Today we had a local guide take us around the island to show us several historic sites and to share with us the cultural history of the island. Unlike Naxos, Ios is completely reliant on tourism and many of their natural resources no longer support the economy or way of life here. Our guide, George, is committed to reclaiming the stories of prior generations and keeping the younger generations connected to the traditions of the past.

Ruins of the earliest settlement of Ios

Same ruins in the right of the frame

George’s land where he grows olive trees, grapes, figs, herbs, vegetables:

Young olive trees

Olive Tree

Oregano

Young olives

Figs

Homer’s Tomb (actually a fisherman’s tower)

Legend has it that Homer (poet who wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey) was buried on a hilltop at the north end of Ios. He was probably buried in town actually, but they’ve never actually found his grave. Three sarcophagi were found nearby leading archeologists in the 18th century to claim this spot as his grave and the legend stuck. These ruins were more likely a fisherman’s watchtower. It’s a lovely place whatever it was!

Walking out to the ruins

Panagia Palaiokastritissa

This chapel is built on the ruins of a Venetian Castle (Paleokastro) Once a year on September 8, this chapel holds a festival and people come from all over the island for several days to eat and dance and celebrate Mass.

As we started walking on the stone path, we had no idea how far we were going, nor how stunning the view would be once we got there!

Castle ruins (above)

Outdoor kitchen for the festival

There's a goat!

Our last stop was in the village where we’re staying (Chora). There are three chapels up a high hill that we see from our room. We walked through the Old Town and up to the very top, where as usual, the views were stunning! Did I mention yet that it was 95 degrees?!?! And that there was not much shade when we were on these walks and hikes? But it was worth it!