Ios is renowned for its relationship with the great epic poet Homer. According to Herodotus, Ios was the home of Homer mother Clymene, and the burial place for Homer. Tradition also tell us that Homer was buried on the island. There is, in fact, a ruin at Plakoto, which is called Homer's tomb. Chora, the capital of the island stands near the site of the ancient city of Ios.

On 15th of May each year, the Homer festival -Homeria takes place in Ios Island and a flame is carried from the port to his tomb in Plakoto.