Paleokastro and Paleokastritissa in Ios

Paleokastro is an old Venetian defence castle from the 14th century. The name Paleokastro means old fortress in Greek. Paleo means old and kastro means fortress or castle. There are many Paleokastro in Greece.

Parts of Paleokastro and the Church of Panagia Paleokastritissa.

Paleokastro is located along the road to Psathi village and Manganari beach on eastern Ios. From the road it is about 10-15 minutes to walk up to the castle. The path is winding and in its places a bit scary to walk, if you're afraid of heights, like me. :-)

The sign showing where the path up to Paleokastro begins.

The road to Psathi and Manganari beach seen from the path to Paleokastro.

Paleokastro on Ios was built in 1397 by Marco Crispo, one of the sons of Franzesco Crispo who was Duke of Naxos. The purpose of Paleokastro was to protect the island from frequent pirate attacks. (mainly Turks). It is easy to understand why they choose to build the castle right here: partly because of the isolated location, partly because they had full control of the surroundings, partly because it was easy to defend. Paleokastro is 230 meters above sea level.

The path leading to Paleokastro.

Paleokastro straight ahead and the cosy village and beach Psathi on the right.

Paleokastro is quite large. Naxos to the left, Iraklia straight ahead and Paros to the right.

Today, only ruins of Paleokastro remain. Among the ruins lies the beautiful church of Panagia Paleokastritissa. Although there is not much to see, the place is still worth visiting, not least because of the extremely beautiful surroundings, and that the whole area offers extraordinary impressions from past times. Bring a book, something good to drink, cheese and bread and give yourself a day of silence. There is no better meditation. Panagia Paleokastritissa church is celebrated on September 8 every year.

Panagia Paleokastritissa church is incredibly beautifully located

The path up to Paleokastro. Down to the right is a beach called Neraki beach.

Every time I'm on Ios, and I've been there many times, I visit Paleokastro and the church of Panagia Paleokastritissa. At the same time, I always take the opportunity to have lunch in cosy little Psathi and swim at Manganari beach, which is Ios' best beach. But there is one caveat, and that is that the path is a bit scary for a person with a fear of heights, such as myself.

The path up to Paleokastro is scary for people afraid of heights in some places.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA

Do not miss Manganari beach, which you can read about here »

Do not miss Psathi, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT IOS