Ikaria

Far from the typical Greek Island tourist trail, Ikaria hums with a different energy — unhurried, grounded, and quietly brimming with vitality.

Tucked away in the Northern Aegean, this rugged, pine-covered island isn’t polished like Santorini or party-ready like Mykonos. Instead, Ikaria moves to its own rhythm – one defined by mountain hikes, slow-cooked meals, and nights that begin with live music and end when the last bottle of red is shared.

Famous for its residents’ remarkable life expectancy, Ikaria is a Blue Zone – one of only five places in the world where people routinely live into their 90s and beyond. But it’s not just about long life; it’s about good life. In villages like Christos Raches, shops open when the locals feel like it (hint: that’s usually well after sunset), and strangers are still offered coffee – or wine – without a second thought.

The island offers a raw, authentic Greek experience: wild beaches with no sunbeds in sight, ancient hot springs bubbling near Therma, and festivals (panigyria) where everyone, including the village yiayia, dances until dawn. Whether you’re hiking through fragrant pine forests, sipping Ikarian wine in Evdilos, or soaking in the thermal waters of Lefkada, Ikaria invites you to disconnect from the rush and reconnect with something deeper.

This isn’t a place to tick boxes – it’s a place to breathe, taste, wander, and wonder. Just be warned: you might never want to leave.

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