Petra encourages local small entrepreneurs to develop and sell sustainable products that are based on the area’s nature, history, and culture (including food and drink, crafts, performance arts, agricultural products, etc.). We also support local service providers.
LOCAL HONEY
Ios has a number of local honey producers. Guests can taste both “summer” and “winter” honey (thyme & heather honey), a difference in taste connected to the local flora on the island.
Supplier Name; Μελινιώτικο (Traditional Thyme Honey of Ios)
Phone Number; +306974703045
LOCAL CHEESE
Ios cheese is known to be among the best in Greece and is distributed throughout Europe. The island has two cheese making facilities, of which one (the charming Diaseli) is open to public. We encourage guests to visit Diaseli, as not only do they explain their products, how they make them, and offer tastings, but also exhibit a traditional Ios house and walk visitors through the historical artefacts.
Mizithropita is a sweet made with a local fresh cheese, while Xino is a soft tangy cheese used locally in Greek salads instead of feta.
You can visit their website here.
LOCAL HERBS
Thyme, oregano, verbena, lavender, wild fennel can all be found on the island at different times of the year. Some locals make special breads with wild fennel (maratho) at Easter. Herbs and local products of all kinds are available in Mosenta Traditional Store at the port.
LOCAL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Wild fruits such as figs, prickly pear, capers, and strawberry fruit grow in Ios along with pomegranates, apricots, almonds, olives, mulberries. Local farmers and gardeners grow tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, lettuces, potatoes, water melon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and more.
Guests can purchase local fruit and veg from local farmer Ntizakis at his market.
LOCAL JEWELLERY
Guests can buy a jewellery gift at the family-owned jewellery shop in the village. The jewellery is influenced by the wild beauty of the island and distinctive traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Piece includes recycled silver and gold as well as ethically sourced pearls.
Shop Name: Theros
Telephone: +30 22860 91125
IOS CULTURAL ASSOCIATION “FOINIKI”
The local cultural association hosts a number of performance & art events throughout the year. Guests can visit their Facebook page here.
LOCAL FOOTPATHS
There is a network of footpaths & hiking trails that we encourage guests to experience. You can see the trails here and we have the local guidebook on Ios footpaths available for you to borrow at reception. The paths can be visited independently or with the guidance of George from Ios Paths.
Petra respects the intellectual property rights of the local community & the entrepreneurs on the island.
