Some legends link Ios with the birth and death of Homer. First inhabited:by the Phoenicians, the island was later colonized by lonians around the l0th century. los belonged to the Athenian Confederacy and was subsequently ruled by the Ptolemies of Egypt. During the Roman era it was designated a place of exile. After the collapse. of Byzahtiúm, it fell to the Venetian, being a part of the Duchy of Naxos. The Turks took over the island in 1537 For centuries a prey to pirate raids, it was also used as a pirate lair at times. los took an active part in the War of Independence. The capital, built atop the ancient city, is some distance above.the harbour (Ormos). A l4th century Venetian castle looks down on the town from the heights of the ancient acropolis. The town with its little white houses. and steep flagstoned alleyways is permeated with characteristically Gycladic charm. Three churches stand out: the Prodromos, Afioi Anargyroi, and on the site formerly occupied by a temple of Apollo, St. Catherine's On the north side of town stand some stately windmills. a typical sight in the Cyclades. Overlooking the bay of Agia. Theodoti on the east coast of the island is the shell of a medieval castle. A bit higher up, near the village of Psathi, are traces of antiquities. Plakoto, on the north coast of the island, boasts "Homer's tomb" and the remains of a Hellenistic tower Especially noteworthy is the plethora of little churches, scattered all over the island which are said to number over 300. The shores of los are indented with numerous pictures4ue coves lapped by crystalline water. They can be reached by either car or caique, and many are within walking distance of the Hora (Kalamós, Psathi, Mangariari, Agia Theodotij. Mylopota; with its wonderful sand (served by local bus), attracts crowds of tourists. los is well equipped to accommodate visitors in both hotels and rooms, while development and improvement are ongoing to meet the ever- increasing popularity of this delightful island.