Ios is entering a new phase of development, seeking to strengthen its basic infrastructure while also showcasing a more complex and multifaceted identity as a tourist destination. A destination internationally renowned for its youthful energy, beaches, and vibrant summer life, is now simultaneously investing in environmental protection projects, modern port and road infrastructure, culture, sports, and social services.
For the mayor of Ios, Gikas Gikas, the island’s development cannot rely solely on an increase in visitor numbers. As he explains in an interview with the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency, «the municipality’s strategy directly links tourism development to the quality of daily life for permanent residents, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the creation of infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of a modern island.».
«Ios is changing. Our goal is for this change to take place in a planned manner and with specific priorities. For us, the development of tourism is not an isolated process. It is directly linked to residents» quality of life, environmental protection, transportation safety, the quality of public infrastructure, and, of course, with our ability to offer visitors a well-rounded experience. “We want a modern and functional Ios, without losing the elements that make it unique,” says the mayor of Ios.
Infrastructure that secures the island's future
At the heart of this effort is the strengthening of the island’s environmental infrastructure. One of the most important projects is the upgrade of the Ios Wastewater Treatment Plant and the construction of a tertiary treatment facility. The project was put out to bid by the Municipality in 2023, with funding from the Recovery Fund and a bid budget of 5,196,600 euros. The new infrastructure enhances water resource management and creates the conditions for the reuse of treated water for irrigation.
«On an island, proper water management and environmental protection are not merely a matter of technical projects. They are essential to the future of the island. The upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant is a substantial investment in Ios’s environmental resilience. Tertiary treatment creates new opportunities for the reuse of treated water, which takes on even greater importance at a time when the rational management of natural resources is crucial for all the Aegean islands,» notes Mr. Gikas.
The construction of the sewer system in the village of Mylopota is also moving forward; this project, with a total budget of 5 million euros, is funded by the «Antonis Tritsis» program and is expected, according to the municipality’s plans, to become operational in 2027. The project includes a new sewer network, pumping stations, and pipelines to transport wastewater to the existing sewer system and the Ios Wastewater Treatment Plant.
As the mayor points out, «Mylopotas is an area of particular importance to Ios’s identity as a tourist destination and, at the same time, an area where, especially during the summer months, demand increases significantly. With the new sewer system, we are creating infrastructure that meets not only current needs but also the demands of the coming years. »Protecting the natural environment and ensuring the proper functioning of tourist areas are two concepts that must go hand in hand.”.
The expansion and completion of the port facilities on Ios are also important for enhancing the overall visitor experience, as well as for the daily lives of the residents. This is a project with a tender budget of approximately 11.3 million euros, which includes, among other things, a new ship berthing quay approximately 183 meters long, new stern mooring berths for conventional passenger-car ferries and high-speed vessels, as well as additional land area to better organize port operations and vehicle traffic.
«For an island, the port is the main gateway for arrivals and departures. It is the visitor’s first point of contact with the destination, but at the same time, it is a vital infrastructure for residents» daily lives and economic activity. “The expansion and completion of the port facilities will improve the port’s functionality and safety and allow us to better meet the modern needs of coastal shipping,” Mr. Gikas notes.
The upgrade of transportation infrastructure is another key pillar of the municipal strategy. The completion of the upgrade of the Kakovolo-Spithara rural road, with a total budget of 2.23 million euros, improves access to the southern part of the island and, in particular, to the Manganario area.
«Access to every part of the island is a key element of our tourism and development policy. Upgrading this road corridor improves connectivity with Manganari and southern Ios, while also enhancing road safety and improving daily access for residents and businesses in the area. For us, improving the road network is not just about transportation. It creates better conditions for visitors to discover more aspects of Ios, especially since it is one of the most enchanting regions of the Aegean, with cinematic charm and international appeal,» the mayor emphasizes.
This approach is also linked to the municipality’s broader plan for sustainable mobility. The Municipality of Ietai’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan sets out as key priorities the improvement of accessibility and safety, providing for people with disabilities and those with limited mobility, promoting non-motorized modes of transportation and electric vehicles, and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
«The concept of accessibility must apply to everyone,» says Mr. Gikas, adding: «We want Ios to evolve into a destination that can cater to people of all ages and with different needs. This means better public spaces, safer transportation, and an overall design that takes people with disabilities into account. »The quality of a destination is ultimately judged by how easily and safely everyone can experience it.”.
Culture, sports, and a new tourism identity
At the same time, Ios is seeking to significantly enrich its tourism offering through culture. The opening of the Gaitis-Simosis Museum, which took place in September 2024, marked the culmination of an effort that spanned nearly three decades. The museum hosts exhibitions, cultural events, screenings, and educational activities, and serves as a new cultural hub for Ios.
«The Gaitis-Simosis Museum is much more than just a new cultural facility. It is a significant addition to Ios’s identity and demonstrates that the island has the potential to offer experiences that go beyond the traditional model of summer tourism. »We want visitors to discover Ios through its art, history, architecture, and people,” says the mayor of Ios.
