Destinations in Ikaria Island
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Ikaria is a rugged, mountainous island in the eastern Aegean, west of Samos, named after Icarus, the mythical youth who fell into the sea nearby when the sun melted his wax wings. It has become world-famous as one of the Blue Zones, the few places on earth where an unusually large number of people live into their nineties, a longevity attributed to a relaxed pace of life, strong community ties, a diet of vegetables, herbs, olive oil and local wine, and daily walking on steep slopes. Life on Ikaria follows its own rhythm: in some villages, such as Christos Raches, shops and cafés open late and stay open into the night. In summer, the island's legendary panigyria, all-night village festivals with live music, dancing, food and wine, attract locals and visitors alike. Agios Kirykos, the capital and main port, lies near Therma, a spa village with radioactive hot springs used since antiquity. The north coast is the beach side, with Armenistis, the sandy bays of Messakti and Livadi, and Nas, where a river flows into the sea beside an ancient temple of Artemis. Seychelles beach in the south is a dazzling cove of white pebbles. Ikaria has an airport and ferries, and suits independent travellers and walkers.
Quick facts
LOCATION
North Aegean
KNOWN FOR
Panigyria & a Blue Zone lifestyle
BEST FOR
Traditional, Thermal springs, Local food, Hiking, Off the beaten path
Transportation
Ikaros Airport
Port of Agios Kirykos
Port of Evdilos
Beaches
Seychelles (Ikaria) Beach
Nas Beach
Messakti Beach
Livadi (Ikaria) Beach
Museums & History
Archaeological Site of Artemis Tavropolos (Nas)
Castle of Drakano Tower
Other
Christos Raches Village
Armenistis Village
Nature
Therma Hot Springs (Ikaria)
Ranti Forest
By air
Ikaria Island National Airport, on the north-east tip near Faros, has flights from Athens. It is about 15 minutes from Agios Kirykos and around an hour from Armenistis, so arrange a transfer or rental car in advance.
By ferry
Ikaria has two ports, Agios Kirykos in the south and Evdilos in the north. Ferries from Piraeus take about eight to ten hours, and there are links with Samos, Fourni, Mykonos and Paros. Connections can be disrupted by strong winds.
Getting around
Essential. Ikaria is mountainous, with villages scattered across steep slopes and very few buses. The drive between Agios Kirykos and the north coast at Armenistis takes about an hour, and a car is needed to reach beaches such as Nas and Seychelles.
