Cheap flights to Ikaria

Quick summary

The island that refuses to rush

Ikaria, a Blue Zone in the North Aegean

Ikaria is one of the world's five Blue Zones, the places where people live unusually long lives. According to Wikipedia, one in three islanders make it to their 90s. Visitors come for that slower rhythm as much as for the island itself: wild beaches such as Seychelles and Nas, hot springs, mountain walks and the summer village festivals known as panigiria.

The Ikaria Blue Zone way of life

Islanders follow a Mediterranean diet with plenty of vegetables, more potatoes than elsewhere and little meat. Afternoon naps, red wine shared daily with friends, late-night games of dominoes and a low-stress pace of life are among the habits most often cited.

A long, mountainous island

Ikaria stretches about 40 km over roughly 255 square kilometres, with the Atheras range reaching about 1,040 m. It has around 8,400 inhabitants (2011 census), spread between Agios Kirykos, the capital in the south-east, Evdilos in the north and Armenistis, the main tourist hub. By tradition the Icarian Sea around it is named after Icarus, who fell into the water nearby.

A free state

From the Neolithic to the Free State of Ikaria

The island has been inhabited since about 7000 BC and was colonised by the Greeks around 750 BC; Ottoman rule followed in the 16th century. On 17 July 1912 the islanders expelled the Ottoman garrison and, the next day, declared the Free State of Ikaria. After about five months of independence, on 4 November 1912, the island joined Greece (Wikipedia). After the civil war it also received thousands of exiled communists, which earned it the nickname of the red island.

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Hot springs

Bathing in Therma

About 2 km from the capital, Agios Kirykos, the village of Therma is built around hot, naturally radioactive springs rich in sulphur, radium and radon. The open-air springs are free and accessible day and night, while the Apollon municipal spa and the Spilia spa offer a more organised soak. The water reaches roughly 50 to 60 degrees depending on the spring, and the Lefkada springs are also well known.

Good to know

Because of the radioactivity, the recommended bathing time is about 20 minutes. About ten minutes east of Therma, a cove reached by a marked path hides hot springs in the sea itself; the start of the path is hard to find (Wikivoyage).

Nas

A river mouth, a gorge and a temple

The little beach of Nas

About 3.5 km west of Armenistis, the Chalaris river meets the sea in a small cove, forming natural pools. Nearby stand the ruins of the Temple of Artemis Tauropolos, and the Chalaris gorge hides a waterfall and more pools. Beware of dangerous currents in heavy swell.

Beaches

Seychelles, Messakti, Livadi: the beaches of Ikaria

Seychelles beach

Seychelles is a cove of white pebbles and turquoise water under the cliffs. It is reached by a short walk down from the road, about ten minutes, or by water taxi from the village of Magganitis. For fewer crowds, come in spring or early autumn.

Inland

Hikes, monasteries and mountain villages

A trail map is published by Anavasi for walkers. Paths are sometimes poorly maintained, so bring sturdy shoes, water and a charged phone.

Museums and monuments

Small free museums and ancient remains

Museums on the island

Wikivoyage lists four free museums with varying hours: the archaeological museums of Kampos and Agios Kirykos, and the folklore museums of Perdiki and Vrakades. The Kampos museum holds more than 250 objects, and the Folk and Historical Museum of Agios Kirykos, opened in July 2010, over 1,500 items (Wikipedia). The museum at Oianades is also worth a visit.

The Drakano tower

This Hellenistic tower of the 4th century BC overlooks the south-east coast; it can be reached on foot in about an hour there and back.

Fortress and temple

Koskinas castle dates from the 10th century AD. At Nas the temple of Artemis Tauropolos goes back to around the 6th century BC (dates vary between sources). The Theoktisti monastery, with its troglodyte chapel, is mentioned from 1688.

Panigiria

Village festivals under the summer sky

From July to September, villages hold their panigiria, the traditional festivals that are a highlight of the summer, with grilled goat kid, wine and live traditional orchestras, where people dance the ikariotikos until dawn. The biggest, in Langada on 15 August, draws several thousand people. The mountain village of Christos Raches is known for its August panigiria.

Good to know

Panigiria are mostly held in church courtyards and village squares, in a family atmosphere. Hours are late: people dine late and head home after midnight.

On the table

Soufiko, honey, goat and Pramnos wine

Ikarian cooking follows a Mediterranean diet in which potatoes matter more than elsewhere and meat is scarce. The typical summer dish is soufiko, also called briam, a vegetable stew cooked in olive oil, a kind of Ikarian ratatouille, sometimes with fresh goat cheese.

Honey, goat and bread

Local honey, especially heather honey and the honey of Anama, is highly regarded. Mountain goat is the favourite meat, with cheeses such as kathoura. A typical breakfast pairs sourdough bread with honey and tahini.

Drinks

Pramnos red wine, known since antiquity, can exceed 16 percent alcohol. Islanders also drink herbal infusions of mountain plants such as oregano, thyme, sage, fennel and mint throughout the day.

Getting there

Flights, ferries and distances to Ikaria

By ferry

Ferries from Piraeus take several hours (around seven according to booking sites) and call at Agios Kirykos in the south-east or Evdilos on the north coast, about an hour apart by road. From Samos, sailings take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel (Wikivoyage).

An alternative

Flying is the fastest way from Athens, but seats are limited: book early in summer.

On the island

Car, scooter and bus: getting around Ikaria

A car or scooter is essential on an island about 40 km long: local buses mainly serve residents and run infrequently. Rental companies are found in Agios Kirykos, Evdilos and Armenistis (Wikivoyage); in July and August renting costs more and you should book several days ahead.

Roads

Few roads are fully paved, and some tracks are gravel, so drive carefully, especially at night and on a scooter.

On foot

Old paths link some villages. Allow plenty of time for every journey, since the island is narrow but mountainous.

Budget

A moderate-budget island, pricier in midsummer

Ikaria is not a mass-tourism destination: accommodation ranges from rooms in private homes to small hotels, and taverna meals stay moderately priced. The budget rises mainly in July and August with car rental, the ferry and lodging. We do not publish prices we cannot cross-check.

Ways to save

Come in May, June or September, book your rental car early, stay near the beaches of Armenistis, and use the free open-air hot springs.

When to go

When to visit Ikaria?

Ikaria has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and wet winters, and occasional snow on the peaks (Wikipedia). The best period runs from May to September, according to German Wikivoyage.

By length of stay

How many days on Ikaria?

In pictures

Ikaria in pictures

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Ikaria