlooks the harbour area. Its natural fortified position was reinforced with a wall that surrounded the entire hill. Its main gate is on the west, to the point the stepped path leading from the port to the city was ending. The wall is made from oblong volumes of local slates. As shown by the pottery of the archaic and classical found in the foundations, some parts of its date back to these times whereas the general picture that is presented, advocates that its bigger part dates in the Hellenistic period.

The modern archaeological research in Ios started by the Archaeological Service in the early 80s. The earliest traces of human presence that are identified at the island, so far, are found at the Skarkos location. There was collected superficial pottery dating in the transition from the Early Cycladic I period to the Early Cycladic II (Kampos group, 2.800 – 2.700 B.C.).

During the next periods (Early cycladic ΙΙ, 2.700 – 2.200 B.C.) when the communications in the Aegean were at their peak, Ios appears to be prosperous and populous. There are settlements located mainly in capes and coastal locations, such as Aghia Theodoti, Psathi and Plakes on the east, Manganari on the south and Skarkos on the west, where is the biggest and most important settlement of the Island. The cemeteries of these settlements were also identified. At the same time there cemeteries found, with the most important being the one at Plakotos on the north of the island, the settlements of them still being unknown.

According to the monetary and epigraphic data found on Ios, it was worshipped ο Zeus Polieus, Athena Polias, the Pythian Apollo, Apollo the Saviour, the chthonic deity of vegetation (Fytalmios) and Isis.

Remains of ecclesiastical buildings are found in the coastal of Psathi and Aghia Theodoti on the east of the island. In other places in the interior or the coasts of the island, on tops convenient for observatories, are visible the remains of circular or square towers (Mersinia, Psaropirgos etc.) whereas at the Ellinika region at Epano Kampos there is an Hellenistic two storey building of rural character in very good state of preservation. At the location Magazia, on the north, are the ruins of the Roman coastal county whereas in Psathi and Aghia Theodoti are remains of Roman aqueducts [Martharis, 1999].

The fortified settlement Paleocastro located on a vertical hill in northern Ios, has Byzantine elements and it is speculated that it was built during the Komnenoi reign [Spartinos, 2004].

The island of Ios is considered to be the burial ground of the great poet Homer. Information on the death and burial of Homer we take from Strabo as well as from Pausanias that mentions a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi.

The prophecy says:

“Happy and unhappy (because he was born for both).

You seek for hometown, but there is the one of your mother which is not your hometown.

There is an island Ios, hometown of your mother, that will accept you after you die.

But beware of the riddle of the young children ”.

There is also the version of Ragavis that says that Homer died because he couldn’t find the answer to the riddle of the young fishermen [Tsagaropoulos, 1965]. Also, archaeologists have unearthed ancient coins bearing the head of Homer and the words ‘HOMER‘ and ‘IITON‘.

What to Know When Visiting Skarkos

If you hear an archaeologist talk about site etiquette, it means following guidelines or a code of conduct that respects fragile archaeological sites. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect archaeological sites for the future. Petra has three tips for you to follow;

1. Remember to leave any artifacts where they are.
2. Be careful where you walk at an archaeological site. Stepping, leaning, sitting, or climbing on structures could damage them. Pay close attention to signs and paths in parks or heritage areas.
3. Think about what you leave behind. Leaving your own materials at archaeological sites could spoil the experience for others. Please remember to take any rubbish with you.

Original historical and archaeological artefacts are not sold, traded, or displayed, except as permitted by local and international law.

Bibliography:

Martharis M., “The Archaeological Museum of Ios”, Ministry of Culture 21st Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquites, 1999.

Spartinos M. – G., “Ios, Tracing the relationship between man and his environment”, Municipality of Ios, “Practices for Sustainable Development in the Southern Aegean Islands (islands of Ios and Telos) program”, Co-funding Ministry of Environment , Syros 2004.

Tsagaropoulos A., “Ios, a touch of white in the Aegean”, Rokos Brothers printing shop, Athens 1965.