Tour of Ikaria
Ikaria the home of the mythical Ikaros is an island of the Eastern Aegean Sea characterized by wild beauty.
On this island visitors will find high mountains with clean mountain air, hot springs, attractive beaches with clear waters, and simple friendly people.
AGIOS KIRIKOS
AGIOS KIRIKOS, the capital and harbor of Ikaria, is a picturesque little town spreading around the head of the bay, amidst lush vegetation.
Some of its 19th c. neoclassical buildings still survive.
The cathedral of Agios Nikolaos is also of interest.
The Archaeological and Folklore Museum in the town houses Neolithic tools, pottery etc.
The main square lined with mulberry trees, cafes, taverns, bars and many shops is the center of the town’s life and is situated on the coastal road facing the sea.
In the capital you will find numerous hotel units, apartments, rooms to let providing all comforts and travel agencies.
THERMA
THERMA, 1 kilometer north of the capital, is famous for its radioactive springs.
The remains of an ancient bath-house have been found in this area.
Therma beach is sandy and located in a protected cove.
Behind it you will find various cafes and taverns.
The beach is accessible for families.
Just 1 kilometer west of Agios Kirikos is located the Tsoukala Beach, one of the most famous beaches on the island.
It is a pebble rock beach with crystal clear waters.
Further north, at Katafygi, a marble relief has been found, which is an important example of Ancient sculpture.
Katafygi is more like an underground tunnel rather than a cave.
Its entrance is under the church of Agios Nikolaos.
According to the tradition it leads to Nymfi beach.
It was an escape exit against pirate raids.
Tour of Ikaria
ARMENISTIS
It is worth visiting the coastal settlement of ARMENISTIS, 57 kilometers north-west of Agios Kirikos, where the remains are preserved of the ancient temple of Artemis Tauropolos, in a superb setting just outside the little harbor of NAS.
Armenistis beach attracts many tourists as it provides a lot of facilities.
Nas beach is about 6 kilometers to the west of Armenistis and it is where Chalaris river flows into the sea.
On the steep rock above the beach, there are many taverns and lodgings with great view of the sea.
GIALISKARI
Another place worth visiting on the north coast of the island is GIALISKARI, a small seaside settlement, where the pine trees come right down to the sea.
Gialiskari is one of the main tourist centers on the island with numerous shops, hotel units, cafes and restaurants.
In the Gialiskari resort area you will find Messakti and Livadi beaches with fine golden sand. Sun beds and umbrellas are available.
Beyond this are AVLAKI and KAMPOS.
Here were discovered the ruins of ancient Oinoe and. 3 kilometers to the west, the remains of Byzantine buildings of the 11th and 12th c.
Kampos has a small archaeological collection and a long solitary sandy beach. In the region you will find rooms to let, restaurants and cafes.
EVDILOS
The coast road continues to EVDILOS, KERAMIO and KARAVOSTAMO.
Evdilos is the second largest harbor on the island, spreading amidst greenery, with its traditional houses, narrow streets and fine bays, ideal for swimming.
Evdilos has a small and quiet sandy beach with crystal clear waters. In the region you will find numerous hotels, apartments and rooms to let, taverns and coffee shops.
Karavostamo is a beautiful village with houses reaching to the sea.
The view is incredible as it combines sea and rocks. The village has two churches, many chapels, watermills and attractive beaches.
A short distance away are some beautiful inland villages with superb views and lush vegetation.
Near one of these, Kosikia rises the castle of Nikaria, a 10th c. Byzantine fortification.
CHRISTOS RACHON
CHRISTOS RACHON, one of the old head-villages of the island, 61 kilometers west of Agios Kirikos, has abundant waters and greenery.
The monastery of Mounde is almost in the center of the island.
Near the southern point of Ikaria is Karkinagri, where ferries put in during the summer months. It is an authentic fishing village with few inhabitants and lodgings that can be visited by small boat.
Tour of Ikaria
TRADITION – EVENTS
There are many festivals on Ikaria, at which food is offered, followed by great celebrations with music and local dances: the festival of Profitis Elias, the Panagia, the Analipsis, Agia Paraskevi, the Saviour, and others.
From 14 to 17 July, the festival of the Ikarian Eleftheria is an annual celebration of the liberation of the island from the Turks.
NEARBY ISLANDS
Between Samos, Ikaria and Patmos are the small islands of Fourni, Thymena and Agios Minas.
Administratively, they belong like Ikaria to the prefecture of Samos.
The only one inhabited is Fourni is 9 nautical miles from Samos, with which it is connected by boat.
There is an excellent beach at Chrysomilia on Fourni.
Other beaches include Psili Ammos, Kambi, Elidaki, Ai-Giannis and Vlichada.
These are reached either by foot or by small boat, since there are no roads on the island.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Ikarian land gives an excellent olive oil, marvelous grapes, wine, nuts, and almonds.
Pramnios is an excellent kind of black strong wine known ever since the tines of Homer.
The island also produces honey of fine quality and cheeses.
Kathoura is a traditional cheese made of goat milk since the 17th century, produced only in Ikaria.
