Ikaria - Greece
While a number of Greek islands get overrun by tourists, Ikaria is one of the few that has maintained its relative quiet and is thus a perfect destination if you crave to get off the grid! Closer to the Turkish coast than the Greek mainland, the tiny island packs tremendous history & mythology, thermal springs, fabulous red wine, wild hiking, scenic drives & needless to say, a host of water activities & beaches. So while tourists head to Mykonos and Santorini, Ikaria welcomes travelers seeking solitude and peace!
Trip Highlights
- Check into one of the few exclusive resorts on the island and spend time on it’s secluded and private beaches.
- Take a dip in the abundant therapeutic radioenergized thermal springs, known for being effective in treating a multitude of ailments and skin diseases
- Sail out to the stunning island of Fourni and check out it’s hidden beaches and mysterious coves.
- Explore the island’s wineries, and taste their popular deep red wine, which has gotten international acclaim. Fun fact – It is believed that Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine, was born in Ikaria!
- Engage in numerous water activities – snorkelling, diving, sea-kayaking, surfing etc. – something for everyone’s taste
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Greece
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 5-6 days on the island. You may also like to combine the island stay with a couple of days in Athens, or some other part of the mainland
Best time to visit
Most Greek islands are a year-round destination, however, some services (such as ferries from mainland) work on reduced schedules during November-March.
thermal springs, hiking & trekking, beaches & water activities, seafood, fabulous resorts
Did you know
- Ikaria owes its name to Icarus, the hero of Greek mythology son of Daedalus, both of which managed to escape from the labyrinth of Crete, due to the feathers and waxwings they made. However, Icarus flew too close to the sun, so his wings melted and he fell into the Aegean Sea, where he died. When he was found, he was buried in an island that was given its name (Ikaria), in honor of the fallen Icarus.
- Ikaria is famous in all of Greece for their traditional village celebration, especially the “Panagiria,” which is traditional feast days that celebrate the Saints’ name days.
- Historical records and archeological findings suggest that Ikaria has been inhabited since at least 7000 BC. About that time, it was populated by the Neolithic pre-Hellenic people of the Pelasgians. Many years later in 750 BC, Greeks from Miletus colonized Ikaria.
- Icaria is considered one of the world’s five “Blue Zones” – places where the population regularly lives to an advanced age, primarily due to a healthy diet, lifestyle, and genetics
