View of Agia Theodoti & Paleokastro, The east coast, Ios

Ios · The east coast · Αγία Θεοδότη, Παλαιόκαστρο

Agia Theodoti, the quiet side of Ios

On the north-east coast, about 12 km from the port across the hills, the road ends at the bay of Agia Theodoti: a wide sandy beach with clear water and Naxos and Paros on the horizon. Above it stands the 16th-century church of Agia Theodoti, built, it is said, over a temple of Apollo. On the ridge to the south, a cobbled path climbs to Paleokastro, the ruins of a medieval castle built by the Venetians, with the white church of the Panagia Palaiokastritissa inside its walls and a view over Naxos, Paros and Amorgos.

Where to stay

A wide sandy bay on the far side of the island, a 16th-century church and the ruins of a Venetian castle on the ridge above

The story of Agia Theodoti & Paleokastro

The east coast is the island's empty side, and it was always safer to watch the sea from up here. Paleokastro, the 'old castle', was a Venetian stronghold on the ridge above the bay; its walls still stand in part, and inside them is the church of the Panagia Palaiokastritissa. On 7 and 8 September the feasts at Agia Theodoti and at the Palaiokastritissa bring people from all over the island for a service, food and music.

Where to eat

Tables we love in Agia Theodoti & Paleokastro

Greek taverna
Koukos

Agia Theodoti · The east coast

A Greek taverna above the bay of Agia Theodoti on the north-east coast, at the end of the road across the island.

Good to know

Before you go to Agia Theodoti & Paleokastro

Getting there

A paved road crosses the island from Chora; the bus runs to Agia Theodoti in summer. For Paleokastro you need your own transport.

When to go

A still day, since the bay faces the north wind; late afternoon for the walk to Paleokastro.

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