General Information & Reviews

Reviews

• desan66 25 Aug 2011
  Excellent food and wine

  My long journey to Ikaria could not become better. I keep thanking my friends for coming up with this idea to make this tiring yet unforgettable trip to one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. We stayed in Armenistis, a small village at the north side of the island frequented with many tourists during the summer period. The resort distinguishes for its exquisite beauty and the pristine beaches with transparent waters and walking experiences in the natural environment. Unfortunately the roads in Armenistis are not so nice so we had to make a short tour with the car. Ikaria offers interesting vacation whether you are a group of friends or a couple visiting this place. You can definitely choose Ikaria for a romantic trip. Our favorite restaurant in Ikaria was Paschalia in Armenistis. The place offered generous portions and all the dishes will remain unforgettable. Try their local delicacies and red wine. There are beautiful forests and hill trails. There are not many beaches but all of them worth a visit.
  
• phill232 22 Jan 2011
  A diamond of the Aegean

  Ikaria is an island of rare natural beauty. We were planning this trip for two years now and we finally made it. I stayed at my aunt's in Athens two days before we leave to Ikaria. Keep in mind that it is a 10-hour trip from Peiraias, a bit tiring I have to say! However, we arrived safely and we did get to the hotel fast enough. We slept for two hours and then we took an evening stroll around the town of Agios Kirikos where we stayed. The village has great Neoclassical and modern houses with a lovely decoration of colored flowers. As you might have heard Ikaria is popular for its natural landscape, the clean beaches and the amazing scenery. There is a great small beach called Armenistis, it is organized with umbrellas and it has crystal clear water. The beach of Gialistary is even better, with its crystalline waters surrounded by pine trees. Mesahti is worth visiting, it has a bar, it is organized and it is probably the most crowded beach of the island mainly visited by the young generation. I was happy to visit some of the great monasteries there. One of them was the Monastery of Evagelistria only for women built in 1460. Today there is only one nun there. We also went to Armenistis, a great fishing village, very traditional and warm. We ate the best seafood in a great tavern called "To Gefiri", with great wine and fine dishes. We stayed a whole week and still we had more to see but we left with the best impressions!
  
• feliciapatrascu 07 Aug 2010
  Why Ikaria

  Why Ikaria? A simple question, few different answers. Looking for an island with a lush landscape, Greeka helped me to find Ikaria. I knew about the legend of Icarus, who fell and drowned when the sun melted his wax wings so I started to find reasons to choose or not Ikaria as a destination for this summer. Two things convinced me to visit this island. First, I have read that it is a green island without many tourists and that was perfect. Second, my curiosity had risen to high levels when I learned that Ikaria is the home of the longest living people in the world.
  
  If you visit Ikaria after another East Aegean island, you'll find it as a different sister from the same family. Maybe not so well and fancy "dressed" as other islands, but with a different kind of beauty, a rough beauty that needs time and mood to be discovered. Coming from the sea, you'll recognize Ikaria through an imposing metal sculpture at the main port, Ayios Kyrikos, but Ikariada will be the only thing who will wait for you there, you'll not see an English "Welcome to Ikaria" or the people with hotel signs as in other ports. The whirl of the ferry's arrival is a quiet one, without pomp or joy and from the moment your feet or the tires of your car will touch the ground, everything will move in a slow motion, a veeery slow motion. Even time passes differently here and you'll need... time to learn how to deal with that.
  
  Traveling from Ayios Kyrikos to Armenistis, the road will take you through the mountains, forests and villages, a wild vegetation will surround you and breathtaking landscapes will appear often. The road is not easy but little by little you'll discover the island's particular beauty. From the mountain, you'll see dense green forests, the endless sea with its many colours and beaches, small or big villages, white goats and...red signs that warn you Ikaria is still Kokkino Nisi (Red Island), the island where the communists were exiled after the Communist Party of Greece was declared illegal in 1946.
  
  For a so-called small island, Ikaria offers many things to see. Armenistis is one of the most beautiful villages, a good choice for the tourists, it has taverns, hotels, mini-markets, many beaches around, tourist office, organized trips. It gathers most of the island's visitors maybe because it's more organized for them and also, it's a very nice and picturesque place. You'll find the Nas beach, at the mouth of the Halari stream, via some steps and barefooted through the river. Wonderful place, open for nude bathers, offers a great view. Anna's tavern from Nas is a good place for dinner. Anna is a charming young woman who will invite you in the kitchen to decide what you'll eat, her moussaka and home wine are the best. Also, the cheese pie cooked by her mother is delicious. Good music, company and dance, excellent food and wine are few reasons Ikarians live longer than other people and at Anna's tavern it's very easy to add few months to your life.
  
