Winery visits
Wine has always been a vital part of Ikarian life, from entertainment to trade. The ancient name of Ikaria was Oinoi which comes from the word wine. Lately people visitors have rediscovered the wine of Ikaria and 3 local winerys open to visit have passed wine making to another level.
Seychelles Beach
Ikaria features some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Seychelles beach, one of the most famous beaches in Ikaria, features bright pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Other popular beaches in Ikaria are Mesakit, Livadi, Nas, Kampos and Faros.
Feast days "Panigiria"
Maybe most interesting aspect of Ikarian culture is village feasts with music and dance. Music is dominated by the violin and when the ikarian song plays, you will see hundreds of people dancing hand in hand in a round. Goat meat and local wine is served. The feasts usually go on until the morning and people sometimes may find themselves participating in a trans ceremony.
Mineral Springs and Thermal Spas
Ikaria's therapeutic radioenergized springs have been identified as amongst the best in the world in terms of healing qualities. You can find them in the following places, some of them organized and some of them as nature created them:
SPRING | TEMPERATURE | RADIATION |
Kratsa | 46,8 | 240 |
Mustafa-Litza | 43,0 | 350 |
Appollon | 45,4 | 557 |
Artemis | 50,4 | 754 |
Pamfyli | 52,4 | 80 |
Cave | 52,8 | 65 |
Agia Kyriaki | 40,3 | 54 |
Chlio-Thermo | 33,5 | 32 |
Thermo | 58,7 | 9 |
Surf in Mesakti
Surfers paradise ideal for all levels. A surf school gives lessons and rents surfboards and stand up paddle (SUP) boards in summer. Shallow water makes it ideal for families but there are strong currents when the waves are big. A lifeguard is present during the summer season.
Trekking in Ikaria
A guided or self-guided hiking tour can show you the inside of Ranti forest, one of the oldest forest of oak trees in the Aegean sea. It consists mainly of oaks, strawberry trees and Mediterranean strawberry trees.