IKARIA

Ikaria is an island in the eastern Aegean. More specifically, it is one of the Aegean’s largest islands and is located west of Samos, belonging to the same prefecture. Ikaria is one of Greece’s most unique islands, bringing together rugged natural beauty, authenticity and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s one of the few places in the world where it is common for people to live to be over 100.
The island was named after Daedalus’ son Icarus. According to Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun and the wax that held his artificial wings together melted, plunging him into the waters off the island. However, the island is also known as Nikaria or Ikaria with the accent on the final syllable. Ikaria has a rich history: during the Ottoman period, incessant pirate raids on the island forced the locals to relocate farther inland for protection. The stone houses they erected, known locally as ‘peiratospita’ (pirate houses), blended seamlessly into the surrounding environment, helping the locals remain hidden from pirates. Ikaria is renowned for its festivals, which draw both locals and visitors from across the globe who celebrate until dawn, with traditional music, dancing and plenty of wine. Visitors to the island are sure to be stunned by its natural beauty, verdant mountains, rugged coastlines and endless beaches ideal for surfing. Seychelles beach, with its white rocks and turquoise waters, is one of the island’s best known, while for nature lovers, other beaches such as Armenistis, Mesakti and Nas offer themselves for an unforgettable experience. Visitors who wander farther inland should not miss the opportunity to explore the island’s picturesque villages, such as Christos Rachon, which is known for its laid-back atmosphere and nightlife, as well as the Holy Monastery of Evaggelismos (the Annunciation) Mounde.

Gastronomy

The power and secrets of Ikaria and its products are the two primary factors in the inhabitants’ longevity. The local products are known to be of exceptional quality. The island’s inhabitants enjoy and share the local products at mealtimes and take the time to enjoy the little things in life. It is precisely this lifestyle that enables them to live to be over 100 years old! Honey produced on Ikaria is known to be some of the best, most flavourful in Greece. Its wine, known as ‘Pramnios Oinos’, is a testament to the island’s enduring association with the god Dionysus, being consumed by the locals on a daily basis. Kathoura, the island’s best-known unsalted cheese, is produced using the milk of the wild goats that roam the island. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to sample it and experience its one-of-a-kind flavour. Ikaria also produces kolokasi, known as taro elsewhere; the bulb of this rare herbaceous plant is considered a superfood, and its flavour is strongly reminiscent of sweet potatoes.

As for traditional dishes, Ikaria is known for its soufiko, otherwise known as briam; its goat and fish, cooked according to simple traditional recipes and techniques; and its pies with wild greens. Locally produced sweets include spoon sweets, loukoumi and marmalades.

How to get there

Ikaria is an island in the eastern Aegean and is serviced by ferry from the port of Piraeus, as well as by air.