  Yialiskari is one of the island's most charming fishing villages, with its sandy beaches Livadi and Mesachti, the largest sandy beach in Ikaria. But all the northern coast line has many beaches, seen from the mountain all are beauties waiting to be discovered. If you want to see a view of the whole island, go to the village of Christos, at an altitude of 440m, where traditional architecture, natural beauties and slow pace are mixed in a strange but attractive combination. Drink a Greek coffee and enjoy the view. Other reasons to live longer. Or, spend an evening at Evdilos, to admire its old mansions and traditional houses with tiled roofs, full of flowers, a quiet and fascinating village.
  
  Unfortunately, the ferry strike shortened our holiday and we didn't see the southern coastline. We will do that next time. We stayed at Cavos Bay Hotel, in Armenistis. Built on a hillside, an incredible location with sea-washed rocks, it has an astonishing view over the sea and you will watch both sunset and sunrise from the terrace of the room. Friendly staff, quiet location, only the sound of the waves will caress your senses.
  
  And Ikarians... Friendly, calm, smiling, optimistic but different. They will teach you that time, weather, wind, strikes, problems are not important. The joy of life- that's important. Something is missing? "Why do you need it?" Something is not working? "Reeeelaaaax!" At the end of the day, they are happy, the night comes over Ikaria and the next day will be the same as the day before, and the day before that... and all of them will be nice and calm. They live longer because they have no sense of time urgency and you will have to live in their rhythm. So, why Ikaria?... For many reasons.
  
• alisonbr 05 Feb 2010
  Adorable place

  All you have to do in Ikaria is swimming and relaxing. Our hotel was in Evdilos, right at the port. Expect to be a busy hotel? Not at all, except for some ferries that would come in the middle of the night. Actually, most ferries would come in the middle of the night.
  
  You don't need a car to get around Ikaria, just a motorbike would be fine. There are plenty of motorbike and ATV rentals in Evdilos. Make sure you wear helmet and you be careful at the turns. Roads in Ikaria are adorable as they pass through forests and on the edge of steeps.
  
  Free camping is very usual in Ikaria. From one side it is a wild experience but sometimes it would get annoying. Armenistis is the most picturesque village in Ikaria for my eyes and has the best fish. Close there is Nas, my favourite beach along with Gialiskari. From Agios Kirikos, take the boat to Fourni, it will be a nice daily trip.
  
• age_33 29 Oct 2009
  Amazing island

  Never been to Ikaria before and didn't really know what to expect. Ikariajust left me amazed. The island is beautiful, with nice beaches, especially the secret ones! Green, light blue waters and nice wildlife. People are really friendly and the drink lots!
  If you visit Ikaria in August , eventually you will end up in a local, traditional festival, with Greeks drinking, eating, playing and dancing traditional songs. Ikarian red wine was perfect, same for the food, especially fish, fresh and delicious to every tavern we visited. Locals also, advised us to try the Ikarian honey made from pine trees.
  About places to visit: the town – port as you arrive is beautiful, but you'll probably see it anyway, if you are traveling by boat. Kambos is great with a big, great, sandy beach. Do not miss Nas river and the tavern by. Last but not least, Fragma lake is a must!
  
• haratr 20 Jun 2009
  Speechless

  If you go to Ikaria, you will find it hard to get back home as usual. You will miss badly this island, myself was almost crying when we were leaving! Have many days to spend, do not go for three or four days or you will miss most of the island's beauty. I suggest a week or even more.
  
  The beaches are gorgeous. I always thought that Kefalonia has the best beaches, until I went to Ikaria... Messakti, Livadi, Kambos... Do not miss one of them. Rent a car, stop at every beach and jump into the water. You will be doing this all day if you can. In the evening, walk in the villages and have fish for dinner. They say that the people of Ikaria live longer because they eat a lot of fish and vegetables and because they breath so much fresh air. I have nothing else to say, if you go you will be speechless too...
  
• Carlo Jaco 02 Nov 2008
  A hidden dream

  Ikaria is a hidden island, with houses under huge rocks, several cultures in every village, wonderful people always willing to help the others, respectful of your uses and tradition and waiting from you a similar attitude and behaviour! The only way to know the Ikarians is to talk with them, in a friendly manner. You'll be surprised by their generous sense of hospitality, their respect for you and your country, their nice and joyful way of life!
  
