Holiday in Ikaria

About Ikaria

Ikaria is the island where time has stood still – and that is its secret. As one of the five 'Blue Zones' in the world where people live significantly longer, this northern Aegean island has gained international attention. On Ikaria, people regularly live past 90 years, with many reaching 100. The secret? A life without stress, strong community, Mediterranean diet, daily movement in the hilly landscape, and plenty of local red wine. The pace on Ikaria is legendary slow. Shops open when the owner feels like it, afternoon naps are sacred, and the famous Panigiria – traditional village festivals with music, dance, and wine that last all night – take place almost daily in a different village during the summer. These festivals are the social backbone of the island and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience of Greek hospitality. The landscape is surprisingly wild and green for a Greek island. Dense forests cover the mountainous interior, waterfalls plunge into natural pools, and the thermal springs of Therma are among the most radioactive and healing in the Mediterranean. The beaches are often deserted – Seychelles Beach with its turquoise rock pools and Nas with the ancient ruins of the Temple of Artemis are top-notch hidden gems. From Germany, Ikaria can be reached via Athens by domestic flight or by ferry from Piraeus (about 7 hours). The island has a small airport with one of the shortest runways in Europe. A rental car is highly recommended as bus connections are unreliable – very much in the spirit of the island.