I must admit that I am very lucky because my wife is from Ikaria. We have a house in Karavostamo and for many years my first destination is the island of Ikaria. And I'm about to share with you my experiences. Below I have a view of Karavostamo.
Knowing the island of "longevity" ...
Lately Ikaria became worldwide famous as the Greek island “where people forget to die”, according to the New York Times. It is true: in Ikaria people live for a long time – and most importantly, they live well. The reasons are many and they involve a entality, as well as just about everything you will encounter on the island named after the mythical Icarus.
Ikaria is a place with rich mythological past, and it has connected its name with the mythical figure Icarus. Sandy beaches, running waters, mountains and lush green hillsides compose the majestic relief of the island.
Ikaria is also famed for its thermal springs, unique in the whole world for their chemical composition and radiation. Moreover, the unparalleled local lifestyle with a unique work-rest schedule, the famed festivals with traditional dances, the local manners and customs, are very impressive features for the visitors.
Ikaria is a place with rich mythological past, and it has connected its name with the mythical figure Icarus. Sandy beaches, running waters, mountains and lush green hillsides compose the majestic relief of the island.
Ikaria is also famed for its thermal springs, unique in the whole world for their chemical composition and radiation. Moreover, the unparalleled local lifestyle with a unique work-rest schedule, the famed festivals with traditional dances, the local manners and customs, are very impressive features for the visitors.
Top Τhings To Do
- Spend the day on the beach
Ikaria Island is famous for its beaches. It has more than 100 small and big beaches some accessible by land and some by water. Here are some of the best:
Armenistis Beach
The small fishing village of Armenistis is one of the more popular tourist resorts on Ikaria, mainly due to its close proximity to some stunning beaches. Armenistis village is home to some modern and well-restored older houses that are built up on the hillside overlooking the harbour and beach. It has a picturesque port, and a pretty church dedicated to Agios Nikolaos.
There are a few small hotels in Armenistis and it’s a lovely place to use as a base on the island with mix of traditional Greek village and modern tourist resort.
There are no cash points in the village but there is a bakery, mini-market, and a few tavernas and bars. There is also a small museum of Ikarian art in Armenistis village.
You can find all the informations ==> Here.
There are no cash points in the village but there is a bakery, mini-market, and a few tavernas and bars. There is also a small museum of Ikarian art in Armenistis village.
You can find all the informations ==> Here.
Evdilos
The main north coast port of Ikaria is the settlement of Evdilos – about 40 kilometres northwest of Agios Kirikos. It’s worth taking a drive along the island’s only main road to get there, taking in some of the scenery as it climbs steeply over the scrub-covered mountain ridge to the terraced slopes of the north coast.
The main north coast port of Ikaria is the settlement of Evdilos – about 40 kilometres northwest of Agios Kirikos. It’s worth taking a drive along the island’s only main road to get there, taking in some of the scenery as it climbs steeply over the scrub-covered mountain ridge to the terraced slopes of the north coast.
Evdilos was built after 1830, when the fear of the pirates came to an end. During the second part of the Turkish occupation (1834-1912) it was the capital of the island. It is the second port of the island and ferries are connected with the nearby islands of Samos, Fourni and the capital.
Today it counts on 500 inhabitants most of whom area engaged in fishing. The village consists of picturesque alleys and traditional mansions and neoclassical buildings with unique architecture. Streets are embellished by many flowers and well-cared gardens. Evdilos is considered a popular tourist resort. Accommodations, banks,cafes and excellent fish taverns are available in Evdilos.
Here you can find more informations and Hotel accomodations!
It is connected==> by ferry with Piraeus port, and by air with.....
=> “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens airport.
Today it counts on 500 inhabitants most of whom area engaged in fishing. The village consists of picturesque alleys and traditional mansions and neoclassical buildings with unique architecture. Streets are embellished by many flowers and well-cared gardens. Evdilos is considered a popular tourist resort. Accommodations, banks,cafes and excellent fish taverns are available in Evdilos.
Here you can find more informations and Hotel accomodations!
It is connected==> by ferry with Piraeus port, and by air with.....
=> “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens airport.
Messakti Beach
Located on the North side of Ikaria in the Gialiskari resort area, Messakti Beach is Ikaria's most popular beach and is blessed with pure and natural golden sand and crystal clear waters. Two small rivers intersect the beach with small freshwater lagoons, and the church of Gialiskaris is visable in the distance jutting out into the sea on a small island.
Located on the North side of Ikaria in the Gialiskari resort area, Messakti Beach is Ikaria's most popular beach and is blessed with pure and natural golden sand and crystal clear waters. Two small rivers intersect the beach with small freshwater lagoons, and the church of Gialiskaris is visable in the distance jutting out into the sea on a small island.