  The main harbours on Ikaria are better than other countries' ports, nevertheless I'd suggest to find the most untouristic villages inside the island, the small beaches out of the tracks, the wilderness that is still uncontaminated and hopefully has to remain untouched even in the future! For the best score, I appreciated Seychelles Beach, the small beach after Laganas, Nas Bay and Mesakti (but all the main beaches are river deltas where you'll find spectacular water turtles in the freshwaters, looking for food and extraordinary clear saltywaters in the sea).
  
  If you like nighlife, enjoy Christos Raches customary, or Nas greek dance festival, or better join one of the wonderful panigiria (local festivals) and get involved in an original, out of time Dyonisus feast, like the Baccanales of later Roman ages. All restaurants have a genuine kitchen, most of the places we visited are both inviting, friendly and cheap! Finding a "best place" is very hard, nevertheless I got struck by Anna's food in Nas.
  
  The best monument on the island is the mild, quiet and friendly character of the Ikarians, a contagious mood that will infect you with relaxation, loosiness, and peace. And do not lose the gorgeous starry night skies! Finally, you'll appreciate the fresh wind that makes a summer season become a dream!
  
• Patrick O Breine 07 Sep 2008
  The destination of our ecostudy holiday

  In August, Megan and I went on a course with Archipelagos Aigaiou about Mediterranean flora on the Greek island of Ikaria and followed up by a few days holiday. Archipelagos, Institute of Marine & Environmental of the Aegean Sea, is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental, environmental organization. It has been active since 1998 in several parts of the Greek Seas (Ionian Sea, Sporades, Central Aegean, Lybian Sea, Eastern Aegean). Since 2000, Archipelagos'
  field of action has focused on the eastern Aegean, having its main research base on the island of Ikaria but with activity covering the whole of the Aegean Sea. Archipelagos action combines scientific research into the biodiversity of the marine and terrestrial environment of the Aegean Sea and islands, with efficient conservation work, in which the local communities have an active part.
  
  The course was a fascinating insight into the nature of the island and the science of botany and dendrology. As well as conventional classroom lectures and laboratory examination of specimens that we collected, we went on guided field trips to the Rhanti forest and the Halaris River gorge. Our professor was the botanist Halil Cakan of Cukurova University in Turkey. (On a social note, this illustrates how young scientists can set up normal relations between Greece and Turkey, where there is a long and troubled past, even within living memory.)
  
  Ikaria is an amazing island, unusually green for a Greek island, even in the dry month of August. There are still lakes and reservoirs, and an abundance of pipes strung across the landscape carrying water to the farms. The Rhanti (Radi) forest is the largest forest of Quercus Ilex holm oak or hollyoak left in the Mediterranean, with some trees 500 years old. Free-roaming goats eat young tree shoots, so the forest is not being renewed as much as it could be. It appears that unlike the tethered and cared-for goats that we saw elsewhere on the island, these are simply owned to claim EU grants, and left to fend for themselves. Archipelagos have prepared a video on the consequences of goat breeding on natural environment of Radi forest.
  
  We also saw evidence of bark beetle infestation giving the "metro-map" tracks in the cambium (the growing layer of cells just under the bark) similar to those that we saw in the Banff national park in Canada. We walked on one of the hiking trails in Ikaria and I hope to upload some of our photographs later.
  
  Because Ikaria has few beaches, it is not spoiled by drunk tourists, so it is mainly favoured by Greek holidaymakers escaping the heat of Athens.
  
  We finished by visiting our friends in Athens who looked after us with true Greek hospitality. As well as the usual museums, we joined thousands of visitors going to see the full harvest moon rise over the Acropolis.
• dimitdim 04 Apr 2008
  Drive in the wild landscape

  What I enjoyed most in Ikaria was walking and driving in the wild landscape. It was great! A pure, green island where you forget about anything else. I learned about Ikaria through a travel book on Greek islands and got amazed by some photos. Once you go, you will also find some nice coves to practice snorkeling. I think it would be nice though if there were some motor boats to hire and sail around the island. Moreover, there were also many rusted abandoned cars all over the place, which ended up a real eyesore. The island should definitely be cleaned up. However, the food was very nice, especially in a tavern in Karkinagri, and I also appreciated the low prices.
• Christin_J 13 Dec 2007
  Beaches and a relaxed atmosphere

  A nice family vacation for families with big kids. We
  have 2, 13 and 18 years. Beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. No norwegian people. Very greek. Food is ok, but you have to wait for a very long time in the high season.
  Best beach: Aris
  Best village: Armenistis
  Recommendation: See the river-valley and hiking.
• carol12 08 Oct 2007
  Hiking on Ikaria is perfect

