Many of Ikaria’s villagers farm their own land and run shops, accommodations or tavernas. They are an impressively self-sufficient bunch.
Ikaria is named after Icarus, the Greek mythical figure who escaped imprisonment on Crete with wings his master craftsman Deadalus made, but flew too close to the sun and crashed into this island.
Armenistis
Located on the northernmost part of Icaria, Armenistis is a seaside village that has become one of the most popular destinations on the island. It is known for its clean, sandy beaches and clear waters. The area is dotted with hotels and traditional tavernas. It is also home to a pine forest and picturesque harbor. The village is a good choice for families and couples looking for peace and quiet. The nearby beaches are suitable for swimmers and can be easily reached by boat.
The main attraction of this region is the remains of the Sanctuary of Artemis Tauropolos, a temple dedicated to the goddess of hunting and childbirth. The ruins date back to pre-Hellenic times, when the site was an important place for sailors to make sacrifices before testing the dangerous waters around Icaria. Today, the remains of the temple are visible at a beach called Nas. The beach is a nudist, hippie-style beach that is popular among surfers. It is one of the best beaches on the island for swimming and snorkeling.
Icaria is the third largest of the Aegean islands, and it has a rich mythological history and blue-domed Orthodox churches. It is believed that the island’s name comes from Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who flew too close to the sun and crashed into the sea near Icaria. Each year on August 6th, locals gather in the village of Christos to celebrate Jesus Christ with a grand fiesta that lasts until sunrise.
The Ikarians are famous for living long lives. Many of them reach the age of 100, and their diet and lifestyle have been linked to this phenomenon. The island is a hidden gem that offers natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and a relaxing vacation.
There are plenty of great places to stay in Icaria, and the hotels offer excellent value for money. They offer a variety of amenities, including laundry services, free breakfast, and a hot tub. You can also enjoy a fantastic view of the mountains and the sea from your hotel. These hotels are perfect for a one-night trip or a weekend getaway.
Fanari
Halfway between the main islands of Samos and Mykonos, Icaria (or Ikaria) is a rugged mountainous island with a cliff-fringed coastline and scenic villages. It’s a hidden gem of the Aegean, with lovely beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. Ikaria’s name stems from the legend of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and his wings melted. Icaria is also known for its dark red wine and thermal springs.
The best places to stay in Icaria are located near the beaches or at the top of the mountains. There are plenty of hotels and villas in Icaria that offer great deals. Most of the hotels are family-run and offer a personal touch. They also have a great variety of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals.
There are many things to do in Icaria, from hiking to swimming. The island has a wide range of beautiful beaches, including secluded coves and long stretches of fine sand. It’s a perfect place for snorkeling and diving. You can also visit the historic sites and temples on the island.
Icaria’s mountainous interior gives it a unique atmosphere, with forests and streams that trickle down to the sea. Its pristine waters and lush greenery make it a popular destination for hikers. The island also has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the oldest monastery in the Aegean.
In Icaria, there are many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. You can visit the Archaeological Museum and Folklore Museum to learn more about the island’s history. There are also numerous traditional taverns in Icaria that serve excellent food and drink.
The town of Agios Kirykos is the gateway to Icaria, and it’s a good base for exploring the island. There are several beautiful beaches in the area, and the pier is a good spot for snorkeling. The Drakano beach is a bit of a walk, but it’s worth the effort. This windless cove is a refuge when the wind is blowing too hard on other beaches. You can also go to the beach of Anemoessa, which is less crowded and offers more shade.
Therma
Therma is a small thermal spring town near the capital of Icaria. The town is home to ancient baths and hot pools, as well as a natural sauna. The water in the area is known to be healing and soothing for the skin. Therma is also a great place to visit in the winter for its secluded beaches.
The town is named after the mythological Ikarus, a son of master craftsman Deadalus who attempted to escape imprisonment in Crete by flying with wings his father had made him. After ignoring sage advice, the young Ikarus flew too close to the sun and died on Ikaria.
Ikaria is famous for being one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer than average. The island is also rich in natural beauty, with its forests and seaside cliffs. It is also an excellent destination for hiking, with its many canyons and peaks. The island is also known for its delicious local cuisine, with traditional taverns and cafes serving up fresh seafood.
Agios Kirikos, the capital of Ikaria, offers a variety of restaurants and tavernas. It is a beautiful and historic town, with a lovely harbor and classic architecture. It is also a great place to find local products, such as hand-made soaps and body care products.
Therma is a good choice for families with kids. It is a quiet village near Armenistis beach, and its accommodations are comfortable and affordable. The hotel has two studios and a large garden. It also has a kitchen, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The rooms are very clean and spacious, and the rates are reasonable. Therma is a good choice if you want to relax and spend time with your family.
Hristos Rahes
As one of the island’s larger villages, the picturesque enclave of Hristos Rahes draws travelers with its traditional charm. A quaint port of arrival and departure, it’s the kind of place where you can wander its winding streets and delve into its classic taverns and cafés. The town is also home to the island’s winery, Afianes. The winery’s leading labels include natural sparkling wines, whites for seafood and robust reds to complement meat dishes. Visitors can schedule tours, tastings and special events to learn more about the island’s famous wines.
For those looking for a more active holiday, Ikaria has many hiking, climbing and biking trails. A new initiative called Discover Ikaria (which is supported by the Rahes Municipality) offers a variety of walking and hiking excursions around the island. Hikers who head inland will find the terrain crisscrossed with rivers, waterfalls and craggy gorges, while those that stick to the coast will be welcomed by pristine beaches and clear blue waters.
Another option is to get a taste of the village’s artisanal life by exploring its shops, cafés and art galleries. In addition to handmade crafts and jewelry, you can also shop for organic produce and a wide selection of locally made cheeses. You can also attend workshops in painting, dancing and creative writing. The Egg (photo) near Evdilos, for example, is a multi-space where yoga, Pilates and dance classes are held throughout the summer, while American Body Talk, Reiki and Massage practitioner Robyn Whatley-Kahn runs her own workshop space at her beautiful home in Rahes.
Those who want to connect with the island’s locals should attend the local festivals or “panigyria”. These are held in summer and celebrate the name of a saint. Other events take place throughout the year, including musical performances, food festivals and a number of other cultural events. In addition, the Fourni Islands are a short boat ride from Agios Kirikos and feature a number of secluded beaches with crystalline waters. The island also features many small but interesting museums including the Archaeological Museum. There are also many nature walks that you can join in the mountains of Ikaria.