Ikaria

Ikaria is located in the Eastern Aegean, not far from Samos and the Turkish mainland. The island has about 8,000 inhabitants in 2024 and is about 250 square kilometers in size. The elongated island is about 40 km long and only a few kilometers wide. The large port and capital of Ikaria is Agios Kirikos. Ikaria is sparsely populated and attracts few foreign tourists.

The island of Ikaria is known from a story in Greek mythology. Icarus is said to have escaped from a prison on Crete using wings that his father Daedalus had built for him. He started his flight in the town of Agia Galini (Crete). After flying a few hundred kilometers, he came too close to the sun, according to mythology. After the wax in the wings had melted due to the heat of the sun, Icarus is said to have fallen into the sea off the island of Ikaria and drowned.

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Today, as in ancient times, Ikaria is known for its healing springs. The hot spring water contains sulphur and radium. The springs are located in the spa town of Therma, just two kilometres from the capital Agios Kirikos. The water in the spa is over 50 degrees Celsius.

Towns

In the main town of Agios Kirikos you will find taverns, hotels, holiday apartments and private rooms. A few more hotels have been built in Therma. Despite some new buildings, the capital is still a beautiful, small, typically Greek island capital. The island’s ancient finds are on display in the town museum. The island’s airport is a few kilometers further east.

By Waldviertler in Wikipedia in German – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, Link

The main destination for many local and international island guests is the Therma spa. The warm, radioactive spring water with radium, radon and sulphur is said to help against various allergies, skin diseases, rheumatism and lung diseases. As in a health resort in Germany, in Therma you mainly meet older, sick people. Therma is practically a suburb of the island’s capital Agios Kirikos.

The Therma bath on Ikaria

Many tourists report positive things after swimming in the water of the hot thermal springs of Therma on Ikaria. Depending on the spring, the spring water is between 45 and 60 degrees warm. One tourist said that her skin felt noticeably softer after a longer bath. Others say that they look noticeably younger after contact with the water. As medical laypeople, we cannot answer whether this is true or whether the radioactive water is even harmful to health. Scientifically, at least bathing in water that contains radioactive isotopes of the elements radium or radon is not, to our knowledge, recognized as a therapy. Many researchers assume that it could cause cancer. Lung cancer in particular is repeatedly reported. Radon baths can also be found in around six health resorts in Germany (such as Bad Brambach in Saxony) or in famous thermal springs in Austria (Bad Gastein, Bad Zell).

The village of Armenistis on the west coast, far from the capital, is also beautiful. There is a good beach, streams, springs and coniferous forest.

By de:User:Man77 – Own work, Public Domain, Link

The Afianes winery is worth a visit. The best hotels on the island can be found here.

A beach near Armenistis
Image: Antonis T. – Fotolia.com

The second larger town is Evdilos in the central north of the island. By road it is 40 kilometers from the main town of Agios Kirikos to Evdilos. It is a great drive through an almost deserted landscape. Ikaria is often described as a bare, boring island. The reputation is not entirely justified. Ikaria certainly has interesting regions and sights. Evdilos is the island’s second ferry port.

The interior of the island is partly wooded and ideal for hiking. For many regular guests, Ikaria is a hiking island. The old capital Rachnes, popular with hiking enthusiasts, is worth seeing. Ikaria is a green island in parts. Some marked hiking trails and hiking maps are available. Organized hiking tours with a local guide are offered.
Another attraction on Ikaria are beaches with warm spring water. The most visited is Lefkada Beach, not far from the capital Agios Kirikos. Messakti Beach in the north is probably the most popular beach on the island. There are also some nice beaches around Faros in the east of Ikaria, including a nudist beach.

A worthwhile destination for a day trip is the Theoktistis Monastery (Greek Moni Theoktitis) in the interior of the island of Ikaria. There is a small restaurant at the monastery.

Ferry and flights to the island of Ikaria

Ikaria can be reached by ferry several times a week from Athens and the island of Samos. In summer there are also ferry connections to Kavala in northern Greece and to some other islands in the area, some with fast catamaran ferries.

There are flights from the small airport to Athens, Thessaloniki and the island of Leros. The airfield is too small for charter flights from northern Europe. For some time now there have also been flights with Sky Express between Heraklion Crete and Ikaria.

Domestic flights in Greece are not expensive, but prices vary. In our experience, the majority of flights to Ikaria from the above destinations cost between 50 and 100 euros one-way.

map of the island of Ikaria

The elongated island of Icaria lies between the Cyclades, Dodecanese and North Aegean. All major villages are connected by roads.

Buses on the island of Ikaria

There is a less well-developed bus network on the island. The connections are quite rare. There are only good bus connections between Agios Kirikos and the spa Therma, with around 8 buses a day in both directions. There is sometimes a bus between Agios Kirikos and the airport when a flight arrives and departs.

According to the bus timetable for Ikaria in summer, only two to three buses a day run between the two large towns of Agios Kirikos in the south and Evdilos in the north. About the same number of buses connect Raches and Armenistis in the north-west with Evdilos. In winter, even fewer buses run on Ikaria, but there is minimal traffic.