On the beach there are umbrellas and sunbeds for hire and several waterfront cantinas serving refreshments and light snacks. Informal volleyball games are also played in the afternoons and an annual tournament occurs in August. Surfers flock to Messakti in August to ride the waves when conditions are right.
Hotels, rooms for rent, pensions, restaurants, cafes and a nightclub are located on the main road near the beach. Shallow water makes it ideal for families but there are strong currents further offshore and care is needed when the waves are big. A lifeguard is present during the summer season.
Do you need hotel? I found the best deals....all are here!!
Do you need hotel? I found the best deals....all are here!!
Beach Of Nas
The ruggedly beautiful beach of Nas, where remains of the ancient temple dedicated to the Godess Artemis stand. The beach attracts naturists and during high season months some visitors camp out by the small river that emerges from the beautiful Halares gorge (which is great for hiking) and flows into the sea. There are several tavernas with lovely vistas nearby.
The ruggedly beautiful beach of Nas, where remains of the ancient temple dedicated to the Godess Artemis stand. The beach attracts naturists and during high season months some visitors camp out by the small river that emerges from the beautiful Halares gorge (which is great for hiking) and flows into the sea. There are several tavernas with lovely vistas nearby.
. Visit The Beautiful Villages Of Ikaria
Raches
Ikaria seems to laugh in the face of modern life- the greedy rush through time, the loss of identity through globalization and homegenous life styles, consumerism, materialism and an official, or unofficial police state that observes and dictates the rules of living where there is meant to be freedom.
Ikaria seems to laugh in the face of modern life- the greedy rush through time, the loss of identity through globalization and homegenous life styles, consumerism, materialism and an official, or unofficial police state that observes and dictates the rules of living where there is meant to be freedom.
In Raches, the police station that had been built has remained unused for the last seven years after the villagers got together and agreed that they didn’t want or need cops to run their lives - they could do it perfectly well themselves, thank you. Yet the island remains one of the safest places to live, and local as well as foreign female residents I spoke to emphasized that not only do they feel safe but that they feel free to live as they like.
More pictures of Raches
. Dine at "Argiris & Kiki" Taverna in Karavostamo.
The people say...Let's go to the balcony of the Gods! because this taverna is very high from the sea and you have a great view. Sit under the plane tree in the beautiful courtyard and dine on seasonal, organic products freshly picked from the owner’s garden.
. Hot Spring Healing
Visit Therma (near the main port Agios Kirikas) for some hot spring therapy. Ancient Therma was destroyed by an earthquake in 205 BC when the city slid into the sea. Swimmers can see the underwater remains just offshore from the Roman baths.
Follow the path further and you will find the place on the coast (marked by some concrete boulders) where the hot water spring flows into the sea.
. Go To The Icarus Festival
In its 5th year in 2010, the music festival gathers musicians and singers from around the world at the end of July / beginning of August..
. Panygiri The Night Away.
The Karavostamo festival is known for having a unique Pagan quality, shamelessly Dyonisian in its spirit and wildly alternative in how its events unfold: Tango and Waltz begin the night, followed by hours of feasting and dancing to the dizzying rhythms of local sounds, which literally swirl through your soul and swing you around even when you are sober and still. People of all ages, and even from around the world (there are foreign visitors who return every year just to attend this event) hold hands and dance round and round, snaking through other circles of dancers throughout the night in a celebration of life, friendship and enough acceptance to forget differences and move together. Later in the night people are invited on stage to make up lewd rhymes, while for those who survive til dawn there is the quizzical but hilarious ‘Piperi’ ritual that involves local youths whipping the behinds of dancers if they don’t obey certain orders. I got three videos to see how hapy are the people who visited the island of Ikaria.See below:
Hotel Accomodations - Booking
|
Above there is a map with all the villages of Ikaria Island just to get an idea where is what. On the left side there is a search box that includes all the Ikaria's hotels and all the vacations deals to choose When you upload the site you can select any language that you want. Also there are 42 languages and 120 countries with all villages. Have a nice day and I wish you health. |
Ferries - Booking
ferry tickets - ferry schedules - ferry offers
|
Click the banner on the left and upload the search box for all the Greek Islands. Select your destination follow the easy instructions see all the offers and book your dates. After that you get your ticket from the port. This is the best way to don't waste your time. |
Aegean Airlines - Book Now
|
Click the banner on the left and upload the search box.
Select your destination follow the easy instructions andbook your dates and make your payment of the ticket. Your tickets you can get it from the airport is so simple. |