Ikaria_HD

Ikaria

Ikaria is a Greek island of east Aegean, that belongs to the homonymous regional unity of Ikaria. Capital and port of the island is Agios Kirikos at the southeast coast of the island, while second developing port is Evdilosin the north coast. Its name was taken by Daidalo’s son, Ikaros, who was rinsed at the coasts of this island.

Its topography presents contrasts, as it appears green slopes and bare steep rocks. The island is mountainous at its most parts.It is crossed from the mountain range of Athera, whose highest peak is 1.041 metres. The majority of the villages are characterisedmountainous, something that is owned to the need of the inhabitants’ protection from the pirates’ invasions in the Middle Age. Ikaria has tradition to the production of a strong red wine, known from Omiros like “Pramnios wine”.

The island is at a big part covered in vegetation, arbutusand pine forests. There is water abundance, while a barrier in Pezifor containment of water has been built. At the west there is the forest of Ranti, one of the rarest Mediterranean prehistoric forests. Especially known in Panhellenic is Ikariotikos dance that is danced at the local fairs, from which widely known is that of Agia Marina in Arethousa village, on the day of the liberation of the island on 17 July. The last few years the fairs have been “reborn” with the participation of the youth but also the visitors of the island in the summers as it is one of the elements of the uniqueness of Ikarian people. At the fairs of Ikaria, the coordinators are all volunteers of the village who cook, serve, while the orchestra with the dominance of the violin gives a special emphasis on the Ikarian dancing.

The endless natural beauty that hides the island of Ikaria, isn’t only limited in gorges, forests and mountains but it extends to lovely beaches that offer the visitor memorable moments. The island of Ikaria is directly connected for every visitor with the fairy tale Seychelles, which like their exotic name indicates has nothing to envy from the homonymous islands of the Indian Ocean. Turquoise waters, white sand, pebbles and the rocks from granite standing around are the elements that make this beach unique.

At the north of the island, we meet Livadi beach, which is located very close to Mesakti and Armenisti. It’s about a place with golden sand and wonderful blue waters, where the visitor will find beach bars with deck chairs but also facilities for water sports. Feature is the green that is prevalent in the whole scenery, but also the natural lake has been formed.

A totally different scenery is the one someone meets at Na, at the end of the river Chalari. The wild gorge for obstacle hiking, the waterfall of the gorge, the philosophy of the friendly community of free camping that lies there but also the amazing sunsets, compose a magical image.