The 5+1 things you must do in Ikaria

Everyone should visit the wonderful island of Ikaria at least once in their lifetime. And the reasons are not just the obvious ones. As we all know, this island in the northeastern Aegean ranks among the top five regions in the world with the longest-living inhabitants. This is certainly a great incentive for everyone to experience, even for a few days, the Ikarian pace of life.

While you are in Ikaria, there are 5+1 specific things you should experience to understand why everyone who visits this island wants to return. We discovered them on our trip to Ikaria last year and we present them to you!

Therma

Therma is, for a start, a village near Agios Kirykos, Ikaria’s main port. Therma is also known for its thermal springs, renowned worldwide for their healing properties. The temperature of the springs ranges from 31° to 58° and they are considered among the most radioactive springs in the world. Springs also exist in other parts of the island, such as in Agios Kirykos, but those in Therma are the most famous. To the west of the village, you will find the outdoor spring pool, and there are also many organised treatment centres offering services such as hammams and pools.

Christos Rachon

One of Ikaria’s most famous villages. Many, of course, know it as the village that only comes alive at night. And it’s true that this village buzzes with life every evening. Shops open after seven in the evening, and that’s when the village slowly starts to come alive. In the village, you will find shops for all tastes: tavernas, souvenir shops, and shops selling handmade Ikarian sweets (try the biscuit cake in various flavours!) and, of course, cafés and bars. You will also find a wonderful cocktail bar, “Dendrospito” (Treehouse), with its two entrances.

Panigiria (Festivals)

The panigiria are a very important part of the island's history and tradition. Festivals take place on the day the church in each village celebrates its patron saint. The most famous and largest festivals occur around August 15th. Be ready for a unique experience and make sure you are well-rested when you go to your first festival. There, in the central square of the village, you will find large tables laid out and people of all ages sitting at them. Try to find a space to sit and don't worry. Everyone becomes one big group there. You will definitely be served food prepared by the villagers. It’s usually traditionally cooked goat, Greek salad, and various other delicacies. Of course, there is also wine. Lots of wine. The most important elements are the orchestra and the dance floor in front of it. To the tune of many songs, you will see the tables emptying as everyone goes to dance. If you are lucky, you might even catch Ikaria’s leading violinist playing at a festival, and that is none other than Nikos Fakaris.

Sunset at Nas

Nas is the name of a beach in the village of Kato Raches, very close to Armenistis. Nas is a wonderful beach that will enchant you. Sometimes it has huge waves, making swimming impossible, while at other times it is one of the calmest beaches you have ever seen. At Nas, at sunset, you will see an incredible crowd. There's no more room on this beach. And everyone tries to capture the beauty of this sunset.

Surfing

If you enjoy water sports, Ikaria is the ideal place to try surfing. The ideal beach for this is Mesakti beach, and the Ikaria Surf School (http://www.ikariasurfschool.com/el/) has instructors who will introduce you to its secrets. On days without waves, you can try Stand-Up Paddling (SUP), a sport that is becoming increasingly popular – you will love it!

5+1

We’ve kept a bonus for you: one more place you must visit to taste Ikaria's notorious "Immortal Water"!

Immortal Water

In Xylosyrtis, a village a little way from Agios Kirykos, there is one of the springs with thermal water, as we mentioned earlier. However, this is not a hot spring. It’s a spring that gushes cold, crystal-clear water. Make sure to bring bottles with you if you want to fill them, as you won't find anything nearby to purchase them. You'll find plenty of signs directing you to the spring, and if not, you might find a local along the way.

Something else that always impresses us whenever we visit this island is its people. They are so hospitable and always smiling that they will truly touch you.