GIALOS or ORMOS
Gialos is the natural harbor of the island, and the second most popular spot of Ios. As soon as the visitor enters the harbor, sees the beautiful Church of St. Irene (17th century), at the right, and the beach of Gialos at the left. The settlement is built on the hill and has amphitheatrical view to the sea, and still maintains its traditional color and natural beauty.
There is frequent bus connection with the port and Mypolotas (almost every 15 minutes during high season), as well as with the beaches Psathi, Koubaras and St. Theodoti. The settlement has many shops, travel agencies and cafeterias. Behind the port there is the homonymic beach of Gialos that is famous for its soft sand, clear waters and shady trees. The road that is located left from the port passes in front of Chrysi Akti and continues to the beautiful beach of Koubaras. It is located northwest and close to the port, and is also a good option for swimming close to Gialos. Another nearby beautiful beach is Kolitsani.
Close to the main road that connects Gialos with Chora, there is an old path with many stairs, which starts behind the port and leads to Chora. It takes 20 minutes of elbow grease to get there!
Homer’s monument with the famous inscriptions that are a testament to the relation of the legendary poet with Ios, is nearby. Other places of interest is the church of St. George, the lighthouse at the entrance of the port, as well as the remains of a Neolithic settlement on the hill in Skarkos area, next to the port.
From the port you can take a boat for the more remote beaches of the island, like Psathi and St. Theodoti.

CHORA
It is the biggest village of Ios. Its retains its traditional color and constitutes a typical example of Cycladian architecture. The picturesque narrow streets, the wonderful arches, the small traditional squares, the classic white houses are perfectly woven with the natural environment. White dominates. Other colors can be found only on the cupolas, the doors and the windows. Panagia Gremoitissa, a traditional Byzantine church built next to the cliff, towers above Chora. The church is dedicated to the Dormition. This is the best spot to watch the sunset.
There are the remains of a Venetian Castle (1397 AD) that was built by Marcus Crispi I when he assumed command of the island, annexing it to the Dukedom of Thira. It is also worth visiting the churches of St. Nicholas, St. George and St. Aikaterini. Do not miss the remains of the ancient city, where you can still see parts of Apollo’s temple, close to St. Aikaterini’s church.   
At the southwestern part of Chora there are remains of the Cyclopian Wall, that was named thus because of the monumental size. The ancient city’s market was where today are built the churches of Evangelismos and St. Anargiri.
There is also the Museum of Modern Art, at the area called Kolitsanoi, which exhibits paintings from all over the world. The modern open theatre “Odysseas Elytis” is made from marble and stone, has 1000 seats and wonderful view to the sea. It is one of the most important cultural highlights of the island.
At the outskirts of Chora you can see the 12 Windmills that make you feel entering a time warp.

MYLOPOTA
Mylopota is a small settlement at the western coast of Ios. It is only 3km far from Chora.
It is a great summer resort with many rooms to rent and hotels, restaurants, taverns, bars and cafeterias. It has facilities for aquatics and other sports. It is one of the most favourite destinations of many young people. During high season, it is the most “alive” and frequented destination during the day, and during the night!

MAGANARI
Maganari is a very small settlement with 100 habitants. It is located at the southern side of the island and is about 20 km far from Chora. It is surrounded by 5 coves. The beach has crystal-clear waters and fine sand.  A part of the movie “Big Blue” (Le Grand Bleu, 1988) was filmed there.