The beautiful island of Ikaria is well known since ancient tmes for its therapeutic hot springs, its wine and the legend of Ikaros. It is a rocky, mountainous and green island with traditional architecture, friendly people and unspoiled beaches. Ikaria has remained true to herself and to the ways of her people and is still quite untouched by tourism, mainly because its inhabitants have resisted most attempts to develop their island to conventional tourism.
You can swim in Ag. Georgis, Ag. Kirikos, Anemomylos, Aris, Armenistis, Evdilos, Faros, Iero, Kampos, Kerami, Kotsabi, Lefkada, Livadi, Messakti, Nas, Prioni, Therma, Tsoukala and Xylosirti.
IMPORTANT FACILITIES for YACHTS AND BOATS ON CHARTER in Ikaria Island (Necessary needs and infrastructure for yachtsmen or generally for anyone who is on sailing vacation / yachting holidays onboard a sailing yacht or a motor boat).
| Ikaria Island | Technical assistance | |||||||||
| Fuel | Water | Provisions | Ice | Engineer | Electrician | Plastic repairs | Wood works & repairs | Chandler store | Sail maker (repairs) | GSM Mobile Telephone COVERAGE |
| YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES | YES | NO | YES |
WATER SPORTS in Ikaria Island
Only the beaches of Therma and Armenistis are organised and propose paddle boats, canoes and other sea sports equipments rentals.
SCUBA DIVING in Ikaria Island
There are many coves awaiting to be explored around the island of Ikaria, though there is no specific information on any organized diving club yet.
RENT A CAR / BIKE in Ikaria Island (main town and port)
ACROPOLIS Tel. +30 210 9319682, http://www.acropolis-rentacar.com/
ISLAND IKARIA for various car rental companies, http://www.island-ikaria.com/car-bike-rentals/Aventura-Car-and-Motorbike-Rental
HISTORY Information for Ikaria Island
According to the legend, Ikaros the son of Daedalus, in his enthusiasm while flying from Crete to Athens, defied his father and flew close to the sun. As he flew closer and closer, the sun meleted the wax that was holding his wings causing Ikaros to fall into the sea and drown naming the surrounding area “Ikario Pelagos” and the island “Ikaria”. Little information on Ikaria’a history during Antiquity is known, however remainings found at the temple of Artermis (Goddess of the Hunt) in Nas indicate that Ikaria was first inhabited during the 7th millennium BC most probably by the Pelasgians. During the years Ikaria, like most greek islands, passed under the rule of the Athenians, the Romans, the Knights of Saint John, the Turks, the Germans and the Italians. Especially during the German and Italian occupation, island suffered tremendous losses in property and lives. The quality of life improved after 1960 when the Greek government began to invest in the infrastructure of the islands assisting in the promotion of tourism.
MUSEUMS AND other interesting SITES in Ikaria Island
You may visit the Archaeological Museum in Kampos (ancient Oinoe), the Drakano Fortress in Fanari (one of the best preserved Hellenistic military towers in the Aegean), the Roman Baths at Ancient Therma, the Temple of Artemis in Nas (built by the Ikarians to honor the mother goddess Artemis, patroness of sailors and protector of hunters and wild animals), the Castle of Nikaria close to Evdimos and the Xalaris gorge in Armenistis for nice photos!!
LOCAL THINGS & STUFF to check or BUY in Ikaria Island
Try the famous local dish of Ikaria, the delicious roast of wild goat along with some fine local balck wine (Afianes). You will also find “kathoura” local goat cheese, honey and olive oil. As for shopping, there are few local shops mainly in Evdilos, Agios Kirikos, Gialiskari, Therma and Armenistis, where you can find souvenirs, hand painted Ikarian art, ceramics, etc.