Ikaria – The island of longevity

Ikaria is a special island in the northeastern Aegean with a magical atmosphere! Undoubtedly, it fascinates everyone with its contrasts: wild landscapes and calm seas, clear blue waters and rivers, picturesque coastal villages and traditional settlements hidden in dense vegetation.

If you are a lover of nature and summer sports, then Ikaria is the ideal destination for you! If you want a quiet vacation under the sun, then Ikaria will not disappoint you again!

Its special feature is that time on the island seems to have stopped. Ikaria has the longest life expectancy in Greece, perhaps because everyday life here runs at a slow pace without stress and the locals enjoy every moment of their day! In addition, it is believed that its inhabitants live much longer than normal thanks to its immortal water.

Mythology

The legend wants the Icarian Sea to have “swallowed” Icarus , the son of Daedalus , because he wanted to touch the sun with his wax wings. According to the legend, the daring young man rests on the islet of Nikari , while his courage and crash are symbolized in the sculpture that adorns the entrance of the port of Agios Kirikos .

Icarus, however, is not the only mythical figure associated with the island.

The god Dionysus is believed to have been born in the area of ​​ Drakanos , which is also of archeological interest, thanks to the ruins of an ancient castle of the 4th century BC

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Also, in the settlement of Nas , where, according to the legend, the sea nymphs Naiades lived, the foundations of a temple dedicated to Artemis of Tavropolis are preserved.

Beaches for all tastes

Discover the endless sandy beaches, the exotic coasts, as well as the pebbles, the popular and the isolated, easily accessible and road inaccessible beaches of Ikaria!

Σεϋχέλλες

It is a small bay with white high cliffs, clear blue waters and exotic beauty, near the village of Magganitis.

Access is by descent from the rocks (10 minutes), but it is worth it to discover this wonderful beach! But make sure you have supplies with you.

Income

It is one of the most famous and popular beaches of Ikaria.

It is endless, with fine golden sand, clear blue waters and ideal for surfing. Features umbrellas, sun loungers and beach bar.

Livad

It is a busy beach with easy access, golden sand and crystal clear waters.

It is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, canteen and several restaurants around. Suitable for water sports and suitable for families.

Νας

This is a beautiful small beach with coarse sand and small pebbles. It is located where the river Halaris meets the sea. Dense vegetation spreads behind it, creating a wonderful setting.

Here are the ruins of the temple of Artemis of Tauropolis.

Keep in mind that when it blows from the north, it has big waves that need attention. Also, the currents in Na are quite dangerous.

You may meet campers and nudists on the beach.

Armenian

It is one of the most popular beaches of Ikaria, located next to the homonymous fishing village.

It has golden sand and turquoise waters!

You can rent a canoe and, when you finish your bath, taste local delicacies in the taverns of the settlement.

Κυπαρίσσι

It is a large beautiful beach with golden sand and crystal clear waters.

Access to it is easy, but it is not organized.

Saw

This is a beautiful small cove with high cliffs, sand and beautiful turquoise waters.

To reach the beach, you cross a relatively inaccessible path. If you are looking for seclusion, this is the place to be!

Tip: Wear suitable shoes for walking on uneven ground, as several beaches on the island are only accessible on foot.

Magnificent villages

You should definitely visit the villages of Ikaria to taste the local delicacies and the wine of the area, to get to know the Ikarian way of life and to enjoy the wonderful view. Both the coastal and the mountainous settlements of Ikaria will charm you with their special beauty.

Saint Kirikos

It is the capital of Ikaria and one of its two ports.

It is built amphitheatrically on a green slope, retains its traditional character with its picturesque streets, old quarters and beautiful captain’s houses.

The inseparable connection of the island with the sea is kept in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirikos, as a large part of the exhibits have been caught from the bottom of the Sea!

Εύδηλος

It is the second port and the old capital of the island.

Beautiful houses and cobbled streets (cobbled road whose stones are not worked) give a special color to the settlement!

Gialiskari

This is a seaside village with a developed tourist infrastructure.

The sandy beach of Mesakti and the nearby fishing village of Avlaki attract visitors to the island.

Karkinagri

It is a picturesque fishing village, which is connected to Agios Kirikos by boat.

Visit the cape of the Pope with the lighthouse of the same name.

Christos Rachon

This is a picturesque mountain village of Kefalochori, one of the most beautiful on the island, built amphitheatrically in a green area.

Forget the standard 24 hours! Life in the village starts at night, while during the day almost everything is closed. For many years, its residents maintain the tradition of the night operation of the stores. That is, in this place the shops operate from sunset to sunrise. That’s why Christos Rachon is one of the most popular night out destinations

Other villages of Ikaria that are worth seeing are Armenistis , Magganitis , Therma , Chrysostomos , Lagada , Akamatra, Arethousa and Kastanies .

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirikos

It is located near the port of Agios Kirikos, in the capital of the island, and is housed in the building of the Old High School of Agios Kirikos.

The building is preserved and is a masterpiece of neoclassical style dating from 1925, with a large courtyard and a marble staircase leading to the main entrance. It has two floors and was built by expatriate Icarians of America, but was recently completely renovated.

The first floor houses exhibition spaces with the Archaeological Collection. Archaeological finds from the Archaic and Classical periods, including vessels, amphorae, tools, coins and utensils found in excavations in the surrounding area and in shipwrecks.

On the ground floor, there are the necessary administrative facilities, an antiquities preservation laboratory and other modern facilities.

Admission to the Museum is free for all, while, throughout the year, educational programs and school visits take place, by appointment.

Visitor Information

• Access for the disabled (disabled) from another entrance.

• Access to the museum toilets for the public.

• Access to the museum toilets for the disabled.

• Photographing and videotaping of exhibits inside the museum is prohibited.

• The Museum does not have parking for private vehicles.

• There is no shop inside the museum.

• Animals are not allowed inside the museum.

The Church of Agios Kirikos

It dates back to the 16th to the 17th century. It was built by sailors traveling in Antalya, Asia Minor.

The Monument of Icarus

It is a creation of the local artist Nikos Ikaris, at the pier of the port of Agios Kirikos.

The church of Agios Dimitrios

It is located in Katafygi. According to tradition, in the cave located under the sanctuary of the church, the inhabitants of the island found refuge from pirate raids.

The Rock of Icarus (Nikaris)

It is located near the southern coast of the island, near the villages of Chrysostomo and Plagia and, according to tradition, Ikaros drowned at this point.

Ikarian Festivals

If you are in Ikaria for your summer vacation, you should definitely go to a festival!

The Ikarian Festivals usually take place in beautiful locations and most of the time the Dionysian feast lasts until the early morning hours! Whether you know Ikarian dance or not, the experience will definitely be unforgettable!

The most famous festival is the one on the 15th of August, which starts in the morning and ends in the morning of the next day! It is also worth celebrating at the festival in Magganitis, which often coincides with the August full moon.

Activities

In Ikaria you can enjoy refreshing hiking. He crossed the path in the gorge of Halaris, which connects Na with Christos Rachon. Other interesting routes are from the village of Mavrato to Karavostamos and from Agios Kirikas to Xylosyrtis.

Also on the island you can have fun, doing other activities in nature, besides hiking, and water sports, such as:

• Cycle

• Mountaineering – Climbing

• Diving

• Surfing

• Canoe – Kayak

• Sailing

• Thermal Baths

Excellent Food

The island has a great gastronomic tradition and fine local products. Do not leave unless you try:

• Ikarian Wine

• Goat

• Kathoura – Cheese

• Kolokasi – Ikaria Sweet Potato

• Fresh fish

• Oil

• Honey

• Spoon sweets