Ios, or Nios lies on the southern side of the Cyclades, between Naxos and Sandorini and belongs to the province of Thira. It is 108 sq km in area and 107 nautical miles from Piraeus, that is, a trip of 7 hours by boat. The island is mountainous with Pirgos (717 metres), Profitis Ilias (500 metres) and Megalo Vouno (388 metres) as its highest peaks. Among the mountains there are lovely and fertile valleys. The 1,600 inhabitants of Ios are mainly engaged in agriculture and stock-breeding. The island produces cereal, oil, vegetables, and figs. The climate is dry and very healthy all through the year and favours cultivation. Ios, the "Queen of Young Tourists", has a vivid night life. The locals are hospitable people who like visitors, especially young ones, and try to make their stay as nice as possible. There are special tourist units which have developed in recent years, employing a great number of the inhabitants and accommodating visitors who come to Ios in the summer months.