The Spanish travel magazine Viajar showcases the authenticity, rich history spanning thousands of years, and culture of Ios through a series of features. The author of the article, who visited Ios at the invitation of the Municipality, was impressed by the different “faces” of the destination and captivated by the mystery of the ancient tomb of Homer.

The feature in Spain’s largest travel magazine, read by millions worldwide, “explains” the uniqueness of the destination through a retrospective of its impressive evolution, emphasizing that “Ios preserves the site where, according to legend, the tomb of the creator of the Odyssey and the Iliad is located. Amid secluded beaches, Venetian castles, and paths leading to archaeological ‘treasures,’ the island combines its mythical aura with the authenticity of a Cycladic island waiting for the ‘initiated’ to be discovered. Despite its proximity to Santorini, Ios has followed a slower and more intimate path.

The island has become a magnet for young people seeking entertainment, filling it with positive energy and youthful vibrancy that endures today, while simultaneously offering new, invaluable experiences. A striking recent addition is the Gaïtis-Simosi Museum, which harmoniously ‘marries’ the breathtaking view of the Aegean with painting, sculpture, and aesthetics. Moreover, hiking plays a vital role, connecting Chora with the island’s interior, showcasing its stunning nature, and revealing treasures such as picturesque chapels and the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos, preserved from the 3rd millennium BC and serving as a living ‘bridge’ to the unknown past.”

It is noted that recently the website of Viajar, the world’s fifth most important travel website, included Ios in another popular feature on the Cyclades, read by millions of travelers.

“Facing modern challenges, our goal through new projects is to continuously improve the quality of Ios for both residents and visitors,” said the Mayor of Ios, Gikas Gikas.