| Agios Nikolaos Chapel | |  |
| The view from the highest of the churches that crown Chora is truly breathtaking. The climb up here is tough, not to mention the inevitable detours through labyrinthine alleyways. But the reward is well worth the effort! |
| Chora Bus Stop | | |
| As everywhere in the Cyclades, the bus is the cheapest means of transport. From the village of Chora, there is at least an hourly service to Milopotas beach and the port of Gyalos. For the beaches of Koumbara and Manganari, on the other hand, it's best to check the timetable. |
| Chora Windmills (1) | | |
| Chora boasts a number of windmills, but unfortunately many of them are derelict and have not been renovated. Here we are at the very top of the village, on the road that climbs up to the magnificent amphitheatre. A renovated windmill can be discovered a little further down, on a beautiful esplanade. |
| Chora Windmills (2) | | |
| Forget ruined windmills, this is the only place where you can see one in good condition, on a large esplanade offering a breathtaking view of the hill and its crown of churches. For more spectacular views, climb up to the Odysseas Elytis amphitheatre. |
| Ferry Terminal | | |
| As Ios is situated on the Piraeus-Santorini route, the island is extremely well served by ferries. As on many Cycladic islands, the main village is on high ground, just over 2km by road and 1km by footpath (beware, it's a steep climb). |
| Gyalos Beach | | |
| Here we are at the southern end of Gyalos beach, which was still deserted when we shot our panoramas in April 2025. In high season, this fine sandy beach is of course very busy, although it is less popular than Milopotas. Here you'll find accommodation, bars, sunbeds and parasols. |
| Gyalos Bus Stop | | |
| As everywhere in the Cyclades, the bus is the cheapest means of transport. From the port of Gyalos, there is at least an hourly service to Milopotas beach and the village of Chora. For the beaches of Koumbara and Manganari, on the other hand, it's best to check the timetable. |
| Heroes Square | | |
| The largest square in Chora, where many events take place. The starting point for exploring the countless narrow streets of the village, which is of course inaccessible to cars. Our virtual stroll gets lost in the labyrinth, but takes you right up to the churches and windmills that stand above the village. |
| In the maze (1) | | |
| Don't expect to find a signposted path up to the churches that crown Chora. Follow your instincts and climb up, and you'll get there after getting a little lost along the way. Chora is a maze of narrow streets, and getting lost is part of the pleasure of discovery. |
| In the maze (2) | | |
| This is one of the few places where you'll find a few clues to help you find your way around. Needless to say, Chora is such a dense labyrinth that you're bound to get lost anyway, much to your delight! |
| In the maze (3) | | |
| Which way to go? Left, right, straight on? Or should we turn back? A badly damaged signpost seems to point the way to the Panagia Gremiotissa at the top of the hill, but the arrow is faded... Let's forget everything and get lost in the narrow streets! |
| Odysseas Elytis Amphitheatre | | |
| Named after Odysseas Eltis (1911-1996), the famous Greek poet who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1979, this modern amphitheatre can seat over 1,000 spectators. Situated at the very top of Chora, it overlooks Milopotas beach and offers an extraordinary panoramic view. |
| Panagia Gremniotissa Church | | |
| When you reach the largest of the churches that crown Chora, you're not yet at the top of the hill. Before climbing up to Agios Eleftherios, Agios Georgios and Agios Nikolaos, the highest chapels, take a deep breath and admire the view! |
| Path to Chora | | |
| There's no need to follow the road up to Chora on foot - this pretty path takes you straight there. Avoid the hottest hours of the day, as it's quite a climb! The least tiring option is, of course, to take the bus... |
| Path to Gyalos | | |
| The path up from Chora to the harbour is rather challenging, but on the way down it's a lovely walk that we recommend you make at least once during your stay in Ios. |
| Road to museum and amphitheatre | | |
| The road is very steep but we're almost at the superb amphitheatre, with its breathtaking panoramic views. Head right to discover it. On the left, the road leads to the Gaïtis-Simossi Museum, an art museum opened in 2017 with a permanent exhibition devoted to the works of painter-sculptor Yannis Gaïtis and sculptor Gabriella Simossi, a famous pair of 20th-century Greek artists. |
| Valeta Square | | |
| As Ios is renowned for being the island of endless partying, you'll find countless cafés, bars and tavernas in Chora, often in unlikely places such as narrow alleyways. We fell under the spell of this little square in the heart of the village, where we didn't miss a chance to have an aperitif! |
