Ikaria, Greece: The Island with the Elixir of Life
In the midst of the crystal-clear sea lies a beautiful island named after an ancient hero. Its inhabitants live a nearly immortal peaceful existence in an enchanting setting with breathtaking landscapes. What fairy tale is this? None, it's all true! It's called Ikaria and it is one of the most beautiful islands in the eastern Aegean. Discover it with us!
Ikaria: A Wonderful Greek Island
The island of Ikaria is one of the most beautiful in Greece. Located in the central eastern part of the Aegean Sea, it is named after the mythological Icarus. According to legend, it is here that the hero who challenged the laws of gravity fell to his death. Ikaria boasts 255 km of coastline and its terrain is primarily mountainous. The island offers breathtaking landscapes, with lush nature and wonderful beaches.
The capital, Agios Kirikos, is a quaint traditional town that also serves as the island's port. With its picturesque white buildings and winding streets, it allows tourists to fully immerse themselves in Greek culture.
Near the village square of Ikaria, there are the Thermae of Asclepius, famous for their healing properties. On the island, you can visit several historical sites such as the Odeon of Oenoe or the ancient Castle of Koshina. There are also various museums where you can admire artifacts from Ancient Greece. In the northwestern part of the island, you can see ancient Greek temples, like that of Artemis in the locality of Nas. If you love the sea, Ikaria will not disappoint you at all with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Ikaria is not a party island, but it is still possible to find several venues in both Agios Kirikos and Armenistis. The latter location has a nightclub, and during the high season, you can notice a bit more activity. These two places also have the highest number of restaurants and tavernas where you can enjoy delicious dishes from Greek cuisine. To get around the different villages, you can use the public transportation system or rent cars and boats to move between the various beaches.
To reach the island, it is mandatory to first stop in Athens, accessible by air or by sea, and from there choose between two options:
- a ferry that will take you, through a long journey, to Ikaria. The ship only departs two days a week and makes stops at other islands. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, but the vessel is equipped, and you can also comfortably dine in the ferry's restaurant.
- by plane. Ikaria has an airport that frequently connects it with Athens.
Fantastic Sea and Paradise Beaches
On the island of Ikaria, nature reigns supreme. The roads are shy, nearly afraid to exist in this lush corner of paradise. It's no surprise that it is a favored destination for those who enjoy long walks between one stop on a beach and another. Its villages, small and charming, make it even more beautiful. But what strikes the heart is its beaches. Enchanting, sandy, and with crystal-clear waters! Don't miss Seychelles Beach, whose name is already a guarantee. Other areas with enviable seas are those near the village of Karkinagri, close to Armenistis and Gialiskari. If you're interested, you can also find a nudist beach (unofficial) in the Nas area. The cherry on top: the mysterious pirate islands of Fourni, just across the sea.
The Elixir of Life: The Secret to the Longevity of the Inhabitants
Ikaria, besides being a stunningly beautiful island, has another very interesting characteristic: its inhabitants are almost immortal! Yes, just like a few other places in the world (including our beautiful Sardinia), its residents live long, healthy lives. Numerous serious studies have been conducted on this. While in the rest of Europe only a tiny fraction of the population (just 0.1%) exceeds 90 years of age, for the population of Ikaria, this percentage is ten times higher! Moreover, people live not only long and in large numbers but also in good health and with high quality of life. But that's not all! According to other studies, it seems that the inhabitants of Ikaria are the only ones who have not been psychologically affected by the current global economic crisis. You might be wondering what the mysterious elixir of life of these islanders is. In reality, there is no magic potion, but rather a series of factors and habits that create a perfect mix to ensure a pleasant and long existence. Here they are, in case you would like to try to live long, well, and far from cardiovascular diseases, senile dementia, and cancers:
- Eat local and seasonal products Due to the poverty they experienced in their youth, the grandparents of Ikaria have always eaten local and seasonal products. Their diet is rich in vegetables grown by themselves. Meat is consumed no more than a couple of times a month, and fish is allowed only if caught.
- Live without worries and without haste The rhythms of the locals are slow, and everyone lives without any rush. Even just to do the simple and mundane daily shopping, people stop to chat or have coffee with the shop owners. The clock is optional, a tool used only for its true purpose: to know the time.
- Sleep at least 10 hours a day The inhabitants of Ikaria sleep a minimum of 10 hours a day and never skip their afternoon nap.
- Live and let live The people here are accommodating, tolerant, and patient. They live in complete freedom and are not influenced by anything; they do not judge others' behaviors unless they are obviously harmful to their freedom.
- Heal with herbs According to the inhabitants of Ikaria, when feeling unwell, it's better to avoid medications and seek the most suitable medicinal herb to remedy the discomfort, just as their ancestors did.
- Walk All islanders prefer to walk from one place to another. Every day they cover miles simply by walking. They aren't deterred by cold or rain. They just walk.