  Ikaria is a walkers paradise. 'Monopatia' everywhere - All trails well marked and easy to follow. Excellent 'walking map' available in Greek, English and German. The island is unspoilt and very Greek unlike many other islands. Good beaches -especially Armenistis and Nas- and the village of Christos Rachon was beautiful. The restaurants offered rather slow but very friendly services. Excellent choice of Greek food. Fortunately, no English breakfasts etc.
  If you are looking for the real Greece without mass tourism, go to Ikaria. If you are interested in hiking, it is perfect. As with any Greek destination, it is best to avoid August.
• Robert_b 28 Feb 2007
  Amazing geographically and great food

  Nationality: New Zealand
  Age: 26
  The trip: I arrived on the island by ferry long and uncomfortable as I was in the cafι and it was delayed by 2 hours
  Reasons for going to Ikaria: I met an Ikarian in New Zealand and he invited me to come and holiday here
  Idea about Ikaria before arriving: Nothing I knew, nothing of this island of Greece. Really New Zealand is quite far away and there is not a large Greek community
  Did it meet your expectations: Without expectations I was not disappointed. Ikaria is AMAZING, geographically and the food is great!!
  - Island: 9/10
  - Beaches: 9/10
  - Villages: 9/10
  - Food: 10/10
  - Nightlife: 3/10
  - Accommodation: 6/10
  Favorite thing about the island: Kambos and Paskalia, a cafe in Kampos
  Negative opinion about Ikaria island: Not enough internet resources on the internet about Ikaria!
  Recommendations: Learn some greek and patience!
  
• Jane_S 05 Dec 2006
  Fatastic sea and mountains

  Nationality: British
  
  Age: 57
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island by plane and boat
  
  Reasons for going to Ikaria: After visiting Samos I thought Ikaria might be a quieter island
  
  Idea of the island/area before arriving: That it was small enough and big enough and hopeful underdeveloped
  
  Did it meet your expectations: Yes fully. Beautiful scenery, lovely coves and beaches, friendly people
  
  - Island: 9/10
  
  - Beaches: 8/10
  
  - Villages: 7/10
  
  - Food: 7/10
  
  - Accommodation: 10/10
  
  Favorite thing about the island: Sea and mountains and egg plant in taverna in Evdilos
  
  Negative opinion about the island: Waiting for every long time in some tavernas for service
  
  Recommendations: Keep it to a minimum
  
  
• vmorris 26 Oct 2006
  One of the best islands I have ever been to

  Over 38 years I have been coming to the Greek islands and probably visited some 16 of them. I have fallen in love with each one of them but Ikaria has something just that much more special. We loved our 11 days in Valeta Studios in Armenistas - with its large balcony hanging over the rocks and to be able to walk down and snorkel or swim right from there was a bonus. And the view of Armenistas from our room still lives with us.. Just out of season we managed to miss the larger wave of tourists that even this out of the way island experiences. Some of the tavernas had closed down but there were still plenty to eat at. The coves and beaches were divine for snorkeling and the weather late Sept, early Oct was perfect. Enought to get a tan without roasting. We loved the hiking trails, the green canyons and all the trees, the scrublands of the 'wild west' and the old, old, stone houses set under huge rocks - so unusual and fascinating everywhere we went.
  
  The Raches has a story all of its own and we often went up there for a very different take on life and relaxation!
  
  We loved the island so much we even started to ask about buying or building a home there!
  
  Highly reccommended to anyone who wants to experience Greek islands at their best. And the added bonus of hot springs that flow into the ocean - magic!
  
  
• Jennifer_I 14 Sep 2006
  Dramatic landscape

  Nationality: British
  
  Age: 33
  
  Countries visited: > 10-15
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island by boat. The trip was very good with no delays.
  
  Reasons for going to Ikaria: Recommended by friends and looked on the internet for information about Ikaria.
  
  Idea of the island/area before arriving: Not really, just what information I had from the internet.
  
  Best Beaches: Seychelles
  
  Best Villages: Evildos
  
  Best Activity: Snorkeling, swimming
  
  Is there anything that you don't like about the island/area: No faults, it was perfect Very dramatic landscaped Island, friendly and relaxed local people. Beaches are generally stoney, invest in some aqua shoes, stunning clear waters, great for snorkelling, try going off road to some hidden beaches to be found. Weather was superb for July, nightlife is quiet and friendly.
  
  Recommendations: See a sunset from Christo Rahnes
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 9/10.
  
  
• K_Ampath 06 Sep 2006
  A quiet getaway

  
  
  Nationality: American
  
  Countries visited: >1-5
  
  The trip: I got on the island by boat.
  
