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Ios is one of those islands you get to know best by walking. Behind the curves of the sea, the landscape opens up into dry-stone walls, stone-paved alleys, secluded chapels and valleys where the wind can still be heard like the breath of the Aegean Sea. Its network of footpaths, with a total length of 13.5 kilometres, follows ancient routes that once linked fields and farmsteads, or led pilgrims towards the inland chapels.
Follow the footpath that begins at Mylopotas and leads towards Klima, passing through the natural sculpture park of Sapounochoma, where the rocks have been carved by the wind into strange shapes. Alternatively, traverse the old axis that connected the Chora with Agia Theodoti, passing between terraces, fig trees and the sound of cicadas.
From the Chora, head down towards Skarkos Hill, one of the most significant prehistoric settlements in the Cyclades, and continue towards Ellinika and Agia Triada through a landscape where colour and scent constantly shift.
Start early in the morning when the sun gently touches the hills and the smell of sage fills the air. Combine the Skarkos route with a visit to the archaeological site and the museum in the Chora. Stop at the chapel of Agios Prokopios for shade and views to the east. In spring, the paths are covered with low blooms and the slopes are painted pink and purple, while in September the light turns honey-coloured.
If you prefer something closer to the sea, the path from Agia Irini to Valmas follows the coastline through thyme and everlastings. It is a gentle route that ends at a beach.
To the north, the trail towards Profitis Ilias starts at the ‘Odysseas Elytis’ open-air theatre and climbs steadily between two chapels. From there, the view across the open sea is breathtaking; you feel the light spreading over the houses of the Chora and the distant peaks of Sikinos.Routes include:
Ideal seasons: Spring and autumn
Follow the footpath that begins at Mylopotas and leads towards Klima, passing through the natural sculpture park of Sapounochoma, where the rocks have been carved by the wind into strange shapes. Alternatively, traverse the old axis that connected the Chora with Agia Theodoti, passing between terraces, fig trees and the sound of cicadas.
From the Chora, head down towards Skarkos Hill, one of the most significant prehistoric settlements in the Cyclades, and continue towards Ellinika and Agia Triada through a landscape where colour and scent constantly shift.
Start early in the morning when the sun gently touches the hills and the smell of sage fills the air. Combine the Skarkos route with a visit to the archaeological site and the museum in the Chora. Stop at the chapel of Agios Prokopios for shade and views to the east. In spring, the paths are covered with low blooms and the slopes are painted pink and purple, while in September the light turns honey-coloured.
If you prefer something closer to the sea, the path from Agia Irini to Valmas follows the coastline through thyme and everlastings. It is a gentle route that ends at a beach.
To the north, the trail towards Profitis Ilias starts at the ‘Odysseas Elytis’ open-air theatre and climbs steadily between two chapels. From there, the view across the open sea is breathtaking; you feel the light spreading over the houses of the Chora and the distant peaks of Sikinos.Routes include:
- Mylopotas – Sapounochoma – Klima Beach (3.7 km, moderate difficulty)
- Chora – Agia Theodoti (7.4 km, moderate to difficult)
- Chora – Skarkos – Ellinika – Agia Triada – Agios Prokopis
- Psathi – Domino Bay (1.4 km, easy)
- Theatre – Profitis Ilias (2.3 km, moderate ascent)
- Harbour – Agia Irini – Valmas (0.8 km, easy, ideal for an afternoon stroll)
Ideal seasons: Spring and autumn
