Whitewashed buildings and blue shutters line the cobbled streets of this hillside town on Ios island. A Venetian castle sits atop the hill, with views of the Aegean Sea.
Chora, the main town of Ios Island in Greece, extends across two hills with white-walled buildings and blue-framed windows along narrow stone pathways. During the day, you'll walk past local cafes and boutiques in the quiet alleys, while at night the streets fill with people heading to bars and restaurants. From the marble Odysseas Elytis amphitheater, you can look down at the town's maze of paths, or climb to the church of Panagia Gremiotissa to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Walking Through Chora's Streets
Stone staircases replace roads in Chora, creating narrow passages between the buildings. Small souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants occupy the ground floors, while residents live in the upper levels. The winding pathways lead past pink bougainvillea flowers, courtyards, and local jewelry shops. You'll find small squares throughout the town where locals gather for morning coffee.
Churches and Religious Architecture
More than 24 small churches dot Chora's landscape, their white walls bright against the Mediterranean sun. The cathedral of Evangelismos rises in the center of the village, its bell tower visible across town. The church of Panagia Gremiotissa sits at the highest point of Chora, offering views of the surrounding Cycladic islands and the Aegean Sea at sunset.
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