  Reasons for going to Crete: I saw newspaper articles about out of the way islands
  
  Idea of the island/area before arriving: The impression was that Ikaria was relatively unspoiled and not on the cruise line route. The beaches were said to be beautiful and much of the countryside was like Greece was before development unlike many of the more popular islands.
  
  Best Beaches: Mesakti
  
  Best Villages: Armenistis
  
  Best Activity: Hiking the Round of Raches
  
  Best Bar/Pub/Club: No
  
  Best Restaurant: Ana's in Nas
  
  Negative opinion: The most frustrating thing about the island is getting there. The ferry schedules were available very late making advanced (more than a month) reservations difficult. Unfortunately if there were more ferries there would be more people which might ruin the lay back quiet appeal of the island.
  
  Recommendations: If you are looking for quiet getaway where you can walk to the local village for food or a nice hike, and spend time relaxing on a beach without jet skis and a party atmosphere, it is the island for you.
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 10/10.
  
  
• appeal454 06 May 2006
  Best Keep Secret in Greece

  I a have been to Ikaria on many occasions and will been returning soon.I take the 40 min flight from Athens costs ?60 rtn approx.It is an enchanting place the people are always friendly and welcoming.The area around Nas and Christos Raches are the best.A trip to the lake at Fragma and a meal at the lakeside caravan is a must.Other. excellent tarvenas are Astra,Nas Correlli, Evdilos and O Platinos, Agios Dimitris. Beaches at Maschti and Nas are the best.Or if you have transport Sychelles is lovely Enjoy your visit.
• testina 17 Jan 2006
  Beautiful island but isolated

  Nationality: Nederlands
  
  Age: 26
  
  
  
  The trip: Boat trip (the Pegasus Express). The trip to Ikaria was ok but we arrived very very early in the mosrning.
  
  Reasons for going to Ikaria: We got advised by Dutch tourists ANWB.
  
  Idea before arriving: We saw some pictures of Ikaria Island and it really looked niced. The beaches were very pretty.
  
  Expectations and opinions: Yes, it met our expactations and more. We are never desapointed by any destination in Greece, till now...
  
  It is a beautiful island and authentic. Armenistis needs a cash-withdrawal machine. We had to travel 15 Km to get some cash!!
  
  Favorite thing about Ikaria: Swimming in the sea and resting.
  
  Negative opinion: It is a beautiful island and only for relaxing. It is very isolated with no bars, no clubs. Sometimes I missed a drink in a bar by the sea.
  
  Recommendations: Bring enough money so you don't have to make the trip to the bank.
  
  
  
  Yes, we would love to go to Ikaria again, even if too isolated, we had great time.
  
  
• loukhov 15 Nov 2005
  Loved the colour of the sea

  Nationality: Australian
  
  Age: 31
  
  
  
  The trip: We arrived to Ikaria Island by boat from Samos. The trip was nice.
  
  Reasons for going to Ikaria: We red about it and wanted to see the place were Ikare felt down and wanted to find good beaches.
  
  Idea before arriving: We expected it to be picturesque.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations, absolutely. It is a really nice island, very relaxing and quiet.
  
  Favorite thing about Ikaria: The colour of the sea.
  
  Negative opinion: There is nothing negative about the island.
  
  Recommendations: Book your car rentals in advance. We had much problems to find a car.
  
  
  
  It is a beautiful island. I hope we will have the oportunity to go back there.
• lucia_r 06 Oct 2005
  Peaceful island

  Nationality: Italian
  
  Age: 31
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived to Ikaria Island by ferry.
  
  Reasons for going to Ikaria: My partner have choose the destination.
  
  Idea before arriving: That it would be quiet and not busy.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations. It is also a really beautiful island.
  
  Favorite thing about Ikaria: The peace I felt.
  
  Negative opinion: The new buildings are ugly.
  
  Recommendations: Discover the beach of Nas. Really nice. Many people are free campers.
  
  
  
  I will love to go there again.
• mel62 21 Sep 2005
  A big and beautiful island

  Ikaria is a big and beautiful island.
  
  Me and my husband had a great time there.
  
  We were invited by some Greek friends who have a house in the village of Armenistis which is a lovely place near the sea. It is close to the second port of the island and near numerous lovely beaches with golden sand or pebbles. Our friends show us all the island by car.
  
  It is very green and has a lot of forests with small lakes and waterfalls; we even took a swim in the cold waters of the lakes?it was magical.
  
  Because we were there also on the 15th of August (and we learned that it is a very important celebration for the Greeks) we went to a feast (panigiri I think it?s called) and we had a really good time drinking (local wine), eating and trying to dance with the locals. We had a terrific time. I hope we will be able to do that again.