If you really want to explore the island of Ikaria, you can rent a car or a moped in Agios Kirikos. Since the roads are not well developed everywhere on Ikaria, you should drive carefully. There are around 30 taxis and taxi drivers on the island. More and more tourists are coming to Ikaria by bicycle, e-bike or mountain bike.

Life expectancy on the island of Ikaria

Many people on the island of Ikaria live to a very old age, over 100 years. Video on this topic:

10 Highlights and Top Things to Do in Ikaria

1. Therma Thermal Springs

The Therma Hot Springs are known for their healing properties and attract visitors from all over the world. Enjoy a relaxing soak in these natural springs.

2. Armenistis

A charming seaside village with picturesque beaches, traditional tavernas and a laid-back atmosphere. It is an ideal base for exploring the island.

3. Seychelles Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Ikaria. With its impressive white cliffs and turquoise waters, it is reminiscent of the Seychelles. The beach is only accessible on foot or by boat.

4. Nas Beach and Temple of Artemis

In Nas, an ancient site, you will find the remains of a Temple of Artemis and a picturesque beach. The place is particularly popular for spectacular sunsets.

5. Evangelistria Monastery

A historic monastery located high in the mountains. It offers not only spiritual peace but also impressive views of the surrounding landscape.

6. Raches (Christos Raches)

A special village, known for its idiosyncratic way of life: shops here often open only in the evening. The place is ideal for walking and exploring small craft shops.

7. Halari Gorge

A paradise for hikers: Halari Gorge offers scenic hiking trails, small waterfalls and natural pools that invite you to cool off.

8. Festivals (Panigyria)

Ikaria is famous for its traditional village festivals, where locals and visitors come together to dance, sing and enjoy local specialties.

9. Aghios Kirykos

The capital of the island, with a charming harbor, traditional buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. The place is also a good starting point for boat trips.

10. Pezi Plateau

A barren, almost lunar-like landscape with unique vegetation and spectacular views. It is ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

What to do on Ikaria?

There are a variety of activities on Ikaria that combine nature, culture and relaxation. The island is ideal for those who want to travel away from mass tourism and experience the authentic Greek way of life. Here are the best activities to do on Ikaria:

1. Hiking through gorges and mountains

Explore the Halari Gorge, which offers beautiful hiking trails, small waterfalls and natural pools.

The Radachlidi Trail leads through impressive mountain landscapes and offers spectacular views of the sea.

2. Swimming on dream beaches

Seychelles Beach: With turquoise water and white rocks, a must for bathing enthusiasts.

Nas Beach: Picturesque, with ancient temple ruins in the background.

Messakti Beach: Perfect for swimming and suitable for families.

3. Therma Spas

Soak in the hot springs of Therma, known for their healing properties. These thermal springs have been used since ancient times.

4. Visit local festivals (panigyria)

Experience the famous village festivals where people dance to traditional music and serve local specialties. Many festivals take place especially in the summer months.

5. Enjoy culinary highlights

Try Ikarian honey, which is known for its high quality.

Enjoy local specialties such as souvlaki, fresh fish and vegetarian dishes, which are known for the healthy diet of the islanders.

6. Visit ancient sites

The ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Nas are an exciting place that combines culture and nature.

Visit the Archaeological Museum in Aghios Kirykos.

7. Experience life in Christos Raches

The village is known for its “different” rhythm of life. The shops only open in the evening and life continues until late at night.

8. Take boat trips

Take a tour along the coast to discover hidden beaches and coves.

Visit the neighboring islands such as Fourni or smaller uninhabited islands.

9. Gain insight into the long life of the residents

Ikaria is part of the so-called “Blue Zones”, areas with exceptionally high life expectancy. Visit the villages and learn more about the healthy lifestyle of the locals.

10. Visit traditional monasteries

The Evangelistria Monastery offers spiritual peace and impressive views.
The Mounte Monastery is located in the middle of beautiful nature and is a quiet retreat.

Halari Gorge Ikaria

The Halari Gorge on Ikaria is one of the most beautiful natural areas on the island and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The gorge stretches for several kilometers and offers an impressive landscape with rivers, waterfalls, natural pools and lush vegetation.

Highlights of the Halari Gorge

1.Halari RiverThe river runs through the gorge and forms natural pools and small waterfalls in several places, which are ideal for refreshment.

2.Lush vegetationThe gorge is surrounded by dense forests of plane trees, pine trees and olive trees. The trees provide pleasant shade, especially in summer.

3.Natural poolsThe small pools surrounded by rocks along the river invite you to swim and linger. The water is crystal clear and refreshing.

4.Ruins of NasAt the exit of the gorge, near the beach of Nas, you can find the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Artemis. This makes the hike not only scenically interesting, but also historically interesting.

Activities in the Halari Gorge

Hiking: The gorge is ideal for hiking. There are well-marked trails that lead past the most interesting points. The hikes are mostly easy to moderate and take 1-3 hours depending on the route.

Swimming: The natural pools and the river are perfect places to cool off.

Nature observation: The gorge is home to many species of birds, butterflies and small reptiles.

Icaria (English version)

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