Ikaria Island
The island of Ikaria (Greek: Ικαρία), located in the Aegean Sea and belonging to Greece, has only in recent decades attracted the attention of tourists. During this time, the authorities have managed to organize in the settlements an infrastructure of an acceptable by European standards level, tinged with luxurious beaches, mountains and mineral springs created by nature itself. Young people planning their own itineraries and couples dreaming of quietness like to stay here. The ecological situation on Ikaria is close to ideal: the average islander lives to 88.1 years – the fifth longest life expectancy in the world.
- Legend of the island’s name
- Geographical features of Icaria
- Historical facts
Hands-on attractions of Ikaria - Mineral waters of Ikaria
- Tourist information
- How to get to Ikaria
- Holidays of Ikaria
Legend of the island’s name
As ancient legend tells us, Icarus crashed near the island, near Samos, after carelessly approaching the sun. His father, the inventor Daedalus, had stapled bird feathers together with wax to escape from Crete from the overbearing king Minos. The artificial wings worked perfectly, but the wax melted in the sunlight and the young man died. In memory of the tragedy, the Sea of Icarus in ancient times called and part of the Aegean Sea, adjacent to the island.
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Geographical features of Ikaria
Historical Facts
The poor had nothing to lose and decided to revolt: in 1912 the Turks were chased away and Ikaria was declared an independent state with its own symbols. It lasted for 5 months, then the island returned to Greece. During the Second World War under Italian-German occupation the inhabitants starved to death by the hundreds. After the war, convicted communists were exiled to Ikaria, and local voters still prefer to vote for “leftists”. Such an unhappy history did not prevent Ikaria by the XXI century to turn into an attractive vacation destination for Europeans. All available funds are invested in infrastructure: construction of excellent roads inside the settlements, small hotels, restaurants.
.Handmade sights of Ikaria
The main historical and architectural monuments are concentrated in Agios Kyrikos. Here operates the Cathedral of St. Kirikos, opened an archaeological museum with ancient vases, amphorae, tools, stadium, where the Pan-Egean Games were held, which brought together athletes from nearby islands. The streets of the town are decorated with the statue of the Thoughtful Woman. The 17th century Monastery of the Annunciation with the church of St. Macarius is located in Levkada, 3 km southwest of the administrative center.
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Not far from Armenistis, at the northern tip of the island, the ruins of the town of Nasa, said to be the dwelling place of naiads, are found. In the eastern part of the island, near Fanari, the ruins of a 4th century city are found. A 10th century Byzantine fortress with the church of St. George is preserved near the village of Kosikia in the center of Ikaria.
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Mineral waters of Ikaria
Even in ancient times, the island was famous for its mineral springs. Modern research has shown that their waters are more radon saturated than anywhere else in the world. Several hotels have been built 3 km northeast of Agios Kyrikos, in the town of Thermae, right by the springs, access to which is open from May to November. Several other “wild thermae” are scattered in different parts of the island. The water temperature in them ranges from + 45 to + 52.8 °C. Bathing is recommended for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, neuralgia, dermatological, gynecological and endocrine disorders, the waters get rid of kidney and bladder stones.
.Tourist Information
Ikaria is dry and warm in summer, but not too hot as in mainland Greece. Winters are mild and humid. It is recommended to come on vacation during the tourist season, from May to October, when the mineral springs are open and ferries run regularly. In winter, due to the rough sea, there may be interruptions in the ferry service. There are more than a dozen small hotels in different parts of the island, medical and banking services are available in Agios Kyrikos.
.How to get to Ikaria
At the extreme eastern end of the island sits a miniature international airport with a single runway jutting directly into the sea. Despite the loud name, the airport only receives rare charter flights from European countries and a few scheduled flights from other parts of Greece. Olympic Air, the regional arm of Aegean Airlines, flies daily from Athens. A full one-way ticket costs approximately 80 euros. Sky Express operates a transit flight between Cretan Heraklion and Thessaloniki several times a week. The ferry service connects Agios Kyrikos and the northern Ikarian port of Evdilos with the Aegean islands of Syros and Samos. The latter is located just 19 km from Ikaria.
.Festivals of Ikaria
In July, the Ikaros International Chess Tournament is held here, at the same time St. Kyrik is honored. On July 17, the folklore festival “Agia Marina” is revived, during which you can watch the colorful Ikarian dances and abuse the strong red wine produced locally.
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