Icaria

Island · North Aegean

Icaria

Island · North Aegean

Ikaria municipality, Greece

Highlights

Discover Ikaria, a serene island with turquoise beaches, cozy mountain villages, and a laid-back vibe that makes traditional dining part of the experience.

Ikaria municipality, Greece Get directions

@afar

"Ikaria, One of the Most Laid-back Islands in Greece In Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of Daedalus, a master craftsmen. Daedalus builds a set of wings for Icarus, who flies too close to the sun. The heat melts the wax holding the wings together, and so Icarus plummets to the sea where he drowns. The lesson is about failed ambition, which somewhat sets an appropriate tone for Ikaria: the island life is laid-back to the extreme, and you won't find anywhere else like it in Greece . Time is a mere concept here. None of the shops open until noon, and then they'll stay open until the early morning. The locals know to go into a shop, pick up some items, and then leave the cash behind for the shopkeeper...who may or may not be in attendance. If you go, stick around for one of the village parties in the square. The folks of Ikaria are laid-back, but they do know how to party!"

Where to Get off the Beaten Path in Greece

View Postcard for Icaria

C N

Google

If you are considering Ikaria I assume you are familiar with everything behind the title “Blue Zone”. I’m going to skip this part. I’m going to focus on some particularities. First of all, the island has its rhythm. Breakfast starts after 9h and lunch after 14h. I had a hard time with it. I spent four days on the island and eat in a restaurant only three times due to the late hours. All my meals came from local groceries stores. My choice was the southwest side of the island. We stayed at Agios Dimitrios village. A beautiful place with turquoise beaches fairly close, but be aware of the dirt roads. If you are on the island for the first time ask locals about the best road to take. Google maps don’t care if the road is narrow and scary, it gives you the option and you blinded choose it. Roads can be a challenge. Be careful. Finally, without a car, you can’t visit the villages, the isolated beaches, basically anything. A rented car is a must if you want to enjoy this place. It is worth the time and money we spent to go and stay there. Our hotel (Olivia Vilas) was luxurious and Chrysa is a great hostess.

JohnW NZ

Google

Lovely island with friendly people, Kadounis Kafenion is well worth visiting (should be compulsory) open from 21.00hrs till early morning.

Pierros Zevolis

Google

Another perfect island of the Agean sea. Many beautiful beaches with crystal waters and unique colors(i.e. Sheychelles, Armenistis).Big variety of Greek traditional disches and drinks, seafood is great. People are friendly, calm and polite, they have their own rhythm. The mountain villages are beautiful. Many cozy places for drink, coffee and food. Shops which open only late at night and in the morning hours are closed. There are two dams which create beautiful lakes. The forest at the mountain area of the island is beautiful. Nice for aĺl ages, absolutely worth visiting.

NomadsPath Adventures

Google

Spring time at Ikaria island sea to summit experience at the blue zone 🌞🌞 #nomadspath

Fred Kranich

Google

My favorite island where people forget to die.

Linda Harrison

Google

Relaxing. Friendly people. Loved the area. Visited 3 weeks in summer of 2022. Returning for 3 months summer of 2024. Retired and it is my kind of place. The youngsters treat you with total respect and are sincere and polite.

Ilias Lazaridis

Google

One of the host beautifiul Greek Islands great place for leisure recreations. Must visit place!

carole parker

Google

Beautiful, worth a second visit, for longer.