Chora od Hora orbetter known as Ios Town, is the capital and the largest inhabitedcenter of the enchanting Ios island. Also here is the main portthat connects it with the rest of the Greek Islands.

We find it on thenorth western side, a real jewel in the shape of an amphitheaterbetween two rocky hills, offering a unique and exciting panorama. Itfascinates its visitors with its architecture of whitewashed cubichouses with flat roofs and deep blue windows and doors, its paved andwhite painted streets between large flat stones that wind creating alabyrinth, arches, arcades, stairways squares, chapels and balconiesframed by colorful flowers that contrast with the almost blindingwhite and then turn a corner and voilà a different perspective witha shop or a courtyard that seems almost designed, that’s what toexpect from the Chora.

Full of small bars, taverns,jewelers, boutiques and nightclubs, it will surely satisfy anyonewithout ever colliding with the atmosphere and rhythms of the islandstill linked to ancient traditions and habits. At the Chora you canalso find the perfect accommodation for your holiday in Ios, you canchoose between simple and independent apartments or studios, ratherthan hotels of all levels and budgets.

To better enjoy it,take a walk during the day when everyone is at the beach or still inthe arms of Morpheus, you will be able to better grasp the magic ofthis picturesque town considered among other things one of the mostbeautiful of the Cyclades Islands. Note that the area is almostentirely pedestrian, no cars or scooters for most of the village.

Do not miss the Panaghia Gremiotissa one of the twenty four churches present, the highestpoint in the country where you can enjoy a panorama that will leaveeven the most skeptical speechless, especially at sunset wheneverything is tinged with warm and sparkling colors. The Church isdedicated to the patron saint of the island and her name in Greekmeans “Our Lady of the Steep Rock”.  Built in 1797, it is asmall sanctuary with white walls, a classic blue dome and a tall belltower flanked by a large palm tree visible from every part of theHora. On August 15th the Virgin is celebrated with a very beautifulcelebration, participate if you will be on Ios for your holiday in Greece.

At the end of the mainroad that reaches the square, there are the iconic windmills whereonce the grain was ground while today some have become real houseswith their well kept garden. The mills in theory were once twelve,some are now hidden among private houses but those that remain arethe identifying symbol of Ios. At night both the whole village andthe mills are lit up, a unique show with a touch of magic.

Interesting are the Venetian Castleruins on the tip of the hill overlooking thevillage, dating back to the 10th century. Made of marble, itsurrounds a Byzantine chapel  and was built to protect the inhabitantsfrom the continuous attacks by the marauders of the seas, thepirates.

And yet the Archaeological Museum in front of the cathedral on the main road which preserves theprecious stele of Homer and a collection of testimonies mainly fromthe archaeological Skarkos site.

And finally it is impossiblenot to mention the lively nightlife of the Chora, which after sunsetbecomes sleepy and brilliant with its clubs where you can party untildawn, all accompanied by colorful cocktails and a crazy view.

By virtue of its nightlife,to visit this beautiful part of Ios, it depends a little on what typeyou are, if you are a night owl it is certainly better to come thereat sunset and then discover it in the middle of the night wanderingthrough its mazes, or if you do not like the confusion when the sunshines and everyone is at bed.

Without a doubt one ofthe stops to be included among the things to do and see in Ios.