The Ios Festival also plays an important role in this cultural development; in 2026, it will hold its sixth edition. The festival connects contemporary artistic creation with the island’s landscape, history, and stories, while this year’s program includes concerts, a photography exhibition, outdoor film screenings, and activities for children, with free admission to all events.
«Our goal is for culture to be a vibrant part of everyday life, rather than something confined to a closed space. The Ios Festival makes use of different locations across the island and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to come together. »Through such initiatives, we highlight another side of Ios and give people reasons to visit the island and get to know it more deeply,” notes Mr. Gikas.
Cultural activities are now also combined with the development of sporting events. A prime example is the Ios Masters, which is held on Ios as part of the Greek beach volleyball circuit, and in 2025 was held on Mylopota Beach as a major event of the Panhellenic Championship. The presence of sporting events and activities on the island adds an extra dimension to the tourism product and enhances the island’s ability to attract visitors with diverse interests.
As part of this strategy, the new funding secured by the Municipality of Ieton is of particular importance. Among these projects, the construction of a new indoor gym stands out, a project that is now on track for implementation following the Ministry of the Interior’s approval of the Municipality’s proposal and its inclusion in the Public Investment Program. The total public expenditure amounts to 1.862 million euros, and the project includes, among other things, a fully equipped indoor basketball court, stands, and facilities designed to accommodate people with disabilities.
«The construction of the new indoor gymnasium has been a long-standing request from the community of Ios. Above all, it is an investment in the island’s youth and residents. At the same time, however, it also opens up new opportunities for hosting games, practices, and events. ’We believe that modern sports infrastructure can gradually become yet another area of outreach for Ios,» the mayor emphasizes.
The development of the new Ieta Municipality Sports Center in the Kampos area is part of this same initiative. This facility is being designed as part of a broader network of modern and well-organized sports facilities that will meet the needs of the local community and create opportunities for sports activities and events.
«Our philosophy is clear: The infrastructure we build must first and foremost benefit the people who live on Ios year-round. When residents» quality of life improves, the overall image and functionality of the destination improve as well. “A modern Sports Center can serve as a venue for youth and local teams, while also opening up new opportunities for events and sports tourism,” notes Mr. Gikas.
The plan to establish a new daycare center is also of particular importance for maintaining a vibrant local community. The new facility will strengthen the preschool education infrastructure and provide a modern and well-organized environment for infants and toddlers, while also supporting the island’s young families.
«One might wonder how a project like the new daycare center is connected to tourism development. For us, the connection is direct. A destination cannot have a future if it cannot support its permanent residents, especially young families. »The people who live and work on Ios—often in family-run businesses, which form the foundation of the local economy and tourism—need modern social infrastructure,” says the mayor of Ios.
For Mr. Gika, it is precisely this connection between infrastructure, social cohesion, and tourism that forms the basis of planning for the coming years. As he aptly points out, «We do not view tourism as a separate sector, isolated from everything else. Visitors coming to Ios use the port, the road network, and public spaces. They want a clean and protected environment, better organization, and more experiences. At the same time, this same infrastructure serves residents, professionals, students, and families who live here permanently. That is why development must be integrated.’.
According to him, Ios now has the opportunity to present a different image, without straying from the characteristics that made it famous.
«Ios is a destination with a strong personality. It boasts unique beaches, a distinctive Cycladic landscape, a vibrant town center, a rich history, and people who know how to welcome visitors. What we’re striving for today is to add new elements to this identity. To highlight the culture, contemporary art, sports, nature, and the opportunities the island offers for different kinds of experiences,» says the mayor, adding: «We don’t want to turn Ios into something else. We want to highlight more of its different facets. Visitors should be able to come for the beaches and entertainment, but at the same time visit the Gaïtis-Simosis Museum, participate in a cultural festival, explore different parts of the island, watch a sporting event, actively engage in nature-based activities such as hiking, cycling, and diving, and to discover the authentic way of life on Ios.».
The goal, as the mayor of Ieta notes, is to create a destination that will develop in a balanced way and be able to meet the demands of the future. «The projects that have been completed, those currently underway, and the new funding we have secured are not isolated initiatives. They are part of a larger plan. Environmental protection, better management of water resources, the upgrading of the port and the road network, culture, sports, recreational activities, and social infrastructure—all these elements make up the model for Ios that we want to build,» emphasizes Mr. Gikas, concluding: «The great challenge for every island today is to develop without losing its character—to create new opportunities while also protecting what makes it unique. That is our goal for Ios as well. To invest in modern infrastructure, improve the daily lives of residents, protect the environment, and enrich the visitor experience. We want an Ios that will continue to be vibrant, authentic, and outward-looking, but at the same time more modern, more functional, and better prepared for the future.».
Maria Tsivgeli
